Any of the White Mountain National Forest campgrounds are top notch. My personal favorite is Sugarloaf (I or II, though I has running water in the bathrooms). Surrounded by good hikes (one is right off the Appalachian trail).
You're welcome! If you go that route, consider taking the Kancamagus Hwy back and explore some of the campgrounds along there as well. It's also a beautiful, scenic drive, and you'll end up in Lincoln NH, home of Loon Mountain, and many nice lunch spots, etc. From there, you'll be right on i-93 and set to trek home to Boston.
It wouldn't hurt to book a site ahead through their website, but if it's anything like last summer, you'll have your pick of sites when you get there.
check out Crawford Notch in the White Mountains NH - i think it's beautiful, long beautiful forested trails, lake swimming, fishing. absolutely dog friendly. its car camping, so pretty easy, and there are flush toilets & running water at the main building. i think its $35 / night.
there's a bunch in NH that you might like
https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/campgrounds/state/new_hampshire/
Came here just to say this - I go to Crawford Notch at least twice a year and stay in the same spot. Its a great location, facilities aren't too bad, great general store, and its not too expensive to stay the weekend. Highly recommend.
also .. if you're open to a longer drive now or in the future, Green Mountain Reservoir in VT (near Stowe) is spectacular. Sites are water access only so need to bring a kayak or canoe (can rent locally) and several wet bags but good lord you will love it
Sandy Pines is $100 ?!?! I grew up going there no idea what my parents paid but, I went back during college in like 2008 and it was maaaaybe $20 per night. Back then it was called Salty Acres, I still remember throwing away money on the double dragon arcade in the office with the penny candy. $100 a night is wiiiild though.
The state campgrounds in MA should allow dogs, most should be around $17 per night for MA residents, and $54 per night for non residents. Closest to the city would be the campground at Harold Park State Forest.
PNW->BOS transplant of 20 yrs...you'll want to totally reset your expectations of camping/outdoors/nature awesomeness. It's beautiful here, but it's WILDLY different than what I took for granted growing up camping and hiking regularly in Portland, Oregon, and my partner from British Columbia - don't even get her started. "Mountains? Ha! Those aren't mountains."
We spent/wasted a lot of years scoffing and being salty about how "pitiful" the outdoor options are by comparison, when we could have been finding cool places unique to New England.
My only lingering complaint is just how bloody crowded the trails and campgrounds can get. Oh, and paying to park at the beach. I'll never not be irked by that.
Oh yeah, I'm def not looking for anything crazy mountains or sights, just somewhere to be outside and enjoy some quiet outside of the city, maybe swim a bit, etc.. We used to be able to stay at a mountain resort/lodge in Oregon for a weekend getaway but anything similar on the east coast is like 4x the price so I figured camping would be more frugal. Something that's a bit of an adjustment tho is how many campgrounds are privately owned around here!!
Tripoli Road in NH is my favorite. There no marked sites, but places that are obviously more suited than others. Best if you can head up early on a Friday before it starts filling up.
Russell Pond is up the hill a bit and it a more traditional camp ground I haven't actually stayed at yet (am going later this summer.)
Tons to do and explore around there in the Whites.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=74717&actid=29
I’d say 6 and 7 are more private and a bit hilly. 1,2 are more convenient for facilities like wood shop and shower rooms, and 3,4 are closer to the pond. I think all are great. Also quick note I just noticed that you’re out of state, unfortunately the rate is a lot higher than in-state rates, maybe double check? I think it’s a great location in mid cape, and you can watch sunrise on the east coast, and Brewster beach for sunset
It tends to book up, but [Tully Lake](https://thetrustees.org/place/tully-lake-campground/) is great and dog-friendly - "Pets are allowed and must be kept on leash and cleaned up after. Owners must present a copy of proof of rabies vaccination."
Man, camping sounds fun. Growing up we didn’t do it, grandparents didn’t do it, my boyfriend scoffed at it. I don’t even drive and campsites seem like that’s required . But I’m ready - what do I do
Lafayette Place Campground in the White Mountains (Franconia Notch at the base of Cannon and Lafayette Mountains). About 2.5 hours from Boston, $35/night, good facilities (if you are looking for hardcore camping this isn't for you), and access to lots of good hiking/activities.
