Camping spots near New London, New Hampshire range from primitive sites to campgrounds with modern amenities across elevations from 900-1500 feet. The region experiences wide temperature swings even in summer, with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s during July and August. Most camping facilities in the area sit within a 25-mile radius of town, with several positioned near ponds and the Sugar River watershed.
What to Do
Paddle exploration: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, multiple ponds provide excellent kayaking opportunities. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," noted one visitor who appreciated the non-motorized waterways.
Mountain biking: Several local trails connect to larger networks within a 30-minute drive of New London. Trails range from beginner-friendly loops to technical terrain. One experienced rider mentioned the 3-mile beginner loop at Mt. Ascutney: "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which is accessible directly from the campground."
River activities: The Connecticut River forms a recreational corridor east of New London. "The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle upstream," according to a visitor at Wilgus State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
Remote, quiet settings: Many campers value the sense of disconnection. "I have been to this campground three years in a row now and I am very happy I found it. They have no electricity so you have to be willing to rough it. It is a great campground to get away from the city," wrote a reviewer about Pillsbury State Park.
Hiking connections: The extensive trail network links multiple camping areas. At Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, trails offer varying difficulty levels. "There are four different trails up the mountain of varying levels of difficulty. You can also drive right to the top and hike around on the summit trails," reported one hiker.
Beach access: Sandy shorelines provide swimming spots at several campgrounds. A family at Sandy Beach Campground noted, "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," indicating the mixed quality of swimming options in the region.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely across camping areas. At Pillsbury State Park, one camper advised: "If you have Verizon and you're at campsite 34 you can get a little service," while others reported complete lack of coverage at many sites.
Bathroom facilities: Most state parks offer basic amenities. "Pit toilets, sites are spacious, cell reception for Verizon isn't great," reported a Pillsbury visitor, while at Quechee State Park Campground, a camper praised the "immaculate bathrooms with coin-operated showers."
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience highway sounds. "The road nearby is noisy. Because of its location, you can hear both the local highway and I91," warned a Mount Ascutney visitor, suggesting campers select sites deeper in the woods for quieter conditions.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds offer alternatives to swimming. At Northstar Campground, one family enjoyed the river access: "We had a spacious site with water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment. "Playground is on the beach," noted a Sandy Beach visitor, while others mentioned field space for games at various locations.
Organized activities: Seasonal programming runs at most state parks. "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)," reported a parent staying at Quechee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds accommodate various RV sizes despite New England's typically tight spaces. At Crow's Nest Campground, a camper noted: "90% of the campers are RVs here. They have sites along the river and a more wooden tent area as well."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited. "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly," mentioned one visitor about a state park, while another noted that Sandy Beach has "all the comforts of home" for Thousand Trails members.
Dump station locations: Position and access vary by campground. "Dump stations not in great locations," warned one RVer at Northstar Campground, suggesting campers should inquire about dump station access before arrival.
