Winchester, New Hampshire sits at the edge of the Monadnock Region, where the terrain features rolling hills and elevations ranging from 400-500 feet in town to nearby peaks exceeding 3,000 feet. Camping options within a 30-mile radius include both seasonal and year-round facilities, with temperatures averaging 45-80°F during the main camping season. Wooded sites typically provide more privacy while some lakefront options offer direct water access.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Monadnock: From Monadnock State Park, trails vary in difficulty with the White Dot Trail (2 miles up) being steeper than the White Cross Trail (2.5 miles down). "The White Dot Trail starts off flat, but that's very short-lived. The trail begins to climb steeply pretty early on. The second half of the trail is very steep with lots of rock scrambles," notes Tara S., who recommends starting early.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer pond or lake access for swimming and boating. At Jamaica State Park Campground, campers appreciate the riverside location. "My girlfriend and I stayed here May 11-13th... we hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail," shares Chris D.
Family activities: Several campgrounds within 30 miles of Winchester feature playgrounds, game areas, and organized events. "They have a great wiffleball park," mentions Salvatore P. about Woodmore Family Campground, while another camper at Tree Farm Campground notes they offer "some cute activities for the younger kids. Even blueberry picking on site."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping near Winchester. At Tree Farm Campground, visitors enjoy "spacious, wooded sites" with "trees between sites" that provide privacy. "The campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private," confirms Lee A.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance is frequently mentioned in positive reviews. Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres) earns praise for "the cleanest and nicest shower you will find in a campground," according to Mike B., while another visitor noted "bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean."
Natural swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer swimming in natural settings. Kathleen W. describes Chapman Acres as having "a hidden path nearby brings you to a canopy covered swing that overlooks the pond. Another path leads you to the canoe access." At Jamaica State Park, a reviewer mentioned you can "go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools."
What you should know
Winter availability limited: Most rv sites near Winchester, New Hampshire close between October and May. Field and Stream RV Park is an exception, operating "year round; higher rates Oct 15-May 1," though Jeanine S. confirms they "offer all year round camping. Great site right next to the water."
Cell service variability: Connectivity depends on specific location. At Jamaica State Park, a camper reports, "find something that you dont like about this park... go ahead, ill wait. small town general store, no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Seasonal crowds: Weekend and holiday periods see significant increases in visitors. At Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park, John L. observed it was "Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday/Saturday."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local fauna. Ralph L. at Kampfires had a surprise: "when I went to hook up the water, a pile of fresh bear scat was right there! They did say there was wildlife in the area!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with amenities: Sites with multiple activities keep children engaged. Sammii D. describes Kampfires as having "mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer... a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works."
Consider swimming options: Water features are popular with children. Nicole from Sandy Beach Campground shares that "Playground is on the beach. They don't allow sparklers so that was a bummer ok the 4th, but still got to see fireworks. Showers are free. We would stay again!"
Waterfall hikes: Many accessible trails lead to waterfalls. Fransheska A. describes Jamaica State Park as a "Nice little weekend getaway. Clean bathrooms, roomy tent sites, nice staff. Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place with beautiful hikes to Hamilton falls."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At RV campsites near Winchester, New Hampshire, consider advance research. John L. notes at Woodmore Family Campground: "Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy."
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer on-site laundry. "Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines," reports John L. about Woodmore.
Utility details: Check the specifics of hookups before arrival. Robert M. at Sandy Beach Campground explains, "RV Spots, tent camping spots... Its close to Brattleboro and Putney and just across the border to New Hampshire." While Field and Stream RV Park provides full hookup sites and 30-amp service year-round.
