Best Campgrounds near Sunapee, NH

Sunapee, New Hampshire has good camping within a short drive in several directions. Pillsbury State Park Campground sits about 11 miles from town, with quiet sites near ponds where you can fish or hike through the woods. About 23 miles away, Quechee State Park Campground puts you close to Vermont's famous gorge and has trails running through the woods around the campground. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, 16 miles from Sunapee, sits at the base of the mountain with trails climbing up to lookouts with long views. Most locals camp here in spring and fall when bugs are fewer and crowds are thinner. Summer works well for swimming, though campgrounds fill up faster. Winter camping happens but you'll need serious cold-weather gear. Roads to these places are mostly paved or well-graded, though some spots get muddy after rain and might challenge small cars. Before heading out, call ahead about any seasonal road closures or fire restrictions. Pack out everything you bring in and keep campsites clean for the next group coming through.

Best Camping Sites Near Sunapee, New Hampshire (182)

    1. Pillsbury State Park Campground

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

    $29 / 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

    4 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

    9 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

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

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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.)."

    "A tad close to Rte 5, but it quiets down in the evening. Sites are also a bit small but well spaced from others; we had not problem with our 20' trailer. View of river is pretty nice."

    6. 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."

    8. Quechee State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception."

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sunapee, NH

725 Reviews of 182 Sunapee Campgrounds



Guide to Sunapee

Camping near Sunapee, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to water activities. One reviewer mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Franconia Notch State Park - Lafayette Place. A camper noted, "There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Fishing: Campgrounds like Bear Brook State Park Campground are great for fishing. One visitor shared, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Lafayette Place Campground said, "Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "We stayed on the mountain which had a great view, the ground was level and the hookups look new."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "Nice camp store, friendly check-in folks."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Some campgrounds have strict pet rules. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails, not in the campground or beach area during summer.
  • Site Proximity: Many sites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Hancock Campground pointed out, "There are no showers or areas to wash dishes."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. One parent at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety: Ensure kids can safely ride bikes around the campground. A reviewer noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."
  • Plan for Meals: Stock up on food before arriving, as nearby stores can be pricey. A camper at Woodford State Park Campground advised, "Make sure you stock up before you get there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Camping On The Battenkill mentioned, "Sites aren’t on top of each other but you can see your neighbors."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Lost River Valley Campground noted, "The bathrooms are always clean, the staff in the office and store has been friendly."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials like firewood and ice. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "Firewood and Ice for sale."

Camping near Sunapee, New Hampshire, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sunapee, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sunapee, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Sunapee, NH and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sunapee, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sunapee, NH is Pillsbury State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sunapee, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Sunapee, NH.

What parks are near Sunapee, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Sunapee, NH that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.