Discover the best beach campgrounds in New Hampshire with hiking

United States
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New Hampshire

97% (396 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Hampshire

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(68)

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

98%

(61)

Baker Rocks

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents76 acres · Rumney, NH

Nestled between New Hampshire’s White Mountain and Lakes region, we offer boutique nature experiences set along 3000 ft of river frontage. Stay. Farm. Events. Sites are spaced for privacy, but enjoy some shared amenities. Climb, hike, kayak, float, workout, chill, appreciate. We’re here to make your trip great!

98%

(24)

Champion Meadow Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Stewartstown, NH

Learn more about this land:We are located right on the Connecticut River, with access to atv and snow machine trails, restaurants and a grocery store. We have a brand new bath house with hot showers, sinks and outside access to outside water. The fishing on the Connecticut River is simply amazing and all riverside sites have direct access to the river.

Browns Ridge Family Farm!

6 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ossipee, NH

We are one of the first farms in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and was originally the first stage coach stop for the area. Our house built in 1750s and at one point had hundreds of acres passed down which were passed down from a kings grant The original area was named after the original settlers, the Browns. Our house was also tavern in the beginning. This property has only passed hands through 4 families and remained with the Browns for most of its life. It has stayed as a farm for most of its tenure. We own 40 acres of pasture and woods and would love for you to come stay!

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

Winter Update: We've had hard ground freeze and then thaw and 2.5 inches of rain. So the roads in are passable to any type of vehicle when it refreezes, but can be sketchy to light vehicles after a thaw or more rain. Play it safe and please check in with your host to confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In the dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. He's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

9 top beach campgrounds in New Hampshire with hiking

100%

(131)

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

Winter Update: We've had hard ground freeze and then thaw and 2.5 inches of rain. So the roads in are passable to any type of vehicle when it refreezes, but can be sketchy to light vehicles after a thaw or more rain. Play it safe and please check in with your host to confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In the dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. He's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

Champion Meadow Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Stewartstown, NH

Learn more about this land:We are located right on the Connecticut River, with access to atv and snow machine trails, restaurants and a grocery store. We have a brand new bath house with hot showers, sinks and outside access to outside water. The fishing on the Connecticut River is simply amazing and all riverside sites have direct access to the river.

Baker Rocks

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents76 acres · Rumney, NH

Nestled between New Hampshire’s White Mountain and Lakes region, we offer boutique nature experiences set along 3000 ft of river frontage. Stay. Farm. Events. Sites are spaced for privacy, but enjoy some shared amenities. Climb, hike, kayak, float, workout, chill, appreciate. We’re here to make your trip great!

100%

(219)

Peaceful Packies @ 3 Willows Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Sanbornton, NH

This is a 200 year old farm filled with life. There are well groomed areas and other more wild areas. We are on almost 13 acres of land that attracts all forms of natural wildlife. In addition, we have alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, a cat and chickens. There is a beaver pond on the lower property. Each site includes a place to sit and eat (ie. picnic table), fire pit and just breathtaking views. Campers can drive into and park at their site. Each site is separate and private from other sites. We are 15 minutes from Highland Mountain Bike Park We are 15 minutes from Bank of New Hampshire Pavillon (concerts) We are 15 minutes from The Weirs in Laconia (Bike Week) We have two outdoor showers that are very rustic and open and the water is the temperature of the surrounding air (bring a bathing suit or something to shower in, there is no privacy fence at this time) This is an active farm that has an operating butcher shop on the premises. We have a farm store offering a variety of items for sale including eggs, honey, rubs and much more. There is a microwave available to the campers in the farm store as well. Each site will be given a bundle of fire wood on the house, additional wood is for sale. You are welcome to participate in farm work. Coffee (from a local NH roaster), tea, hot chocolate and potable water (from the faucet) will be available daily. We are a farm family with young children so large and rowdy or drinking parties are very heavily discouraged.

Browns Ridge Family Farm!

6 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ossipee, NH

We are one of the first farms in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and was originally the first stage coach stop for the area. Our house built in 1750s and at one point had hundreds of acres passed down which were passed down from a kings grant The original area was named after the original settlers, the Browns. Our house was also tavern in the beginning. This property has only passed hands through 4 families and remained with the Browns for most of its life. It has stayed as a farm for most of its tenure. We own 40 acres of pasture and woods and would love for you to come stay!

