The Heart of Adventure

Discover the joy of camping in the Granite State

BY MEAG POIRIER

The what, where and how of camping is as diverse as the landscapes and activities we live for across the Granite State. Maybe when you close your eyes and think of camping you picture an oceanfront RV site in a 40-foot motorhome. Maybe you see an ultralight tent nestled among the trees somewhere deep in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. There is something for everyone in New Hampshire and for that we’re grateful. Though many of our trips may be on hold, there’s still joy to be found in planning ahead for good times outdoors in the future.

My husband Ben and I both grew up in New Hampshire. We share a deep love for camping, hiking and biking in nature. We’ve spent countless nights in the backcountry after long hikes. From 2018 to 2019, we worked remotely and glamped through 39 states in our 31-foot motorhome, I mean, our 1989 bus that we converted into a tiny home on wheels. I’m not surprised that after all of our travels we’re drawn back to New Hampshire. There are over 1,000 lakes and ponds, hundreds of mountains, and countless miles of wooded trails for hiking, biking and ATV exploration here. There is so much to love and so much left to explore in the seasons ahead through activities like camping.

Camping is not as simple as booking a hotel room or vacation rental, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. There is more to consider, plan, pack and prepare. Get the family involved and keep things light. Give yourself time to plan ahead, but if you forget something, it’s OK. Every camping trip becomes a little easier as you get to know the essentials. It doesn’t matter how fancy the camping unit is or even what the campsite looks like; it’s all about who you’re with and what you do once you get there.

Choosing where to camp is a good place to start. New Hampshire has seven regions in the state with hundreds of different camping options, ranging from resorts, campgrounds and state parks to Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) huts and National Forest shelters, cabins and campsites. (Editor’s note: As this issue went to press, AMC announced it will be closing its high mountain huts for the season as well as other facilities, but both Pinkham Notch Visitor Center and the Highland Center at Crawford Notch are still slated to open July 1.) All seven regions have their own unique charm and things to do. From sandy beaches on the seacoast to miles of thick forests in the Great North Woods, it’s easy to find the perfect place to set up camp.

PREPARE

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to research in advance to make informed decisions about our travels. Planning a camping trip can be just as fun as the camping itself. Sit back, grab a notebook, settle in with a cup of tea or coffee, and start planning for future fun outdoors. Thankfully, we have plenty of resources online to draw from in the comfort of our own homes. There’s nothing worse than arriving to a destination to find out it’s closed or full. When in doubt, call ahead.

For more information about Meag Poirier and The Wild Drive Life, visit thewilddrive.com, where you can read more about her adventures with husband Ben in their converted bus.

For more information about Meag Poirier and The Wild Drive Life, visit thewilddrive.com, where you can read more about her adventures with husband Ben in their converted bus.

Ben and I have become big fans of planning ahead. Driving a 30-year-old bus around is challenging enough. Before I choose a camping destination, I like to review the website, property map and guest reviews. Our preferences are usually guided by pet-friendly policies and access to outdoor fun nearby. The same goes for state parks and backcountry sites as well if we’re out with the van or our tent.

If you’re new to New Hampshire or aren’t sure where to start, check out Visit NH (visitnh.gov), where you can explore the state by region or season, and Camp NH (ucampnh. com) to really dig into the wide variety of campgrounds across the state.

Brainstorm what your trip preferences and needs are, based on your family, camping unit and desired activities. Do you have pets or children? Would you prefer to be secluded in nature or closer to amenities and conveniences? Once you have a basic idea, start finding answers to your questions. Are there dirt or paved roads? Is it wooded or an open field? How close together are the sites? Are there any extra fees upon arrival? Should I bring cash? Are campfires allowed?

