Best Campgrounds near Sunapee, NH

State parks and forests surrounding Sunapee, New Hampshire feature a range of camping experiences from primitive sites to full-service facilities. Pillsbury State Park, located about 15 miles southwest of Sunapee, offers a more rustic camping experience with both drive-in and boat-in sites on its wooded, pond-dotted landscape. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access several established campgrounds including Crow's Nest and Northstar in nearby Newport, which provide tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of amenities. The Vermont border lies just 20 miles west, where additional options like Mount Ascutney and Wilgus State Parks expand the camping possibilities. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, closing during the harsh New Hampshire winter.

Camping permits and reservations are essential during the peak summer season when waterfront sites fill quickly. According to one camper at Pillsbury State Park, "Most of the campsites are accessible by car with space to park a car or two. Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake." The region experiences typical New England weather patterns with warm, occasionally humid summers and cool nights even in July and August. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with spotty coverage in more remote locations. Mosquitoes can be problematic, particularly in wooded areas near water, with several reviewers specifically mentioning the need for insect repellent. Not all New Hampshire state parks allow dogs, so pet owners should verify policies before arrival.

Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Sunapee region. Lakefront and riverside sites typically command higher ratings from visitors who appreciate the swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. One reviewer noted that "rentals of canoes and kayaks were helpful" at Pillsbury State Park, while mentioning that "swimming is available at Sunapee unless you like leeches." Many campgrounds feature coin-operated showers, with quarters required at most state park facilities. The Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 48-mile hiking trail connecting Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee, passes through Pillsbury State Park, providing excellent day hiking opportunities directly from campsites. Fall foliage season attracts significant crowds, with campgrounds often reaching capacity during peak color weekends in late September and early October.

Best Camping Sites Near Sunapee, New Hampshire (186)

    1. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-2860

    $29 - $40 / night

    "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 State Park is a great place to get away from it all."

    2. Northstar Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-4001

    $32 - $37 / night

    "We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."

    3. Crows Nest

    3 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-6170

    $32 - $115 / night

    4. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "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."

    5. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area (nearby Mt. Ascutney State Park, Harpoon Brewery, the American Precision Museum, etc.)."

    6. Quechee State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    $38 / night

    "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."

    7. Crow's Nest Campground

    2 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    $32 - $115 / night

    "Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."

    9. Tippicanoe Campground

    1 Review
    Goshen, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

    10. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 885-2889

    $26 - $36 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Sunapee, NH

763 Reviews of 186 Sunapee Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. 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. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.


Guide to Sunapee

Camping sites near Sunapee, New Hampshire feature a mix of forest and waterfront options across both New Hampshire and neighboring Vermont. The region sits within the Connecticut River Valley at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with higher humidity in July, while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even during peak season.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: At Pillsbury State Park, the network of small ponds provides excellent kayaking exploration. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N., who appreciated the quiet atmosphere. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for those without their own equipment.

Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to mountain biking networks. Mount Ascutney State Park maintains its own beginner-friendly 3-mile loop accessible from campsites. "Down the road about 10 minutes at the Mt. Ascutney Outdoor Center, there is a whole network of mountain biking trails that range from novice to expert," explains Rita M., who particularly enjoyed the Mile Long Field trails.

Fishing spots: The Sugar River near Northstar Campground offers convenient fishing access. "We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here," reports Louise L. Sites along the river provide direct water access, though catch rates vary seasonally.

Blueberry picking: Some campgrounds offer on-site seasonal activities. Tree Farm Campground features blueberry picking during summer months. "It had well-maintained grounds and some cute activities for the younger kids. Even blueberry picking on site," mentions Emily H., who appreciated the family-friendly amenities.

What campers like

Private riverfront sites: Campers consistently rate riverside camping highly. "We spent one night at Site 11. Check in was simple and quick, Ranger was friendly and helpful. Our site was waterfront and shared a small beach/kayak launch with the neighboring site," reports Jessica N. about her stay at Pillsbury State Park.

Remote camping options: Wilgus State Park provides both standard and more isolated sites along the Connecticut River. "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," notes Kaileigh K., who appreciated the peaceful setting despite full occupancy.