93%

(28)

Huttopia White Mountains

3 sites · Lodging50 acres · Albany, NH

Less than a 2.5 hour drive from downtown Boston and convenient to the trailheads, scenic views and swimming holes of the White Mountain National Forest, Huttopia White Mountains is an ideal place to escape to nature. Wake up and head out on an adventure, or stay and enjoy a swim in Iona Lake from our beach. There’s also our heated saltwater pool and plenty of freshly made meals to enjoy from our unique on-site bistro – we converted an old Airstream trailer and equipped it with a full commercial kitchen and even flatbread pizza oven! Couples and families alike will find plenty to explore on site, with additional attractions located conveniently nearby, including the shops and outlets of North Conway, tubing on the Saco River and the scenic vistas all along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway.

Camp chickweed

1 site · Tent2 acres · Epsom, NH

I recently bought this place to realize my dream of owning land and sharing it with like-minded people. I have fallen madly in love with it already and I’m just getting started! I have cleared space for a great campsite to maintain privacy and river access for all. Looking forward to you falling in love with it too!

98%

(25)

Sip Pond Lakefront Cottage

1 site · Lodging1 acre · NH

This is a cozy off grid cottage, right on Sip Pond, situated on 1.2 acres of land. The cottage is 380 sq. feet that runs on a generator. There is a Port a potty, there is no running water. The property has a dock and a fire pit. The pond is 114 acres, quiet and great for kayaking, SUPing, fishing etc. Near by there are hiking trails, snow mobile trails. The Rhododendron State Park and Mt. Madonock are near by.

Star Hosts in New Hampshire

100%

(131)

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

Winter Update: We've had hard ground freeze and then thaw and 2.5 inches of rain. So the roads in are passable to any type of vehicle when it refreezes, but can be sketchy to light vehicles after a thaw or more rain. Play it safe and please check in with your host to confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In the dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. He's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH

Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!

Baker Rocks

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents76 acres · Rumney, NH

Nestled between New Hampshire’s White Mountain and Lakes region, we offer boutique nature experiences set along 3000 ft of river frontage. Stay. Farm. Events. Sites are spaced for privacy, but enjoy some shared amenities. Climb, hike, kayak, float, workout, chill, appreciate. We’re here to make your trip great!

Peaceful Packies @ 3 Willows Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Sanbornton, NH

This is a 200 year old farm filled with life. There are well groomed areas and other more wild areas. We are on almost 13 acres of land that attracts all forms of natural wildlife. In addition, we have alpacas, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, a cat and chickens. There is a beaver pond on the lower property. Each site includes a place to sit and eat (ie. picnic table), fire pit and just breathtaking views. Campers can drive into and park at their site. Each site is separate and private from other sites. We are 15 minutes from Highland Mountain Bike Park We are 15 minutes from Bank of New Hampshire Pavillon (concerts) We are 15 minutes from The Weirs in Laconia (Bike Week) We have two outdoor showers that are very rustic and open and the water is the temperature of the surrounding air (bring a bathing suit or something to shower in, there is no privacy fence at this time) This is an active farm that has an operating butcher shop on the premises. We have a farm store offering a variety of items for sale including eggs, honey, rubs and much more. There is a microwave available to the campers in the farm store as well. Each site will be given a bundle of fire wood on the house, additional wood is for sale. You are welcome to participate in farm work. Coffee (from a local NH roaster), tea, hot chocolate and potable water (from the faucet) will be available daily. We are a farm family with young children so large and rowdy or drinking parties are very heavily discouraged.

Champion Meadow Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Stewartstown, NH

Learn more about this land:We are located right on the Connecticut River, with access to atv and snow machine trails, restaurants and a grocery store. We have a brand new bath house with hot showers, sinks and outside access to outside water. The fishing on the Connecticut River is simply amazing and all riverside sites have direct access to the river.

Under $50

98%

(24)

Champion Meadow Campground

37 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Stewartstown, NH

Learn more about this land:We are located right on the Connecticut River, with access to atv and snow machine trails, restaurants and a grocery store. We have a brand new bath house with hot showers, sinks and outside access to outside water. The fishing on the Connecticut River is simply amazing and all riverside sites have direct access to the river.