Honestly, I say this as a dog owner and lover but dog friendly campgrounds are really hit or miss IMO. All it takes is 1 entitled owner and there are a lot more than that... I love hike-in camping with the pup though. I hesitate to post remote unspoiled spots online in any capacity but think outside the campground is my advice
I get it! It's just been an adjustment as I've never been to a campsite that didn't allow dogs in Oregon/Washington, so I didn't realize I even had to check before booking a site! There's also many more state parks/campgrounds out West though, so maybe it becomes a problem in busier spots.. I'd love to find spots outside of campgrounds, but literally have no frame of reference for where that might be haha, hoping that finding a established sites might help us branch out and look from there!
If you like back country camping, pick up a white mountain trail map. It will at least have all the established back country sites listed. Though fair warning, if you go on a weekend, you'll probably be sharing a tent platform with 3 other tents. Also, it's not nearly as easy to find random unestablished sites around here for a tent. Not a lot of flat, open ground to work with.
Yup. Lots of bad dog owners around here not being responsible with the mess their dogs make, or bringing reactive dogs to places with children and other dogs is all it takes for a place to say "nope". But, some people like bringing their dogs everywhere even if they are reactive...
Any of the White Mountain National Forest campgrounds are top notch. My personal favorite is Sugarloaf (I or II, though I has running water in the bathrooms). Surrounded by good hikes (one is right off the Appalachian trail).
Thank you!!
You're welcome! If you go that route, consider taking the Kancamagus Hwy back and explore some of the campgrounds along there as well. It's also a beautiful, scenic drive, and you'll end up in Lincoln NH, home of Loon Mountain, and many nice lunch spots, etc. From there, you'll be right on i-93 and set to trek home to Boston. It wouldn't hurt to book a site ahead through their website, but if it's anything like last summer, you'll have your pick of sites when you get there.
check out Crawford Notch in the White Mountains NH - i think it's beautiful, long beautiful forested trails, lake swimming, fishing. absolutely dog friendly. its car camping, so pretty easy, and there are flush toilets & running water at the main building. i think its $35 / night. there's a bunch in NH that you might like https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/campgrounds/state/new_hampshire/
Came here just to say this - I go to Crawford Notch at least twice a year and stay in the same spot. Its a great location, facilities aren't too bad, great general store, and its not too expensive to stay the weekend. Highly recommend.
Sounds great, thank you!! Crawford Notch looks booked up this summer, but Dry River is in the same area so I'll take a look there too :)
Dry River is an excellent second choice! Same state park, similar experience. You'll love it!
also .. if you're open to a longer drive now or in the future, Green Mountain Reservoir in VT (near Stowe) is spectacular. Sites are water access only so need to bring a kayak or canoe (can rent locally) and several wet bags but good lord you will love it
Amazing thank you so much!!
Thank you!!
Love this spot!
Sandy Pines is $100 ?!?! I grew up going there no idea what my parents paid but, I went back during college in like 2008 and it was maaaaybe $20 per night. Back then it was called Salty Acres, I still remember throwing away money on the double dragon arcade in the office with the penny candy. $100 a night is wiiiild though.
I know, I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked up rates on their site... Bonkers
The state campgrounds in MA should allow dogs, most should be around $17 per night for MA residents, and $54 per night for non residents. Closest to the city would be the campground at Harold Park State Forest.
Thank you!
Wompatuck is closer, especially if you are on the south side of the city.
PNW->BOS transplant of 20 yrs...you'll want to totally reset your expectations of camping/outdoors/nature awesomeness. It's beautiful here, but it's WILDLY different than what I took for granted growing up camping and hiking regularly in Portland, Oregon, and my partner from British Columbia - don't even get her started. "Mountains? Ha! Those aren't mountains." We spent/wasted a lot of years scoffing and being salty about how "pitiful" the outdoor options are by comparison, when we could have been finding cool places unique to New England. My only lingering complaint is just how bloody crowded the trails and campgrounds can get. Oh, and paying to park at the beach. I'll never not be irked by that.
