Camping options near Lempster, New Hampshire include tent sites, RV parking, and yurt camping at several established campgrounds. Located in Sullivan County at around 1,500 feet elevation, the area features a mix of forested terrain and water features that provide ideal conditions for outdoor recreation from late spring through fall. Temperatures typically range from 40°F to 80°F during the camping season, with cooler nights even in summer.
What to do
Water activities at Ashuelot River: The Ashuelot River Campground offers opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and fishing. The river provides a gentle current perfect for floating. As one camper notes, "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" Another visitor recommends bringing inflatable tubes: "Make sure to bring tubes for relaxing on the river. We brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river."
Rail trail exploration: Some campgrounds provide direct access to local rail trails. At Ashuelot River Campground, "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground. They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking." This makes it convenient for cyclists of all ages.
Mini golf and recreational activities: Family-friendly activities abound at several campgrounds. At Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall, recreation options include "mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention appreciation for well-maintained bathrooms and grounds. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Bathroom is very clean. They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV." Another camper adds, "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping."
Riverside camping spots: Sites along rivers are particularly popular. At Crow's Nest Campground, "The sites near the river were nice and quiet." Another camper mentions, "This campground has nice, quiet, shaded riverside sites and other sites options as well. Showers are $0.25 for 8 minutes."
Yurt accommodations: For those interested in yurt camping in Lempster, New Hampshire and surrounding areas, options exist at select campgrounds. One camper staying at Caton Place Campground mentioned, "We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October. At Oxbow Campground, the season runs "May-Oct" with some campgrounds offering special events in fall.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds are located near highways. Keyser Pond Campground has "tent sites wicked small, packed together and so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet." Similarly, at Quechee State Park, "Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer weekends. Many facilities also have specific check-in times, typically between 1-3 PM with checkout by 11 AM.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas appropriate for children. At Keyser Pond Campground, activities include pond access, though one visitor notes, "Dogs are not allowed in the pond even though the water itself was already pretty questionable."
Halloween-themed weekends: For fall camping with kids, look for special themed weekends. One visitor described their experience: "Halloween themed weekend was so incredibly fun. The seasonal sights go all out!"
Kid-friendly programming: Some campgrounds offer organized activities specifically for children. At Sandy Beach Campground, there are "lots of fun family activities" and "a recreational hall with a pool table & video games, laundromat." Another camper mentioned, "Free paddle boats, a pond for swimming, playground."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many campsites require leveling blocks. At Quechee State Park, "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it." This is important for comfort and proper functioning of RV systems.
Site size variations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. Some campers report that Caton Place Campground is "not big rig friendly" while others found the pull-through sites adequate. Check site dimensions before booking, especially for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites cost more but provide convenience. At Quechee Pine Valley KOA, "There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost."
