10 Best Campgrounds in New Hampshire
The state of New Hampshire has many exciting things to do and see. One of the most stimulating ways to visit this beautiful state is by camping. The good news is that there are a large number of places in New Hampshire where people can go camping for free or cheap.
1. Fire Tower Park, Crawford Notch State Park, North Woodstock
Located at the summit of Mt. Willard, along with one of only two remaining fire towers in the state, this facility offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Video Overview: Crawford Notch State Park
2. Sunnyside Campground, Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown
The camping areas are situated on a hillside along the shore of Bear Brook Reservoir and are surrounded by mature hardwood forests. There are 76 campsites. Some sites offer scenic views of the reservoir, while others are tucked away in the trees for privacy.
Video Overview: Limitless Adventure: Bear Brook State Park
3. Folsom Point Campground, Crawford Notch State Park, Gorham
This is an adults-only campground on the shore of the Great Gulf Wilderness. The facility offers convenient access to the Presidential range and a variety of outdoor activities. The camping area is set up for tent or motor home camping. There are 150 campsites.
Video Overview: Beals Point Campground, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (CA)
4. Zealand Campground, Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln
This facility is on a wooded hillside above the Pemigewasset River near Zealand Road Bridge and offers convenient access to many activities in the park, including a pool, hiking trails, and a nearby visitor center. There are 81 campsites.
Video Overview: Zealand Campground White Mountain National Forest – CampgroundViews.com
5. North End Campground, Cannon Mountain, Franconia Notch State Park, Lincoln
The facility is a short walk from the Franconia Notch Recreational Trail. The site offers panoramic views of Franconia Notch and surrounding mountains. There are 101 campsites.
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6. Highland Center Campground, Crawford Notch State Park, North Woodstock
This facility is located in the White Mountain National Forest. It sits on the shore of a mountain lake with sparkling waters surrounded by woodlands and offers beautiful views. There are 48 campsites.
7. Sutton Campground, Attitash State Park at Bear Peak, Bartlett
The area features 1,200 feet of shoreline on Bear Lake. There are 74 campsites and a boat launch for non-motorized watercraft.
8. North Conway East Campground, White Mountain National Forest
This facility is located in the Saco River Valley near Echo Lake State Park. It offers spectacular views of surrounding mountains and access to hiking trails and all the recreational activities in the White Mountain National Forest. There are 82 campsites.
9. Bear Brook State Park Campground, Allenstown
This facility is adjacent to Bear Brook Reservoir and offers hiking, boating, and a wide range of other outdoor recreation opportunities. It is well known for its scenic beauty with its location on a hillside. There are 97 campsites.
10. Echo Lake Campground, White Mountain National Forest, North Conway
The facility has direct access to the Saco River and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails. The area is popular for its scenic beauty, wonderful swimming beach, and proximity to other recreational opportunities located nearby in the White Mountain National Forest. There are 154 campsites.
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Do New Hampshire state parks have cabins?
Yes, the New Hampshire state parks that have cabins are:
- Derryfield Campgrounds and Conference Center
- Bear Island Campgrounds, RR 2, Box 214
- White Lake Family Campground and RV Park
- Lincoln Woods State Park
- Echo Lake State Park
- Franconia Notch State Park
- Crawford Notch State Park
- Pillsbury State Park
- White River Junction Campground and RV Park
- Sunset Hill Campground
How much is a seasonal campsite in New Hampshire?
A seasonal site at White Lake Family Campground and RV Park costs $850 for a presidential suite, $775 for an executive cabin, or $650 for a standard cabin.
Can you camp anywhere in the White Mountains?
Yes, there is dispersed camping available throughout the White Mountain National Forest. There are also seven designated recreation areas where camping within 150 feet of trails or water sources is allowed: Kancamagus Highway (11-mile stretch between Lincoln and Conway); East Side Road, Pinkham B (in the Jackson/Pinkham Notch area); Moose Brook (in the Crawford Notch area); Pitchoff Ranger District (off Route 73 between Lake Placid and Keene Valley); Upper Works (near Newcomb); East Branch Saco River (on Kinsman Ridge off I-93 at Exit 32); and the White Mountain National Forest (all areas).
How old do you have to be to rent a campsite in New Hampshire?
In order to rent a campsite for one night, you need to be at least 16 years of age.
If you are under 16 years old, you will need to have an adult with you when renting a campsite.
Do New Hampshire state parks have electricity?
No, the New Hampshire state parks do not have electricity. Many of them do, however, offer water and sewer hookups for those with recreational vehicles (RVs).
Only secluded springs, lean-tos, and cabins at Derryfield Campgrounds and Conference Center have electricity.
Conclusion
New Hampshire has some great campgrounds with both primitive and developed camping facilities to choose from. They also have cabins available in certain state parks for a fee of $850 per presidential suite, $775 per executive cabin, or $650 per standard cabin. Most parks are open year-round; however, some close for low-use periods in winter and early spring.
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