New Hampshire is a popular destination for all sorts of adventures due to the scenic layout of the state. Camping in New Hampshire, you must follow certain camping laws. Located in the New England region, this state is known for natural attractions such as Mount Washington, Hampton State Beach, White Mountain National Forest, Diana’s Baths, and more.
As you can see, the state has every possible landscape you would wish to camp in. With that being said, you must abide by the camping laws of New Hampshire as well as all the rules and regulations established by the state parks.
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Camping Laws In New Hampshire
- Camping fees for any particular site cover two adults and four children.
- The reservation window lasts from 1 day to 11 months before the date of arrival.
- State residents aged 65 and above are eligible for a $5 discount.
- No reservation or permit should be issued to a minor (aged below 18).
- Visitors need to register at the park and pay a visitor’s fee.
- The maximum duration of stay is 14 days.
- The Check-in time window is 1 pm to 8 pm, while the check-out time is 11 am.
- Campfires can only be built in the allocated fire rings; must be put out by 11:30 pm.
- Burning trash is not allowed.
- All campers must follow the “Quiet Hours” that last from 10 pm to 7 am when no noise-making appliances or devices should be used.
- Pets are permitted on certain campgrounds and prohibited on any bathing beaches.
Best Places To Camp In New Hampshire
Lafayette Place Campground
The Lafayette Place Campground is the camping haven for hikers as it’s beautifully located in the Franconia Notch State Park through which the Appalachian Trail passes.
There are multiple manmade and natural attractions on the 8-mile valley between the Franconia and Kinsman mountain peaks such as the New England Ski Museum, the Flume Gorge, the Echo Lake, and the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Therefore, not only is Lafayette Place Campground ideal for hikers but it’s also the perfect place to have access to swimming, cycling, bird watching, and more.
The all-year-round camping scene in Lafayette Place Campground presents 97 campsites that can easily accommodate tents and RVs. However, keep in mind certain services including showers are only open from mid-May to mid-October.
Hampton Beach State Park
For all beach lovers, camping in the Hampton Beach State Park will quench your thirst for soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. It’s the closest shoreline camping option for New Hampshire folks if you don’t want to travel too far away. In Hampton Beach State Park, you can sunbathe, go swimming, play beach volleyball but you can also take part in other fun activities such as the sand-sculpture contest that takes place in late June.
The huge campground has 28 campsites for you to choose from, with amenities to make your camping trip safe and comfortable. If you’re planning to go camping here on the last weekend of April, you don’t need to make any reservations. However, the park is open for reservations from the weekends of Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Bear Brook State Park
Bear Brook State Park is a suitable camping spot for those who which to experience the outdoors but also prefer to enjoy urban activities at the same time. The 10,000-acre park has 101 campsites with the availability of showers, a camp store, laundry, and more. As the campsites surround the Beaver Pond, you can rent boats and canoes to spend quality time with your friends and family.
The campground also offers you two archery ranges for which you must bring your own gear. If not, you can simply enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, or hiking around the ponds and forests throughout the massive park.
Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort
As the name indicates, the Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort is suitable for luxury camping as it offers all the basic amenities and more. The campground has activities for all ages making it a popular choice for large families.
Especially, children will enjoy camping here due to an array of arrangements including craft lessons, themed weekends, and multiple sporting facilities. You can also check out other famous attractions in proximity including White Lake State Park and King Pine Ski Area.
Sugarloaf Campgrounds
The US Forest Services manages two campgrounds named Sugarloaf I and Sugarloaf II along the banks of the famous Zealand River. All the campsites in the Sugarloaf campgrounds are well-spaced to ensure the privacy of the campers.
You can conveniently cook on the fire rings available at your campsite and bring water from the spigots in Sugarloaf I if you’re not comfortable using the hand pump in Sugarloaf II. Also, you must try out the easy 2.8-mile hike from the river to the Zealand Falls Hut after checking out the 360-degree view from Sugarloaf Mountain.
Common Etiquettes To Follow In Campgrounds
- Bring your tent, sleeping gear, cookware, medical kit, etc. to avoid borrowing from neighboring campers.
- In case of emergency, leave space for other campers to share a shelter.
- All dishes should be washed using the available water source in your campsite.
- You should securely dispose of garbage in the designated trash area as burying or scattering them will attract animals.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Follow the trail while hiking to avoid damage to vegetation. Tone down the noise level especially if you’re hiking on private land.
Final Words
Due to the multifaceted topography of New Hampshire, you can enjoy camping both in the hottest months of summer and the peak of winter. While you can opt for campgrounds around lakes and beaches in summer, skiing and snowboarding are the way to go during the colder months. As long as you follow the camping regulations, you’re bound to have a secure and comfortable camping trip with your loved ones in any corner of New Hampshire.
References:
- https://harvardfop.github.io/policies-and-procedures/land-use-regulations.html#:~:text=Camping%20and%20campfires%20are%20not,limited%20to%20three%20consecutive%20nights.
- https://www.nhstateparks.org/activities/camping/camping-policies
- https://www.planetware.com/new-hampshire/top-rated-campgrounds-in-new-hampshire-us-nh-21.htm
- https://rvshare.com/blog/top-10-campgrounds/new-hampshire/
