Best Dog-Friendly Camping 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 Dog-Friendly Sites in New Hampshire (243)

    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

    "Domestic pets allowed, no proof of vaccination required. Can hear the traffic from the nearby road occasionally but not consistently."

    "Even though my dog joined in with some other camp dogs barking at people walking by (sorry neighbors), no one seemed to mind."

    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!"

    "Easy to get in, out, and around to the sites. Our campsite backed up to a babbling creek that was perfect to wake up to!"

    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."

    "The loop/trials across the street was a great walk for the dogs. There is a Walmart close by and tractor supply less then 5 minutes away for forgotten or need supplies. We stayed at campsite 7"

    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."

    "The park is very dog friendly for camping as well as hiking. The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites.

    Will definitely be returning!"

    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

    "Close to groceries, the outlets, plenty of restaurants. Across the street to the North is the fabulous Rosie's Diner, a homey place with amazing food and home-baked bread."

    "White Lake has large sites, a gorgeous lake with a pair of resident loons, and proximity to the White Mountains National Forest (hiking galore, river, history), the Saco River (tubing, etc.), and Conway"

    9. Crawford Notch Campground

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

    $25 / night

    "The scenic location is breathtaking and the variety of hiking trails around are great."

    "The scenic location is amazing and the variety of hiking trails around are great. We enjoy staying in the pet friendly yurt and also enjoying the tent sites as well."

    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."

    "Dog friendly 🐶"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in New Hampshire

1388 Reviews of 243 New Hampshire Campgrounds


  • Natali S.
    Nov. 23, 2023

    Private Field and Woods Camping

    The best holiday for the whole family

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is a true paradise for lovers of nature and secluded recreation. After spending several days here, I was delighted with the beauty of nature and the comfort that this unique camp offers. The first thing that catches your eye is the amazing landscape.

    Situated deep in the forests, the camp is surrounded by spacious fields and wild nature. Sunrises and sunsets at this place are a real miracle that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the moment. The camp itself provides unique opportunities for close contact with nature.

    The opportunity to locate your tent camp in a private field surrounded by forest creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and privacy. The absence of city noise and light pollution allows you to enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. The camp infrastructure also deserves the highest praise. Ecologically built showers and toilets provide everything you need for a comfortable stay away from civilization. Fire pits and cooking areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors.

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is the perfect place for those who want a real getaway in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I left this place with a feeling of complete relaxation and deep gratitude to the team who created this unique corner of nature.

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    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. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.

  • D
    Aug. 9, 2019

    Littleton / Franconia Notch KOA Holiday

    Top Notch

    We just spent 5 days at this wonderful campground. They have paid attention to all of the finer details. Beautiful landscaping, well leveled sites, very clean and neat. The staff is wonderful. My only disappointment with the camp is that there are only a few sites with sewer hookup. However, the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem. There is plenty to do in the area - Littleton is a beautiful little town. The old houses in are incredible. New Hampshire is not a dog friendly state, but a short Drive into Vermont gets you access to many fine restaurants where you can bring your dog. Be sure to visit Dog Mountain in Vermont- a truly touching memorial to departed pets.

  • Marla B.
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Chocorua KOA

    Beautiful campground in the mountains of NH

    The grounds are well maintained with flowers planted everywhere. Staff is extra friendly. Bathrooms and showers could use updating but were spotless. Very pet friendly with dog park, agility equipment, dog pond and dog wash.

  • Pawsfuradventure T.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Wakeda Campground, LLC

    Beautiful forest

    We stayed At Wakeda Campground overnight during a trip from Maine back to Long Island, NY. It was located very close off of 95 and allows pets. We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere. They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area. They also had a game room, miniature golf, coffee shop and dog park.

    The first campsite they assigned to us was very secluded but unfortunately, we were coming in during a major rainstorm. That site was a little flooded so we chose another. It still had beautiful trees surrounding it but not as secluded from neighbors. There are also many seasonal campers there but all of their sites were beautifully decorated with flowers and such. Everyone was friendly that we encountered during our stay.

    We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them.

    Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird. It would have been great if they offered a nature trail in the campground since the forest was so beautiful. There were paths that went into the woods but they were marked for employees only.

