Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire

New Hampshire may be small in size, but it delivers an outsized camping experience thanks to its dramatically varied landscape. From the towering presence of the White Mountains to the serene shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Granite State offers outdoor enthusiasts a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Dense forests of maple, birch, and pine create a stunning backdrop that transforms dramatically with the seasons—from the vibrant greens of summer to the world-famous explosion of color that defines New England’s fall. Whether you’re seeking challenging hikes to granite summits, peaceful paddling on pristine lakes, or simply a quiet escape among towering trees, New Hampshire’s campgrounds provide access to some of the Northeast’s most spectacular natural settings. Join us as we explore the best places to pitch a tent or park an RV in this outdoor playground.

White Mountain National Forest – Franconia Notch Campground

Number of Campsites: 97
Reservation Website: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233468
Address: Franconia Notch Parkway, Franconia, NH 03580

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire’s most dramatic mountain landscape, Franconia Notch Campground offers an immersive wilderness experience with surprising accessibility. The campground sits within the stunning mountain pass known as Franconia Notch, where sheer granite cliffs rise thousands of feet on either side, creating a natural corridor that has inspired artists and adventurers for centuries.

The campsites wind through a mixed forest of spruce, fir, birch, and maple, offering varied levels of privacy. The mountain air carries the sweet fragrance of balsam fir, particularly noticeable in the early morning hours when mist often clings to the forest floor. The gentle sound of Lafayette Brook provides a soothing natural soundtrack at many sites.

Each morning, the rising sun gradually illuminates the surrounding peaks, including the iconic profile of Cannon Mountain with its famous (though now fallen) Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. As light filters through the trees, chickadees and red squirrels become active around the campground, while lucky campers might spot a moose in nearby wetlands during dawn or dusk.

From your campsite, an incredible array of outdoor adventures awaits. The Appalachian Trail passes nearby, offering day-hike options ranging from moderate woodland walks to challenging mountain ascents. The Franconia Ridge Loop—considered one of the best day hikes in America—delivers hikers to an exposed alpine ridge with 360-degree views that stretch across four states and into Canada on clear days.

For those seeking less strenuous activities, the Basin features a spectacular granite pothole carved by glacial meltwater, while Flume Gorge offers an easy boardwalk trail through a narrow, moss-covered ravine with walls rising 90 feet on either side. Echo Lake Beach provides swimming opportunities with a stunning mountain backdrop.

The campground offers flush toilets and drinking water but maintains a rustic character with no hookups for RVs. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table where campers gather in the evening as temperatures drop and stars begin to appear above the notch’s distinctive profile.

The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with fall being particularly spectacular as the surrounding forest transforms into a kaleidoscope of red, orange, and gold. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and during peak foliage season.

Lake Winnipesaukee – Ellacoya State Park

Number of Campsites: 37
Reservation Website: nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/ellacoya-state-park
Address: 280 Scenic Road, Gilford, NH 03249

On the shores of New Hampshire’s largest lake sits Ellacoya State Park, where camping meets beach vacation in perfect harmony. This small but perfectly situated campground offers something increasingly rare in the Lakes Region—direct public access to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, with stunning views of the Ossipee Mountains rising beyond the opposite shore.

The campground features two loops with sites arranged to maximize lake views and access. RV sites line one side with full hookups, while tent sites occupy more secluded spots. The gentle lapping of waves against the shoreline creates a relaxing backdrop day and night, occasionally joined by the distant purr of a boat motor or the call of loons echoing across the water.

Ellacoya’s crowning jewel is its 600-foot sandy beach, a remarkable feature in a region where rocky shorelines predominate. Here, the bottom slopes gently into deeper water, making it ideal for families with children. Morning reveals the lake at its most serene, its surface often as smooth as glass, perfectly reflecting the mountains and sky until the day’s first boats create ripples across the expanse.

The waterfront location makes this campground a paradise for water enthusiasts. Swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing can all be enjoyed directly from the park. The bass fishing is particularly renowned, with early morning anglers often rewarded with impressive catches. As evening approaches, the lake becomes a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets that paint the sky and water in vibrant oranges and pinks.

