Glamping near West Lebanon, New Hampshire offers a blend of outdoor experiences beyond luxury tents. Situated in the Connecticut River Valley between the Green Mountains and White Mountains, the area's elevations range from 400 to 2,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F. Fall foliage typically peaks from late September through mid-October with cooler nighttime temperatures requiring additional layers for comfort.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail sections: Access trailheads directly from Gifford Woods State Park Campground, where the trail runs through the park. "The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," shares one camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural settings: Cool off in the Baker River at Baker River Campground during summer months. "There is also a beach with great fishing! The site we had was an open grassy area though we tucked the tent off to the side. On the other side of the roped banking was a beautiful view of the river," notes a visitor at Baker River Campground.
Family recreation activities: Enjoy scheduled events and recreational facilities at local campgrounds. One reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resort mentioned, "Pros: lots to do, family oriented, friendly staff, awesome pool with a pirate ship that has 2 slides, night swimming, entertainment on some nights, big sites, fishing, camp store with decent prices."
What campers like
Clean bathrooms and facilities: Quechee State Park Campground maintains excellent bathroom facilities. "They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV. They also have several lean tos that you can rent," reports a camper.
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots despite proximity to attractions. A reviewer at Quechee State Park Campground notes, "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter. The bathroom is very clean."
Riverside camping spots: Sites along waterways provide natural white noise and recreation. "Just finishing up a week in Quechee State Park campground and have to say the place is really really nice. The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well. We have seen all shapes and sizes come and go, as well as tent campers, and they offer lean to's as well."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October, with peak seasons requiring advance reservations. "Season: May 19 to October 16" is the standard operating time for state parks like Quechee and Gifford Woods.
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted. Cable tv at sites was available and intermittent quality."
Noise considerations: Road noise affects some campgrounds. "The park is close to good shopping, and also the Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park in Woodstock, which is an awesome destination for families. Camping was fairly quiet, except for the noise from the road, which is very close to the park."
Tips for camping with families
Ranger programs: Take advantage of free activities for children at state parks. According to a camper at Quechee State Park, "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.)"
Swimming options for children: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly water features. At Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall, "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."
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds feature steep hills challenging for small children. One family noted about Moose Hillock, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and leveling: Ensure your site accommodates your RV length. A reviewer at Caton Place Campground cautions, "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift). The owner was very unfriendly. Driving out of the site was just as bad."
Hookup availability varies: Some campgrounds offer full hookups while others provide only basics. At Quechee State Park, "There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV."
Campground road accessibility: Narrow roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into," warns an RVer about Caton Place Campground, while another camper at Quechee notes, "We had no issues at all navigating our 45' RV to our site. The trees at our site would prevent satellite television reception but our site had cable."
