Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in New Hampshire with fishing

United States
—
New Hampshire

96% (653 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Hampshire

Available this weekend

Under $50

98%

(604)

Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH

The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.

98%

(20)

Deer Bear Mountain View

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Littleton, NH

A beautiful neighborhood campsite with forest and field views and Littleton, NH adjacent. Hiking, fishing, bike and OHV trails are very accessible (2- 10 mins) from the land. The site boasts of meadows and a forested area in addition to a melodious creek to sooth your night's sleep. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin. Take in all the White Mountains have to offer each season. We have a meadow for your own tent/camping, our own canvas tent with camping pads or airbed, or glamping in our insulated shed with a comfy bed, and solar charger for an extra $20/night. Compost toilet, solar shower, and spring water on site as well. You will thoroughly enjoy this serene nature getaway! 2 nights minimum required. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin.

Blue Heron Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Nelson, NH

I have been on this land for 40 years and have improved it but let nature reign. Animals that have passed through, and some have stayed: Birds, turkeys, owls, coyotes, bear , moose, deer, bobcat, squirrels, chip monks, voles and mice, raccoon, possum, fox, and fisher. Eggs and veggies for sale in season.

Duncan Lake Island

1 site · Tent1 acre · Center Ossipee, NH

Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach).

100%

(116)

Camp Ebb and Flow

10 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Orford, NH

Camp Ebb and Flow is located on the western edge of the White Mountains, near the crossing of the Appalachian Trail and a short drive to VT. Three lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hiking trails nearby. The camp offers RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer, an RV site with no hookups, and several tent sites. One of the tent sites has water and electricity and another has electricity with nearby water. There is an "outhouse" with a flush toilet and over six acres of mowed fields for activities and walking. There is also a lovely brook running through the property with many areas you can cool off in from the summer heat. This property has a lengthy history going back to colonial times. It’s been a farm, an apple orchard, and once had a sawmill. Please check the calendar for available dates. Check-in is no later than 9pm unless late arrival arrangements have been made prior to booking. Whenever possible, try to arrive before dark because there are no lights at most sites, which can make setup difficult. A note regarding electric vehicles (EV): If you have an electric vehicle and would like to tent camp, please select one of our full hookup RV sites. If you have the proper electric adapter for your vehicle, you can charge your vehicle at the 30A or 50A RV plug while tenting in the field near the RV site. We do not supply these adapters, and we cannot allow you to charge your vehicle unless you have reserved an RV site with full hookups. If you do not see an open site for the days you'd like to get away, please contact us. Sometimes we can make other arrangements, allowing you to stay.

12 top lakeside campgrounds in New Hampshire with fishing

98%

(20)

Deer Bear Mountain View

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Littleton, NH

A beautiful neighborhood campsite with forest and field views and Littleton, NH adjacent. Hiking, fishing, bike and OHV trails are very accessible (2- 10 mins) from the land. The site boasts of meadows and a forested area in addition to a melodious creek to sooth your night's sleep. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin. Take in all the White Mountains have to offer each season. We have a meadow for your own tent/camping, our own canvas tent with camping pads or airbed, or glamping in our insulated shed with a comfy bed, and solar charger for an extra $20/night. Compost toilet, solar shower, and spring water on site as well. You will thoroughly enjoy this serene nature getaway! 2 nights minimum required. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin.

Duncan Lake Island

1 site · Tent1 acre · Center Ossipee, NH

Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach).

99%

(68)

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH

The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.

Blue Heron Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Nelson, NH

I have been on this land for 40 years and have improved it but let nature reign. Animals that have passed through, and some have stayed: Birds, turkeys, owls, coyotes, bear , moose, deer, bobcat, squirrels, chip monks, voles and mice, raccoon, possum, fox, and fisher. Eggs and veggies for sale in season.

