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Best Campgrounds near New London, NH

849 Reviews

The New London area of New Hampshire features a diverse range of camping options within a short drive of town. Pillsbury State Park Campground, located about 15 miles southwest in Washington, offers both primitive and developed sites in a heavily wooded setting with multiple ponds and wetlands. This state park is known for its wildlife viewing opportunities, including moose and loons. Within 20 miles of New London, campers can find several private campgrounds like Crow's Nest and Northstar in Newport, which provide full hookups for RVs alongside tent sites. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend.

Advance reservations are strongly recommended during the peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites which fill quickly. As one camper noted, "Pillsbury is called a primitive campground which means no showers or electric hookups. Most campsites are accessible by car with space to park a car or two. Many campsites are on the lake." The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with warm summers and cool nights, even in July and August. Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds reporting limited service. Pet policies differ between facilities, with some state parks restricting dogs during peak season, making pre-trip research essential for those traveling with animals.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with ponds and lakes offering opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Campers frequently mention the privacy of wooded sites as a key feature of the area's campgrounds. "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious," reported one visitor to a nearby state park. Facilities range from basic (vault toilets and water spigots) to comprehensive (full hookups, camp stores, and recreation areas). Highway noise can be an issue at some locations closer to major roads, while more remote sites offer greater tranquility. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to larger trail networks, making them good base camps for exploring the region's natural areas and mountains.

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Best Camping Sites Near New London, New Hampshire (198)

    1. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-2860

    $29 - $40 / night

    "Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. 

    There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "

    "Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."

    2. Northstar Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-4001

    $32 - $37 / night

    "We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."

    3. Crows Nest

    3 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-6170

    $32 - $115 / night

    4. Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall

    1 Review
    Sunapee, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-8176

    5. Tippicanoe Campground

    1 Review
    Goshen, NH
    9 miles
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

    6. Crow's Nest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    11 miles
    Website

    $32 - $115 / night

    "Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."

    7. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "There is a “campers only” access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."

    "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. "

    8. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."

    "This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area (nearby Mt. Ascutney State Park, Harpoon Brewery, the American Precision Museum, etc.)."

    9. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."

    "Whether it’s a hike or a drive, I highly recommend it! Just note, the road closes after dusk and a barrier goes down."

    10. Sandy Beach Campground

    6 Reviews
    Contoocook, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477
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Recent Camping Photos near New London, NH

697 Photos of 198 New London Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New London, NH

849 Reviews of 198 New London Campgrounds

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Great Location

    The best thing about this campground is definitely the location. Perfect place to explore the White Mountains. We stayed in a basic cabin. It was clean, but did smell very musty. It was still comfortable. The sites on the river look amazing. Unfortunately my tent is a little too big for some of those sites, but I could still hear the steam from my cabin/site. Bathrooms were okay. Not as clean as they could have been, but they not bad. Again, the location can’t be beat though. And the sites next to the stream look very nice.

  • J
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Coolidge State Park Campground Vermont

    Views to Write Home About

    We have been camping at lean-to sites here for almost 20 years. The views from the prime sites are breathtaking. The bathrooms are updated and have been well maintained.Although there is no swimming in the campground, the state park a few miles away is included with the park pass and has a nice lake beach, although no dogs are allowed.

Guide to New London

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

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to water for kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Franconia Notch State Park. A camper noted, "There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park are great for fishing. One reviewer said, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A visitor at Lafayette Place Campground remarked, "Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground had plenty of space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Lost River Valley Campground said, "The staff in the office and store has been friendly."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet policies. For example, at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails, not in the campground or beach area during summer.
  • Noise Levels: Campers should be aware of potential noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground noted, "The sites are all nice, but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
  • Reservation System: Some campgrounds can be busy, and reservations are recommended. A camper at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park mentioned, "Reservation recommended."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has safe areas for kids to play. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "Brought our dog and she absolutely loved it."
  • Group Camping: If camping with a large group, consider campgrounds that can accommodate multiple sites. A visitor at Lost River Valley Campground noted, "We stayed here over the weekend and it was nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Some campgrounds are suitable for larger RVs. A reviewer at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park mentioned, "This campground has a lot of amenities like showers and washer/dryers."
  • Electric Hookups: Check for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "No electric hookup, but the sites are spacious."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station for convenience. A visitor at Franconia Notch State Park mentioned, "The dump station is easy to access."

Camping around New London, NH, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground policies and amenities before you go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find campgrounds near New London?

Several excellent campgrounds are located in the New London area. The Pastures Campground offers spacious lots with tables and fire rings in a charming setting with Vermont just across the river. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages provides beautiful views of a New Hampshire pond in a small, family-owned setting. Other nearby options include Northstar Campground near Newport and Crow's Nest Campground, which is big-rig friendly. Many campgrounds in the region are conveniently located near local attractions, making them ideal base camps for exploring New Hampshire's natural beauty.

What are the best times of year to camp in New London?

The prime camping season in New London runs from late spring through early fall, with summer offering the warmest temperatures and full access to water activities. Bear Brook State Park Campground, New Hampshire's largest state park, is particularly popular during summer months when families can enjoy its trails, ponds, play structures, and beach areas. Greenfield State Park Campground is typically open from early spring but may have limited facilities early in the season. Fall brings spectacular foliage, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it ideal for hikers and those who prefer a quieter experience. Always check with specific campgrounds for their seasonal opening dates, as they vary.

What amenities are available at New London campgrounds?

New London area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Kampfires features an ice cream shop, mini golf, an amphitheater for summer concerts, dog park, and recreational activities including badminton, basketball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is known for its cleanliness and friendly owners, with plenty of on-site activities. Many campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and clean bathrooms, while others offer additional facilities such as laundry rooms, camp stores, showers, and access to swimming areas.

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