In the stunning state of New Hampshire (NH), there are several gorgeous campgrounds that provide amazing vistas, exhilarating outdoor pursuits, and a tranquil setting. There are lots of options available, whether you want to relax in the beautiful outdoors, enjoy hiking, or both. This article will examine some of the top campgrounds in New Hampshire (NH) that provide the ideal blend of modern conveniences and scenic beauty.
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#1. White Lake State Park Campground – Tamworth, NH
This is one of the campgrounds in New Hampshire (NH) for families. White Lake, which is off Route 16 near Tamworth, has long been a popular family camping destination. It is accessible to food and shopping (Dunkin’ Donuts is only a quarter mile away) and it is handy to the Seacoast (less than an hour from my home in Rochester). The lake offers two playgrounds, a shallow, sandy swimming area, a safe sandy beach, and a simple trail that circles the lake.
Also, the camp store rents boats and tubes (non-motorized allowed). The pure mountain lake and the White Mountains in the distance are also beautiful to me. The campsite provides coin-operated showers, running water, and roomy sites for both tents and RVs. You can make reservations online.
#2. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground – Nottingham, NH
This is also one of the campgrounds in New Hampshire (NH) where families can have a good time. Portsmouth is approximately 40 minutes to the west of Pawtuckaway State Park. This state park, which is perched on the expansive Pawtuckaway Lake, provides boating, swimming, fishing, a beach, hiking, horseback riding, and a playground. Similar to White Lake, the campground has public restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers.
Electricity is not available at tent sites. There are a few rustic cottage rentals with electricity in Pawtuckaway if you’re searching for something a little cozier.
#3. Glen Ellis Campground – Glen, NH
Glen Ellis Family Campsite is a personal, family-run campground in the White Mountains that is situated off Highway 302 in Glen, New Hampshire. It provides many amenities that aren’t offered at a state-run campground, such as laundry, a pool, a playground, sports courts, and rental RVs.
For those who enjoy the water, the campground is situated between the Ellis and Saco rivers, which are known for their relaxing tubing excursions, fishing spots, and swimming holes. It’s also in the region of New Hampshire I like best! Additionally, the White Mountains are adjacent to the thriving town of North Conway, offer breathtaking views, and provide hiking opportunities. Families with young children can also benefit from Storyland Theme Park’s close proximity—only one mile away!
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#4. Lafayette Place Campground
A great starting point for hiking and exploring the White Mountains is Franconia Notch State Park. This includes Lafayette Place Campsite. The Flume Gorge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, New England Ski Museum, swimming beach at Echo Lake, fly fishing at Profile Lake, recreational trail for cyclists, several waterfalls, and spots to see hawks and falcons are all located in the eight-mile valley that lies between the high peaks of the Kinsman and Franconia mountain ranges.
Moreover, campers can learn more about the area’s natural surroundings by participating in free interpretive nature programs. Besides, there are 97 spacious, wooded campsites for tents and RVs, all of which have fire pits. The campground is open all year, but only from mid-May to mid-October are showers and other services available.
#5. White Lake State Park
One of the bigger campgrounds in the White Mountains, NH, is White Lake, which has 203 campsites and a swimming area. When the ice was buried beneath glacial debris at the end of the Ice Age, a depression was left, and meltwater eventually filled. Guests can rent boats at the campground to go fishing or go around the lake on a route to observe beaver houses and identify loons. The beach and picnic area are also available for daytime usage, however, daily capacity restrictions are in place to avoid crowding. For young groups, a handful of the larger campsites are set aside.
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#6. Sugarloaf Campgrounds
The US Forest Service oversees the twin campgrounds Sugarloaf I and Sugarloaf II in the White Mountain National Forest. Both are well-liked by hikers, who don’t mind the lonely atmosphere of the widely spread camps or the absence of showers. The trailhead for the 2.8-mile, kid-friendly journey along the river to Zealand Falls Hut lies at the end of the access road, just a few yards from where the route ascends Sugarloaf Mountain.
The AMC Hut is a manned overnight shelter with views of Zealand Notch along the Appalachian Trail. Mt. Washington, with its trails and renowned Cog Railway, is only a few miles away.
#7. Beer Brook State Park
Bear Brook is the most constructed state park in New Hampshire. It is convenient for individuals who want to combine outdoor activities with more urban vacation activities. It is also close to the cities of Manchester and Concord. There are 101 campsites there, and guests can hire canoes and boats at Beaver Pond.
The park offers 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails in addition to a camp store, showers, laundry facilities, and RV dumping stations. The Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum and two archery ranges are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum is also there.
#8. Huttopia
The first glamping resort in New Hampshire, Huttopia, offers opulent tents with wooden floors, genuine mattresses, linens, electricity, and refrigerators. Trappeur safari tents resemble little canvas homes with two curtained bedrooms, indoor baths, and miniature kitchens with a sink and cooking equipment. The only difference between Trappeurs and Canadienne tents is that they lack restrooms.
Large platform-mounted tents called “Bonaventure” are furnished with power, a double bed, a fridge, a lamp, a gas cook stove, a picnic table, and a fire ring but lack an eating area and cookware. A sizable tiled swimming pool and a sizable terrace with café tables are located in the center of Huttopia, where you can eat made-to-order French crepes and cappuccinos for breakfast. Likewise, an adorable, tiny Airstream trailer is used to serve pizza and ice cream.
#9. Jigger Johnson and Blackberry Crossing
In the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, Jigger Johnson and Blackberry Crossing are two campgrounds that are separated by six miles. Jigger Johnson is bigger than Blackberry Crossing and includes 74 tent and RV sites as well as more amenities. Both locations have hand pumps for water delivery, while Jigger Johnson offers coin-operated showers for campers.
Furthermore, a self-guided tour allows visitors to learn more about the former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp at Blackberry Crossing from the 1930s. Meanwhile, there are routes going to the stunning Sabbaday Waterfall, Mt. Chocorua, and a number of other summits. Both campgrounds don’t accept reservations for campsites.
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#10. Dry River Campground
In the White Mountains’ Crawford Notch State Park, a small pet-friendly campground called Dry River Campground can be found. In a wooded area, there are thirty tent sites, some of which feature lean-tos. On-site amenities include flushing toilets, a laundry room, and showers. There are no hookups for RVs. The Willey House is a 2.5-mile stroll from the campground via the Saco River Trail, and the nearest store is three miles away by automobile.
The Sam Willey Trail, a mile long, and the Pond Loop Trail can both be started from here (half a mile). A half-mile stroll from the start of the 200-foot Arethusa Falls route is the Ripley Falls Trail, which leads to a 100-foot waterfall with a lovely spot to stop and relax. A 20-mile drive will bring you to North Conway, the site of the Conway Scenic Railroad, and a number of independently owned stores and eateries.
How Many Campgrounds Are in NH?
There are 23 state park campgrounds in New Hampshire that have amenities in lovely settings and are open to individuals, families, and youth organizations. Primitive camping, cabin, and yurt rentals, full-service RV hookups, and lean-tos are just a few of the camping options.
Can You Camp Anywhere in NH?
Except at designated “vehicle campgrounds,” no camping or campfires are allowed in state parks in New Hampshire. Use of any overnight facility is restricted to three consecutive nights in Vermont’s Green Mountains.
How to Reserve a Campsite in New Hampshire?
Online campsite reservations can be made at any time, up to 11 months in advance. Dial 1-877-NHParks, a dedicated toll-free number, to make a reservation through the ReserveAmerica Call Center (1-877-647-2757).