Mountains, Lakes, and the Most Scenic Overnight Spots in the Granite State
New Hampshire may be one of the smaller states, but when it comes to van life and car camping, it punches way above its weight. From towering peaks in the White Mountains to serene lakes and dense forests, New Hampshire offers some of the most scenic, peaceful, and adventure-packed camping in all of New England.
Whether you're hiking the Presidential Range, swimming in a mountain stream, or pulling off a quiet forest road, here are the 10 best spots to park, sleep, and explore in New Hampshire.
⛰️ 1. White Mountain National Forest (Dispersed Camping)
Location: Northern & Central NH
Cost: FREE (14-day limit at many spots)
The ultimate van life playground in New Hampshire. With hundreds of miles of forest roads, scenic trailheads, and no shortage of pull-off spots, this is where the wild campers go.
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🏕️ Dispersed camping allowed in many areas (follow signs)
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🥾 Dozens of trailheads nearby (including the AT)
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🐻 Bear-aware practices essential—store food properly
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💧 Be self-contained (many spots have no facilities)
🏞️ 2. Franconia Notch State Park
Location: Along I-93 in the White Mountains
Cost: ~$25–$40/night
Located right in the heart of the Whites, this area is surrounded by stunning views and famous hikes like the Flume Gorge, Mount Lafayette, and the Basin.
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🚐 Lafayette Place Campground has van-friendly spots
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🥾 Direct access to some of NH’s best hikes
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🚿 Facilities include showers, water, and restrooms
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🌄 Ideal in the fall with peak foliage
🌲 3. Jericho Mountain State Park
Location: Berlin, NH (northern tip)
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
A hidden gem in the north with off-road trails, lakes, and quiet campgrounds. Great for those who like getting a little off the beaten path.
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🚴 Popular with ATV riders
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🛶 Boating and fishing available
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🏕️ Spacious, forested campsites
🌅 4. Umbagog Lake State Park
Location: Errol, NH (northeast)
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
Perfect for van lifers looking for peace, paddling, and prime moose-spotting. This remote lake is a serene place to unwind.
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🛶 Canoe/kayak rentals on-site
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🦌 Wildlife sightings almost guaranteed
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🌌 Great night skies — limited light pollution
🌄 5. Mount Washington Auto Road + Trailheads
Location: Near Gorham & Pinkham Notch
Cost: FREE to park overnight at some trailheads (check signage)
Not a campground, but parking overnight at certain trailheads (like Appalachia or Dolly Copp) is a go-to for van lifers hiking the Whites.
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🥾 Access to the Presidential Range
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🚐 Good for self-contained rigs
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❄️ Bring warm gear—even summer nights are cold up here
🛶 6. Pawtuckaway State Park
Location: Southeast NH
Cost: ~$25–$40/night
Just an hour from Boston, this lakeside park is ideal for a quick escape into nature.
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🛶 Great for kayaking or swimming
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🔥 Fire pits and basic hookups available
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🏕️ Forested sites, some with lake views
🏕️ 7. Bear Brook State Park
Location: Allenstown, NH (central)
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
The largest developed state park in NH, Bear Brook is perfect for those who want a full-service campground close to towns and hiking.
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🚿 Clean restrooms and showers
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🥾 Plenty of trails for day hiking and biking
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🌲 Good tree cover for privacy
🚗 8. Walmart, Cracker Barrel & Rest Stop Parking
Location: Concord, North Conway, Littleton
Cost: FREE (ask permission where needed)
For one-night stays or resupply days, these are van life go-to spots.
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💤 Quiet, convenient locations
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🛒 Close to shopping, food, and fuel
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🧼 Pair with Planet Fitness or community rec centers for showers
🛤️ 9. Moose Brook State Park
Location: Gorham, NH
Cost: ~$25–$30/night
Located near the base of the White Mountains, this park is an excellent launch point for hiking, mountain biking, or scenic driving.
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🚴♀️ Close to trail networks
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🚐 Easy in/out for vans and small RVs
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🌄 Epic views of nearby peaks
🌳 10. Echo Lake Campground (North Conway area)
Location: Conway, NH
Cost: ~$25–$35/night
Nestled near Cathedral Ledge and Echo Lake, this is a favorite for climbers, hikers, and swimmers.
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📸 Great photography at Cathedral Ledge
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🛶 Swimming and small boat access
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🏞️ Close to shops and supplies in North Conway
🚐 Van Life Tips for New Hampshire
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Best Season: Late May through early October
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Weather: Nights can be cold, even in summer, especially at elevation
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Bugs: Black flies and mosquitoes are brutal in spring — bring bug spray!
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Showers: State parks, Planet Fitness (Concord, Manchester), or truck stops
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Apps to Use: iOverlander, Campendium, Gaia GPS, FreeRoam
Final Thoughts
New Hampshire offers some of the most iconic and accessible outdoor experiences in the Northeast—and much of it is van life-friendly. Whether you’re boondocking on forest roads in the Whites, waking up lakeside with coffee, or chasing fall foliage along scenic byways, the Granite State invites you to explore rugged beauty without sacrificing peace and space.
If you’re on a New England road trip, don’t skip New Hampshire—it's a van life favorite for a reason.
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