    The next day we wanted to go for a hike before we hit the road. Unfortunately, the state parks near the campsite do not allow dogs during late Spring to early Fall. Using our Bring Fido App, we found Rails to Trails nearby that we could bring our dog and hiking cat. We did the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail that was nice and shady, though flat, but a nice leisurely walk for all of us.

  • E
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Deer Mountain Campground

    Great for Birding

    I was shocked to find Deer Mountain mostly empty in the middle of summer.  It doesn’t have the amenities of some state parks, but nearby Lake Francis SP is available for showers, etc.  This is a great location for those who want to get away from the crowds and noise.  There’s a wide variety of birds for those who are interested.

    Site 28 is worth the short hike to get there.  Don’t be put off if you don’t have backpacking gear:  there is a wagon to help haul stuff to the site and back.  

    A few things to know, though:  the trees have grown and the view from the tent platform no longer looks like the photos on ReserveAmerica.  It’s a much more limited water view, but still gorgeous.  There are no trees suitable for hammock camping with a view.  And much of the site and surrounding area is a giant Canada Goose latrine.  (Imagine a dog park where no one has ever cleaned up after their pets.)

  • Kristen B.
    Sep. 15, 2016

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Everything You Need

    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. This extremely family-friendly campground comes equip with trails, play structures, camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond. The sites are fairly large and if you need some privacy, reserve site 12. There is a great trail that is around Beaver Pond, roughly 2-3 miles with plenty of opportunities for dogs to swim, yeah for dog friendly! This campground is beautiful, quiet in places and has everything you need for a great weekend away!

  • Frankie C.
    Sep. 7, 2018

    Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins

    Amazing little camp ground

    Great little campground

    spots for both campers and tents right along the river

    ample parking with great surrounding sights of New Hampshire as well as being next door to Clark’s trading post, a New Hampshire Tradition


Guide to New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. Here’s a look at some of the best campgrounds where pets are welcome.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include spacious sites and amenities

Dog owners appreciate the variety of activities available

Dog-friendly activities while camping near scenic landscapes

  • Lost River Valley Campground offers access to beautiful riverfront sites, where you can enjoy fishing and relaxing with your pet by your side.
  • At Umbagog Lake State Park Campground, you can kayak or canoe with your dog, providing a unique way to experience the stunning lake views.
  • Wakeda Campground, LLC features a dog park with an agility course, ensuring your pet has plenty of space to play and socialize while you enjoy the campground's amenities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which campgrounds in New Hampshire allow dogs and pets?

New Hampshire offers numerous pet-friendly camping options. Wakeda Campground, LLC welcomes pets and features beautiful forested sites with full hookups. Chocorua KOA is highly pet-friendly with extensive dog amenities. Most New Hampshire state parks also allow leashed pets at campgrounds, including Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, and Franconia Notch State Park. Private campgrounds like Country Bumpkins, The Pastures, and Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort typically welcome pets with specific restrictions. Always verify current pet policies when making reservations, as rules may change seasonally or annually.

What are the pet policies and restrictions at New Hampshire campgrounds?

Pet policies at New Hampshire campgrounds typically require dogs to be leashed (usually 6-foot maximum) at all times when outside your vehicle or RV. Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort and Pawtuckaway State Park Campground enforce these leash rules strictly. Common restrictions include prohibiting pets on beaches, in buildings, and in certain rental accommodations. Owners must clean up after their pets and not leave them unattended. Many campgrounds limit the number of pets per site (typically 2) and some have breed restrictions. Proof of rabies vaccination is commonly required, especially at state parks. Excessive barking is grounds for removal at most facilities without refund.

Are there any off-leash areas or pet amenities at New Hampshire campgrounds?

Autumn Hills Campground features a dedicated dog park where pets can play off-leash in a secure environment. Chocorua KOA offers exceptional pet amenities including a dog park with agility equipment, a special dog pond for swimming, and even a dog washing station. These features make it a standout destination for campers traveling with pets. Beyond these specialized facilities, most New Hampshire campgrounds require pets to remain leashed in all areas. Some campgrounds provide pet waste stations with bags and disposal bins along trails and in camping areas. While off-leash areas are limited, many campgrounds are situated near hiking trails where leashed pets are welcome.