Need a fun-filled family camping vacation to get the whole family outdoors without burning a hole in your pocket? Take a trip to the Northeast and experience the beauty of New Hampshire’s pristine lakes and colorful trees, along with a never-ending list of activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The kids are in school, the sun is fading earlier each day, and suddenly winter is upon us all. While both time and money have a way of slipping through our fingers, there are still opportunities to seize the last of the fading light for some fun outdoor getaways, perfect for the whole family.
New Hampshire Family Campgrounds Don’t Mean Roughin’ It
Camping may not sound like a luxury experience for younger generations, but the Northeast boasts many campsites offering affordable, kid-friendly getaways to stay within the family budget.
In fact, a recent report from The Dyrt found that 80 million Americans went camping in 2022, with 10% of those trying “glamping.” Overall, camping is up 28% over the prior year and more than 57% of campers brought a pet along.
Favorite New Hampshire Family Campgrounds Near the Maine Border
For those who are still looking for one of these unforgettable outdoor adventures, Woodland Acres Campground is just across the state border on the Saco River. In Brownfield, Maine, it offers inexpensive deals on both standard and river camping sites. In addition to spending a night under the stars and taking in the breathtaking fall foliage, kids have the freedom to participate in canoeing, use the ground’s large playground, play horseshoes or volleyball. Use their laundry and canoe or bike rentals. There’s an indoor recreation hall for pool and video games. Don’t wait around for the last moment for these deals – the outdoor pool closes around Labor Day and the campground closes in mid-October.
Also closing its doors for the winter season and not far from the New Hampshire/Maine border, Eastern Slope Camping Area includes similar amenities. Since they have two sandy beaches on the Saco River, kids can kayak, tube, or canoe from one beach to the other, all while remaining walking distance of their campsite. They also feature great kid-oriented activities such as fire truck hayrides, kayaking and their newly added heated swimming pools. This campsite is now affiliated with the regional Modern America Campgrounds so there are many deals for families who stay at more than one of them.
In any case, it’s a win-win for both kids and adults, with the Conway Scenic Railroad only minutes away and several shopping outlets nearby.
RVs & More at New Hampshire Family Camps
Families who aren’t the biggest fans of the great outdoors, have no fear . Campsites such as the lively Glen Ellis Jellystone Park provide hookups for RVs and tagalong campers. With their on-site laundromat, families don’t have to worry about their stays being cut short by dirty clothes. Jellystone Park camp-resorts boast about their kids programming, costumed bear mascots, water parks, snack shops and more amenities. If that’s not enough, the campground also offers trailers and cabins loaded with all the amenities a family needs for a relaxing vacation. Everyone appreciates a well-furnished kitchen, bath/shower, television, an outdoor picnic table and fire pit.
Open until mid-October the campground is a mere two miles from the area’s popular amusement attraction, Story Land, where kids can spin in teacups with the Mad Hatter or become a fearless captain of a Buccaneer pirate ship. On hot days, the Moo Lagoon splash park area is particularly refreshing.
Winter Family Camping & Lodging in New Hampshire
Following a similar trend in car and backyard camping, RVs have become a popular and smart way to save on family trips. They also enable families with less outdoors experience to extend their camping season into the chilly months.
Some families find that they don’t enjoy a frozen igloo as a tent during the winter months. That’s why New Hampshire campsites such as Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort offer their guests less-rustic facilities complete with furnished kitchens, game rooms and WiFi access to escape roughin’ it in the cold weather. They’re open year round.
Area attractions include the Sandwich Fair and Pumpkin Patch Weekend, all occurring during the first weeks of October.
With so many inexpensive ways to get outdoors with the family and experience nature to the fullest, there’s no reason this fall/winter vacation should take a chunk out of any family’s budget. For more information on these campgrounds and more, visit Mount Washington Valley’s website and find your perfect family escape!
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