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Whether you’re looking for a rugged mountain landscape, pristine lake, dense forest, or to be near the coastal plans, New Hampshire has it all. With diverse terrain and countless campgrounds, finding the perfect spot to match your adventure style is easy.
This guide covers everything you need to compare and contrast the best campgrounds in the state. Then, check your packing list to ensure you have everything for an unforgettable experience in the Granite State.
Top 10 Camping Destinations in New Hampshire
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, Pawtuckaway State Park
If you’re looking for a campground with easy access to the coast, Pawtuckaway is only 25 miles from the New Hampshire Seacoast. It’s one of the most popular camping destinations in the state, with a mix of lakefront, secluded, and wooded camping areas. While here, rent a kayak or canoe and head out on Pawtuckaway Lake.
Or, go bouldering at Boulder Field, an area created by glacial activity. For hiking, the South Mountian Lookout Trail leads to the South Mountian Fire Tower, the best panoramic view in the park.
- Camping: RVs, tents, campervans, rentable cabins and yurts.
- Amenities: No RV hookups; each site has a picnic table, open fireplace, flat area for tent, and parking. Running water, coin-operated showers, and flush toilets are available.
- Activities: kayaking, canoeing, hiking, bouldering
Jigger Johnson Campground, White Mountian National Forest
Jigger Johnson is one of the most developed campgrounds in the White Mountains. You’ll need to drive along the iconic Kancamgus Scenic Byway to get here. The campground only accepts cash payments, and they do not accept reservations.
Once there, campsites are spacious and wooded, with direct access to hiking trails. Take Champney Falls Trail, 3.8 miles, to waterfalls and Mt. Chocorua. This area is active with black bears, so use bear-proof storage lockers.
- Camping: Primarily tent camping, some sites can hold an RV
- Amenities: There are no RV hookups or showers, but there are fire pits, picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinkable water.
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, bouldering
Lake Francis State Park Campground, Lake Francis State Park
Lake Francis State Park is perfect for those looking for quiet, remote outdoor recreation. It’s located in the northernmost part of the state, close to the Canadian Border, offering access to New Hampshire’s lakes. Lakefront campsites have views of Lake Francis, a great fishing spot for trout, salmon, and bass.
Hike around the lake on the First Connecticut Lake Trial. Trails also connect the camp to the more extensive Northern New Hampshire ATV trail, allowing for ATVs and snowmobiles. Winter camping is available for snowmobiling on that trail or cross-skiing skiing nearby.
- Camping: 34 campsites available for tent and RV and a dew rentable cabins
- Amenities: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Rely on portable batteries like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus to recharge phones or power small appliances.
- Activities: snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, boating, ATV
Dry River Campground, Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is situated in the Crawford Notch area of White Mountain National Forest. Only 10 tent-only campsites exist, and no RVs, campervans, or trailers are allowed, creating a more primitive experience. The first three campsites are next to Dry River, so close that you’ll wake up to rushing water sounds. The campground is also surrounded by lush forests, with plenty of hiking trails through stunning mountain views. Take Mt. Eisenhower Trail to summit Mount Eisenhower and experience panoramic views of the mountain range.
- Camping: 10-tent-only campsites, first-come, first-serve
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and hand-pump drinking water; remember to bring a filter for it. There are no showers.
- Activities: Wildlife watching, scenic drives, fishing, hiking, backpacking into Dry River Wilderness
Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park
Lafayette Place is an excellent mixture of convenience and outdoor adventure. It’s a popular choice for visitors exploring the state park, offering easy access to top-notch hiking trails and proximity to some of New Hampshire’s landmarks.
If you’re going to go summer camping, the campground gets very busy, so arrive early to grab a spot. White here, visit The Old Man of the Mountain, a famous rock resembling a man’s face that was a cherished symbol of the state.
- Camping: 97 spots, including tent and RV sites.
- Amenities: There are no RV hookups, but there are picnic tables, vault toilets, and hand-pump water stations in several locations.
- Activities: Scenic drive, fishing, cycling, rock climbing in Echo Crag, and winter sports at Loon Mountain nearby
Dolly Copp Campground, White Mountain National Forest
Dolly Copp Campground is near Dry River Campground, but it is much larger. It’s one of the largest campgrounds in White Mountain National Forest. With proximity to Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast. Some camping sites offer views of Mount Washington and the surrounding range.
Take a hike on Tuckerman Ravine Trail, a famous New England trail, to go to Tuckerman Ravine on the mountain. While hiking to the mountain top, pack an EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank. Magnetically attach it to the back of your phone to keep it charged and ready for pictures at the summit.
- Camping: 144 campsites for tents and RVs, with some reservable sites. Sites are big enough for family and group camping.
- Amenities: Several locations have picnic tables, vault toilets, and hand-pump water stations. Firewood is available for purchase, and a seasonal campground host is available for assistance—no water or electric hookups.
