Every season in the Lakes Region comes with its own set of weather-appropriate activities. Fall is all about apple picking and leaf peeping, while winter brings snowy adventures. Spring is maple syrup season, and summer is for getting out on the water.

With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of recreational activities, the region offers one of our favorite unforgettable summer experiences – camping. The area boasts crystal-clear lakes, verdant forests, and magnificent mountain ranges, providing a picturesque backdrop for any family camping trip. Whether you’re an experienced camper or a first-timer, the Lakes Region has something for everyone, from peaceful lakeside retreats to thrilling outdoor adventures. In this blog, we’ll explore eight camping spots in the New Hampshire Lakes Region and share tips on making the most of your camping experience all season long.

New Hampshire Lakes Region Campsites

1. Wolfeboro Campground

With 50 spacious and wooded campsites tucked away in a pristine, woodsy environment, Wolfeboro Campground is where you’ll want to stay all summer long. This tranquil spot is located along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, close to downtown Wolfeboro and local attractions like the Wolfeboro Trolley’s narrated tour, the Wright Museum, and the historic Clark House. Back at the campgrounds, take your pick from tent or RV sites with hookups – either way, you’ll be surrounded by a peaceful oasis.

2. Gunstock Mountain Resort

Located close to the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Gunstock’s campground features 255 campsites and two cozy cabins, all nestled between three expansive mountain ranges. With a number of pristine lakes nearby and endless recreational activities on-site, including hiking trails, a private pool, and a fenced-in dog park. Spend a day at the Gunstock Mountain base area exploring the Adventure Park, where you and your family can embark on a zipline tour, complete an aerial treetop adventure course, ride the mountain coaster, and take in the sights on a scenic lift ride!

3. Twin Tamarack Family Camping and RV Resort

This cozy Lakes Region campsite is located right across the road from Lake Pemigewasset and is in close proximity to some of the Lakes Region’s most notable attractions. The campground features a variety of camping options including tent sites, furnished cabins, campers, and camper sites. There are activities for all ages — like candy bar bingo, ice cream socials, tie-dying t-shirts, and ice cream socials. Spend your days relaxing on the private sandy beach, going for a swim in the pool, taking a kayak out on the lake, take your mountain bike for a ride, or escape for a day trip around New Hampshire!

4. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park: Lakes Region

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Milton is tucked away in the forest surrounded by pine trees. The park features spacious and well-maintained campsites with fire pits, picnic tables, and full hookups for RVs. Visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, including swimming at either of the two sandy beaches, mining for gems, playing a round of mini golf, and walking through the park’s trails. In addition to the outdoor fun, there are many nearby attractions to explore, such as the Weirs Beach, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, and Gunstock Mountain Resort.

5. Westward Shores

Westward Shores Camping Resort is a picturesque campsite in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Situated on the shores of Ossipee Lake, it offers stunning views and a range of recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. They have themed summer weeks, including Color the Park, America the Beautiful, Luau, Under the Sea, and Carnival. The site has various accommodation options, from tent and RV sites to fully equipped cabins, and provides modern amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. The campsite also offers easy access to nearby attractions such as Castle in the Clouds, Sap House Meadery, and the White Lake Speedway. With a playground, game room, and planned activities for children, Westward Shores is an ideal spot for families.

6. Chocorua Camping Village KOA

This charming campsite is located in Tamworth, New Hampshire, on the foothills of the White Mountains. The camp offers rustic campsites, RV sites, and deluxe cabins with full amenities. Guests can go for a dip in the Chocorua River, spend an afternoon fishing, explore the water via kayak, or wander through the surrounding nature on the many hiking trails. The campsite also features a range of activities for children, including a playground, mini-golf, and a game room. The well-stocked camp store provides all necessary supplies, including groceries, firewood, and camping gear. With friendly staff and a peaceful atmosphere, Chocorua Camping Village KOA is a popular destination for families looking to embrace the natural beauty of New Hampshire.

7. Willey Brook Campground

Willey Brook Campground in Wolfeboro is a quiet and tranquil campground tucked away in the woods near Lake Wentworth and Lake Winnipesaukee. It offers both wooded and grassed sites for tents, RVs, and special seasonal spots that range from $40-48 per night. All sites are accompanied by fireplaces, chopping blocks, and tables — so you and your family can spend the evening roasting marshmallows and playing games without having to leave your site. The campgrounds are open from mid-May through mid-October.

8. SILVER LAKE CAMPGROUND

Silver Lake Campground is located in Belmont right on the water. This stunning lakeside campground has ample seasonal camping, tent and RV camping, and deluxe cabin rentals. It’s close to the outlets, restaurants, and the White Mountains, so you can easily venture away from the lake for the day. Enjoy 600 feet of waterfront views, a private beach, boating, boat rentals, and fishing during your stay. The best part of staying here? The sunsets over the water in the evening are truly unforgettable. 

Packing for Your Lakes Region Camping Trips

When packing for a family camping trip in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, it’s important to consider the weather and activities planned. Falling asleep under a night sky dotted with constellations is one of the best ways to experience the lakes region. But simply getting your family from the car to the campground can be a hurdle, especially if you’re struggling with packing.

Some essentials include a tent, sunscreen, bug spray, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, warm clothing for chilly summer nights, and sturdy footwear for hiking. Versatility and comfort are key, especially when you’re constantly switching between lounging around to walking on across the campsite. Winnies are ideal for camping because you don’t have to forgo your cozy lounge socks when you need to pop outside to add wood to the campfire for your kids. And an added bonus? A portion of proceeds go to paying for a child to go to summer camp.

Depending on your accommodations, you may also need to bring cooking equipment, food, and water. It’s also good to bring some entertainment options, such as books or games, if the kids need a break from running around in the sun. Preparing for all kinds of situations ensures the whole family an enjoyable and comfortable camping experience.

Off-Site Activities To Enjoy in the Lakes Region

Funspot

One of the many pros to a Lakes Region camping trip is that all the campsites are close to the area’s iconic warm-weather activities. Take the family off-site for thrills at Funspot, the world’s largest arcade with a 20-lane bowling alley, 300 classic arcade games, a restaurant, a tavern, cash bingo, an 18-hole indoor mini-golf, and an ice cream stand. 

Squam lakes Natural Science Center

Explore even more of the natural world as a family at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. It offers a range of outdoor experiences, including live animal exhibits, nature trails, and interactive educational programs. In the summer, the center provides 90-minute cruises where guests learn about the natural history of Squam Lake, spot majestic Bald Eagles, and listen to the call of Common Loons.

Saco River Tubing

Famous for its immaculate shorelines and clear waters, the Saco River offers various outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Reserve a mile-long tube float along the river, where you start by taking a shuttle to a private drop-off location; from there, you float back to the Saco River Tubing Center. If you’re in for a longer adventure, embark on a 4-mile paddle that starts at a private 15-acre beach. On your journey, you’ll stumble upon sandbars you can stop at for a swim and even a few rope swings to test out. 

Looking for more camping adventures? Check out our Camping & RV page for more information.