8 Affordable Destinations In New Hampshire For Budget Travelers
Are you looking to travel New Hampshire without breaking the bank? You are in luck because this picturesque state has tons to offer travelers beyond affordability. From lakes and even a small coastline to state parks, historic towns, and ski villages, you can experience it all in New Hampshire. No matter your budget, there is a destination that will suit your needs and preferences. Want to enjoy a rejuvenating beach vacation? Head to Hampton Beach! Prefer to get adventurous and go hiking or boating? Lake Winnipesaukee is only a short drive away. Get ready to be blown away by New Hampshire’s natural beauty and fascinating history.
Tamworth
The quaint and charming town of Tamworth is one New Hampshire destination that should be on your list. Tamworth has a population of just under 3,000 residents and sits not far from White Mountain National Forest. It is also home to the 900-acre White Lake State Park, one of the most picturesque areas in the state. There are a couple of hotels near Tamworth, including the Econo Lodge Lakes Region and the Days Inn by Wyndham Tamworth. Visitors may also enjoy browsing the collection at the Cook Memorial Library on Main Street, housed in a Queen Anne Victorian structure erected in 1895. However, if you like the great outdoors, another affordable accommodation option can be found at the White Lake State Park campground, with reasonable nightly fees. While in the area, locals recommend taking a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard out on the lake. Swimming and hiking are also great options, with the White Lake State Park Loop Trail being a popular option with beautiful views.
North Conway
North Conway is a cozy ski town in New Hampshire that budget travelers are sure to love. There are a number of hotels, motels, and inns that you can book for a great price, such as the Quality Inn, the Green Granite Inn, the Cambria Hotel North Conway, or the Hampton Inn & Suites. Once you're in town, there are tons of activities to enjoy. In the winter, you can hit the slopes at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Beyond that, visitors can also go ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or dog sledding here. Meanwhile, golf, tennis, hiking, and swimming are popular activities during the summer months, with Echo Lake State Park being a popular destination. Lastly, if you’re a shopper, don’t miss Settlers Green Outlet Village and the other outlet shopping malls scattered throughout the area.
Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is another destination that is worth visiting for budget travelers. This lake happens to be the largest in all of New Hampshire, boasting 288 miles of shoreline. Not only does traveling here give you a chance to relax on a serene lake, but you can rest easy knowing you haven’t broken the bank. While there are certainly some ritzy hotels along the lakeshore, there are also several affordable accommodation options, like the Wolfeboro Inn and the Windrifter Resort. You can also travel to the nearby towns of Meredith or Laconia for more budget-friendly options. In Lake Winnipesaukee, be sure to get out on the water. No matter what way you choose — boating, swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking — you are sure to enjoy the surroundings. Fishing and walking along the Weirs Beach boardwalk are also popular pastimes. The boardwalk frequently hosts events, concerts, and shows throughout the summer months.
Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch State Park is the next destination in New Hampshire that budget-friendly travelers won’t be able to get enough of. Set in the famous White Mountains of New Hampshire, this state park offers a rugged, outdoorsy, and calming experience in nature. Accessing the day-use areas of the park is inexpensive, as is camping overnight at Lafayette Place Campground. While in Franconia Notch State Park, do not miss your chance to witness the Flume Gorge in person. Located at the base of Mount Liberty, this giant gorge is 800 feet long with walls as high as 80 feet. You can enjoy a number of walking trails in the area or go for a dip in the lake at Echo Lake Beach. There are also tons of other short and easy hiking trails in the park for retirees to take advantage of. We recommend packing a lunch and walking from The Basin to some of the park's other waterfalls. There are plenty!
Newbury
Newbury, New Hampshire, is a destination full of history and natural beauty. Located on the southern shores of Lake Sunapee and home to Mount Sunapee State Park, this small New England town of less than 2,500 people is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing are all popular activities here. Mount Sunapee State Park Beach is the ideal spot to hit the water, with sandy beaches, boat rentals, a children’s playground, and a bathroom. Even better, visitors on a budget can camp in the park for a small fee per night. There are plenty of affordable accommodations nearby, including the Blue Goose Inn and the Brook Road Inn. Other activities to enjoy while in Newbury include bird watching at John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, known for being a sanctuary for migratory birds, Mount Sunapee Adventure Park, which has disc golf, ropes courses, and more, and the New London Barn Playhouse, which puts on live plays throughout the year and is just up the road from Newbury.
Laconia
Laconia is yet another New Hampshire town that budget-conscious travelers may enjoy visiting. Located near Lake Winnipesaukee, Laconia has so much going for it. For a town of just under 17,000 people, you will find a wide range of activities and attractions here, including a massive arcade called Funspot. The American Classic Arcade Museum is also here, as well as Ahern State Park, and Endicott Rock State Historic Site. Of course, be sure to spend a day on the water at Lake Winnipesaukee or Paugus Bay. There is also great hiking up Belknap Mountain. Nearby budget-friendly accommodations range from the Winnisquam Lake Inn and the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn to the Super 8 by Wyndham.
Hampton Beach
Hampton Beach is one of the most popular summertime spots in New Hampshire, and for good reason. Not only is it lively and bustling during the summer months, but it’s also affordable. Budget options range from the Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort and the Hampton Beach State Park Campground to the Hampton House Hotel and the Ships Inn. Once you’re settled in your accommodation, it’s time to hit the coast. Despite the fact that New Hampshire has the tiniest coastline of any oceanside state, the beaches that it does have are beautiful, and they’re concentrated in Hampton Beach. Activities to enjoy include checking out the Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic or watching concerts and fireworks displays at Hampton Beach State Park's Sea Shell stage. You can also go mini golfing at Buc's Lagoon or catch a live show at the Casino Ballroom.
Exeter
Lastly, budget-conscious travelers won’t want to miss out on Exeter. Not far from Hampton is where you will find the small, historically important town of Exeter. For those who don’t know, Exeter was the first New Hampshire Capital during the Revolutionary War and was also the site of the first constitution of the state of New Hampshire. Thus, history buffs will love traveling here and will want to check out the Exeter Historical Society and the Gilman Garrison House. More than that, Exeter is surrounded by green space, which means there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. A few popular spots for hiking or snowshoeing include Swasey Town Forest, Oaklands Town Forest, and Little River Conservation Area. Exeter hotel prices vary but one of the more affordable options is The Exeter Inn. If you’re after a more rustic experience, you can also stay at the Winding River Campground, which offers tent sites and RV camping for affordable per-night prices.
Wrapping Up
If you’ve ever wanted to visit New Hampshire but were hesitating because of your budget, fear not; there are tons of affordable small towns and state parks to visit in this beautiful state. Whether you’re a history buff, love enjoying the outdoors, or simply want to relax on a scenic beach by a lake or the ocean, there is a budget-friendly destination just waiting for you. There are also plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from affordable inns and hotels to campgrounds and RV parks. These eight affordable destinations in New Hampshire for budget travelers offer a lot for just a little.
