Best Campgrounds near Laconia, NH

Laconia, New Hampshire serves as a hub for numerous developed campgrounds offering various accommodation types within the Lakes Region. Established facilities like Gunstock Campground in Gilford and Meredith Woods Four Season Camping Area provide tent, RV, and cabin options with amenities such as electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities. Harbor Hill Camping Area offers yurt and glamping options in addition to traditional sites, while Paugus Bay Campground provides lakefront access with boat-in camping possibilities. Most campgrounds in this region maintain clean facilities with modern bathhouses, though site privacy varies considerably.

Camping availability in the Lakes Region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with several facilities closing after Columbus Day. Sites near water bodies tend to fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. "Location, location, location. Nice private beach, clean and well maintained. Friendly. Within walking distance to Weirs Beach," noted one camper about Paugus Bay Campground. Access roads within some campgrounds may present challenges for larger RVs or trailers, particularly at facilities with narrow internal roads. Several campgrounds maintain gated access requiring key cards for entry, enhancing security but requiring advance planning. Proximity to Lake Winnipesaukee influences both temperatures and camping patterns, with waterfront sites commanding premium rates.

The camping experience across Laconia-area facilities varies significantly depending on site selection. Wooded sites provide greater privacy and shade but are limited at some facilities. Several visitors highlighted the importance of site selection, with one noting: "We seriously lucked out with getting two sites next to each other overlooking the lake. If you do not get a site near the docks to enjoy the view, I could see this campground not being worth it." Many campgrounds feature a mix of seasonal and short-term sites, with seasonal occupants sometimes comprising the majority at certain facilities. Campers report high satisfaction with campgrounds offering recreational amenities like pools, playgrounds, and proximity to hiking trails. Sites along creeks or with water views consistently receive the highest ratings, though they typically require advance reservations during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Laconia, New Hampshire (279)

    1. Gunstock Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gilford, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 737-4355

    $35 - $80 / night

    "Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire."

    "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."

    2. Meredith Woods Four Season Camping

    9 Reviews
    New Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 279-5449

    $44 - $135 / night

    "They also have a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind."

    3. Granite State Campground

    7 Reviews
    Belmont, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 393-6003

    "New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites Close drive to Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, Close drive to Gunstock Mountain, not far from Laconia, wooded sites, The camp has some seasonal full timers"

    "This campground is one of my favorites in the lakes region. Affordable prices, large wooded sites and great staff."

    4. Paugus Bay Campground

    6 Reviews
    Laconia, NH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 366-4757

    "We seriously lucked out with getting two sites next to eachother over looking the lake though. Pros: -Owners were very friendly and helpful. -Lots of lake activities to do."

    "Campground is primarily seasonal sites, however the nightly rentals sites are nicely located near the water."

    5. Harbor Hill Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Meredith, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 279-6910

    $3500 - $4500 / night

    "Free DVD and book lending library, so if you aren't enjoying the great outdoors or walking on their nature trails, you can just read or watch.  Easy access to the lake or hiking trails in the area. "

    "Sinks are located outside and there is a bIgger sink for washing dishes. We were on an electric/water site but they also have a few primitive sites. We loved it here and will definitely be back."

    6. Clearwater Campground

    6 Reviews
    New Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 279-7761

    $33 - $56 / night

    "The lake beach was fantastic, very nicely maintained. Kayak rental was super cheap and easy to do!

    The campground is relatively near Meredith town center, and not far from Weirs beach."

    7. Ames Brook Campground

    5 Reviews
    Ashland, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 968-7998

    $42 - $49 / night

    "Not all sites are overly spacious, some are in close proximity and there are many seasonal campers but the grounds are very well maintained and the bathrooms and showers are exceptionally clean (and free"

    "Easy to get to off Rt. 93, in Ashland, quick ride to many area attractions like hiking, lakes, etc. Site 27 is very large, near a cute babbling brook."

    8. White Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    West Ossipee, NH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 323-7350

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Last weekend, our family stayed at White Lake State Park for four days."

    "I’ve stayed here a few times and love the location and access to White Lake."

    9. Long Island Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Melvin Village, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 253-6053

    $37 - $55 / night

    "Love this campground. great views of the lake. Nice neighbors. Lots of space for my kids to run around. And the family who runs it is very friendly."

    "Campground is right on the lake, very clean, pet friendly, employees are great, overall just a nice place to relax and enjoy yourself! People are awesome here!"

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Recent Reviews near Laconia, NH

1240 Reviews of 279 Laconia Campgrounds


  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Crawford Notch Campground

    Beautiful area

    Beautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Oksana S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    Read before booking

    PLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • Julie A.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    Downhill since new management