OPTIONS

If you don’t have an RV and tenting is not for you, don’t fret. There’s always an option to rent a camping unit for a weekend, week or more. Many campgrounds and state parks in New Hampshire offer rental cabins or RVs onsite. You can also search for “RV rentals in New Hampshire” to find places where you can pick up a rental RV or have one delivered to the campground you’re staying at. Prices range from $50- $200 per night for this option. If you’re unsure of which camping unit you’d like to invest in, renting is a great way to test and try before you buy.

Primitive campsites (also known as basic) have no hookups or services onsite. They are the least expensive option and are suitable for tents, vans and some small campers. Most state parks and campgrounds include a fire pit and picnic table on each site. We have a portable power station that always comes with us on our car camping adventures. It has USB and AC outlets for all our power needs at the campsite, and we can charge it in our van as we drive. With that and a jug of water with a spigot, it’s almost like we have a water and electricity campsite.

When reserving a tent site, I like to confirm how level the site is and if the site is on gravel, sand, dirt, grass, or if there is a tent platform (usually made out of wood). I also want to know about proximity to water, restroom facilities, showers, and a sink to wash dishes. Check if the showers are free or coin-operated so you can gather some change before arrival. We always have antibacterial wet wipes (Wet Ones) and body wipes (Epic Wipes) on hand to save water and clean up at our site.

If we’re not in our bus, we either car camp or backpack. The benefit to car camping (driving to your campsite) versus backpacking (hiking to a remote shelter or backcountry) is that weight is not a concern. You can bring extra items to feel right at home, like folding chairs, a small table, extra blankets, a tarp, games or even an air mattress.

RV campsites on the other hand, have one or more services like water, sewer and electricity available. A full-hookup site features all three services. Naturally, they’re more expensive and typically larger. They’re suitable for pop-up campers, fifth wheels, tow-behind trailers, motorhomes, etc. Always confirm the length of your site and how level it is to plan accordingly.

Parking your camping unit will either require backing in or pulling through, depending on the site type. Pull-through sites are always reserved first because they are much easier to pull in and out of. Back-in sites require a bit of experience and guidance from a partner or friend, but with practice you’ll be a pro in no time. A backup camera helps too.

Backcountry camping is a fun experience, perfect for every adventure seeker.

Most RVs have holding tanks for their gray water (sinks) and black water (sewage). This provides more flexibility for where you can camp and what you need when you get there. If there are no full-hookup sites available at a campground, ask if there is a dump station onsite. This enables you to save some money, camp at a water and electricity site, and just dump your holding tanks before you depart.

Overflow camping includes areas like parking lots or extra parking that campgrounds and parks offer if the main sites are at full capacity. Ben and I stayed in overflow sites a few times around the country; they’re usually less expensive and include a longer walk to the restrooms. I honestly didn’t mind it.

Bookmark these sites for plenty of excellent information and ideas:

AMC - Lodges, huts, camps, cabins and remote campsites outdoors.org

NH State Parks - Browse NH’s 93 state parks, 20 of which offer camping. nhstateparks.org

Camp NH - The New Hampshire Campground Owner’s Association camping guide ucampnh.com

Visit NH - Statewide tourism information, a great place to start visitnh.gov

Bring Fido - Pet-friendly travel tips, accommodations, and more bringfido.com

CAMPING AT HOME

Camping right at home in your backyard is a fun alternative or last-minute idea when you have the camping itch. I have such wonderful memories of doing exactly this as a kid with my family. Set up your tent, plug in some string lights, get the grill, and get your lawn games ready. Remember, the most important reason we love camping is the process of it all — it’s exciting. It’s about setting up camp, building a fire, and laughing and sharing time with those we love. Camping reminds us to pause and find joy in the simpler things: the nature around us, our loved ones, the peace and quiet, the meals, activities and memories we share together. Simple can be joyful too.

If you’re new to backcountry camping, tenting for a night in your backyard can be great practice. I know it sounds a little lame, but it’s better to work out any gear kinks at home than to be stuck 15 miles in the woods with a tent that leaks or a sleeping bag that leaves you freezing your tush off. You can even take it one step further, and fill your backpack and walk around for a couple of hours. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than making it a few miles in before you realize your pack weighs as much as the Titanic. Try to use a little imagination, it could be fun.

