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Recreational Vehicle Camping in New Hampshire

RV camping in New Hampshire offers great scenery, solitude, interesting history, and outdoor recreation opportunities for the whole family. From exclusive RV resorts, to basic service public campgrounds, there is something for everyone.

Free camping ideas follow New Hampshire RV camping resources.

New Hampshire Resources for RV Camping Information

  • Private RV Parks - Research tools for finding the best RV parks and campgrounds in New Hampshire.
  • US Forest Service - USFS information about free dispersed camping (boondocking) and developed campgrounds in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire.
  • Fish and Wildlife Service - FWS information about camping National Wildlife Refuges in New Hampshire. Not all refuges allow camping.
  • US Army Corps of Engineers - USACE/COE information about water projects and camping in New Hampshire.
  • Current Weather - From the National Weather Service
  • Historical Weather - Know what to pack. Includes monthly average highs, lows, mean temperature,GPS location and elevation.
  • RV Dump Stations

RV Camping pages with more information

  • USFS (US Forest Service) - Describes USFS policies and rules about RV camping. Information about dispersed camping, and tips on how to find great free RV camping sites.
  • USACE/COE (US Army Corp of Engineers) - USACE (perhaps better know as COE) manages water recreation areas throughout the USA. Information about finding USACE lakes, RV camping possibilities, and rules and policies for use of these water based recreation areas is included.

We recommend the New Hampshire Atlas & Gazetteer to help find RV camping locations. This New Hampshire topographic atlas offers comprehensive detail including trails, back country roads, lakes and streams, boat ramps, forests, wetlands, campgrounds, public lands, and hunting and fishing locations. Information about family trips, wilderness outing possibilities, and more are included. Put that together with DeLorme Topo 6.0 Software and you have a versatile set of research tools to find the best RV camping sites.

New Hampshire Free Camping Ideas


The USDA White Mountain National Forest offers free dispersed camping (boondocking) in New Hampshire, but many area restrictions apply. Contact the Forest Service Ranger Districts for restrictions and locations.

Here's a list of places to consider when looking for a free overnight RV camping or parking location in New Hampshire. We always recommend asking for overnight RV parking permission when looking for a free spot to spend the night. The smaller your RV, the better chances you will have finding places to stay if you choose not to ask permission. If you don't ask permission, you end up "sneaking" into places and hoping nobody bothers you or issues you a trespassing ticket before you move on.

Be smart and Be Safe...Ask Permission!

  • Truck Stops - Asking permission is usually not a requirement Be considerate of the big rigs!
  • Walmart - Not all stores allow overnight RV parking in New Hampshire due to city ordinances. Check store for policy.
  • Nightclubs - Had one too many or just pretending?
  • Grain Elevators - Ask where you can park your RV out of the way for the night.
  • Fraternal Organizations - VFW, Elks etc. may allow members free overnight RV camping.
  • Cemetery - Sounds creepy to us, but we've also heard they may have water available.
  • Fairgrounds - State and County facilities may allow RV camping when not otherwise in use.
  • Parks - City, County, State, and Community parks often have free RV camping.
  • Churches - You can almost make "reservations" by calling ahead for permission.
  • Hotel Parking Lots - Assuming a nightclub/bar is inside, had one too many or just pretending?
  • Truck Terminals - Parking areas for large trucks might allow you free RV camping permission
  • RV Dealers - Pretty brave to us, but you could fit right in.
  • Cracker Barrel - These nationwide restaurants usually allow free overnight RV parking.
  • Movie Theaters - Too tired to drive home after the late show?
  • Highway Rest Areas - All rest areas allow a few hours of free RV parking, but noisy.
  • Drive In Movies - Got a small RV, park in the back row and enjoy the show. Fell asleep by accident right?
  • Vehicle Repair Shops - Need to see the repairman first thing in the morning?
  • Big Box Retailers - Kmart, Best Buy, Sams Club often allow free RV camping.
  • Roadside Parks & Picnic Areas - The early day version of the rest area.

As you can see, there are a lot of free RV camping and parking possibilities in New Hampshire. If you are not asking permission, it's best to keep a very low profile. If your RV has slide outs, jacks and TV antennas, don't use them so as not to draw attention to yourself. Consider your surroundings carefully and if you feel uncomfortable with the area, move somewhere else.

Public lands offer great RV camping in New Hampshire. State, Federal, and private campgrounds have basic service campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, to full hookup RV resorts. Free dispersed camping (boondocking) is available in New Hampshire National Forests, but many areas are restricted, so you should check with local Ranger District for rules and locations. Use the links to the public lands websites above for specific information about camping and public lands access. Research and explore, and you should have no trouble finding the best campsites.

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