    Yogi’s Jellystone Park– Milton, New Hampshire: Seasonal Camper Review I have been camping at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton for five years, including the last two as a seasonal camper. Unfortunately, my recent experiences under new management have been disappointing and frustrating. Pet Fence Policy and Safety Concerns
At the start of this season, the new general manager, Amanda, instructed me to remove my pet fence, citing liability issues. Despite my having signed a waiver absolving the park of responsibility for my dog’s actions, she insisted on its removal without providing a clear explanation. I complied reluctantly, only to observe many other campsites retaining similar pet fences throughout the season, including one seasonal camper who kept theirs up all season and transient sites with fences as well. This inconsistent enforcement of rules is unfair and undermines trust. After seeing others with pet fences, I reinstated mine to protect my dog, especially after two incidents where loose dogs entered my site and charged at my dog. Amanda then threatened me with non-renewal of my seasonal contract if I did not remove the fence again, forcing me to comply once more. I wrote to corporate regarding this issue since Amanda was of no help but never heard back from corporate. Loss of Seasonal Site and Corporate Decisions
Yogi’s removed nine seasonal sites this year, including mine, with little warning. This decision affects long-term campers, some with over 20 years of history at the park. It appears motivated by corporate interests, favoring transient sites or cabins, which generate more revenue. The loss of a seasonal site after investing time, effort, and money into making it beautiful is deeply disheartening and reflects poor management priorities. Entertainment and Atmosphere
Adult entertainment offerings have drastically declined. This year’s highlight was a 30-minute Saturday night hayride, with no live bands in the pavilion throughout the entire season. Under previous management, live music was a regular and enjoyable feature. The lack of engaging activities diminishes the overall campground experience. Myself and other campers offered suggestions to management regarding entertainment for adults but they didn't take any of our suggestions. Bear Interaction
Despite the park’s theme, sightings of Yogi Bear are rare. On one occasion, a golf cart carrying excited children stopped to see Yogi Bear, but the character ignored them and drove past without interaction, which was very disappointing. Management and Staff Attitude
Amanda, the general manager, presents as unapproachable and aloof. She did not introduce herself to seasonal campers at the beginning of the season, many of whom do not even know what she looks like and the camping season ends in just a couple of weeks. Most staff members also exhibit a snobbish attitude, often failing to acknowledge campers, which creates an unwelcoming environment. Cost and Recommendation
The campground is overpriced relative to the quality of experience and level of service provided. Given the inconsistent rule enforcement, loss of seasonal sites, diminished entertainment, and poor management attitude, I cannot recommend Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton NH Those interested in a Yogis campground should consider other locations.


Guide to Laconia

Camping near Laconia, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to lakes for kayaking. One reviewer mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Franconia Notch State Park. A visitor noted, "There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Moose Brook State Park Campground are great for fishing. One happy camper shared, "Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were very clean!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Lafayette Place Campground mentioned, "Helpful staff and good facilities."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Dry River Campground said, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness."

What you should know:

  • Site Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "The sites are packed together, close to the highway."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Hancock Campground mentioned, "There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full."
  • Reservation System: Some popular sites can be hard to book. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground expressed frustration, saying, "The nicest sites were reserved the entire time we were there and they were total no-shows."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. One reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground said, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at White Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake was beautiful—warm and crystal clear, soft sand, with a trail around it."
  • Pack for Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A visitor at Moose Brook State Park Campground noted, "This is a no electric hookup and no dump station park, but it's still worth your time."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dry River Campground said, "Some of the sites have a view of the road, which isn’t too pleasant."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The hookups look new."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground warned, "There is literally no one in charge on site at any time and there is no maintenance."

Camping around Laconia, New Hampshire, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakes to bustling campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in Laconia, NH?

The Laconia area offers several excellent camping options. Granite State Campground stands out with its new bath houses and updated hook-ups, making it a popular choice for families. It's conveniently located near Lake Winnisquam and Lake Winnipesaukee, with easy access to Gunstock Mountain. For those seeking a more natural setting, Gunstock Campground provides a beautiful wooded environment with various access options including drive-in and hike-in sites. The campground features reservable spots with water and toilet facilities, and is accommodating for larger RVs.

Can I rent an RV in Laconia, New Hampshire for camping?

Yes, you can rent an RV in the Laconia area for camping adventures. While specific rental services aren't mentioned in the reviews, Laconia's popularity as a tourist destination, especially during Motorcycle Week, means several RV rental companies operate in the region. Once you've secured a rental, Harbor Hill Camping Area in nearby Meredith is an excellent big-rig-friendly option with drive-in access, water, and toilet facilities. For your rental search, check local listings, national rental chains with New Hampshire locations, or peer-to-peer rental platforms that connect RV owners with renters.

How close are campgrounds to Weirs Beach in Laconia, NH?

Paugus Bay Campground is one of the closest options to Weirs Beach, offering convenient access to this popular Laconia attraction. This campground provides multiple access points including boat-in and drive-in options, with reservable sites featuring water and toilet facilities. It's also big-rig friendly for RV campers. Another nearby option is Meredith Woods Four Season Camping, located a short drive from Weirs Beach in neighboring Meredith. This year-round facility offers drive-in access with similar amenities and is suitable for larger recreational vehicles.

Are there tent camping sites near Laconia, NH?

Yes, there are several tent-friendly campgrounds near Laconia. Bear Brook State Park Campground offers an excellent tent camping experience in New Hampshire's largest state park. This family-friendly destination features numerous trails, ponds, play structures, a camp store, and a beach. For a more intimate tent camping experience, Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins provides scenic spots right along the river. The campground features ample parking and beautiful surroundings typical of New Hampshire's natural landscape.