Camp Ebb and Flow

10 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Orford, NH

Camp Ebb and Flow is located on the western edge of the White Mountains, near the crossing of the Appalachian Trail and a short drive to VT. Three lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hiking trails nearby. The camp offers RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer, an RV site with no hookups, and several tent sites. One of the tent sites has water and electricity and another has electricity with nearby water. There is an "outhouse" with a flush toilet and over six acres of mowed fields for activities and walking. There is also a lovely brook running through the property with many areas you can cool off in from the summer heat. This property has a lengthy history going back to colonial times. It’s been a farm, an apple orchard, and once had a sawmill. Please check the calendar for available dates. Check-in is no later than 9pm unless late arrival arrangements have been made prior to booking. Whenever possible, try to arrive before dark because there are no lights at most sites, which can make setup difficult. A note regarding electric vehicles (EV): If you have an electric vehicle and would like to tent camp, please select one of our full hookup RV sites. If you have the proper electric adapter for your vehicle, you can charge your vehicle at the 30A or 50A RV plug while tenting in the field near the RV site. We do not supply these adapters, and we cannot allow you to charge your vehicle unless you have reserved an RV site with full hookups. If you do not see an open site for the days you'd like to get away, please contact us. Sometimes we can make other arrangements, allowing you to stay.

100%

(11)

Ladd Pond Cabins and Campground

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents187 acres · NH

Our property has 187 acres to explore and hiking trails. There is an 8-acre pond for fishing (catch and release), paddleboats, kayaks and Jon boats. There is no charge to use our paddleboats, kayaks, or Jon boats. In Stewartstown and the surrounding area, guests have so many natural attractions to visit, including Beaver Brook Falls and Lake Francis, both within 15 miles of the Ladd Pond. The Washburn Family Forest nearby is the perfect place to go for a hike through nature and spot local wildlife. For an action experience, guests can try the ATV trails or the exciting snowmobile trails in winter. Close to ATV trails and direct access to Snowmobile trails.

100%

(8)

Bagley Pond Waterside

1 site · Lodging300 acres · Warner, NH

Relax, swim and fish on a private 30 acre pond, just you and the resident beaver family. Our remote campsite is located a mile into a wooded 300 acre property surrounded by conservation land. The fishing is excellent from your choice of a row boat, canoe or two kayaks. Take a dip in the pond or unwind in a hammock overlooking the water and take in the peaceful surroundings and sounds of nature.

Field Camping on Hackett Hill Road

2 sites · Tents14 acres · Tamworth, NH

Beautiful and secluded tent camping in South Tamworth. Close proximity to hiking trails, great biking, lakes, rivers and ski areas. Walking distance to Whiteface Hollow wedding venue. Access to composting outhouse. The perfect getaway, adventure home base and incredibly convenient for wedding guests.

98%

(22)

Browns Ridge Family Farm!

6 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ossipee, NH

We are one of the first farms in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and was originally the first stage coach stop for the area. Our house built in 1750s and at one point had hundreds of acres passed down which were passed down from a kings grant The original area was named after the original settlers, the Browns. Our house was also tavern in the beginning. This property has only passed hands through 4 families and remained with the Browns for most of its life. It has stayed as a farm for most of its tenure. We own 40 acres of pasture and woods and would love for you to come stay!

Great North Woods Farm Lake Umbagog

11 sites · Tents5 acres · Errol, NH

Tucked away in the Lake Umbagog wilderness, we are a small privately-owned farm with the wonders of the area surrounding us. Boating and fishing? Check. Hiking and mountain-biking? Check. Swimming and Sailing? Check! All the fun and memories that go with camping and bonfires and outdoor cooking! Check! IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: We are intentionally remote, secluded, and off-grid. We are best accessed by water (1.3 mile paddle or motorboat), with a seasonal (May 15-December 1) 9-mile very rough (4wd) logging access road (minimum vehicle clearance 8in---seriously). For first-time guests arriving by road, you will need to be guided in---the property is impossible to find on your own (no gps, no map). If you arrive by road, please note that you must park (free/overnight/safe/secure) at a narrow trailhead and walk to the lakeside sites about 1/4 mile down the hill. We are happy to help you with your gear and have a couple of wheelbarrows and sometimes an ATV. So unless you want to RV/truck/car camp at the trailhead (definitely an option), it is tent-only camping on the lakeshore and garden sites. Please don't ask if you can drive your vehicle right down to the site---we don't even drive our own down. However you decide to arrive, we are happy to guide you at no extra charge. We do have cellular phone service on site and shoreline but not on the logging road in. [There is unfortunately no way for us to make the property accessible for guests who need the use of personal mobility equipment. Also, from experience, we MUST caution those with medical conditions that this is a WILDERNESS location, at least two hours from any medical facilities and very difficult to even medevac.] We have a small fishing boat (paddle only), 1 kayak, 3 mountain bikes, and a canoe for rent; firewood for purchase on site; your choice of spots to pitch a tent or use our raised platform. Join us for astonishing sunsets, breathtaking wildlife, and beautiful gardens. We can't wait to meet you!