Campsites include fire rings and picnic tables, while modern bathhouses provide hot showers and flush toilets. The RV sites feature water, electric, and sewer hookups—a level of service uncommon in New Hampshire state parks. Though sites sit relatively close together, the stunning lake views and excellent facilities more than compensate for the limited privacy.

The campground operates from late May through labor day weekend. Its prime location and limited number of sites mean reservations fill extremely quickly, often months in advance, particularly for waterfront sites and summer weekends. The park’s central location in the Lakes Region makes it an ideal base for exploring attractions beyond the immediate area, including countless restaurants, shops, and activities around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Mount Monadnock – Gilson Pond Campground

Number of Campsites: 35
Reservation Website: nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/monadnock-state-park
Address: 585 Dublin Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452

In the southwestern corner of New Hampshire stands the distinct profile of Mount Monadnock, rising in solitary grandeur above the surrounding landscape. At its base lies Gilson Pond Campground, a relatively new facility that provides direct access to what’s often called the world’s second-most climbed mountain (after Japan’s Mount Fuji).

The campground sits nestled among mixed hardwood and conifer forests, with sites thoughtfully arranged to provide a sense of seclusion. Many campsites back onto woodland, where the forest floor is covered with ferns and woodland wildflowers that change with the passing seasons—trillium and lady’s slippers in spring, blackberries in summer, and a carpet of fallen leaves in autumn.

A small pond lies at the heart of the campground, reflecting the surrounding trees and offering a peaceful spot for morning contemplation or evening relaxation. The chorus of frogs emerges as dusk approaches, accompanied by the distinctive call of whip-poor-wills during summer months. The night sky reveals an impressive display of stars, with the darker southern horizon allowing the Milky Way to shine prominently on clear nights.

Of course, the main attraction here is Mount Monadnock itself. At 3,165 feet, it’s far from the tallest peak in New Hampshire, but its isolated position creates 100-mile views that extend to all six New England states on clear days. The campground connects directly to trail networks leading to the summit, allowing campers to get an early start before day-hikers arrive.

For those seeking less strenuous activities, the surrounding forests offer gentle walking paths, excellent bird watching, and seasonal berry picking. The nearby town of Jaffrey provides small-town New England charm with historic architecture, local eateries, and shops selling regional specialties.

The campground features a mix of tent-only sites and RV-compatible spots, though no hookups are available. Modern bathhouses provide flush toilets and hot showers, while each site includes the standard fire ring and picnic table. Several walk-in sites offer additional privacy for tent campers willing to carry their gear a short distance.

Operating from May through October, Gilson Pond Campground experiences its highest demand during summer weekends and fall foliage season. The relative solitude of spring and early summer weekdays offers opportunities to enjoy this special place with fewer neighbors. Wildlife sightings increase during these quieter periods, with deer, turkey, and foxes frequently spotted near the campground.

Crawford Notch State Park

Number of Campsites: 36
Reservation Website: nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/crawford-notch-state-park
Address: 1464 US Route 302, Hart’s Location, NH 03812

Deep within the White Mountains’ most dramatic pass lies Crawford Notch State Park, where vertical granite cliffs and cascading waterfalls create a landscape of raw natural power. The small Dry River Campground provides an intimate base for exploring this spectacular region, offering a genuine wilderness experience despite its accessibility.

The campground sits beside the gentle Saco River as it flows through the notch, with sites arranged in a single loop beneath a canopy of mixed northern hardwoods and conifers. The sound of water moving over rocks provides constant natural music, occasionally punctuated by the distant rumble of Arethusa Falls after heavy rain. In the mornings, mist often fills the notch, creating an ethereal atmosphere as sunlight gradually penetrates the valley.

Each rustic campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets and drinking water available in the campground. The lack of showers and hookups helps maintain the location’s wilderness character, attracting campers seeking an authentic outdoor experience rather than modern conveniences.

Crawford Notch offers some of New Hampshire’s most spectacular hiking opportunities. More than a dozen waterfalls dot the surrounding area, ranging from easily accessible Silver Cascade (visible from the highway) to the 160-foot Arethusa Falls, reached via a moderate 1.5-mile trail. For experienced hikers, challenging peaks like Mount Willey and Mount Webster rise directly from the notch, their trails climbing steeply to ridgelines with breathtaking views back down into the valley.