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

Winter Update: We've had hard ground freeze and then thaw and 2.5 inches of rain. So the roads in are passable to any type of vehicle when it refreezes, but can be sketchy to light vehicles after a thaw or more rain. Play it safe and please check in with your host to confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In the dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. He's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

Camp chickweed

1 site · Tent2 acres · Epsom, NH

I recently bought this place to realize my dream of owning land and sharing it with like-minded people. I have fallen madly in love with it already and I’m just getting started! I have cleared space for a great campsite to maintain privacy and river access for all. Looking forward to you falling in love with it too!

Browns Ridge Family Farm!

6 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Ossipee, NH

We are one of the first farms in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire and was originally the first stage coach stop for the area. Our house built in 1750s and at one point had hundreds of acres passed down which were passed down from a kings grant The original area was named after the original settlers, the Browns. Our house was also tavern in the beginning. This property has only passed hands through 4 families and remained with the Browns for most of its life. It has stayed as a farm for most of its tenure. We own 40 acres of pasture and woods and would love for you to come stay!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

97%

(80)

White Mountain National Forest

Bartlett, New Hampshire

100%

(16)

Franconia Notch State Park

Lincoln, New Hampshire

Pawtuckaway State Park: site 43 and site 44 on Horse Head Island are both large private sites with direct lake access.

100%

(14)

Pawtuckaway State Park

Raymond, New Hampshire

100%

(6)

White Lake State Park

Center Ossipee, New Hampshire

100%

(4)

Crawford Notch State Park

Bartlett, New Hampshire

100%

(3)

Lake Francis State Park

Colebrook, New Hampshire

100%

(1)

Jericho Mountain State Park

Berlin, New Hampshire

Ellacoya State Park

Laconia, New Hampshire

Mount Sunapee State Park

Blodgett Landing, New Hampshire

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping in New Hampshire with hiking guide

Overview

Home to Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the northeast, and brimming with lakes, rivers, and miles of hiking trails, New Hampshire serves up four-season fun for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, fishing, and swimming in summer to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing in winter, New Hampshire has something for every type of traveler whether you’re going solo or looking for a family adventure. New Hampshire state parks offer a wide variety of camping experiences from primitive tent sites to lakeside RV spots with prime mountain views.

Where to go

Mount Washington

Sitting at 6,288 feet in eastern New Hampshire, Mount Washington is the tallest peak in New England, famous for its extreme weather. (The highest recorded wind speed outside of a tornado, 231 miles per hour, was measured at the Mount Washington Observatory atop the summit.) Mount Washington is on the Appalachian Trail and visitors can hike, drive, or take the Mount Washington Cog Railway up to the summit.

Franconia Notch State Park

In the heart of the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park is one of the most family-friendly state parks in New Hampshire and packed with natural wonders including Flume Gorge, Cloudland Falls, and Echo Lake. Lafayette Place Campground is a nice family campground right in the center of the park, near many trailheads and top sights, with a camp store and 97 campsites ideal for tent campers. Nearby Cannon Mountain RV Park offers seven RV sites with full hook-ups and a dump station.

White Mountain National Forest

The 800,000-acre White Mountain National Forest offers some of the best camping in the state. Renowned for its mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and stunning fall foliage, the park is home to over a thousand miles of trails that weave through the rugged terrain for hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoers, ATVs, and snowmobiles. Overnight visitors will find 23 national forest campgrounds, backcountry huts, and cabin rentals.

When to go

Summer through early fall is the best time for camping, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking in New Hampshire. Snow tends to linger on peaks into early June, and mosquitoes can be the most troublesome in July. Fall, when the changing leaves are at their peak, is an especially popular time to visit. Be sure to make camping reservations during this time well in advance. Some New Hampshire state park campgrounds, including Lafayette Place in Franconia Notch, remain open year-round, although off-season services are limited.

Know before you go

Camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online or over the phone for New Hampshire state parks. Rates vary by the campground, with senior rates available. Monadnock State Park, Bear Brook State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park, and White Lake State Park feature some of the most popular New Hampshire campgrounds; advanced reservations are strongly recommended.
Many New Hampshire state parks have pet restrictions. Some do not allow them at all and others prohibit them on beaches, swimming areas, and picnic areas.
Numerous backcountry campsites and shelters exist in the White Mountains. Most are free to use as long as you adhere to White Mountain National Forest backcountry camping rules.
Weather in New Hampshire can be challenging and unpredictable. Come prepared with rain gear and extra layers, even in summer.