Camping options near Lebanon, New Hampshire include tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurt accommodations within a 30-mile radius. Situated in the Connecticut River Valley at 545 feet elevation, the region experiences warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to New Hampshire's distinct four-season climate.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access trail sections directly from Gifford Woods State Park Campground, located 25 miles from Lebanon. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes camper Tara S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing spots without requiring additional travel. At Baker River Campground, you can fish directly from their beach area. "There is also a beach with great fishing! Highly recommend this campground," writes Lexi R.
Rail trail biking: The Sugar River Rail Trail provides a family-friendly biking option near Newport. According to Michele S., the trail is "close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."
Seasonal activities: Fall foliage viewing peaks in late September to mid-October. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. "We hit this campground for one overnight as we passed through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge," notes Douglas L. about Quechee State Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots with natural screening between sites. At Quechee State Park Campground, "the sites are all wooded. Some are private, while others are a little crowded together. The park is dog-friendly, which we always appreciate," according to reviewer Tara S.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms and shower facilities rank highly among camper priorities. "Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quiet at night," notes Douglas L. Another camper, Jan B., adds: "The bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters."
River access: Sites along waterways provide both recreation and natural cooling during summer months. At Pine Haven, "We had a nice tent site by the brook. The bathhouse was clean for a busy weekend," reports Shiloh. Another camper mentions, "the river is about thigh deep and you can easily walk in it/swim at portions."
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and scheduled activities enhance family camping experiences. Jen B. shares that at Quechee State Park, "Rangers also run fun programs for children - my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie-dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends, especially for holiday periods. Most campgrounds in the region operate reservation systems with different policies for cancellations.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability vary significantly between campgrounds. Brandon C. notes about Crow's Nest Campground: "As a tent camper, I greatly appreciate the outdoor sinks for dishwashing at the bathrooms."
Road noise: Some campgrounds are situated near highways. At Gifford Woods, camper Chris A. advises: "Biggest Con - It looks like the state has spread out RCA on the sites, which probably could have spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into."
Weather considerations: The Lebanon area can experience significant temperature drops at night even in summer. Thunderstorms are common in July and August. Pack additional layers and rain gear regardless of season.
Yurt camping Lebanon, New Hampshire: For those seeking alternative accommodations, yurt options exist at select campgrounds in the region. Caton Place Campground offers yurt rentals among their accommodation options.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule visits to nearby attractions during peak afternoon heat. "Quechee State Park Campground is close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options nearby," shares Jen B.
Site selection: Choose sites away from main roads for safety with young children. At Gifford Woods, Rachel C. recommends: "Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded."
Water safety: Supervise children near rivers and water features at all times. Lexi R. describes Baker River Campground: "On the other side of the roped banking was a beautiful view of the river."
Wildlife awareness: Store food properly and teach children about respecting local wildlife. Some campers report seeing deer and other animals near campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Lebanon area have uneven terrain. At Caton Place Campground, Jim B. notes: "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow entry roads or tight turns. "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into," warns one RVer about a local campground.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. When available, most offer water, electric, and sewer connections. At Crow's Nest Campground, Michele S. observes: "Mostly seasonals and RVs but there are some nice spots by the river."
Dump station information: Most campgrounds provide dump stations even when full hookups aren't available. Jan B. notes about Quechee State Park: "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in an RV."
