Discover the best river, stream, or creek campgrounds in New Hampshire with campfires

United States
—
New Hampshire

95% (4596 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New Hampshire

Star Hosts in New Hampshire

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(1774)

Sacred Nectar Sanctuary

11 sites · RVs, Tents280 acres · North Sandwich, NH

Sacred Nectar rests on the land of the Wabanaki Tribes. This land, now known by it's view gifting fields, is one of Sandwich's most treasured gems. The Historic Farm was purchased by Townsend Thorndike from the first colonizing family to claim ownership of this unceded land, the McCrillis family. It was Town's place to get away from the busy life. As time went on and his money dwindled and plans to sell off some of the land arose. Townsend's son, Nick, foresaw a devastating development of conventional homes that would diminish the soul of this sacred land that held so much magic. So, Nick decided to move back to the homestead to create an example of what a healthy life for the land and its inhabitants looks like. HipCamp was the first step towards sharing and opening up the land to create an ecofriendly, Intentional lifestyle. One in which we hope to share our way of being that brings awareness to the natural world we have fallen so far from. Nick and his tribe of like minds are creating a holistic, educational, retreat, workshop, and event center where people can come to learn how to co-exist in a harmonious relationship with nature and each other. Thank you for being a part of the healing. We hope you enjoy what we have created here :)

The Hummingbird Center

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · NH

The Hummingbird Center is an recreation destination and permaculture farm nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We offer a variety of lodging options ranging in cost from tent camping and shared bunk rooms to private indoor lofts, tiny homes, and school buses. In May of 2024, Nourish restaurant will be open during weekends at HBC, providing organic farm-to-table meals for the public and our guests–both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Thanks to our farm’s extensive perennial food system, Nourish has a rotating seasonal menu featuring fruit, herbs, and wild greens grown onsite. Call ahead for up-to-date details on hours and what’s in bloom! HBC is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking, with private access to Green Woodland’s 23,000 acres of public trails next door! Our trails feature hand and machine-built features for riders of all skill levels. Under an hour of driving will get you to Mt. Moosilauke on the Appalachian Trail, renowned climbing at the Rumney Crags, and dozens of pristine NH lakes. Back on the farm, our swimming holes, hammocks, and communal fire pit offer peace and community connection after a full day of outdoor adventures. Guests are encouraged to recreate and restore amidst the natural beauty of our rural property, explore our orchards and vegetable gardens, and enjoy open-air, leisurely dining at our on-farm restaurant. Search for The Hummingbird Center of NH online to view our restaurant hours and learn more about our ongoing community events, including weekly yoga classes in summer of 2024. Quiet hours after 10pm please! Find us online at thehummingbirdcenter.com and @thehummingbirdcenternh on Instagram. 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.

Crooked Creek Hollow Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents85 acres · Richmond, NH

We are a small southern New Hampshire farm nestled away in Richmond, specializing in forest-fed pork and free range poultry. We take pride in our commitment to raise wholesome, nutritious food for our community and neighbors while protecting and nurturing the land we call home. We strive to create a beautiful and diverse farm environment, and have fun doing it. We are the stewards of an 85 acre farm which is mostly covered by forest with some pasture and several running brooks. The pigs are rotated through movable paddocks which allows them to be pigs. We have a ton of wildlife on the property. We have a ton of wild turkey, deer, moose, fox, mink, beaver, raccoon, porcupine, and the occasional bear. If you bring your dog, please be aware of the wildlife and other dogs. During certain season there are wild currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, mountain sorrel and more. Please enjoy. ***We currently do not have any animals (except our dogs) on the farm this season as we are concentrating on a few other things at the moment.***

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

20Sep2024 Update: The river is near record lows but that exposes the sandbars for setting up your beach chairs and there is ample depth for the swimming hole below the rapids. This also means the fish have congregated to the deeper pools and you can see them from the trail above the riverbank. The wood chip road in to both sites is dry and easily passable by passenger vehicle. If we get a deluge of rain from a hurricane this season, please check in with your host to ensure your type of vehicle won't have difficulty getting out of the site. (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 can better keep 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. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

