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Newport, New Hampshire provides a range of campground options along the Sugar River and surrounding woodlands. Crows Nest Campground and Northstar Campground offer developed facilities within close proximity to town, while Pillsbury State Park Campground provides more primitive experiences approximately 15 miles east. The camping landscape includes accommodations for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and limited cabin rentals. Several campgrounds feature riverfront sites, particularly along the Sugar River, which serves as a focal point for recreation and scenic camping locations.
Camping season in the Newport region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. Many sites require advance reservations during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront locations. Access to most developed campgrounds involves paved roads suitable for passenger vehicles and RVs, while Pillsbury State Park features more rustic conditions. One visitor noted, "Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups," highlighting the park's more basic amenities. Cell phone coverage can be limited at more remote locations, especially at Pillsbury State Park where only certain campsites might receive minimal service.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with several campgrounds offering direct access to rivers, ponds, and lakes. The Sugar River provides swimming and fishing opportunities at both Crows Nest and Northstar campgrounds. A camper wrote, "We had a spacious site with water and electric next to the Sugar River," indicating the popularity of these riverside locations. Pillsbury State Park features multiple ponds ideal for paddling, with boat-in campsites available on small islands. Privacy between campsites varies considerably across the region's campgrounds, with more separation typically found at state park locations compared to privately-operated RV parks. Sites in wooded areas provide shade during summer months, while open areas may offer better views but less protection from sun and rain.
"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."
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability"We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."
"There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
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ScoutI wanted to get into camping at a place I knew was going to have a grocery store near by and close to the Comnecticut River. This has all that plus well kept bathrooms and kayak rentals. All very cool and easy accessible.
ScoutExtremely well maintained and managed. We plan to return many more times this year.
ScoutIt was our first time camping with our toddler, so we weren’t sure what to expect. She loved it! The campground is walkable with bathrooms and water spaced out nicely. The beach area is great and we loved the roped off swimming area. Next time we will do the boat rental at the camp store. Our site was quiet, despite being close-ish to the playground. The bathrooms and showers stayed clean thanks to the staff who were there multiple times per day. We cannot wait to go back.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
ScoutMy family has camped here for three years and we love it. We rent a canoe and paddle all the way down to the furthest campsites. The ability to hike to your spot or canoe makes it a blast, and it is a nice stepping stone to full backpacking if you ever want to get there.
For the past two seasons there was a Loon on the which is always a plus.
The toilets are great and fresh water is available from a well were you park. One of the greatest spots we have found.
ScoutA little expensive but worth it. The pool and staff are awesome. Everything is clean.
LegendWe stayed at the park in our truck camper for two nights. It was very clean and quiet. We stayed in site five which was very secluded, large site that was level and perfect for a small camper or van. There are two trails right from the park that lead up to the Mount Olga fire tower, and a trail continues over that which ends at a local distillery, with a general store and a brewery with awesome pizza across the street as well. (~ 1.5 miles one way to the distillery). The views from the tower and the distillery/brewery/store are gorgeous. The bathrooms and showers were extremely clean, and it was only $.50 for five minutes of hot water. They also had firewood for sale. nearby Wilmington is very close and a cute town, and it is not far to Brattleboro and Bennington as well. We came up for some cycling training and there are multiple options for gorgeous gravel riding routes. The only slight downside was that Route 9 is a little busy and there was some occasional road noise, but it wasn’t too bad and not really noticeable at night at all. There were several really nice lean-tos, the loop with sites 2 through 12 are much nicer and more secluded and wooded, the loop with sites one through 23 are more open and in a field with less shade and privacy. Would not hesitate to stay again!
TravelerSuper clean and well maintained small campground. A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental, and there is a small office with ice and wood for sale. Sites are close together but i still found it peaceful and relaxing. Mt Ascutney trail head and auto road are about a 15 minute drive and i found waterfalls and swimming holes within a 20 minute drive.
GuideThis is a ski resort trying to make money in the summer. The campground feels like an afterthought. Facilities were not clean Or modern. There are 2 small bathhouses for 250 sites and they are right next to each other in the middle of the campground. Sometimes only one would be open. We camped in the BW area which is just a field. Other areas have many sites very close together. We left 2 days early.
Camping near Newport, New Hampshire takes advantage of the region's diverse terrain at 800-900 feet above sea level. The area features multiple ponds and waterways for paddling and fishing, with camping season extending from early May through mid-October. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with typical lows in the 50s requiring adequate sleeping gear.
Paddling opportunities: Pillsbury State Park offers excellent kayaking and canoeing on multiple small ponds. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N. from Pillsbury State Park Campground. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site.
River activities: The Connecticut River provides additional water recreation from Wilgus State Park in nearby Springfield, Vermont. Visitors can "rent kayaks and fish from the boat launch," according to Kaileigh K. The campground offers a trail along the river with "beautiful vista views" suitable for families with young children.
