The best star host camping in New Hampshire

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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.

99% (5.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Owl's Nest

1. Owl's Nest

98%
(27)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hillsboro, NH
We are located on a private 36 acres of mostly woodland. We abut 100 acres of conservation land and another 100 acres of private woodlands. Park at the end of the dirt portion of Farley Rd and it is a short 5 minute hike to the campsites. There is a marsh and a creek on the property that support myriad wildlife. There are owls, loons, eagles, hawks, hermit thrushes, robins, turkeys, song birds and herons. There are deer, moose, bear(don't leave your food out!), chipmunks, squirrels, opossum, raccoons(don't leave your food out!), skunks, minks, otters and many other species in our neighborhood. We live at the end of a dead end road with very little traffic. No potable water provided, bring a filter and filter fresh water while you are here. Outhouse is completed and has a separate trail off of the white blaze trail. Just before the Quiet campsite there is a trail for the outhouse on the right. Thank you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Primitive Clothing Optional Camping

2. Primitive Clothing Optional Camping

100%
(10)
18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Grafton, NH
Private, remote, offgrid, primitive campground resort for voluntaryists, ethical anarchists, and body freedom naturists (nudists) Book a site here to visit and we will host full moon gatherings to build the society we want to opt-in to, please bring a friend to guarantee your ability to constantly socialize, we are usually adults only but if you are 100% responsible parents we welcome families when not adults only Our Shared Goals - Fostering a safe, welcoming environment with clear rules towards encouraging visitors to socialize with maximum mixtures of peace, love, and liberty! A mixed venue suitable for all naturism lovers and their families Oct. 3-6 "Homecoming" Family Friendly full moon gathering, this time is caregivers, dependents, and their families only, so no other adults unless invited with a family Nov. 1-6 "Patriarchy" full moon gathering, ADULTS ONLY allowed to attend for this spicy topical event This is currently a "minimalist" camping experience at a working homestead welcoming those with a strong work ethic to visit for longer periods as our main focus is to Get Shit Done, improve the resort, build out hiking trails, etc If you pack it in, please pack it out! There is a solar powered extension cord outlet to charge or power small devices as sun allows and we have a composting pit toilet with small changing tent over it for privacy, please use ash from bucket to cover your poop, BYO-TP. Plenty of firewood from the woods to burn if wind is low or nonexistent. Dispersed camping is anywhere in the forest, hike in from the parking areas but please don't get lost! We can show you a few spots to choose from when you arrive based on your wants. We can accommodate large parties of campers. Nudity is allowed anywhere on site from the creek to the parking lot and surrounding forests but not directly on our shared driveway before warning signs or close to neighbors yards Neighbors have an animal sanctuary so you may hear roosters, horses, etc. when they're hungry Please call if you have any questions or concerns about your visit here - 406-249-7704
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
Duncan Lake Island

3. Duncan Lake Island

99%
(34)
1 site · Tent · Center Ossipee, NH
Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach). Access from East Side Drive is not permitted - launch from the boat launch or Cleveland Beach only, please.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Emerald Green Cabin

5. Emerald Green Cabin

100%
(6)
1 site · Lodging · Strafford, NH
The Emerald Green Cabin is a fully insulated, off-grid forest escape with a short woodland trail leading down to the Isinglass River. Located just 3 miles from beautiful Bow Lake—with its swimming beach and boat launch access—it’s perfectly situated for outdoor adventure. Lovely local hikes at Parker Mountain, Blue Job Mountain, and Stonehouse Pond are just minutes away. This peaceful retreat offers privacy, seclusion, and the calming presence of nature. It’s a truly unique getaway, ideal for those seeking a rustic camping experience with the comforts of a cozy cabin. 🛌 Cabin You’ll have this Hipcamp all to yourself. Amenities available at the cabin: 🍳 1-burner propane stove for cooking 🪵 Woodstove for heat (plus an additional Buddy propane heater for quick warm-ups) 💧 5 gallons of sink water for washing (via foot pump) + 2.5 gallons of drinking water 🚻 Privy 🍽 Plates, bowls, mugs, utensils, knives, pans, kettle, and cooler ⚡️ Battery-powered lights (no electricity) 🛏 Full-size bed in the loft and a couch that converts into a surprisingly comfy full-size bed. Two camping cots are also available in the loft and can be set up on the main floor if needed. Clean sheets, pillows, a comforter, and a sleeping bag are provided.
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$86
 / night

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.

