Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire

When you’re camping in New Hampshire you don’t have to choose between going on a hardcore hike or relaxing in your hammock on a quiet lakeshore. With hundreds of campsites across the state—and with mountains and lakes close to so many of them—you can easily access the best of both worlds. Lake Winnipesaukee is by far the largest and best-known body of freshwater in the Granite State, but New Hampshire is dotted with bodies of water of all sizes, from the swimming holes and rushing rivers of the mountains, to the ponds and lakes lined with classic cottages in the aptly named Lakes Region.

Fortunately for all of us, mountains are just as plentiful. While Mount Washington, in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, has the most name recognition in the state (and claims to have the worst weather in the world), it’s not even the only notable peak to bag in the Presidential Range. Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, Pierce, Eisenhower, and Jackson mountains can all be ticked off your list of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers. And the White Mountains aren’t the only game in town either. Go camping at Monadnock State Park and do any number of hikes in the area, including the ever-popular Mount Monadnock, of course. Mount Monadnock’s isolated peak provides fantastic views and is one of the most frequently hiked mountains in the world.

Spend a quiet backcountry camping in New Hampshire night under a tarp, or bring beers and s’mores around the campfire at a popular state park campground like Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, or White Lake. Consider a weekend hut trip when camping in New Hampshire, with stays at one or more of the eight huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club or parking your RV and basecamping at Lafayette Campground while you tackle some of New England’s best dayhikes, like the Tuckerman-Lion Head loop on Mount Washington or the Lincoln-Lafayette loop in Franconia Notch.

The biggest challenge to camping in New Hampshire? Not having enough time to enjoy everything the Granite State has to offer.

Best Camping Sites in New Hampshire (296)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone."

    "Driving around this past weekend I did notice that some of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach."

    2. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 823-9513

    $35 / night

    "My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."

    "The White Mountains stretch quite some distance. While the Presidential peaks are often considered the jewel of this range, I find the Franconia Ridge just as beautiful and stunning."

    3. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    31 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."

    "This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a"

    4. Lost River Valley Campground

    32 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 745-8321

    $62 - $209 / night

    "The last few years, they’ve added a light display near the entrance at night, which make that last trip to the bathroom before bedtime fun!"

    "Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."

    5. Moose Brook State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-3860

    $35 - $45 / night

    "This state park is located in the small town of Gorham, New Hampshire."

    "In addition to our designated spot, we had access to a large open space behind that many people utilized to play games or expand their camping area."

    6. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."

    "Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."

    7. Hancock Campground

    28 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $30 / night

    "Luckily -- we were only about ten minutes from one of our favorite campgrounds in New Hampshire. Let me tell you why we like it so much."

    "This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."

    8. White Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    West Ossipee, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 323-7350

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Last weekend, our family stayed at White Lake State Park for four days."

    "I’ve stayed here a few times and love the location and access to White Lake."

    9. Crawford Notch Campground

    24 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $25 / night

    "-Our site was big and walking around the grounds the other sites appeared to all be pretty good sized as well. They are not lying when they call their sites secluded either!"

    "Cabins and RV sites with hookups are closer yo the entrance, store and road. That latter feature is a bit if a bummer bc the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."

    10. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."

    "Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 296 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in New Hampshire

1388 Reviews of 296 New Hampshire Campgrounds



Guide to New Hampshire

Camping in New Hampshire offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Gunstock Campground, where one reviewer said, “Got to walk to hike Gunstock.”
  • Water Activities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, visitors enjoy “lots of lovely waterfront sites” perfect for kayaking.
  • Family Fun: Families can enjoy the mountain coaster and ziplines at Gunstock Campground, where one camper noted, “The mountain coaster and chairlift were great for the little ones.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park, with one review stating, “Very nice and clean campground.”
  • Secluded Spots: Many enjoy the privacy at Tripoli Road, where a visitor mentioned, “Fantastic secluded options, highly recommend getting a good spot by the river.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of staff, as noted at Waterville Campground, where one reviewer said, “The gentlemen working is very nice... you can tell he cares about the place.”

What you should know

  • Bear Country: Some campgrounds, like Waterville Campground, are in bear territory. One camper warned, “It’s bear country so plan accordingly.”
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Hancock Campground have basic facilities. A visitor noted, “There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.”
  • Noise Levels: Some sites, such as those at Big Rock, are near busy roads. A camper mentioned, “The highway is very close and therefore very loud, but it quiets down at night.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Gunstock Campground, which has “lots of land to walk the dogs” and a nice pool.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: At Waterville Campground, quiet hours are strictly enforced. One camper said, “You also have to whisper if you want to stay up and hang out around the campfire.”
  • Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with games or crafts, especially at campgrounds like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where there are “lots of great spots on the water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should confirm site sizes at places like Gunstock Campground, which is “big rig friendly.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, including Waterville Campground, do not offer electric hookups. One reviewer noted, “No electric hookups.”
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots like Tripoli Road can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends. A camper advised, “Be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout.”

Camping in New Hampshire is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in New Hampshire for families?

New Hampshire offers excellent family-friendly campgrounds with amenities that keep children entertained. Bear Brook State Park Campground stands out as the state's largest park with family-friendly facilities including play structures, a camp store, swimming beach, and even a baseball diamond. Families will appreciate the numerous trails and ponds to explore. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is another excellent option, offering beautiful lakeside views and a well-maintained family atmosphere. The small, family-owned operation provides a peaceful setting where kids can enjoy water activities and parents can relax with scenic vistas. Both campgrounds provide the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and necessary amenities that make camping with children manageable and fun.

Where are the most scenic camping sites in New Hampshire state parks?

New Hampshire's state parks offer breathtaking scenic camping with natural beauty at every turn. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park provides spectacular mountain views and streamside sites in one of the state's most picturesque regions. The campground serves as an ideal base for exploring the dramatic scenery of Franconia Notch. Jigger Johnson Campground along the scenic Kancamagus Highway offers another stunning option with sites nestled among beautiful forest surroundings. The location provides easy access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and the natural wonders of the White Mountains. Both campgrounds showcase New Hampshire's diverse landscapes, from majestic mountain panoramas to peaceful woodland settings.

What are the most accessible places to camp in NH for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors to New Hampshire will find several easily accessible campgrounds that provide a welcoming introduction to camping in the Granite State. The Pastures Campground offers an ideal starting point with spacious sites featuring tables and fire rings, clean facilities including bathrooms, showers, and even a laundry room. Its location near the Vermont border provides convenient access while still delivering authentic New Hampshire camping. Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins is another excellent choice for newcomers, offering riverside camping with ample parking and proximity to popular attractions like Clark's Trading Post. The campground's straightforward setup and convenient location make it perfect for those just beginning their New Hampshire camping adventures.