Camping spots near Benton, New Hampshire offer diverse terrain ranging from riverside settings to mountain-adjacent properties across elevations from 700 to 2,500 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below zero during December through February, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F. Most dispersed camping areas throughout White Mountain National Forest require proper food storage in bear canisters due to active black bear populations.
What to do
River activities: Water levels vary seasonally at Lost River Valley Campground. Summer months provide suitable conditions for trout fishing and wading, though water depths remain shallow. "You can't really swim much in the river, but the kids had a blast playing in it and fishing for little trout," reports one camper.
Winter hiking: Several campgrounds maintain year-round access. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," notes a winter visitor at Hancock Campground. Winter camping requires additional preparation as water sources may be unavailable.
Mountain biking: Trail access varies by property. The surrounding area offers both technical single-track and forest road riding options. Some campgrounds allow direct trail access while others require short drives to trailheads. Local bike shops in Lincoln and North Woodstock provide rental options from May through October.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wildwood Campground offers well-separated sites. "Sites are relatively spread out so they do offer some privacy and you don't feel too close to the neighbors," explains one reviewer. Many campsites feature natural barriers of trees and underbrush that create separation.
Natural water features: Streams and rivers enhance camping experiences. At Tripoli Road dispersed camping area, visitors appreciate the riverside options: "Awesome adult spot, pretty much free reign, no quiet time, and, watch out for bears." Water access points vary from shallow wade-in areas to deeper swimming holes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best chances. Dawn hours offer opportunities to spot deer, moose, and various bird species. One camper at Maple Haven notes, "Nice location! You can walk to shops and breweries." Wildlife activity increases at dusk near water sources and meadow edges.
What you should know
Bear activity requires proper food storage. "You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open," warns a visitor to Tripoli Road. Many campgrounds provide bear boxes, but dispersed camping requires bear canisters.
Bathroom facilities vary widely between properties. Some campgrounds offer basic vault toilets while others provide flush facilities. "The bathhouse was clean. As stated in previous reviews, staff is friendly, but also particular about the rules and the showers are a little more expensive than average," notes a Russell Pond visitor.
Site selection timing impacts availability. Most campgrounds fill completely on summer weekends by Friday afternoon. Weekday arrivals offer better site selection, especially for water-adjacent locations. For dispersed camping, one visitor advises: "It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Country Bumpkins Campground offers play areas. "There is a small arcade game room, WiFi at each site and an outdoor play area for kids," shares a visitor. Consider campgrounds with dedicated children's activities during peak summer months when afternoon thunderstorms can interrupt outdoor plans.
Swimming options: Water temperature remains cold even in summer. Natural swimming holes provide refreshing but chilly alternatives to developed beaches. "The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting," notes one camper, highlighting the variability of natural water features.
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger programs enhance experiences. Several campgrounds offer scheduled activities covering local ecology. Evening programs typically last 30-45 minutes and cater to various age groups. Morning nature walks provide opportunities for wildlife tracking and plant identification.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Moose Hillock Camping Resort terrain varies. "Some of the sites were not really level," one RVer notes. Bring extra leveling blocks as many campgrounds feature sloped sites due to the mountainous terrain. Some campgrounds recommend specific site numbers for larger rigs.
Limited hookup availability: Plan water usage accordingly. "Sites are ok - nothing that I would say was amazing. All are spacious and generally shaded and flat," shares a camper at Moose Hillock. Many campgrounds offer water fill stations but limited full-hookup sites.
Cell service gaps: Coverage varies significantly by carrier. "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted," notes a camper. Verizon typically provides the best coverage throughout the region, while AT&T and T-Mobile have significant dead zones. Fransted Family Campground offers relatively reliable connection: "Beautiful location with clean amenities in the perfect spot."
