RV camping near Lebanon with hot tubs

In the heart of the Upper Valley, along the Connecticut River, the small New Hampshire city of Lebanon offers many activities including arts and entertainment and easy access to an array of year-round outdoor adventures, such as kayaking along the winding river in summer and skiing on the surrounding snow-covered mountains in winter. Attractions in the city itself include the Colburn Park Historic District, where you’ll find Colburn Park and many 19th-century buildings, and the Lebanon Opera House, which is the setting for concerts and other performances.  

Hanover

Just six miles north of Lebanon, Hanover is renowned as the home of the Ivy League Dartmouth College, the grounds of which you can explore. The Hood Museum of Art is another top attraction, but the hamlet also appeals to nature lovers with many trails to choose from, including several up Mount Monadnock and the Appalachian Trail, which runs down Main Street.

Quechee

A 15-minute drive takes you over the Vermont border and into Quechee, best known for its gorge and mountains that provide excellent terrain for skiing and other winter sports. Visitors can set up camp at Quechee State Park Campground.

Mount Cardigan

Thirty minutes east, the 3,155-foot treeless, rock summit of Mount Cardigan draws many hikers who can enjoy views that extend as far as Camel's Hump in Vermont and Pleasant Mountain in Maine. Camping is available at Appalachian Mountain Club's Cardigan Lodge.

White Mountains

The White Mountain National Forest and various New Hampshire state parks encompass much of central New Hampshire, making the area a haven for outdoor adventurers. Less than an hour and a half from Lebanon, Franconia Notch State Park offers hiking, biking, and climbing, as well as two campsites.

Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the trails and river activities, making these the most popular seasons to visit Lebanon and the surrounding area, although you should be prepared for crowds in the peak summer season. September and October have a different appeal, with cooler temperatures and the landscape busting into rich fall colors. Winters are relatively crowd-free and offer winter sports activities.