Campgrounds around Lyme, New Hampshire offer diverse accommodations within the Connecticut River Valley's rocky, forested terrain. This area sits at approximately 500-700 feet elevation with typical summer temperatures ranging from 55-85°F. Fall camping season features vibrant foliage from late September through mid-October, with nighttime temperatures that often drop below 40°F requiring proper cold-weather gear.
What to do
River activities at Plymouth Sands: The Baker River provides excellent swimming and floating options during summer months. "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)," notes one camper. Another visitor mentions, "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river."
Hiking on nearby trails: Ricker Pond State Park Campground in the Groton State Forest offers extensive trail access. A camper reports, "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground." Another notes it's located "along with several other state parks in the Groton State Forest so there's so much to do!"
Rock climbing access: Located near popular climbing routes, Baker River Campground serves as a base for climbers. "Nice private campground. Bathrooms were clean and recently remodeled. Host is extremely nice and welcoming. We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," reports a regular visitor.
What campers like
Private sites at Moose Hillock: The wooded campsites provide excellent separation between neighbors. "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," writes one camper. Another mentions, "I'll mention the privacy of sites again because it truly is worth mentioning."
Yurt camping options near Lyme: Baker Rocks provides excellent yurt accommodations for those seeking comfort while camping. "We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines," shares a visitor. The site features "a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area."
Water features and recreation: Campgrounds around Lyme offer excellent waterfront options. A camper at Ricker Pond State Park writes, "The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons." Another notes, "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Fall camping near Lyme requires appropriate gear for temperature swings. Daytime temperatures can reach 70°F while nights can drop below freezing, especially in October.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty or no cell service. At Country Bumpkins Campground, "Our cell service was great and the campground's wifi most always worked for internet surfing and such." However, at Moose Hillock, a camper warns: "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Reservation timing: Popular yurt camping in Lyme, New Hampshire and surrounding areas books quickly. A regular at Ricker Pond advises, "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offers numerous activities for children. A visitor comments, "While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days. Saturday you can go for a Hay Ride which is so much fun!"
Educational programming: Some campgrounds provide ranger-led activities for children. A camper at Quechee State Park notes: "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.)"
Water safety: River sites require supervision for children. At Plymouth Sands, a visitor notes, "The river was low, so it was great for kids." Another camper at River Meadow explains, "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in haha. He was amazed and so proud to have hooked it himself."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the White Mountains region feature sloped terrain. At Country Bumpkins, one RVer noted: "Our site #60 was gravel, back in, 30 amp, full hookup. It was slightly uphill, so we had to pull the RV all the way to the front of the site to be able to level."
Limited hookup options: Quechee State Park Campground offers primitive camping for RVs with no electrical hookups. "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV. They also have several lean tos that you can rent. The staff and volunteers are very helpful," notes a camper. Another advises, "No Electric or hookups. They also sell ice and firewood at the check in station."
Navigation challenges: The mountainous roads and campground layouts can be challenging. At Moose Hillock, a camper warns: "The very 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."
