Camping near Rumney, New Hampshire offers diverse options along the Baker River valley with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet. The region experiences typical New England seasonal patterns with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds operate between May and October, though a few remain open year-round for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Tubing adventures: Branch Brook Campground provides excellent river access for tubing. "The best part is the location to the river. It wraps around the campground making it a great place to go tubing. They also have 3 great fields for rent," notes one camper at Branch Brook Campground.
Fall foliage viewing: The White Mountains region transforms in autumn, typically peaking in early October. "Fall camping at branch brook is nothing short of magical. We just happened to book a trip right at peak season for fall foliage.... the colors were absolutely unreal," shares a visitor who experienced the seasonal display.
Fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access in the Baker River. At Plymouth Sands Camping Area, "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)." A visitor at Pine Haven noted, "Multiple RVs, we were the only tent site at the time which made it very secluded and nice. Site was directly next to a babbling brook."
What campers like
River campsites: Many campgrounds feature sites along waterways. "Loved our time here! We had a site right on the river and the view was amazing. The sites are pretty well spaced apart and well kept," wrote one camper about Pine Haven. Another visitor at Hancock Campground shared, "It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same."
Privacy levels: Site separation varies significantly between campgrounds. "You'll probably want to be closer to the river (although people will get up early to fish, get on the river etc.) because there is traffic along the road (not awful, but still semi constant)," advises a Hancock Campground visitor. At Russell Pond Campground, "The sites are huge and have a great amount of space between them. All of them have leveled areas for the picnic tables and tent pads."
Climbing-focused options: Some campgrounds cater specifically to rock climbers. "Nice private campground. Bathrooms were clean and recently remodeled. Host is extremely nice and welcoming. We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," notes a climber at Baker River Campground.
What you should know
Winter camping conditions: Several campgrounds remain open year-round. "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," reports a winter camper at Hancock Campground. However, some have maintenance issues in winter, as noted by a visitor: "They do a bad job plowing (my rig bottomed out twice on snow banks) and I fishtailed on the access road."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely by location and carrier. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted." A different visitor noted, "Very nice, quiet campground. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. No cell service on the south side of campground."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance vary significantly. "The bathrooms were atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained," reported one dissatisfied visitor at Lost River Valley Campground. In contrast, at Plymouth Sands, "There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. At Russell Pond Campground, "We had a great time here for fall camping, we were able to drive up and get a site that day. The waterfront sites are the best." Another visitor mentioned, "The lake is quiet and was beautiful at sunset (it would be a great spot to Hammock)."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. At Branch Brook Campground, visitors note there's "everything from tents to RVs and beach to pool along with a playground for the younger ones. Dogs are allowed. Activities such as candy bingo and wagon rides." Baker River Campground also has "a playground area for kids, horseshoe area and a net for volleyball next to the bathroom/showers."
Family programming: Organized activities vary by location. "Family friendly campground. Short drive to see wildlife from the road," notes a visitor at Moose Hillock Camping Resort. Another camper shared their experience: "Pros: lots to do, family oriented, friendly staff, awesome pool with a pirate ship that has 2 slides, night swimming, entertainment on some nights."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Options range from primitive to full-service sites. At Lost River Valley Campground, "We stayed in a basic cabin. It was clean, but did smell very musty. It was still comfortable. The sites on the river look amazing." A visitor at Plymouth Sands noted, "The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities."
Access considerations: Many campgrounds have terrain challenges for larger rigs. "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude," warns a Moose Hillock visitor. At Russell Pond, "Most of campsites are not rv/trailer friendly since they are tucked into the hillside and usually have a few stairs either up or down to the tent sites."
