Beach Camping in New Hampshire

Discover the best beach camping across New Hampshire. Camp where the land meets the water. Ocean breezes, sandy shores, and stunning sunsets await.

13+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May - September

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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Hampton Beach State Park (South)

Hampton

Your RV sits directly on the Atlantic coastline where the Hampton River meets the ocean, with waves breaking just steps from your door and unobstructed sunrise views over sapphire waters.

4.5(251 reviews)

Umbagog Lake State Park

Cambridge

Secluded waterfront campsites line the sandy shores of crystal-clear Umbagog Lake, where you can swim in pristine waters and launch kayaks directly from camp.

4.6(131 reviews)

Verified

Lake Francis State Park

Pittsburg

Waterfront campsites line the sandy shores of this 2,000-acre lake, where crystal-clear water invites swimmers and paddlers to explore hidden coves and marshy inlets.

4.7(59 reviews)

Verified

About Beach Camping in New Hampshire

Beach camping in New Hampshire offers a unique blend of Atlantic coastline and pristine lake shores, creating diverse waterfront camping experiences across the state. While New Hampshire's ocean coastline is compact at just 18 miles, it delivers authentic seaside camping at Hampton Beach State Park, the state's only true oceanfront campground with RV sites directly on sandy Atlantic beaches.

Best Time

Peak beach camping season runs from late June through August when water temperatures reach 65-70°F in lakes and 60-68°F in the ocean, making swimming most comfortable. July and August offer the warmest weather with daytime temperatures in the 75-85°F range, but these months also bring the largest crowds, particularly at Hampton Beach State Park and accessible southern lake campgrounds like Pawtuckaway.

Scenery Highlights

Oceanfront and lakeside sites
Sandy beaches and swimming
Stunning sunrise and sunset views
Water sports and fishing

More Beach Camping in New Hampshire

Discover 10 additional top-rated beach camping in New Hampshire

Pawtuckaway State Park

Nottingham, NH

The park's sandy swimming beach stretches along pristine lake waters where families splash in designated swimming areas and kayakers glide across mirror-smooth surfaces.

4.5(90)

Cannon Mountain Rv Park

Franconia

Echo Lake's sandy swimming beach sits just steps from your site, with granite cliffs rising dramatically from the shoreline where you can paddleboard across mirror-still waters.

4.8(95)

Moose Brook State Park

Gorham

Mountain-cold Moose Brook pools into sun-warmed shallows where swimmers splash beneath towering evergreens and Presidential Range views. The brook's crystal-clear water creates a refreshing swimming hole that captures White Mountain wilderness without the ocean waves.

4.9(42)

Bear Brook State Park

Deerfield, NH

This isn't a beach camping destination - Bear Brook State Park sits inland among New Hampshire's forests and freshwater ponds, miles from any ocean coastline. The park centers around woodland trails, marshlands, and landlocked swimming areas rather than coastal access or saltwater activities.

4.8(31)

Pillsbury State Park

Washington

I cannot write a beach camping summary for Pillsbury State Park because it is not a beach or coastal campground. Located in inland New Hampshire, it features freshwater ponds, forests, and wetlands with no ocean access or coastal scenery. Would you like me to write a summary highlighting...

4.6(47)

Mollidgewock State Park

Errol

The Androscoggin River flows directly past your tent, inviting paddlers to launch into gentle currents where moose wade at dawn and osprey dive for fish overhead. Morning mists rising from the water transform the forested riverbanks into an ever-changing masterpiece of light and shadow.

4.5(27)

Fourth Iron Campground

Bartlett · White Mountain National Forest

The confluence of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers creates crystal-clear swimming pools where campers can wade into refreshing mountain-fed waters just steps from their tents.

4.5(44)

Milan Hill State Park

Berlin

I cannot write a beach camping summary for Milan Hill State Park because this is a mountain/forest campground in northern New Hampshire with no beach access or ocean proximity.

4.6(31)

Surry Mountain Lake Campground

Surry Mountain Lake

Surry Mountain Lake's calm waters lap directly against campsites, creating a serene shoreline where morning mist rises off the glassy surface and paddlers glide past forests reflected in mirror-like water.

4.8(16)

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Popular Activities

Swimming at sandy beaches and designated swimming areasKayaking and canoeing on lakes and coastal watersPaddleboarding on calm lake surfacesBeach volleyball and shoreline gamesFishing from beaches, boats, and shorelinesBoating and water skiing on larger lakes

Tips & Recommendations

1Book Hampton Beach State Park sites immediately when reservations open, as the state's only oceanfront camping sells out months ahead for summer weekends.
2Bring wind protection for coastal camping—popup canopies, windbreaks, and secure tent stakes are essential as Atlantic breezes can be persistent.
3For lake beach camping, pack water shoes for rocky entry points at campgrounds like Cannon Mountain RV Park's Echo Lake access, where natural shorelines may have stones and roots.
4Consider midweek arrivals to avoid weekend crowds and secure better site selection at popular destinations like Pawtuckaway.

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Beach Camping in New Hampshire FAQ

We've ranked 13+ beach campgrounds in New Hampshire based on water access, amenities, and user reviews. Top options include oceanfront and lakeside sites with sandy beaches and swimming access.

Beach camping in New Hampshire is generally best from May through September when water temperatures are warmest. Shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and milder weather.

For beach camping in New Hampshire, bring sun protection, beach chairs, water toys, and sand-friendly gear. Wind stakes for your tent are essential, and consider a shade structure for daytime comfort.

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