Fall camping in New Hampshire is highly underrated. For one thing, it’s the perfect way to admire New Hampshire’s gorgeous foliage. For another, what could be cozier than snuggling up around a campfire and then sleeping in a warm sleeping bag as the leaves rustle around you? It’s much more pleasant than sweating the night away in a tent in the height of summer. Plus, the crowds are much smaller. Here are a few spots to enjoy the best fall camping in New Hampshire. Be sure to call ahead as hours and dates of operation are subject to change, and amenities are very variable in the shoulder and off-season. Some of these parks will also let you camp outside the official season, as long as you don’t mind roughing it.

1. Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham

Pawtuckaway State Park, 128 Mountain Rd, Nottingham, NH 03290, USA
ILB740 / TripAdvisor
Ready for a night or two away from it all in the woods? Looking for a campground that has it all – family-friendly beaches, canoe rentals, and plenty of trails? Look no further. Pawtuckaway State Park is the spot for you. We take camping seriously in New Hampshire and this campground does it right. In fact, this campground is a perennial favorite for families and anyone who wants great lake views and amazing hiking. Be sure to climb the fire tower for the best foliage views! They even have cabins you can book if it feels too chilly for a tent during a late-September camping trip.

2. Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown

Bear Brook State Park, 157 Deerfield Rd, Allenstown, NH 03275, USA
jessienh / TripAdvisor
The largest state park in New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park has over 10,000 acres of forest, meaning that there's plenty of foliage to admire. With forty miles of trails, you're sure to stay busy!

3. Dry River Campground, Crawford Notch State Park

Dry River Campground, 2057 US-302, Bartlett, NH 03812, USA
Noraatc / TripAdvisor
Crawford Notch State Park is a huge park, with 5,775 acres of beautiful outdoor area. There is endless enjoyment to be found in this park. Of course, you can hike on any of the many memorable trails - Crawford Notch has over 4,000 miles of trails so you know there will be something for everyone in your group. You can see waterfalls, bird watching, or simply relax and take in the amazing views of the mountains around you. Your favorite way to enjoy this NH State Park, of course, is camping -- especially during the height of fall foliage! And this is one of our favorite New Hampshire fall campgrounds.

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4. Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia Notch State Park

Lafayette Place Campground, Franconia, NH 03580, USA
limar999 / TripAdvisor
Named the best campground in New Hampshire, Franconia Notch is the perfect location for fall exploring - you'll have some incredible hiking right outside your tent if you camp here. Though full-service camping ends on Columbus Day, the campground is open year-round.

5. Milan Hill State Park, Milan

Milan Hill State Park, 72 Fire Tower Road, Milan, NH 03588, USA
Linda Green / Google Reviews
Ever wanted to camp in a yurt? You can! For a warmer and comfier alternative to sleeping on the cold ground, book one of the yurts at Milan Hill State Park. They have fantastic views, as does the park's fire tower.

6. Gilson Pond Campground, Monadnock State Park

Gilson Pond Campground, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA
ratedbyhanna / TripAdvisor
Mt. Monadnock is one of the most popular hikes in the world, and fall is the perfect time to do it. Gilson Pond Campground is ideally located if you want to climb the mountain and then relax around a campfire.

7. Greenfield State Park, Greenfield

Greenfield State Park, 973 Forest Rd, Greenfield, NH 03047, USA
NH State Parks
An underrated gem, this 400-acre New Hampshire State Park offers plenty of ponds and lakeshores that look positively magical in the golden light of autumn!

Where have you found the best fall camping in New Hampshire? Share your faves in the comments.

Time is short! Looking for more ways to make the most of the season? Check out our list of day trips. But be sure to grab some gear off of our ultimate hiking packing checklist.

9 Picture Perfect Fall Day Trips To Take In New Hampshire

Check out even more of our favorite fall foliage destinations in the US:

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Fall In New Hampshire

Sarah M. | August 18, 2022

What are some of the best fall day trips in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire is famous the world over for the beauty of its autumn – after all, that’s why our small towns get so packed with tourists each year! Nonetheless, living here, it’s easy to take the autumn season for granted. This year, don’t let out-of-towners have all the fun – get out and enjoy all that the Granite State has to offer with these great fall day trips in New Hampshire:

  • In terms of fall bucket list musts, we're big fans of taking an autumn ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad.
  • Visiting a charming farm like Emery Farm in Durham
  • Hitting up the Oktoberfest festivities at Anheuser Busch in Merrimack
  • Enjoying a good, old-fashioned hike at one of numerous superlative state parks.

Where can I see the best fall foliage in New Hampshire?

We love getting out and enjoying the fall foliage on one of our state's numerous hiking trails... especially before the bitter cold of winter makes hiking a bit less enticing! There are so many hikes in New Hampshire that are extra gorgeous in the fall. If you don't have a lot of time but you want a perfect photo op, check out Glen Ellis Falls in Jackson. The short trail will take you right to a beautiful waterfall.

Other recommended fall hikes in New Hampshire include:

  • Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop
  • Old Bride Path
  • Cathedral Ledge Trail
  • Barlow Trail and Winslow Trail Loop
  • Black Cap Trail
  • Arethusa Falls via Bemis Brook Trail
  • Table Rock Trail

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