100%

(13)

Lost Cloud Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents115 acres · Newport, NH

We offer over one hundred acres of open rolling meadows and hayfields, lined with old stonewalls lining the outline of a time when fields were cleared by hand and horse. Along your travels exploring you will find deer paths, and wild turkeys throughout the pine covered floor of the forest. Fireflies are out every night with the most beautiful stars displayed that you could ever imagine. As a young girl these were our stomping grounds galloping through the fields on our horses, and venturing into the forest. Catching frogs by the pond and late at night.... maybe with a favorite boy gazing at the stars and smiling at one another gently in the moonlight. It's a place as young adults we could have campfires a blazing and many friends pitching a tent to stay the night! It's a special place that encompasses all that one would want. We welcome you to experience the magic and adventure here with us. We have several locations that have campfire set ups waiting with your first firewood waiting! Pitch a tent, or ask us to do so for you! Come visit the farm animals, pick a fresh apple off of one of the trees. Pick your own wildflowers to take home with you. Coming as a family, tractor ride, come pick your own eggs.. bring your friendly dog to frolic through the fields, or to cool off in the pond.

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(73)

Blue Heron Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Nelson, NH

I have been on this land for 40 years and have improved it but let nature reign. Animals that have passed through, and some have stayed: Birds, turkeys, owls, coyotes, bear , moose, deer, bobcat, squirrels, chip monks, voles and mice, raccoon, possum, fox, and fisher. Eggs and veggies for sale in season.

Deer Bear Mountain View

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Littleton, NH

A beautiful neighborhood campsite with forest and field views and Littleton, NH adjacent. Hiking, fishing, bike and OHV trails are very accessible (2- 10 mins) from the land. The site boasts of meadows and a forested area in addition to a melodious creek to sooth your night's sleep. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin. Take in all the White Mountains have to offer each season. We have a meadow for your own tent/camping, our own canvas tent with camping pads or airbed, or glamping in our insulated shed with a comfy bed, and solar charger for an extra $20/night. Compost toilet, solar shower, and spring water on site as well. You will thoroughly enjoy this serene nature getaway! 2 nights minimum required. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin.

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH

The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.

Duncan Lake Island

1 site · Tent1 acre · Center Ossipee, NH

Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach).

Star Hosts in New Hampshire

98%

(20)

Deer Bear Mountain View

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · Littleton, NH

A beautiful neighborhood campsite with forest and field views and Littleton, NH adjacent. Hiking, fishing, bike and OHV trails are very accessible (2- 10 mins) from the land. The site boasts of meadows and a forested area in addition to a melodious creek to sooth your night's sleep. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin. Take in all the White Mountains have to offer each season. We have a meadow for your own tent/camping, our own canvas tent with camping pads or airbed, or glamping in our insulated shed with a comfy bed, and solar charger for an extra $20/night. Compost toilet, solar shower, and spring water on site as well. You will thoroughly enjoy this serene nature getaway! 2 nights minimum required. Propane heat is available for cool weather or Winter camping in our Glamping Cabin.

Duncan Lake Island

1 site · Tent1 acre · Center Ossipee, NH

Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach).

Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH

The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.

