12 Affordable Summer Vacation Spots In New Hampshire
New Hampshire has many nicknames, like the Granite State, the Mother of Rivers, the White Mountain State, and the Switzerland of America. Yet, they all reflect the state's most amazing asset: its natural beauty. Blessed with tall, snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers, and massive old-growth forests, a visit to the great state of New Hampshire will be one for the books. Known as a hub for some of the best camping in New England, campgrounds are the best way to visit this state on a budget, as many of them offer modern amenities, fun activities, and cozy cabins at low prices; with their proximity to many amazing national parks and views like no other, you would be missing out by staying in a more expensive hotel room far from all the natural wonders that make this state so great. The list below is the ultimate guide on where to eat, stay, and play on a tight budget while still experiencing all the amazing things the state offers.
Meredith
Located right on the shore of the gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith is the perfect spot to cool off and hang out during the summer. While you can definitely go the popular route and rent a boat to take out on Lake Winnipesaukee, the cheaper option would be going to one of their smaller beaches like Lake Waukewan or the Pemigewasset Lake. If you decide to stay at the nearby campground of Twin Tamarack, you'll be a short walk across the road from the lake and a short drive from everything else in Meredith. The campground offers affordable rates, a pool and hot tub, volleyball and basketball courts, free hot showers and clean bathrooms, and a rotating schedule of fun events like tie-dying and ice cream socials. In town, shop for cheap at the Et Cetera Shop, a beloved local thrift store filled to the brim with clothing, antiques, and knick-knacks, or head to Lee's Candy Corral in Mill Falls to indulge your sweet tooth with some penny candy with the whole family. For breakfast, Sunshine and Pa's is a cute diner-style family-run restaurant with sweet and savory brunch offerings; for dinner, head to The Mug to eat some classic pub food, play some pool, and try your hand at some of the arcade games. For a truly unbeatable arcade experience, however, you will want to visit the next town on this list.
Laconia
Not far from Meredith and also located on Lake Winnipesaukee is the town of Laconia. Home to Funspot, the largest arcade in the world, as well as a variety of arcades down by the water at Weirs Beach, this town is sure to pack a whole lot of fun at a very low cost. At Funspot alone, you can bowl, ride a mini Ferris wheel, play mini golf, dine on some crispy chicken tenders or ooey-gooey pizza at the Funspot Cafe, and of course, play the three whole floors worth of games they have to offer. Near Funspot lies the Tamarack Restaurant, a small window-serve restaurant with outdoor picnic table seating, serving fresh fried clams and lobster rolls at reasonable prices. For outdoor activities, you could head to the popular Weirs Beach. However, the best lake in the area is Lake Opechee, as it is big enough to cruise around by boat or kayak yet small enough to avoid the crowds & parking fees; grab your swimsuit, a towel, and soak up the sun! Campgrounds like the Paugus Bay Campground and Pine Hollow Campground are close to Weirs Beach and Funspot and offer amenities like swimming pools, laundromats, hot showers, and internet for great prices.
Tamworth
About an hour north of Laconia, the outdoor paradise of White Lake State Park is stretched across the lovely town of Tamworth. White Lake itself, which the park is centered around, is clear and glistening, and there is a large sandy beach with picnic tables and grills. The park offers very affordable kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals for those looking to explore the lake rather than swim it, and an easy 2-mile hike around the White Lake State Park Loop trail to take in all the great vistas of the area. It is only five dollars per day to enjoy all of these amenities, and if you decide to stay overnight in the White Lake State Park Campground, fees are as low as $25 per night, with access to clean bathroom facilities, showers, and a camp store stocked with plenty of supplies for your stay.
Before you leave, pick up breakfast at Sunnyfield Bakery in Tamworth, known for making the best bread in the area, or make a pit stop at The Other Store and enjoy one of their sandwiches while gazing out at the nearby Swift River on their back deck. For a sit-down option that offers similarly cheap prices, head to Rosie's for some homemade pastries and brunch options. Less than an hour from Tamworth sits the next town on this list, where you are sure to find some amazing deals and steals.
North Conway
As the beginning of the scenic Kancamagus Highway, Conway and the popular tourist village of North Conway are must-have destinations on any New Hampshire vacation spot list. Luckily, there are plenty of activities around town for travelers on a budget, so you can get the full experience without breaking the bank. The Settlers Green Outlet Village is full of outlets with discounted items that attract shoppers from all over New England, and the best part is you won't have to pay any sales tax on what you buy!
For food, check out what tourists are calling the "hidden gem" of North Conway, The Ledgeview Grille at the North Conway Country Club; nothing on their gourmet sandwich menu goes for over $15, and while you dine, you can catch amazing views of the Moat Mountain Range and Mount Washington right from their outdoor deck. Saco River Family Camping is a good place to stay the night in the area as they offer special discounts like reduced-price Wednesdays, group reservation discounts, and discounts on Saco River tubing, a popular activity for visitors to the area. Other outdoor activities include swimming at Diana's Baths for only $5, a group of pools and waterfalls perfect for a nice cool-down, and traveling up Cathedral Ledge, free to hike or drive and rewarding at the top; you can see the White Mountains, the Saco River Valley, Echo Lake, and all the beautiful forestry surrounding the area.
