Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins offers a range of riverside sites with varying features, especially along the Pemigewasset River. The White Mountains region surrounding Sugar Hill sits at elevations between 800-4,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night even in summer months. Tent campers should pack for overnight temperatures that can drop below 50°F even in July and August.
What to do
Hiking the Cross Vermont Trail: At Ricker Pond State Park Campground in nearby Vermont, you'll find direct access to extensive trail systems. "The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing," notes Michele S. The park connects to multiple hiking options within a 10-mile radius.
Fishing the Connecticut River: For anglers seeking bigger waters than the smaller mountain streams, River Meadow Campground RV Park offers river access with equipment rentals. "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in," shares Chris H. The Connecticut River holds multiple species including bass and trout.
Backcountry exploration: For experienced hikers seeking remote glamping in White Mountains near Sugar Hill, Guyot Shelter provides a wilderness base at 4,360 feet elevation. "Amazing views from some of the platforms, easy access to water, friendly park managers. Used this as our midway point for a 2-day pemi loop," reports Harry. The shelter requires a strenuous hike but rewards with panoramic vistas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins offers well-separated camping areas. "Great spacing on the sites. Everything you need to stay to yourself," notes Adam J. The bathhouse facilities receive consistent praise: "Bath house was clean the water pressure was the best I've ever experienced."
Family-friendly pools: The swimming options near Sugar Hill extend beyond natural water features. "The pool is the main attraction and really great but gets very very busy. No one was controlling the slides so kids were going down in multiples," reports Lauren Q. about Moose Hillock's pool complex, highlighting both the popularity and potential crowding during peak season.
Four-season options: Unlike many New Hampshire campgrounds that close after foliage season, Ammonoosuc Campground provides year-round access. "This is one of the rare New Hampshire campgrounds that is open year round," explains Jean C. "The bathhouse is clean, well-lit, and heated (a treat on those cold autumn mornings)."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Digital connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Zealand Campground, "No Verizon and starlink was spotty," reports Zach P. Similarly, at Ricker Pond, "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Booking timing requirements: Many campgrounds implement minimum stay requirements during summer. At Maple Haven Campground, availability can be limited. "For more desirable sites, they require a longer stay. It's not ideal if you're camping with friends who are all driving up separately because parking for extra vehicles is limited," notes Jean C. about another nearby campground.
Weather preparedness: The White Mountains create unique weather patterns. "We stayed in a 5th wheel, sites are on the small side on the back in side, but plenty of room on the pull in sites," describes Anne M. about Littleton/Franconia KOA, emphasizing the importance of proper site selection for variable conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with natural buffers: Find locations where kids can explore safely. "Sites on the main part of the river are close but still felt private. Very close to downtown North Woodstock for great food and drinks," reports Ashley about Country Bumpkins, noting the balance between privacy and convenience.
Consider campground terrain: The topography can create challenges for families with small children. "The campground is very hilly and kids are ripping around in pedal and motorized bikes and scooters which is fine but no control at all in regards to speed and helmets," observes Lauren Q. about one facility, highlighting potential safety concerns.
Check bathroom proximity: With young children, bathroom access becomes crucial. "The site was nice, very close to the bathhouse, which was a good thing with young children. Bathrooms and showers were clean, and water was nice and hot," shares Cheryl W. about Ammonoosuc Campground, emphasizing the practical benefit of strategic site selection.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many Sugar Hill area campgrounds require careful positioning. "It was slightly uphill, so we had to pull the RV all the way to the front of the site to be able to level," notes one reviewer about their experience at a nearby campground, highlighting the need for leveling blocks and proper positioning.
Winter camping preparations: For those seeking off-season glamping near Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, specialized equipment is essential. "This beautiful campground is located near many popular sight seeing locations, is well maintained, sites level and dirt/pine needle covered," explains Tracey S. about Ammonoosuc, one of the few year-round options, though winter facilities may be limited.
Navigating tight access points: Some campgrounds have challenging entrances. "Sites are very tight. We had a lovely fire ring by the brook," reports Mindie C. about Country Bumpkins, indicating the need for careful maneuvering for larger rigs despite the rewarding settings.