Hiking connections: The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway passes through the region, connecting to major hiking networks. "There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway (a 48 mile trail connecting two of NH's beautiful mountains)," shares Matthew S. from Pillsbury State Park.
Mountain exploration: Mount Ascutney offers both hiking challenges and driving options about 30 minutes from Newport. A visitor to Mount Ascutney State Park Campground mentions, "We hiked the Weathersfield Trail (2.9 miles from trailhead to summit). It was a challenge, but well worth it. There were several lookout points with spectacular views."
Remote campsites: Pillsbury State Park offers remote sites accessible only by walking or paddling. Richard M. describes his experience: "Site 1A features a 200ft (60yd) hike in on a rustic trail. At the end of the trail you are greeted with a nice private site, and an equally spectacular view of the Vickery Pond."
Riverside locations: Campgrounds along the Sugar River and Connecticut River are popular for their water access. At Northstar Campground, Louise L. enjoyed "a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River," noting that she "will definitely go back."
Wooded seclusion: Tree Farm Campground near Springfield offers sites with natural separation. A camper reports, "Spacious, wooded sites, super clean...friendly, helpful owners and gorgeous setting!" The campground also features trails with "a pond, waterfalls, and streams."
Clean facilities: Vermont state parks are known for their maintenance standards. At Quechee State Park Campground, one camper called it "might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," while another noted that "bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters) operated showers."
Primitive conditions: Pillsbury State Park lacks modern amenities. Lisa P. explains, "They have no electricity so you have to be willing to rough it. It is a great campground to get away from the city. Be prepared to not have much cell phone service either."
Cell coverage limitations: Service varies widely by location and carrier. Brandon C. reports, "Cell reception for Verizon isn't great" at Pillsbury, while another camper specifies, "If you have Verizon and you're at campsite 34 you can get a little service."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds close by mid-October, with Wilgus State Park being notable for opening earlier than others, "well before Memorial Day each year." Wilgus offers cabins for those wanting to camp in early May "while it's still pretty cold."
Cash requirements: Some campgrounds have limited payment options. Brandon C. notes, "Everything is cash here, no cards accepted except when reserving a site online."
Swimming options: While some ponds have water quality issues, alternatives exist. J.L. warns about Pillsbury: "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!" Families staying at Tree Farm Campground recommend "finding the awesome swimming hole at Buttermere falls next to Okemo."
Ranger programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities for children. At Quechee State Park, "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)."
Recreation amenities: Campgrounds vary widely in their offerings. Loon Lake Campground provides extensive recreation options with "the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use," according to J.L., who adds that "activities are scheduled throughout the season."
Noise considerations: Road noise affects some campgrounds more than others. A camper at Mount Ascutney notes, "We were in site 27 and it was a beautiful site but the road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud," recommending the tent-only loop (sites 19-24) where "the road noise is considerably less."
Site selection: Seasonal campers often claim the most desirable sites. A visitor to Tree Farm Campground notes, "Nicest sites are taken by seasonal. Sewer and water hookups. Safari field isn't nice, they crowd you in."
Dump station locations: Consider the placement of facilities when selecting a site. A camper at Northstar Campground mentioned, "Dump stations not in great locations," suggesting this could affect convenience during your stay.
Hookup availability: State parks generally lack electrical and sewer connections. At Mount Ascutney, a review specifies, "No Electric or hookups," while advising site 11 or the Birch lean-to as "the 2 most spacious and/or secluded sites."
Campground capacity: Small campgrounds fill quickly in peak season. Quechee State Park can "accommodate big rigs rather well" despite being compact, with a camper observing, "We have seen all shapes and sizes come and go."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campsites near Newport?
The Newport area offers several excellent camping options. The Pastures Campground is an adorable little camp situated right on the Vermont-New Hampshire border with spacious lots featuring tables and fire rings. It offers amenities like bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Pillsbury State Park Campground provides lakeside sites without showers or electric hookups. Most campsites are accessible by car with parking space, and many are situated right on the lake.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Newport?
The best time to camp near Newport is typically summer through early fall (June to October). Bear Brook State Park Campground, New Hampshire's largest state park, offers an excellent summer experience with trails, ponds, play structures, and a beach. For early season camping, Greenfield State Park Campground provides relatively secluded RV sites in a wooded area, though facilities may be limited early in the season. Fall brings spectacular foliage colors, while spring can be muddy with unpredictable weather. Winter camping is available at some locations but requires proper cold-weather gear.
What are the most popular campgrounds in Newport?
Among the most popular campgrounds near Newport is Kampfires, which features an ice cream shop, mini golf, and an amphitheater for summer concerts. It offers both RV and tent camping along with numerous activities including badminton, basketball, horseshoe, and shuffleboard. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is another favorite, known for its friendly owners, clean facilities, and abundant activities. The campground has clear rules but maintains a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that keeps campers coming back.
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