- Activities: Stargaze easily due to the remote location, drive down Mount Washington Auto Road and see the fall foliage, hike, wildlife watch, and fish in the Androscoggin River or nearby lakes.
Coleman State Park Campground, Coleman State Park
Located in northern New Hampshire, the campground is right on Black Lake, offering great opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. It isn’t a tourist spot, making it the perfect place for families, small groups, or solo campers to stay if seeking peace in the remote woods of New Hampshire is a priority.
Even without tourist attractions, there’s plenty to do with nearby hiking trails like Mount Blue Trail that take up the mountain.
- Camping: 28 campsites for tents, RVs, and lean-tos. Make reservations in the summer.
- Amenities: Enjoy hand-pump water stations, picnic tables, grills, fire rings, showers in the main park area, vault and flush toilers. Purchase firewood and ice as well.
- Activities: Bass fishing, boating, wildlife watching, swimming, and picnicking.
Sugarloaf I & Sugarloaf II Campgrounds, White Mountian National Forest
These campgrounds are known for their proximity to the most scenic areas of the White Mountains. Visitors use these campgrounds as a base camp for exploring the Kancamagus highway. Enjoy a quieter, more remote, and secluded setting than the Jigger Johnson Campground.
The Sugarloaf Campgrounds offer easy access to Swift River and Sugarloaf Mountian. Bring an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W), a compact but robust portable power station for electricity. Solar panels conveniently convert sunlight into usable energy to charge electronics, offering a replenishable 245Wh battery capacity.
- Camping: 10 campsites, primarily for tents at Sugarloaf I, and 15 sites accommodating smaller RVs at Sugarloaf II. No reservations are required.
- Amenities include vault toilets, hand-pump water stations, picnic tables, and fire rings. A seasonal campground host is also available.
- Activities: trout fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, and photography
White Lake State Park Campground, White Lake State Park
For camping in the southern part of the White Mountain region, White Lake is the perfect lakeside setting. With its many amenities and activities, this campground is recommended for families wanting a quiet stay with upgraded facilities.
White Lake boasts clear waters perfect for kayaking, trout and bass fishing, and swimming. There are several easy-to-moderate hiking trails, like Bear Camp River Trail and Chocoruo Lake Trail. Or, visit hiking trails in White Mountain Forest nearby for more adventure.
- Camping: 50 campsites accommodating tents and RVs
- Amenities: Pet-friendly, boating access, hand-pump water stations, modern bathrooms, playground, flush toilets, showers, fire rings, and picnic tables.
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, family-friendly
Bear Brook State Park Campground, Bear Brook State Park
Bear Brook State Park Campground is ideal for those who want to go to a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature but still have plenty of recreational activities nearby. This park is just a short drive from Concord, the state capital.
There are two main ponds—Bear Brook Pond and Shaker Pond—for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Visit Shaker Village and dive into the area’s history, which has preserved buildings and a museum.
- Camping: Over 100 campsites accommodating tents and RVs, with rustic and more developed options
- Amenities: Some electric hookups, showers, flush toilets, playground, camp store, boat rentals, pet-friendly picnic tables, fire rings, and hand-pump water stations.
- Activities: fishing, swimming, hiking, historical tours, mountain biking, and wildlife watching
What To Pack for a New Hampshire Camping Trip
- All-weather gear: The weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Prepare for camping in the rain or high winds at those sites.
- Essential sleeping gear
- Cooking and food supplies
- Base layer clothing
- Quick-drying hiking pants and shirts
- Bear and bug spray
- Microspikes for icy trails
- EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner: An environmentally friendly portable compressor with heating and cooling options. Essential for fall and winter camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camping fees vary by park, campsite type, and residency status. Tent sides range from $25-35, and RV sites are $35-$50. NH residents get a $5 discount per night at state parks. If you plan to camp frequently, consider getting an NH State Park Season Pass.
No, you cannot camp anywhere. You must stay in designated campgrounds in state parks and national forests. Dispersed camping is allowed in White Mountian National Forest, which has specific regulations. There are also privately owned campground options like KOA or Jellystone. Don’t camp in roadside pull-offs or parking lots.
It depends on how prepared you are. Northern New Hampshire experiences temperature lows of 20–30°F, with possible snow in late October, while southern New Hampshire is only 35–45°F. Pack extra firewood, cold-weather sleeping bags, and clothing layers, and choose a sheltered campsite. Keep in mind that lower-elevation parks stay warmer than higher mountain areas.
Final Thoughts
No matter what type of terrain you seek, New Hampshire campgrounds are prepared to match your style. For solitude and remote camping, stay at Lake Francis State Park Campground, Sugarloaf I & II Campgrounds, or Bear Brook State Park Campground. For primitive camping, try Dry River Campground or Jigger Johnson Campground.
Enjoy water activities at White Lake State Park Campground, Coleman State Park Campground, and Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. Hike the mountains at Dolly Cobb Campground.
No matter where you stay, upgrade your camping experience with an EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series portable power station for unlimited, reliable, robust electricity.