The historic Crawford Notch Depot (now a visitor center) sits nearby, offering information about the area’s rich history as a crucial transportation corridor. The Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center provides additional resources, including guided walks, equipment rentals, and educational programs about mountain ecology.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose frequently sighted in marshy areas early and late in the day. Beavers maintain active lodges along the river, while numerous bird species—including the striking pileated woodpecker—inhabit the surrounding forest.

The camping season runs from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend, with reservations strongly recommended during summer months and fall foliage season. Early June and late September often provide the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds.

Pawtuckaway State Park

Number of Campsites: 192
Reservation Website: nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/pawtuckaway-state-park
Address: 128 Mountain Road, Nottingham, NH 03290

In southeastern New Hampshire, less than an hour from the coast, Pawtuckaway State Park protects a landscape of remarkable diversity. Glacial boulders, a mountain ridge formed from an ancient ring dike, expansive marshlands, and a scenic lake combine to create one of the state’s most popular camping destinations.

The campground spans multiple loops with sites scattered among pine and oak forest. Some sections offer close proximity to neighbors in a more social setting, while other loops provide greater privacy among the trees. The ground is typically covered with pine needles that release their distinctive fragrance with each step, creating a sensory experience that evokes childhood memories for many New England campers.

Pawtuckaway Lake forms the heart of the park, with a swimming beach that becomes the center of activity on warm summer days. The clear water reflects the surrounding forests and sky, with Mount Pawtuckaway visible from many vantage points. Early mornings often reveal a layer of mist hovering over the lake’s surface, gradually burning off as the sun rises higher.

The park offers recreational opportunities for every interest. A network of hiking trails ranges from easy lakeside strolls to moderate climbs up Pawtuckaway’s small mountains. The Boulder Field—a collection of massive glacial erratics—attracts rock climbers from across the region who test their skills on these natural features. Paddlers explore the lake and marshlands, where beaver lodges and great blue heron nests can be spotted among the reeds.

For families, the campground provides an ideal introduction to outdoor recreation. The beach area includes a designated swimming zone with gradual entry, while rental boats allow exploration of the lake’s coves and islands. Fishing opportunities abound, with bass, perch, and pickerel among the common catches.

Facilities include flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water. Sites come equipped with the standard fire ring and picnic table, but no hookups are available. The campground’s size means that while popular loops can feel busy during peak season, quieter sections can usually be found.

The camping season extends from early May through Columbus Day, with peak demand occurring on summer weekends. Fall brings spectacular color to the mixed forest, with the oaks and maples creating a canopy of red and gold above the evergreen pines. Spring offers the delight of woodland wildflowers carpeting the forest floor and chorus frogs announcing the season’s change from nearby wetlands.

Final Thoughts About Camping in New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s campgrounds showcase the remarkable diversity packed into this small but mighty state. From the towering granite peaks and notches of the White Mountains to the serene lake shores and boulder fields of the southern region, these camping destinations provide gateways to natural experiences that define New England’s outdoor character.

What makes these campgrounds special goes beyond their physical settings. There’s something in the quality of experience they offer—the way morning mist rises from a mountain pond, how sunlight filters through a canopy of maple leaves, the distinctive call of a loon echoing across lake waters at dusk. These sensory moments create connections to place that remain long after tents are packed away.

The optimal camping season runs from late May through early October, with each period offering its own rewards. Early summer brings woodland wildflowers and rushing waterfalls fed by snowmelt. Midsummer offers warm days perfect for swimming and extended daylight hours for hiking. Fall transforms the landscape with world-famous foliage displays that draw visitors from around the globe.

Whether you’re seeking challenging mountain adventures, family-friendly base camps, or peaceful forest retreats, New Hampshire’s diverse campgrounds deliver experiences that capture the essence of outdoor New England. In a region where the natural and cultural heritage run deep, these special places provide perfect settings to create lasting memories while connecting with the distinctive character of the Granite State.