Camping near Milton with surfing

The little southeastern New Hampshire town of Milton is located within easy reach of some of the state’s best attractions. The town is close to the Lakes Region, one of the greatest jewels of the northeast, as well as the White Mountains and charming towns such as Hanover. If your travel plans take you to Millton, you’ll find plenty of nearby outdoor adventures, from swimming and paddling to hiking and climbing.

Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is home to such gems as Lake Winnipesaukee (the state’s largest lake), Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Sunapee, all of which offer activities from boating and waterskiing in the summer to ice fishing in the winter. Ellacoya State Park on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee has a campground for RVs and trailers. 

Pawtuckaway Lake

Under an hour south of Milton, the 803-acre Lake Pawtuckaway is a magnet for visitors who can swim and paddle in the lake and hike and bike in the surrounding Pawtuckaway State Park. Campers can stay overnight at the seasonal Pawtuckaway Campground. 

White Mountains

The towering peaks, hiking trails, and waterfalls of the White Mountains are a haven for outdoor adventurers. Less than two hours north of Milton, Franconia Notch State Park is home to the Flume, a natural gorge extending 800 feet at the base of Mount Liberty, and has two campgrounds.

Hanover

Home of the Ivy League Dartmouth College, Hanover also appeals to outdoor adventurers who will find many trails to choose from, including Moose Mountain and the Appalachian Trail, which runs down Main Street.

Spring and summer are the ideal times to visit to enjoy activities on the lakes and hiking on the trails—though summer visitors should plan ahead and be prepared for crowds. September and October are also appealing, with the landscape busting into rich hues of reds and oranges as the leaves turn. Winters are relatively crowd-free and offer winter sports activities.