Stagecoach Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Tamworth, NH

Welcome to Stagecoach Falls! Your very own private spot on the river. Bring your chairs and some firewood. A perfect spot to get away and relax with the sound of the river. All sites have wooden platforms for tents, Yoga or setup some chairs and just relax! Enjoy your stay! A little history about Tamworth NH since 1766 https://visittamworthnh.com/about Tag/Like us on Instagram! Stagecoach Falls NH https://www.instagram.com/stagecoachfalls?igsh=MWlsa3BwbjV2MXVlbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Site 1 50 Amp Power and water Site 2 No hookups Site 3 30 Amp Power and Water (Breaker is located at site one if tripped) RV dump located on the left on your way out by the main road. BLUE CAP Green WM Trash dumpster rash bags only (no tents/canopy or large/heavy items allowed) It is located up by the road on the gravel pad in between the two houses. Black water flush early 2025 Check out our new property at Horseshoe Bend Private sites a few miles away on a deeper part of the Bearcamp River! https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/new-hampshire-horseshoe-bend-nh-88lh0571?share_id=1g81n0g1d77&utm_medium=share&utm_source=share_content https://www.publichouseonpagehill.com/ Amazing dinner with a view! They also have the Sunday best brunch in town! 20 min to Conway—lots of shopping, restaurants, things to do 20 min to Winnipesaukee Lake 10 min to Ossipee Lake Tamworth Distilling is a few miles away Franconia Notch is just under an hour away 20 min to Rattlesnake Mountain Mt Chocorua is minutes away Tamworth Farmers Market every Saturday 9a-12p New Hampshire Mushroom Company has tours every Sunday Looking for a hike, check out the 'Hike the 4000 footers of NH' facebook page or get on the Alltrails app There are things to do a few miles away in Ossipee as well Go Karts Lazer Tag Driving Range Axe throwing Mini Golf Although we've never seen one there are bear sightings in the area. Secure coolers, grills, cooking utensils, any food not in use, and anything with food odors inside the locked compartment of a vehicle or trailer or a bear proof storage locker if available. Wipe off picnic tables and grills. Properly discard aluminum foil used for cooking.

12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds in New Hampshire with campfires

100%

(1774)

Sacred Nectar Sanctuary

11 sites · RVs, Tents280 acres · North Sandwich, NH

Sacred Nectar rests on the land of the Wabanaki Tribes. This land, now known by it's view gifting fields, is one of Sandwich's most treasured gems. The Historic Farm was purchased by Townsend Thorndike from the first colonizing family to claim ownership of this unceded land, the McCrillis family. It was Town's place to get away from the busy life. As time went on and his money dwindled and plans to sell off some of the land arose. Townsend's son, Nick, foresaw a devastating development of conventional homes that would diminish the soul of this sacred land that held so much magic. So, Nick decided to move back to the homestead to create an example of what a healthy life for the land and its inhabitants looks like. HipCamp was the first step towards sharing and opening up the land to create an ecofriendly, Intentional lifestyle. One in which we hope to share our way of being that brings awareness to the natural world we have fallen so far from. Nick and his tribe of like minds are creating a holistic, educational, retreat, workshop, and event center where people can come to learn how to co-exist in a harmonious relationship with nature and each other. Thank you for being a part of the healing. We hope you enjoy what we have created here :)

