Sunapee State Park
00 review86 Beach access Rd, Newbury, New Hampshire, 03255, United States
Sunapee State Park
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Base site fee covers 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children under 18. Additional adults are $10 per night and additional children are $5 per night. NH seniors receive a $5 discount with ID; NH state employees receive a 50% discount on campsites (excludes yurts and cabins) with ID or paystub.
About this campground
Nestled on the wooded slopes of Mount Sunapee, this family-friendly campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. Choose between rustic lean-to shelters or elevated tent platforms, each offering a unique way to experience the wilderness. As camper Jenny Hansen beautifully puts it, "This is a place to get away from the sounds of civilization and hear only the wind in the trees." Here, the gentle rustle of leaves and birdsong replace the usual urban soundtrack, creating the perfect backdrop for memorable outdoor adventures.
The campground is specifically designed for rustic and primitive tent camping. No RV or trailer accommodations are available.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal beauty at Mount Sunapee. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while summer brings those perfect camping days with clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and swimming. Fall transforms the mountainside into a brilliant tapestry of colors, though visitors should come prepared for cooler nights. Winter blankets the area in snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture out. Throughout the year, be ready for New England's famously changeable weather – pack layers and rain gear to ensure comfort during occasional heavy rains.
ElevationPerched along the mountain's gentle slopes, the campground offers an elevated camping experience that combines accessibility with stunning vistas. The hillside location provides natural terracing for campsites, ensuring privacy while offering glimpses of the surrounding peaks through the forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryJust two miles from the sparkling waters of Mount Sunapee State Park Beach, this mountainside retreat envelops visitors in a pristine forest ecosystem. Towering hardwoods and evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. As longtime visitor Kathy Roberts notes, it's a "quiet secluded camping experience" where nature takes center stage. Wildlife sightings are common, from curious chipmunks to majestic deer passing through at dawn and dusk.
Geological RegionSet within the stunning Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, the campground showcases the area's dramatic mountainous terrain carved by ancient glaciers. The crown jewel of the region is the pristine 4,085-acre Lake Sunapee, whose crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks. This geological wonderland offers endless opportunities for exploration, from rocky outcrops perfect for scrambling to hidden valleys where mountain streams cascade over moss-covered stones.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility details are not provided in the authoritative or user-supplied data.
Sites SizeVarious site sizes accommodate between 4 to 18 people, depending on the specific site.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the campsites are private and spaced apart, offering a quiet and secluded environment for campers.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 001 is spacious and private with lots of distance between other campers (Jenny Hansen).
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Before 6 pm at Mount Sunapee State Beach.
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 11 months.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity per site varies from 4 to 18 guests depending on the site.
Groups
No specific details regarding group site accommodations are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutMix of lean-to and tent-only sites in the Sunapee Area loop.
Open and Closed SeasonYear-round activities available; specific camping season for reservations depends on site availability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through ReserveAmerica. Contact Call Center: 1-877-647-2757.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if cancelled 10+ days before arrival. Refund minus reservation fee and one night of camping for cancellations 4–9 days before arrival. No refund for cancellations 0–3 days before arrival.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sunapee State Park Campground provides a range of outdoor activities, leveraging its scenic mountain location and proximity to the lake. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating, with additional opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Hiking
Hiking is a prominent activity at Sunapee State Park, with trails offering various levels of difficulty. User reviews highlight short walks from the campground that lead to beautiful viewpoints.Fishing
Fishing is available within the park. Details about the types of fish or specific fishing spots are not provided in the available data.Swimming
Swimming is permitted at the nearby state beach, located approximately one mile from the campground. The beach is included in the camping fee.Boating
Boating is available with some restrictions. Boat rentals are offered, but specific details about the types of boats and dock facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities for wildlife viewing are available, although no details about specific species or viewing areas have been included.Beach activities
The state beach, approximately one mile from the campground, provides additional recreational options, including swimming and potentially sunbathing.Winter Activities
During winter, Sunapee State Park offers alpine skiing at the nearby Mt. Sunapee Resort.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing may be possible, but specific details are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood available for purchase at the campground. Out-of-state firewood prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited to no cell service at this park." Washouts described on the access road (Michele Bugbee).
Active alertsBeach advisories may occur during summer months. Firewood from out-of-state prohibited.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Greater than 1 mile away; Emergency Police/Fire/Ambulance services are accessible by dialing 911.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific information provided about trash and recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated approximately 1 mile from a 4,085-acre lake at Mount Sunapee State Park Beach.
Common complaints"Road not taken care of. Washout" (Michele Bugbee). Limited facilities such as outhouses and pit toilets noted by reviewers.
Campground Map
86 Beach access Rd, Newbury, New Hampshire, 03255, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-93: Take I-89 north to Exit 9 onto Route 103 follow Route 103 to Newbury, then follow signs to Mount Sunapee State Park. From I-95: Take Route 101 west to Route I-93 North towards Concord. Take I-89 north to Exit 9 onto Route 103 follow Route 103 to Newbury, and then follow signs to Mount Sunapee State Park. Directions to the campground: When you reach the traffic circle on Route 103, exit the circle towards Mount Sunapee Resort. Take the first left—marked with a small blue tent sign—into a large gravel parking lot. To reach the campground, turn right in the parking lot and follow the road, which appears on Google Maps as 'Park Road,' up the hill for one mile. The campground will be on your left.
The road to the campground is an unpaved gravel road. It is described as rough and cratered with potholes by reviewers. "Go slow and you will make it, no problem" (David Hall).Nearby supplies
Within 10 miles: Convenience store, grocery store, and supplies retail.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Sunapee State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural, quiet, and secluded ambiance of the campground. Many emphasize the rustic nature of the facilities and the road conditions leading to the site.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the privacy of the campsites, the quiet environment, and the access to the state beach included in the camping fee. "Our site was spacious and private with lots of distance between...
Show more
Common Concerns
Common criticisms include the poor state of the gravel road leading to the campground, the lack of on-site showers, and the absence of infrastructure for RVs and trailers. One user remarked, "The...
Show more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend driving slowly due to the gravel road's poor condition. It's also suggested to check the beach advisories before planning a swim. Another tip is to visit the nearby state beach for...
Show more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight the proximity to the state beach for swimming and other activities. There are fewer complaints about road access during drier months.
Camper Quotes
"Our site was spacious and private with lots of distance between us and other campers." - Jenny Hansen. "Great spot on side of mountain [no view from camp ground] but a short walk will produce a...
Show more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details include varying capacities, with some sites accommodating up to 18 people. Site 010, for example, can hold 18 people, while Site 008 is limited to 4. All sites are tent-only,...
Show more
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, but they are restricted from the state beach.
Last updated August 10, 2025