Camp Ebb and Flow

10 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Orford, NH

Camp Ebb and Flow is located on the western edge of the White Mountains, near the crossing of the Appalachian Trail and a short drive to VT. Three lakes nearby for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Hiking trails nearby. The camp offers RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer, an RV site with no hookups, and several tent sites. One of the tent sites has water and electricity and another has electricity with nearby water. There is an "outhouse" with a flush toilet and over six acres of mowed fields for activities and walking. There is also a lovely brook running through the property with many areas you can cool off in from the summer heat. This property has a lengthy history going back to colonial times. It’s been a farm, an apple orchard, and once had a sawmill. Please check the calendar for available dates. Check-in is no later than 9pm unless late arrival arrangements have been made prior to booking. Whenever possible, try to arrive before dark because there are no lights at most sites, which can make setup difficult. A note regarding electric vehicles (EV): If you have an electric vehicle and would like to tent camp, please select one of our full hookup RV sites. If you have the proper electric adapter for your vehicle, you can charge your vehicle at the 30A or 50A RV plug while tenting in the field near the RV site. We do not supply these adapters, and we cannot allow you to charge your vehicle unless you have reserved an RV site with full hookups. If you do not see an open site for the days you'd like to get away, please contact us. Sometimes we can make other arrangements, allowing you to stay.

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(80)

White Mountain National Forest

Bartlett, New Hampshire

100%

(16)

Franconia Notch State Park

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Pawtuckaway State Park: site 43 and site 44 on Horse Head Island are both large private sites with direct lake access.

100%

(14)

Pawtuckaway State Park

Raymond, New Hampshire

100%

(5)

Pillsbury State Park

Bradford, New Hampshire

100%

(6)

White Lake State Park

Center Ossipee, New Hampshire

100%

(3)

Lake Francis State Park

New Hampshire

100%

(1)

Jericho Mountain State Park

Berlin, New Hampshire

Ellacoya State Park

Laconia, New Hampshire

Mount Sunapee State Park

Blodgett Landing, New Hampshire

80%

(7)

Greenfield State Park

Bennington, New Hampshire

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping in New Hampshire with fishing guide

Overview

Home to Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast, and brimming with lakes, rivers, and miles of hiking trails, New Hampshire serves up four-season fun for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, and swimming in summer to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing in winter, New Hampshire has something for every type of traveler whether you’re going solo or looking for a family adventure. New Hampshire state parks offer a wide variety of camping experiences from primitive tent sites to lakeside RV spots with prime mountain views.

Where to go

Mount Washington

Sitting at 6,288 feet in eastern New Hampshire, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in New England, famous for its extreme weather. (The highest recorded wind speed outside of a tornado, 231 miles per hour, was measured at the Mount Washington Observatory atop the summit.) Mount Washington is on the Appalachian Trail and visitors can hike, drive, or take the Mount Washington Cog Railway up to the summit.

Franconia Notch State Park

In the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most family-friendly state parks in New Hampshire and packed with natural wonders including Flume Gorge, Cloudland Falls, and Echo Lake. Lafayette Place Campground is a nice family campground right in the center of the park, near many trailheads and top sights, with a camp store and 97 campsites ideal for tent campers. Nearby Cannon Mountain RV Park offers seven RV sites with full hook-ups and a dump station.

White Mountain National Forest

The 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest offers some of the best camping in the state. Renowned for its mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and stunning fall foliage, the park is home to over a thousand miles of trails that weave through the rugged terrain for hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Overnight visitors will find 23 national forest campgrounds, backcountry huts, and cabin rentals.

When to go

Summer through early fall is the best time for camping, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking in New Hampshire. Snow tends to linger on peaks into early June, and mosquitoes can be the most troublesome in July. Fall, when the changing leaves are at their peak, is an especially popular time to visit. Be sure to make camping reservations during this time well in advance. Some New Hampshire state park campgrounds, including Lafayette Place in Franconia Notch, remain open year-round, although off-season services are limited.

Know before you go

Camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online or over the phone for New Hampshire state parks. Rates vary by the campground, with senior rates available. Monadnock State Park, Bear Brook State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, and White Lake State Park feature some of the most popular New Hampshire campgrounds; advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
Many New Hampshire state parks have pet restrictions. Some do not allow them at all and others prohibit them on beaches, swimming areas, and picnic areas.
Numerous backcountry campsites and shelters exist in the White Mountains. Most are free to use as long as you adhere to White Mountain National Forest backcountry camping rules.
Weather in New Hampshire can be challenging and unpredictable. Come prepared with rain gear and extra layers, even in summer.