The Hummingbird Center

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · NH

The Hummingbird Center is an recreation destination and permaculture farm nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We offer a variety of lodging options ranging in cost from tent camping and shared bunk rooms to private indoor lofts, tiny homes, and school buses. In May of 2024, Nourish restaurant will be open during weekends at HBC, providing organic farm-to-table meals for the public and our guests–both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Thanks to our farm’s extensive perennial food system, Nourish has a rotating seasonal menu featuring fruit, herbs, and wild greens grown onsite. Call ahead for up-to-date details on hours and what’s in bloom! HBC is a retreat destination for mountain biking, skiing, and hiking, with private access to Green Woodland’s 23,000 acres of public trails next door! Our trails feature hand and machine-built features for riders of all skill levels. Under an hour of driving will get you to Mt. Moosilauke on the Appalachian Trail, renowned climbing at the Rumney Crags, and dozens of pristine NH lakes. Back on the farm, our swimming holes, hammocks, and communal fire pit offer peace and community connection after a full day of outdoor adventures. Guests are encouraged to recreate and restore amidst the natural beauty of our rural property, explore our orchards and vegetable gardens, and enjoy open-air, leisurely dining at our on-farm restaurant. Search for The Hummingbird Center of NH online to view our restaurant hours and learn more about our ongoing community events, including weekly yoga classes in summer of 2024. Quiet hours after 10pm please! Find us online at thehummingbirdcenter.com and @thehummingbirdcenternh on Instagram. 603-786-2366 No sewer hookups. Secluded spots for vehicles require high clearance and dry conditions.

Stagecoach Falls

4 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Tamworth, NH

Welcome to Stagecoach Falls! Your very own private spot on the river. Bring your chairs and some firewood. A perfect spot to get away and relax with the sound of the river. All sites have wooden platforms for tents, Yoga or setup some chairs and just relax! Enjoy your stay! A little history about Tamworth NH since 1766 https://visittamworthnh.com/about Tag/Like us on Instagram! Stagecoach Falls NH https://www.instagram.com/stagecoachfalls?igsh=MWlsa3BwbjV2MXVlbQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Site 1 50 Amp Power and water Site 2 No hookups Site 3 30 Amp Power and Water (Breaker is located at site one if tripped) RV dump located on the left on your way out by the main road. BLUE CAP Green WM Trash dumpster rash bags only (no tents/canopy or large/heavy items allowed) It is located up by the road on the gravel pad in between the two houses. Black water flush early 2025 Check out our new property at Horseshoe Bend Private sites a few miles away on a deeper part of the Bearcamp River! https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/new-hampshire-horseshoe-bend-nh-88lh0571?share_id=1g81n0g1d77&utm_medium=share&utm_source=share_content https://www.publichouseonpagehill.com/ Amazing dinner with a view! They also have the Sunday best brunch in town! 20 min to Conway—lots of shopping, restaurants, things to do 20 min to Winnipesaukee Lake 10 min to Ossipee Lake Tamworth Distilling is a few miles away Franconia Notch is just under an hour away 20 min to Rattlesnake Mountain Mt Chocorua is minutes away Tamworth Farmers Market every Saturday 9a-12p New Hampshire Mushroom Company has tours every Sunday Looking for a hike, check out the 'Hike the 4000 footers of NH' facebook page or get on the Alltrails app There are things to do a few miles away in Ossipee as well Go Karts Lazer Tag Driving Range Axe throwing Mini Golf Although we've never seen one there are bear sightings in the area. Secure coolers, grills, cooking utensils, any food not in use, and anything with food odors inside the locked compartment of a vehicle or trailer or a bear proof storage locker if available. Wipe off picnic tables and grills. Properly discard aluminum foil used for cooking.

Crooked Creek Hollow Farm

9 sites · Lodging, Tents85 acres · Richmond, NH

We are a small southern New Hampshire farm nestled away in Richmond, specializing in forest-fed pork and free range poultry. We take pride in our commitment to raise wholesome, nutritious food for our community and neighbors while protecting and nurturing the land we call home. We strive to create a beautiful and diverse farm environment, and have fun doing it. We are the stewards of an 85 acre farm which is mostly covered by forest with some pasture and several running brooks. The pigs are rotated through movable paddocks which allows them to be pigs. We have a ton of wildlife on the property. We have a ton of wild turkey, deer, moose, fox, mink, beaver, raccoon, porcupine, and the occasional bear. If you bring your dog, please be aware of the wildlife and other dogs. During certain season there are wild currants, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, mountain sorrel and more. Please enjoy. ***We currently do not have any animals (except our dogs) on the farm this season as we are concentrating on a few other things at the moment.***