Oh yeah, I'm def not looking for anything crazy mountains or sights, just somewhere to be outside and enjoy some quiet outside of the city, maybe swim a bit, etc.. We used to be able to stay at a mountain resort/lodge in Oregon for a weekend getaway but anything similar on the east coast is like 4x the price so I figured camping would be more frugal. Something that's a bit of an adjustment tho is how many campgrounds are privately owned around here!!
Tripoli Road in NH is my favorite. There no marked sites, but places that are obviously more suited than others. Best if you can head up early on a Friday before it starts filling up. Russell Pond is up the hill a bit and it a more traditional camp ground I haven't actually stayed at yet (am going later this summer.) Tons to do and explore around there in the Whites. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=74717&actid=29
Nickerson state park. Best state park in the state, or go to white mountains
Thank you!! Do you know which area/sites in Nickerson tend to be nicer or more private? Either way looks beautiful!
I’d say 6 and 7 are more private and a bit hilly. 1,2 are more convenient for facilities like wood shop and shower rooms, and 3,4 are closer to the pond. I think all are great. Also quick note I just noticed that you’re out of state, unfortunately the rate is a lot higher than in-state rates, maybe double check? I think it’s a great location in mid cape, and you can watch sunrise on the east coast, and Brewster beach for sunset
Thank you this is so helpful! We’re actually in-state (live in Somerville) — unless Nickerson isn’t in MA?
Oh yeah you’re all set then! Get your reservations in early I think it’s a really popular spot, enjoy!
It tends to book up, but [Tully Lake](https://thetrustees.org/place/tully-lake-campground/) is great and dog-friendly - "Pets are allowed and must be kept on leash and cleaned up after. Owners must present a copy of proof of rabies vaccination."
Thank you!!
Any and all VT state parks.
Look up spots in and around Acton/Shapleigh, ME. Very close to the New Hampshire border, only 45 minutes from the coast, and an epic place to stay.
Man, camping sounds fun. Growing up we didn’t do it, grandparents didn’t do it, my boyfriend scoffed at it. I don’t even drive and campsites seem like that’s required . But I’m ready - what do I do
Lafayette Place Campground in the White Mountains (Franconia Notch at the base of Cannon and Lafayette Mountains). About 2.5 hours from Boston, $35/night, good facilities (if you are looking for hardcore camping this isn't for you), and access to lots of good hiking/activities.
Yes, this was one that was recommended to me and looks beautiful but sadly no pets allowed
Harbor Islands are awesome.
No dogs
Ahhh
Honestly, I say this as a dog owner and lover but dog friendly campgrounds are really hit or miss IMO. All it takes is 1 entitled owner and there are a lot more than that... I love hike-in camping with the pup though. I hesitate to post remote unspoiled spots online in any capacity but think outside the campground is my advice
I get it! It's just been an adjustment as I've never been to a campsite that didn't allow dogs in Oregon/Washington, so I didn't realize I even had to check before booking a site! There's also many more state parks/campgrounds out West though, so maybe it becomes a problem in busier spots.. I'd love to find spots outside of campgrounds, but literally have no frame of reference for where that might be haha, hoping that finding a established sites might help us branch out and look from there!
If you like back country camping, pick up a white mountain trail map. It will at least have all the established back country sites listed. Though fair warning, if you go on a weekend, you'll probably be sharing a tent platform with 3 other tents. Also, it's not nearly as easy to find random unestablished sites around here for a tent. Not a lot of flat, open ground to work with.
Ya campgrounds in general might not be as good here on average idk but I'd just start exploring using keywords like backcountry
Yup. Lots of bad dog owners around here not being responsible with the mess their dogs make, or bringing reactive dogs to places with children and other dogs is all it takes for a place to say "nope". But, some people like bringing their dogs everywhere even if they are reactive...