SEASONS

The typical camping season in New Hampshire is from mid-May to mid-October, and there are mini-seasons within that season too. Camping at different times during the season offers you an entirely different experience. It’s all about deciding what vibe, activity level and setting is most important to you and planning your dates accordingly. Those few highly coveted toasty warm summer weeks are the most popular times to camp, but there is plenty to love about the earlier and later parts of the season too.

MAY-JUNE

Many destinations are still waking up during these early season weeks. You’ll likely find lower prices at private campgrounds and quieter settings. Some facilities and seasonal businesses may still be closed or have limited hours. Make sure to call ahead to confirm these details before you hit the road. The outdoor temperatures are mild, but cooler, and can be unpredictable at times. The leaves are their richest green and you can spot many ephemeral wildflowers during this time. This is the perfect time to put on some layers and head out for a bike ride or scenic walk. Check out the annual Lupine Festival in Sugar Hill for some of that wildflower magic.

Huttopia is now allowing New Hampshire residents to make reservations from May 31 and beyond. Visit canada-usa.huttopia.com/en/site/ white-mountains for more information.

JULY-AUGUST

Peak summer season lasts through the months of July and August, with another short burst around Labor Day in September. During this time period, you’ll find some of the warmest weather and plenty to see and do around the state. Remember, this will be the busiest time of the year to travel so it’s essential to plan ahead with reservations as soon as you know your preferred travel dates.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER

This is my personal favorite time to camp. Similar to the early season, the weeks following the Labor Day holiday tend to be calmer overall. Expect crisp days with some warm bursts here and there and cooler nights in the 30s and 40s. You’ll observe the outdoor landscapes begin to change as temperatures cool, giving way to brilliant foliage throughout the state. This is the perfect time to take a drive along one of the many scenic byways throughout the state, which you can learn more about at visit-newhampshire. com/state/scenic-drives.

As this issue went to press, Gov. Sununu announced Stay at Home 2.0. Included in the new rules were guidelines for reopening state parks and campgrounds. Among other requirements, reservations will be limited to New Hampshire residents. Visit nhstateparks. org for updates on opening dates and more information related to COVID-19.

TIPS

Once you decide on the campground, it’s important to make sure you can get there safely. We’ve had to adjust our travel routes many times in order to accommodate the limitations and size that our bus camper presented. Always research and verify in advance if your trip plan involves roads with low-clearance bridges or high grades that should be avoided. We used mobile apps like Trucker Path and CoPilot.

At least a week before you leave for your camping trip, make a packing checklist. It helps to break the list down into three categories: kitchen, bed and bath, and recreation. Be prepared with plenty of at-thecampsite games, books and supplies. Bring a mix of options for independent and group activities to keep things interesting.

Meal planning is a great way to save time, money and energy on your camping trip. There’s never a wait for a table at your campsite. Stock up on staple meal ingredients at your local grocery store before hitting the road. Focus on simple to prepare meals like tacos, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Bonus if your dinner makes enough for lunch leftovers the next day.

HAPPY CAMPERS

As we collect more experiences through our lives, the recollection of the ready-made, overly convenient hotel vacations seem to fade into the background. What shines through are moments we spent setting up camp and creating our own fun in the outdoors. As a matter of fact, two of my fondest memories involve having to rest an injured ankle for two days deep inside the Pemigewasset Wilderness and hiking into the Grand Canyon in a torrential downpour only to wake up the next day in a green oasis exploding with waterfalls and wildlife. These deeper sensory memories are the ones that stick with us.

If recent history has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t take our health and relationships for granted. The ability to enjoy the grandeur of nature is a privilege that we should take advantage of and appreciate while we can. So get outside, have fun, and experience. Time is too fragile to be spent on the mundane.