We love New Hampshire in all seasons. Winter brings a special kind of calm that only icy roads and being forced to stay home and off the roads can create. Fall is a splash of color. And spring and summer? They bring bright greens and deep blues! There’s truly no bad time to be here, but if we had to choose, we’d pick any season that allows for camping. These campgrounds are some of the most highly rated by other campers which means we’ll be making our way down the list as soon as we can!
- Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia
Bob O / TripAdvisor It’s hard to visit the White Mountains without loving every moment, which is why we’re not surprised that so many of these campgrounds are located there. This one has 97 large campsites for tents and RVs and each one has a firepit. The location is fantastic and allows for lots of hikes and other outdoor fun. You can learn more about it here.
- Umbagog Lake Campground, Errol
PandasGZ / TripAdvisor Umbagog Lake might be best known for its kayaking, believed to be some of the best in New England. Camping here is also pretty incredible. There are 27 sites that can accommodate either a tent or an RV. Each has hookups for electric and water. For the more adventurous there are 33 remote sites around the lake that can only be accessed by boat. And for those looking for a bit more overhead coverage there are three cabins. This is a beautiful option for those who can’t get enough of New Hampshire waterways.
- Jigger Johnson Campground, Albany
Judith Higgins / Google Located just off the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains this campground features sites that have plenty of room and are nicely spaced out for privacy. It’s also close to the Swift River and some great trails, including a few leading up Mt. Chocorua and one that will take visitors to Sabbaday Falls.
- Sugarloaf Campgrounds, Jefferson
Kate / Google These campgrounds are made up of two different camping areas, one called Sugarloaf I and the other called Sugarloaf II. Both are along the Zealand River providing nice water access. However, these are a bit more remotely located within the White Mountains.
- White Lake State Park, Tamworth
mspink111 / TripAdvisor One of the largest campgrounds in the White Mountains is also the only one with a beach for swimming. That makes this a great place to visit during the hotter months. There are 203 sites that have plenty of room and many have views of White Lake. You can learn more about it on the official website here.
- Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown
William L / TripAdvisor This campground is great for people who love the outdoors, but would like to be close to other less-nature focused activities as well. The state park is located between Manchester and Concord, which means leaving the campground for a restaurant meal is perfectly feasible. There are 101 campsites and each is close to Beaver Pond within the park. Learn more about it by clicking here.
- Pawtuckaway State Park, Rockingham County
John Longan / Google There are 192 campsites here and many have a view of the lake. But in addition to the beauty of the sites, we love just how much there is to do here. From hiking to swimming you’ll be able to spend your days active. The campground also has five cabins that each sleep six people. These come with electricity so they make a nice beginner camping option. Click here to learn more about it.
What are some of your favorite campgrounds? Leave your picks in the comments so we can check them out. And if you’ve been to any of the spots featured in this article, share any tips and tricks you have for visiting.
Bob O / TripAdvisor
It’s hard to visit the White Mountains without loving every moment, which is why we’re not surprised that so many of these campgrounds are located there. This one has 97 large campsites for tents and RVs and each one has a firepit. The location is fantastic and allows for lots of hikes and other outdoor fun. You can learn more about it here.
PandasGZ / TripAdvisor
Umbagog Lake might be best known for its kayaking, believed to be some of the best in New England. Camping here is also pretty incredible. There are 27 sites that can accommodate either a tent or an RV. Each has hookups for electric and water. For the more adventurous there are 33 remote sites around the lake that can only be accessed by boat. And for those looking for a bit more overhead coverage there are three cabins. This is a beautiful option for those who can’t get enough of New Hampshire waterways.
Judith Higgins / Google
Located just off the Kancamagus Scenic Byway in the White Mountains this campground features sites that have plenty of room and are nicely spaced out for privacy. It’s also close to the Swift River and some great trails, including a few leading up Mt. Chocorua and one that will take visitors to Sabbaday Falls.
Kate / Google
These campgrounds are made up of two different camping areas, one called Sugarloaf I and the other called Sugarloaf II. Both are along the Zealand River providing nice water access. However, these are a bit more remotely located within the White Mountains.
mspink111 / TripAdvisor
One of the largest campgrounds in the White Mountains is also the only one with a beach for swimming. That makes this a great place to visit during the hotter months. There are 203 sites that have plenty of room and many have views of White Lake. You can learn more about it on the official website here.
William L / TripAdvisor
This campground is great for people who love the outdoors, but would like to be close to other less-nature focused activities as well. The state park is located between Manchester and Concord, which means leaving the campground for a restaurant meal is perfectly feasible. There are 101 campsites and each is close to Beaver Pond within the park. Learn more about it by clicking here.
John Longan / Google
There are 192 campsites here and many have a view of the lake. But in addition to the beauty of the sites, we love just how much there is to do here. From hiking to swimming you’ll be able to spend your days active. The campground also has five cabins that each sleep six people. These come with electricity so they make a nice beginner camping option. Click here to learn more about it.
We get it, planning ahead can be hard. That’s why we love the idea of simply packing up and heading out for a weekend under the stars. Here are 6 glorious campgrounds in New Hampshire where no reservation is required!
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Address: Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia, NH 03580, USAAddress: Umbagog Lake State Park Campground, RR 26, Errol, NH 03579, USAAddress: Jigger Johnson Campground, Albany, NH 03818, USAAddress: Campground Rd, Jefferson, NH 03583, USAAddress: White Lake State Park, 1632 White Mountain Hwy, Tamworth, NH 03886, USAAddress: Bear Brook State Park, 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH 03275, USAAddress: Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mountain Rd, Nottingham, NH 03290, USA