Lake Winnipesaukee's shoreline sits at approximately 504 feet above sea level, creating a unique microclimate for camping near Holderness, New Hampshire. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide natural shade at many campsites during summer months when temperatures typically range between 70-85°F. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage from mid-September through mid-October with cooler nights requiring additional layers.
What to do
River activities: Baker River Campground offers excellent access for water recreation. "Me and my family stayed right on the river, site 10. It was very shaded, clean, private walkway to the river... We ended tubing down the river one day," notes Isabella K. about her experience at Baker River Campground.
Mountain hiking: Multiple 4,000-foot peaks are accessible within 20-30 minutes of Waterville Valley. According to Michael L., Waterville Campground offers proximity to "5 - 4000 foot mountains to hike." Sites here are spacious and wooded with direct river access.
Winter camping options: For cold weather glamping near Holderness, Meredith Woods provides heated facilities. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse," says Mara S., highlighting why this area supports year-round outdoor experiences.
Lake swimming: White Lake State Park features a large, sandy swimming beach with graduated depths. "The beach area is very nice and has lots of tables and grills. We were able to hear the loons calling on the lake at night too," writes Amanda about her experience at White Lake State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private river sites: Pine Haven campers appreciate waterfront locations. "Loved our time here! We had a site right on the river and the view was amazing. The sites are pretty well spaced apart and well kept," shares Kayleen C. about Pine Haven, where many sites offer direct water access.
Waterfront camping: Long Island Bridge Campground provides direct lake access. "This was an absolutely beautiful four day weekend spent at this campground. They had great rent spots, amazing employees, and perfect kayaks that we could rent for a Sunday on the water," explains Madison K., highlighting the lakeside camping amenities.
Large wooded sites: According to a Moose Hillock visitor, the campground offers exceptional site spacing: "It is absolutely GORGEOUS up here. Stunning. The sites are private and wooded, the grounds are beautiful, the natural pond is a great morning excursion. It's one of the prettiest campgrounds I've ever seen." The campground's layout prioritizes privacy despite its popularity.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards for bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were decently clean and the showers did not need quarters (which was a huge plus)," notes a Pine Haven camper, while Plymouth Sands visitors appreciate "a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the Holderness area operate from May through mid-October. According to John L. at Meredith Woods: "Good spot, lots of seasonal campers, new corporate owners and it's named Hunter's Run RV Park. Combined with another campground across the street."
Wildlife encounters: Waterville Campground reports occasional bear activity. "The first day I got there at around 5:30 I was sitting in my hammock reading when a black bear cub strolled through my campsite. We scared the poop out of each other," shares Kitty about her Moose Hillock Camping Resort experience, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. A Pine Haven camper mentions, "We didn't have much cell service at the campground, which didn't bother us," while Moose Hillock visitors note "WiFi is only provides at the pool area" and "WiFi is nearly non-existent on the grounds."
Quiet hours enforcement: Enforcement varies widely between campgrounds. "Sites are close together and quiet hours (10p-6a) are taken seriously. This does not just mean music goes off, you also have to whisper if you want to stay up and hang out around the campfire," warns Desiree M. about Waterville Campground's strict policies.
Tips for camping with families
Age restrictions: Some amenities have specific age requirements. At Meredith Woods, Andrew P. notes: "Cons: Lots of rules... the age limit for hot tub is 14 YO and strictly enforced."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. According to Chris H., Meredith Woods features "a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind. They also have a nice little play ground witch is always the first thing my little buddy asks to go find."
Beach activities: White Lake State Park provides excellent swimming for younger campers. "There's a great beach with lots of room and a big Sandy swimming area. You can rent canoes, hike around the lake, and the kids could safely ride their bikes around the campground," explains Carolyn M. about the Plymouth Sands Camping Area family amenities.
Budget-friendly options: State parks typically offer lower rates than private campgrounds. Jeremiah C. notes Plymouth Sands has "a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids."
Tips from RVers
Electrical options: Most campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. At the Lincoln/Woodstock KOA, Michael K. reports: "50amp didn't seem to work at my site but 30amp was fine."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide on-site sanitary facilities. As Andrew P. notes about Meredith Woods: "Pros: Friendly and attentive staff, location, 4 season, heated indoor pool and hot tub, Book at Meredith Woods, also use Clearwater Campground across the way, 4 way hook ups, fair cost per night."
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging topography for larger rigs. Jessica W. warns about Moose Hillock: "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude."
Seasonal options: Year-round RV camping exists at select locations. "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round. There are a ton of full time seasonal RV's as many people use this campground as a base for snow machining," shares Andrew P. about winter RV accommodations.
