Camping in New Hampshire's Lake Sunapee region offers options within forested landscapes at elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 75-85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Small campgrounds near New London typically operate from May through October, with limited winter availability outside peak snow season.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: The White Mountains provide extensive trail networks accessible from several campgrounds. At Hancock Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to challenging routes. "Great place to set up camp to get some 4Ks in the whites... I have stayed here many times, three times in the winter and a few times in the summer," notes Kim O.
Water activities on local ponds: Fishing opportunities exist at smaller water bodies throughout the region. "Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH and is a spring fed sandy bottom pond," explains a visitor at Tippicanoe Campground.
Winter recreation options: Several campgrounds remain open year-round for those seeking off-season adventures. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," shares Heather B. about Hancock Campground.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Sites adjacent to flowing water create natural sound barriers from other campers. "We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby," reports Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds rank highly among visitor preferences. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds," notes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Spacious sites: Campers value room to spread out rather than cramped quarters. "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!" mentions Anne G. about Ramblewood Cabins and Campground, highlighting the spaciousness of their camping areas.
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping options: While searching for equestrian camping near New London, New Hampshire, visitors should note that dedicated horse facilities are scarce. None of the local campgrounds advertise horse corrals or specialized equestrian amenities. Horse owners seeking camping options with their equine companions should call ahead to discuss possible accommodations.
Seasonal insect concerns: Some campgrounds experience significant insect activity during warmer months. "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around, including all over the cars in the lot," warns Lindsey M. about Hancock Campground.
Varied terrain for tent placement: The ground conditions can present challenges for tent setup. "So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it," notes Sara D. about Gunstock Campground, something to consider when selecting equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated activity areas: Families benefit from planned recreation spaces. "The campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," shares Melissa B. about Gunstock Campground.
Consider the noise level of different site locations: Some areas offer more tranquility than others. "Quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty)," mentions Lindsey M. about Hancock Campground. When booking with children, ask about quieter sections away from recreation facilities.
Check for swimming areas: Water access provides essential summer recreation for children. "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," notes Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site hookup variations: RV campers should verify which utilities are available at their chosen campground. "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds," reports David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger recreational vehicles. "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni," mentions Ryan P. about Gunstock Campground, which offers 250 sites with room for larger RVs.
Winter camping preparation: RVers planning off-season visits should prepare for limited amenities. "Water would have earned it five stars," notes Heather B. about Hancock Campground during a December stay, indicating the seasonal shutdown of water systems.
