Mountainous camping in Lake Winnipesaukee
Campgrounds in Lake Winnipesaukee offer a range of activities, both by land and by lake.
- Lake Winnipesaukee
Community favorites in and near Lake Winnipesaukee
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Under $50
Star Hosts in Lake Winnipesaukee
12 top mountainous campgrounds in Lake Winnipesaukee
Available this weekend
Dog-friendly getaways
Mountainous camping in Lake Winnipesaukee guide
Overview
Just south of the White Mountains, New Hampshire’s Lakes Region contains lakes of all shapes and sizes. The largest? Lake Winnipesaukee, which rounds off at 72 square miles. Lake Winnipesaukee camping provides access to some of New Hampshire’s best campgrounds, whether you want a secluded mountain getaway or a family-friendly beach retreat. No matter where you spend the night, you’ll glimpse the same scenery—but through a different lens. While Lake Winnipesaukee is the area’s largest lake, they don’t call it a Lakes Region for no reason. Lakes scatter the area and vary in attractions, campsites, and vantage points.
Where to go
Ellacoya State Park
Attention, RV campers. On the southwest end of Lake Winnipesaukee, Ellacoya State Park opens from mid-spring to mid-autumn and offers a range of amenities for your next beach getaway. This sandy beach campsite sits right on the water, with a communal picnic area, playground, and boat ramp. Park your RV, and you can swim, lounge, and gaze at the Sandwich and Ossipee Mountains.
Belknap Mountain State Forest
Not far from Ellacoya State Park, Belknap Mountain State Forest embraces Lake Winnipesaukee from a higher altitude. Hike up Mount Major, and you can spot the lake in the distance. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Washington. If you’d rather look upward than outward, stroll the nature preserve trails for prime bird-watching.
All through the Lakes Region
Within a short distance from Lake Winnipesaukee, you can visit Squam Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Wentworth, among others. Further out, Lake Sunapee is always worth a visit, whether for winter snowshoeing or year-round sightseeing. If you have a few days, take your pick of lakes—or just go for a scenic drive. It’s as easy to stop for a swim as it is to roll down your windows.
When to go
Lake Winnipesaukee is made for the summer, when water-based activities peak. However, the shoulder months are equally suited to camping, especially if you want fewer crowds and less heat. Think: scenic drives when the leaves change or temperate April hikes. In the winter, many lake campsites shutter, so you’ll have fewer options for Lake Winnipesaukee camping. However, the activities never stall. You can ice fish, cross-country ski, and ice skate throughout the cold season.