Trail connections: Direct access to hiking networks from campsites rates highly in reviews. "Pillsbury State Park is a great place to get away from it all. There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway," explains Matthew S., highlighting the convenience of trail access without driving.

Clean facilities: Many campers mention facility maintenance. "There is a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams," notes Lee A. about Tree Farm Campground.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the camping areas. "I have been to this campground three years in a row now and I am very happy I found it. 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," advises Lisa P. about Pillsbury State Park.

Swimming conditions: Water quality differs between locations. "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!" warns J.L. about Pillsbury State Park. This contrasts with dedicated swimming areas at other campgrounds.

Payment methods: Cash is often required for on-site purchases. "Everything is cash here, no cards accepted except when reserving a site online," mentions Brandon C. about Pillsbury State Park. Some campgrounds only accept cash for firewood, ice, and other amenities.

Shower facilities: Shower availability and costs vary by campground. "The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground," notes Julie R. about her stay at Northstar Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Quechee State Park offers structured programming for younger campers. "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)," shares Jen B. These ranger-led activities typically run during summer weekends.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce noise rules before official quiet hours. "Chad claimed that our children were too loud while playing, even though their noise level was a little loud, they were simply enjoying their time at this campground," reports Sedin H. about a disappointing experience at Northstar Campground.

Swimming options: Alternative swimming locations may be preferable to campground waters. "There is a great local pond for swimming that had dive docks, diving boards and lifeguards on duty that was less than 10 minutes away," suggests Kaileigh K. about options near Wilgus State Park.

Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds provide community recreation spaces. "Between the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use this place is amazing! Activities are scheduled throughout the season," notes J.L. about Loon Lake Campground.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: RV sites vary in quality and privacy across campgrounds. "The sites are close but if you are lucky enough to get one out on the island its private but no bathrooms out there," advises Heather F. about Pillsbury State Park. Island sites typically require advance booking.

Hookup availability: Services differ between parks. "They have spots for campers but smaller ones, and there are a few outhouses but no bathhouse," explains Matthew S. about Pillsbury State Park. State parks generally offer fewer hookups than private campgrounds.

Dump station access: Mount Ascutney State Park and other campgrounds provide dump stations, though locations vary in convenience. "There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed," reports Chris A., who appreciated the facilities despite the lack of hookups.

Campsite surfaces: Site conditions impact setup. "Biggest Con—It looks like the state has spread out RCA on the sites, which probably could have spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into," notes Chris A. about Quechee State Park, highlighting challenges for securing awnings and tents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp at Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire?

There is no camping directly at Mount Sunapee Resort, but several nearby options exist for those wanting to explore the mountain. The Pastures Campground offers an adorable setting with spacious lots, fire rings, tables, and amenities including bathrooms, showers, and a laundry room. For a more rustic experience, Bear Brook State Park Campground is within reasonable driving distance, featuring trails, ponds, play structures, a camp store, and beach access. This family-friendly destination is New Hampshire's largest state park. Both options make excellent base camps for exploring Mount Sunapee's hiking trails and recreational activities while providing comfortable overnight accommodations.

Are there RV rental options available in Sunapee, New Hampshire?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental businesses specifically in Sunapee, several nearby campgrounds accommodate RVs and may offer rental options. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is a clean, friendly destination with activities and amenities suited for RV campers. Kampfires is another excellent option featuring RV spots along with attractions like an ice cream shop, mini golf, an amphitheater for summer events, and various recreational activities. For RV rentals, check with these campgrounds directly or look into rental services in larger nearby towns like Concord or Manchester. Many campers find that reserving an RV in advance from these larger centers and driving to Sunapee is the most practical approach.

What campgrounds are available near Lake Sunapee, NH?

Several campgrounds are available near Lake Sunapee. Pillsbury State Park Campground offers primitive camping with lakeside sites accessible by car, though without showers or electric hookups. The park's location provides easy access to water activities. For those seeking more amenities, Northstar Campground near Newport provides reservable sites with water and toilet facilities. Other options within driving distance include Bear Brook State Park to the east and Mount Ascutney State Park across the Vermont border. When planning your trip, consider that most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, with some requiring reservations, especially during peak summer months.