Enjoy the wilder side of New England with a stay at one of the region’s top-rated state park campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for lazy days in the sand and the sun, a week in the quiet of a forest, or easy access to paddling and swimming on the shores of a clear lake, there’s a place for you here.
Maine
“The way life should be” is Maine’s slogan, and once you start exploring the state, it’s easy to see why. From the rugged beauty of its coastline to the grandeur of its millions of acres of forest, Maine is a place to slow down, savor, and enjoy. Settle into one of Maine’s state park campgrounds to experience this welcoming state.
Where to Camp
Cobscook Bay State Park won a Campendium Camper’s Choice Award, with reviewers loving its large waterfront sites tucked on the shore of Whiting Bay. Located in “Downeast Maine,” Cobscook Bay State Park provides easy access to the artsy town of Eastport and Lubec’s Quoddy Head Lighthouse—which is the first place to see the sunrise each morning in the U.S.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire has a little bit of everything, from the craggy peaks of the White Mountains in the north to the beach vibes of the state’s 18 miles of coastline, to the bustle of city life in Manchester and Nashua in the south. Luckily, the state isn’t so big that you can’t explore all these destinations in a single trip with a top-rated state park campground as your home base.
Where to Camp
If you’re itching for a wild experience, but enjoy the comforts of your RV, make a reservation at Cannon Mountain RV Park, situated in the heart of the mountains at Franconia Notch State Park. This RV-only campground rates five stars with the Campendium community for its prime location, small size, and spectacular views. Book early because this campground fills up fast.
Those who prefer ocean experiences and close access to restaurants and shops will appreciate the beachfront camping at Hampton Beach State Park, where 28 full hookup sites cozy up to the Hampton Harbor Inlet. Note that this campground doesn’t allow pets from May 1 to September 30, and all RVs must be able to hook up to all three amenities offered—water, sewer, and electric.
Vermont
The Green Mountain State has a quiet, pastoral beauty that draws visitors back year after year, especially in the summer and fall. Driving the state’s winding roads will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, with small, historic villages tucked between wildflower-filled meadows, free-flowing rivers, and dense forests. Vermont’s state park campgrounds offer a laidback camping experience, with rustic sites, basic amenities, and plenty of nature.
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Where to Camp
Make five-star reviewed Quechee State Park your home base for touring eastern Vermont. In addition to the beauty of Quechee Gorge (Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon”) and the whimsy of nearby Woodstock, this state park is a quick drive from the mountain resorts of Killington, Ascutney, and Okemo. The park offers 45 mostly-wooded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station.
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Massachusetts
Many first-time visitors to Massachusetts head to Boston, the historic and rambling port city on the Atlantic Coast, but there’s so much more to the state than its most famous town. Across Massachusetts, you’ll find 150 state parks, each offering a unique look at the state’s diverse natural assets. Whether you visit the coast, the pretty Berkshires, or somewhere in between, you’ll be surprised at the beauty of this New England state.
Where to Camp
Cape Cod draws in millions of visitors each year, and with good reason. This peninsula off the coast of Massachusetts offers beaches, vibrant towns, and a happy-go-lucky vibe. Bask in the quiet side of the cape with a stay at Scusset Beach State Reservation; its 98-site campground is a favorite of the Campendium community.
Connecticut
There’s an experience for everyone in Connecticut, with fun activities for families, couples, and solo travelers. There’s history to uncover, the long arm of Long Island Sound to tour, and 110 state parks to experience the natural side of the state.
Where to Camp
Enjoy the secluded campsites at five-star rated Macedonia Brook State Park in Kent. The Campendium community loves its hiking trails, the large sites, and the well-kept grounds.
If beach camping is your style, check out Hammonasset Beach State Park for easy access to the coast and big, open campsites that give you room to spread out. Reviewers recommend snagging a spot in the Beach Loop for the best sites.
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Rhode Island
Maritime culture looms large in Rhode Island. The state’s petite size is balanced against its surprisingly long coast—400 miles of shoreline stretch along the Atlantic Ocean’s Narragansett Bay. Rhode Island’s top destinations include the Gilded Age mansions of Newport, the laid-back beauty of Block Island, and the city charms of Providence. But between all of that are more than a dozen state parks with tide pools to explore, beaches to visit, and some of the darkest skies for stargazing in New England.
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Where to Camp
Bring your kayaks to Fishermen’s Memorial State Park; its campground close to Bluff Hill Cove provides a tidal access point for paddling adventures. This southern Rhode Island state park provides easy access to Newport for a day of ritzy exploration but is far enough away to be removed from the hustle and bustle.
Top-rated Burlingame State Park offers an inland camping option, with more than 700 campsites on the shores of Watchaug Pond.
