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Best Equestrian Camping in New Hampshire

46 Reviews

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.

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Best Equestrian Sites in New Hampshire (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in New Hampshire

46 Reviews of 5 New Hampshire Campgrounds

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2018

    Hancock Campground

    Semi Private Group Campground

    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. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.

    FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.

  • Carolyn S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2022

    Gunstock Campground

    Gunstock Mountain

    I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2018

    Hancock Campground

    Year-round campground with riverfront tent sites & standard sites

    I haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.

    If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.

    Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.

    If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.

    Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.

  • C
    May. 29, 2021

    Hancock Campground

    Riverside Paradise

    Most amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.

  • Tara S.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Hancock Campground

    Loved the Walk-In Tent Sites!

    Hancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.

    We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.

    Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.

  • Sara D.
    Aug. 24, 2020

    Gunstock Campground

    Pretty Decent Little Camping Spot

    Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites, platform on campsite, pool and playground available, camp store, bike & Segway trails, quick access to some of NH’s most beautiful mountains. Staff is friendly. Cons: So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!

  • M
    May. 1, 2019

    Hancock Campground

    Great location

    I stayed at Hancock campground in mid April this year. Great clean accessible bathrooms, beautiful grounds and large campgrounds. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are both walk-in and drive up tent sites. The walk-in sites are directly next to the beautiful Pemi River. Great overall would return again.

  • Ann P.
    Oct. 30, 2023

    Hancock Campground

    Pretty but not clean

    Some pros and lots of cons. We stayed at a walk-in site by the river.

    I never fully appreciated just how much camp hosts do. There was no ranger and no host. We arrived early on a Thursday, hopeful we could get a spot by the water. There are only two spots that are truly private in any way. They were both taken- fine. However, one of the groups had not registered and stayed until 4 or 5pm until everyone else had already set up for the day…then they left! So uncool. The site went unused because at that point, no one was going to move all their stuff. Maybe a camp host would’ve noticed that?

    The sites were FILTHY with trash, dog poop and food waste. Pretty crazy considering this was supposed to be a bear area. There was also a bad smell wafting around, hmm…maybe because of the trash and dog poop? Stepping in dog poop and trying to clean off your boots is a significant bummer. The site we were stuck at also had ashes and chunks of wood all over the picnic table. Cleaning up this much in order to feel comfortable really sucked.

    There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full.

    There is a bridge nearby but the river covered any vehicle noise very well. It was also nice to be right off the highway and five minutes from town, yet it felt like a proper national forest experience.

    There’s an upper loop with drive in sites. They didn’t seem very private and you could see the road. I wouldn’t stay up there.

    Being by the river was beautiful. I would stay here again, but with more preparation for the campground’s limitations.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2024

    Hancock Campground

    A little cramped, great location though

    Open year round. Most sites are close together with very little privacy

    A few sites are pretty much right on the river which is awesome. There's a nearby swimming hole. Campground is only short drive away from an endless amount of hiking options

Guide to New Hampshire

Horse camping in New Hampshire offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Hancock Campground provides access to walk-in sites and is located near numerous hiking options, making it a great base for equestrian adventures.
  • Gunstock Campground features spacious sites and electric hookups, ensuring comfort for both campers and their horses.
  • Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers full hookups and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for those traveling with horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • At Ramblewood Cabins and Campground, you’ll find ample space for horse trailers and easy access to riding trails.
  • Tippicanoe Campground is well-reviewed for its clean facilities and proximity to excellent hiking and tubing opportunities, making it a fun spot for horse camping.
  • Gunstock Campground also features a dog park, which can be a bonus for those bringing along canine companions.

Tips for equestrian camping in New Hampshire

  • When visiting Hancock Campground, arrive early to secure a good spot, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Be prepared for close quarters at Tippicanoe Campground, where sites are close together, but the beautiful surroundings make it worthwhile.
  • Always check for nearby amenities and services, as Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers a general store and grill for convenient meals during your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at New Hampshire horse camping facilities?

Horse camping facilities in New Hampshire typically offer essential amenities tailored to equestrian needs. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park provides multiple access options (drive-in, hike-in, walk-in), potable water, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly for those with larger horse trailers. Many New Hampshire horse campgrounds feature dedicated paddock areas, hitching posts, and manure disposal systems. Some facilities offer access to wash racks, feed stores, and even on-site stables. Campgrounds typically maintain proximity to trailheads for convenient riding access while providing comfortable human accommodations with picnic areas, fire rings, and shower facilities.

Where can I find horse campgrounds in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers several excellent horse campgrounds across the state. Tippicanoe Campground provides drive-in access with reservable sites specifically designed for equestrian camping. For those seeking a more rustic experience with beautiful trail access, Ramblewood Cabins and Campground near Pittsburg welcomes horses with designated areas for both camping and staging. Both campgrounds offer essential facilities like water access and toilets, making them comfortable bases for horse enthusiasts exploring New Hampshire's scenic landscapes.

Are there trail riding opportunities from horse campgrounds in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers excellent trail riding directly from horse campgrounds. Gunstock Campground provides access to numerous trails ideal for horseback riding, with options for walking, hiking, and biking paths that accommodate equestrian use. The campground's location offers tranquil, secluded spots while maintaining proximity to adventure activities. The White Mountains region, accessible from Hancock Campground, features extensive trail networks suitable for horseback riding, with beautiful riverside terrain and connections to longer trail systems. Many New Hampshire horse campgrounds connect directly to state and federal trail systems, offering everything from short scenic loops to challenging day-long rides.

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