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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
