Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Camping in New Hampshire offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Gunstock Campground, where one reviewer said, “Got to walk to hike Gunstock.”
• Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “lots of lovely waterfront sites” perfect for kayaking.
• Family Fun: Families can enjoy the mountain coaster and ziplines at Gunstock Campground, where one camper noted, “The mountain coaster and chairlift were great for the little ones.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park, with one review stating, “Very nice and clean campground.”
• Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy at Tripoli Road, where a visitor mentioned, “Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river.”
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff, as noted at Waterville Campground, where one reviewer said, “The gentlemen working is very nice... you can tell he cares about the place.”

What you should know

• Bear Country: Some campgrounds, like Waterville Campground, are in bear territory. One camper warned, “It’s bear country so plan accordingly.”
• Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Hancock Campground have basic facilities. A visitor noted, “There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.”
• Noise Levels: Some sites, such as those at Big Rock, are near busy roads. A camper mentioned, “The highway is very close and therefore very loud, but it quiets down at night.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Gunstock Campground, which has “lots of land to walk the dogs” and a nice pool.
• Plan for Quiet Hours: At Waterville Campground, quiet hours are strictly enforced. One camper said, “You also have to whisper if you want to stay up and hang out around the campfire.”
• Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with games or crafts, especially at campgrounds like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where there are “lots of great spots on the water.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: RVers should confirm site sizes at places like Gunstock Campground, which is “big rig friendly.”
• Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Waterville Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One reviewer noted, “No electric hookups.”
• Arrive Early: Popular spots like Tripoli Road can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends. A camper advised, “Be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout.”

Camping in New Hampshire is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!