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH

20Sep2024 Update: The river is near record lows but that exposes the sandbars for setting up your beach chairs and there is ample depth for the swimming hole below the rapids. This also means the fish have congregated to the deeper pools and you can see them from the trail above the riverbank. The wood chip road in to both sites is dry and easily passable by passenger vehicle. If we get a deluge of rain from a hurricane this season, please check in with your host to ensure your type of vehicle won't have difficulty getting out of the site. (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 can better keep 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. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.

100%

(98)

ELM TREE FARM

2 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lebanon, NH

Our ancestor Ebenezer Cole, settled in our little corner of Lebanon, NH., in 1847. Eight generations of our family have lived, and farmed here since. Although once almost totally cleared for crops and grazing, most of our land is now devoted to forestry, but some land remains open and devoted to forage crops. We also have a modern hillside maple orchard. Although we no longer actively farm full time, the stewardship of our farm is of upmost importance to our family. We encourage people to visit our property and enjoy it fully. We host a Boy Scout Troop campsite on another part of our property. We are located in the heart of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region with countless cultural, and recreational opportunities just minutes away. We hope you will come for a visit and learn to love our farm and community as much as we do.Learn more about this land:Shaded Brookside Glen is a private, stream side, level, pull through site for a small RV, trailer, or tent. This is the private campsite we developed on our farm several years ago for when my wife and I need a little getaway, but don't have the time to travel. Shaded Brookside Glen is a level, mowed lawn surrounded by mature trees and bushes. Dry camping only, but a nice composting outhouse is easily available nearby. Water is available from the year round trout stream, but drinking water must be carried in. Shaded Brookside Glen has a picnic table, a metal fire pit, and limited fire wood is supplied. The drive to the site is across a grassy, mowed, well drained field, but can be effected by long periods of rain.

92%

(129)

SnugLife Camping

2 sites · Lodging, Tents52 acres · Wilton, NH

Keith & I are happy to share our 52-acre slice of paradise with campers and fellow dog-enthusiasts. Come enjoy the Souhegan River, the woods and the myriad activities that southern NH has to offer. We're only 65 miles from Boston, but feel like you've left the world behind... Find us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram: @snuglifecamping - because... The snuggle is real...

100%

(23)

Bear + Bird Homestead

1 site · Tent4 acres · Brentwood, NH

Welcome to our home! We're glad to have you. https://www.instagram.com/bearbirdhomestead Exeter River camping with floating dock Bucket toilet in privacy tent Hot/Cold Outdoor shower Well behaved dogs/leashed dogs are welcome 2 Min to Lindy's Country Store, 6 Min to Market Basket (and shopping plaza)/Epping Restaurants 15 minutes to downtown Exeter 20 minutes from Pawtuckaway State Park Over 300 acres of town forest hiking trails directly across the street.

98%

(602)

Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH

The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.

88%

(151)

Toad Hill

10 sites · Lodging45 acres · Chatham, NH

Toad Hill is a remote 45 acre property surrounded by pristine forest and located in the heart of The White Mountains. There is lots to do and see in the area. Hike, bike, snowmobile or ski from the door to waterfalls, ponds, or just around the property in search of birds and wildlife. Take a day trip to Province or Mountain Pond for both swimming and fly fishing. Toad hill also host a summer music festival and has beautiful sculptures around the property. Perfect for people trying to get away from life and into nature!

95%

(73)

Blue Heron Camp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Nelson, NH

I have been on this land for 40 years and have improved it but let nature reign. Animals that have passed through, and some have stayed: Birds, turkeys, owls, coyotes, bear , moose, deer, bobcat, squirrels, chip monks, voles and mice, raccoon, possum, fox, and fisher. Eggs and veggies for sale in season.

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!

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

River, stream, or creek camping in New Hampshire with campfires 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.