From sitting in the breeze at campsites along Maine’s famous coast, to forested campgrounds high up in the White Mountains, New England offers something for every kind of camper. You could grab some live lobsters from the camp store at Smuggler’s Den and have a lobster bake. Maybe a glamping getaway at Normandy Farms, just an hour outside of Boston, is in order. How about cruising the waters of Lake Champlain in search of Champ the sea monster? (Don’t forget to leave a review if you happen to spot him). You have a lot of adventures to choose from in this region rich in outdoor traditions. Start by checking out this list of the 10 most popular campgrounds in New England, selected by campers like you.
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1. Dry River Campground — New Hampshire
Image from The Dyrt camper Michelle K.
The Dyrt campers chose a campground tucked among the White Mountains of New Hampshire as their top campsite in New England. Dry River Campground, located in the heart of Crawford Notch State Park, sits within the Crawford Notch mountain pass between the Saco and Dry rivers within the White Mountain National Forest. Campers flock here to access a swath of nearby hiking trails and mountains. Head to this campground to embark on switchback-less hikes in the Whites, swimming in nearby waterfalls or local attractions in Jackson.
Campers recommend sites 9 through 17 along the river “for beautiful river sounds and fresh mountain air coolness,” as The Dyrt camper Ashley J. says.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25
- Number of sites: 36
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
2. Schoodic Woods Campground — Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Jess S.
Schoodic Woods Campground is located on the only mainland section of Acadia National Park and is just an hour from the quaint coastal town of Bar Harbor. Schoodic Woods is considered the quieter and lesser-known part of Acadia National Park, but it offers up all the beauty without the usual crowds. In the words of The Dyrt camper Connor W., this campground is “just about as peaceful as it gets.”
Campground Details:
- Price: $22-50
- Number of sites: 50
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
3. Grand Isle State Park — Vermont
Image from The Dyrt camper Debbi B.
This top-rated Vermont campground is best known for being on South Hero Island, the largest island in Lake Champlain, famous for its iconic sunsets and great boating. The oldest-known fossil reef in the world is located here and some people have claimed to see a sea creature, who has been appropriately named Champ, swimming in the waters of Lake Champlain!
This campground offers kayak and canoe rentals so you can explore the surrounding waterways or even paddle across state lines to New York. Let us know if you spot Champ during your adventure!
Campground Details:
- Price: $19
- Number of sites: 119
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
The Easy Way to Find Last-Minute Campsites
Did you know some campers have:
- Pre-saved lists of hand-picked free camping across the US
- Text messages for last-minute openings
- Scans set up for National Park site openings
This is the easiest, most surefire way to find last-minute campsites every time, and it’s all included in the #1 camping membership called The Dyrt PRO. It costs just $35.99 per year and is an easy way to make sure you have better camping trips every time — and that you can actually find a spot last minute.
You can check it out for free today, you can even use it for free for 7 days to make sure you like it. After the trial it is $35.99 for a full year — most campers find it pays for itself after a night or two. If you camp more than 2 times per year, it may be perfect for you.
4. Sandy Pines Campground — Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Kathy L.
Camp along the coast of southern Maine at the beloved Sandy Pines Campground, highly regarded by The Dyrt campers for its location, accessibility and clean facilities. Glampers are welcome too and can choose from nine luxurious canvas tents.
If you’re an old-school camper enthusiast, make sure to book your stay for Vintage Camping Weekend June 10-12. Folks from all over will be showing off their classic Airstreams, retro RVs and antique pop-ups!
Campground Details:
- Price: $40-85
- Number of sites: 73
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
5. Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort — Massachusetts
Image from The Dyrt camper Kristine D.
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, just an hour southwest of Boston, is a crowd pleaser featuring luxury amenities with all the bells and whistles, including glamping yurts, a bike park, a dog park, indoor and outdoor pools, food trucks, a spa and more!
This high-end experience is perfect for those looking to dip their toes into camping — they even spray for bugs as The Dyrt camper Courtney Lopes F. mentions in her review.
Campground Details:
- Price: $50-200
- Number of sites: 400
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
6. Bar Harbor Campground — Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Camp a stone’s throw away from two of Maine’s most famous attractions: the cozy coastal town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor Campground offers secluded sites — including some with an ocean view — on the north shore of Mount Desert Island. Park your rig or pitch your tent just outside Acadia and only four miles from dining and shopping should you need to pop into town for a bite to eat or supplies.
Keep in mind that Bar Harbor Campground is first-come, first-served and does not accept credit cards. And don’t forget to check out the free Island Explorer shuttle service that stops at the campground from June 23 through Oct. 10 — it makes exploring Mount Desert Island a cinch!
Campground Details:
- Price: $24
- Number of sites: 135
- RV sites: no
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
7. White Lake State Park — New Hampshire
Camp beside the glacially formed White Lake just 20 miles south of outdoor hub North Conway. This lake offers a small oasis with views of the White Mountains in the distance. Please note that this is a family campground and has a curfew, which the staff enforces.
Campground Details:
- Price: $25-75
- Number of sites: 193
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: no
8. Little River State Park — Vermont
Image from The Dyrt camper Tara S.
Looking for the classic Vermont experience? Head to Little River State Park along the Waterbury reservoir in northern Vermont. This state park offers something for everyone. As The Dyrt camper Michele S. explains, “There’s swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and great mountain biking within the park.”
This park sits right between a variety of outdoor areas from the Bolton Crags for climbing and the Bolton Potholes for swimming to Stowe Mountain Resort and the Long Trail. If you like getting outdoors, you’ll find plenty to do in this area.
Campground Details:
- Price: $19
- Number of sites: 101
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
9. Smuggler’s Den Campground — Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Sam T.
Smuggler’s Den is the perfect campsite to enjoy Mount Desert Island and the Maine coastline without dealing with the crowds of Acadia National Park. We recommend visiting this campsite in the fall for brilliant foliage or during the summer so you can take a dip in the chilly North Atlantic.
If you’re hungry for a seafood feast, heed The Dyrt camper Kimberly H.’s suggestion and head to the camp store which “has LIVE lobsters for sale!”
Campground Details:
- Price: $11-85
- Number of sites: 117
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
10. Lily Bay State Park — Maine
Image from The Dyrt camper Shari G.
Pitch your tent or park your RV along the edge of Lily Bay, an inlet of Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in New England. This campsite is ideal for paddlers and hikers alike with the Appalachian Trail within driving distance or the two-mile Shoreline Trail accessible from your campsite.
The Dyrt camper Cheryl C. calls this campground “probably the best maintained Maine State Park,” making it a must-stay for New England locals and visitors!
Campground Details:
- Price: $20-30
- Number of sites: 243
- RV sites: yes
- Fires allowed: yes
- Pets allowed: yes
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