99% (5.6K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Owl's Nest

1. Owl's Nest

98%
(27)
7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hillsboro, NH
We are located on a private 36 acres of mostly woodland. We abut 100 acres of conservation land and another 100 acres of private woodlands. Park at the end of the dirt portion of Farley Rd and it is a short 5 minute hike to the campsites. There is a marsh and a creek on the property that support myriad wildlife. There are owls, loons, eagles, hawks, hermit thrushes, robins, turkeys, song birds and herons. There are deer, moose, bear(don't leave your food out!), chipmunks, squirrels, opossum, raccoons(don't leave your food out!), skunks, minks, otters and many other species in our neighborhood. We live at the end of a dead end road with very little traffic. No potable water provided, bring a filter and filter fresh water while you are here. Outhouse is completed and has a separate trail off of the white blaze trail. Just before the Quiet campsite there is a trail for the outhouse on the right. Thank you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Primitive Clothing Optional Camping

2. Primitive Clothing Optional Camping

100%
(10)
18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Grafton, NH
Private, remote, offgrid, primitive campground resort for voluntaryists, ethical anarchists, and body freedom naturists (nudists) Book a site here to visit and we will host full moon gatherings to build the society we want to opt-in to, please bring a friend to guarantee your ability to constantly socialize, we are usually adults only but if you are 100% responsible parents we welcome families when not adults only Our Shared Goals - Fostering a safe, welcoming environment with clear rules towards encouraging visitors to socialize with maximum mixtures of peace, love, and liberty! A mixed venue suitable for all naturism lovers and their families Oct. 3-6 "Homecoming" Family Friendly full moon gathering, this time is caregivers, dependents, and their families only, so no other adults unless invited with a family Nov. 1-6 "Patriarchy" full moon gathering, ADULTS ONLY allowed to attend for this spicy topical event This is currently a "minimalist" camping experience at a working homestead welcoming those with a strong work ethic to visit for longer periods as our main focus is to Get Shit Done, improve the resort, build out hiking trails, etc If you pack it in, please pack it out! There is a solar powered extension cord outlet to charge or power small devices as sun allows and we have a composting pit toilet with small changing tent over it for privacy, please use ash from bucket to cover your poop, BYO-TP. Plenty of firewood from the woods to burn if wind is low or nonexistent. Dispersed camping is anywhere in the forest, hike in from the parking areas but please don't get lost! We can show you a few spots to choose from when you arrive based on your wants. We can accommodate large parties of campers. Nudity is allowed anywhere on site from the creek to the parking lot and surrounding forests but not directly on our shared driveway before warning signs or close to neighbors yards Neighbors have an animal sanctuary so you may hear roosters, horses, etc. when they're hungry Please call if you have any questions or concerns about your visit here - 406-249-7704
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
Duncan Lake Island

3. Duncan Lake Island

99%
(34)
1 site · Tent · Center Ossipee, NH
Quiet and peaceful island in Duncan Lake, Ossipee, NH. Fall asleep listening to the loons, and wake up to beautiful sunrises! Approximately half an acre with plenty of level spots for tenting, great fishing (lake is stocked with trout), and excellent swimming. Property has a flat top Blackstone propane griddle (propane not provided), charcoal BBQ, and picnic table. Lots of hiking opportunities in the immediate area. Given the location, potential renters MUST have a canoe/kayak to access the land from the public beach. There are no restroom facilities of any kind, so please be prepared to pack in/pack out your preferred solution. Enjoy the serenity of this unique island oasis! Available May 1st - Oct 31st only. Parking is available at the public beach (Cleveland Beach). Access from East Side Drive is not permitted - launch from the boat launch or Cleveland Beach only, please.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night
Emerald Green Cabin

5. Emerald Green Cabin

100%
(6)
1 site · Lodging · Strafford, NH
The Emerald Green Cabin is a fully insulated, off-grid forest escape with a short woodland trail leading down to the Isinglass River. Located just 3 miles from beautiful Bow Lake—with its swimming beach and boat launch access—it’s perfectly situated for outdoor adventure. Lovely local hikes at Parker Mountain, Blue Job Mountain, and Stonehouse Pond are just minutes away. This peaceful retreat offers privacy, seclusion, and the calming presence of nature. It’s a truly unique getaway, ideal for those seeking a rustic camping experience with the comforts of a cozy cabin. 🛌 Cabin You’ll have this Hipcamp all to yourself. Amenities available at the cabin: 🍳 1-burner propane stove for cooking 🪵 Woodstove for heat (plus an additional Buddy propane heater for quick warm-ups) 💧 5 gallons of sink water for washing (via foot pump) + 2.5 gallons of drinking water 🚻 Privy 🍽 Plates, bowls, mugs, utensils, knives, pans, kettle, and cooler ⚡️ Battery-powered lights (no electricity) 🛏 Full-size bed in the loft and a couch that converts into a surprisingly comfy full-size bed. Two camping cots are also available in the loft and can be set up on the main floor if needed. Clean sheets, pillows, a comforter, and a sleeping bag are provided.
Potable water
Toilets
Trash
from 
$86
 / night

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The best star host camping in New Hampshire guide

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

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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. 
  4. Weather in New Hampshire can be challenging and unpredictable. Come prepared with rain gear and extra layers, even in summer. 

Top regions in and near New Hampshire