Newbury
Home to Mount Sunapee State Park, the small town of Newbury is the ideal destination for vacationers looking to get out in nature; the park boasts 3,000 acres of natural recreation areas. There are plenty of areas to hike, fish, and swim for a small entrance fee of five dollars, but the best place in the park is Mount Sunapee State Park Beach, sometimes referred to as Newbury Beach. There is something for the whole family at this large white sand beach with restroom facilities, boat rentals, and a playground.
Camping overnight in the park is only $23 a night, a sweet steal for anyone wishing to spend their vacation close to all the town's outdoor attractions. For those feeling adventurous, see how far you can get on the 50-mile-long Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a massive hiking trail spanning picturesque glaciers, forests, and lakes. If you are looking for a tamer way to enjoy the local wildlife, head to the beautiful gardens and trails at the non-profit John Hay National Wildlife Refuge and find tranquillity amongst the flowers and birds. The Newbury Deli in town is a good place to pick up some sandwiches for the road, as they pack their sandwiches generously, so you are getting the best bite for your buck. For dinner, order Newbury Palace Pizza to bring back to your campsite, as its cheesy, flavorful pies have earned it some amazing ratings and reviews from local residents.
Hampton
The iconic beach town of Hampton is a popular summer destination for many travelers, as it is the perfect place to enjoy everything that makes up a trademark New England Summer. Hampton Beach State Park is free to visit aside from parking and offers a wide stretch of white-sand beach right on the Atlantic Ocean's cerulean waters. Surf, swim, play some beach games, or read a good book while working on your tan at this large beach without having to worry about crowds, as there are plenty of places to spread out. You can even book an oceanfront RV/trailer site for only $30 a night, looking out at the ocean waves while roasting marshmallows over a crackling fire. In town, there are many affordable entertainment options, such as mini golfing at Buc's Lagoon during the day, where they also offer concessions like hot dogs and snacks to refuel after a fun game with the family, and attending a concert at the Casino Ballroom, where they feature many great artists for ticket prices under $50. Plenty of cheap dining options are available in Hampton, like Lola's Kitchen, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring rave-reviewed selections like gyros and baklava, or Lupe's 55 Cantina, a Mexican place serving flavorful tacos, loaded nachos, and cheesy quesadillas.
Exeter
Just 15 minutes inland from Hampton sits Exeter, a small town with big things to do, especially for fans of outdoor sports. At Recreation Park, there are tons of sports courts including tennis, baseball, softball, and basketball all playable for free, as well as a majestic old-fashioned wooden playground to keep the kids busy. Down the road, you can play mini-golf at Captain's Cove in Hampton while enjoying a cone of Blake's Ice Cream, all at fair prices. This town is similarly known for its appreciation for history, as it is home to The American Independence Museum, featuring artifacts from the Revolutionary War and hosting various events throughout the year. The Gilman Garrison House is also a fun historical site to visit, preserved since 1709 for tourists to see how the typical 18th-century New England family lived. Admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.
Cheap eats in Exeter include Me and Ollie's Cafe for brunch options like wraps and pastries and Moe's Italian Sandwiches for, you guessed it: Italian sandwiches! Your stay in Exeter will be the most exciting part of all because Winding River Campground's amenities are out of this world. For only $40 a night, you will have access to a huge pool complete with a waterslide, a fully-stocked camp store, a hot tub, a bounce pillow, a gem mining sluice, an arcade, playgrounds, and events like movie nights and concerts. This campground is truly an all-you-can-do and is close enough to Hampton to enjoy everything they have to offer as well.
Franconia Notch State Park
Deep in the legendary White Mountains of New Hampshire, Franconia Notch State Park is an amazing place for summer fun at low prices. The park's day-use fees are only five dollars, and camping overnight in the middle of the park at Lafayette Place Campground is only $25 per night. While you are in the park, make sure to visit Flume Gorge, a beautiful natural gorge rising 800 feet, where you can walk across the bridges on the 2-mile Flume Trail and watch the waterfall up close. Cool off afterward at Echo Lake Beach, where you can catch wonderful lakefront views of Cannon Mountain and Mount Lafayette while swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, fishing, or kayaking. The nearby town of Lincoln features many great places to eat and attractions to visit; White Mountain Bagel Company offers amazing bagel sandwiches for decent prices, and Pub 32 has great reviews on its well-priced pizzas and bar food. For a cheap day full of fun for the whole family, head to Clark's Bears to attend a Bear Show, enjoy rides like the bumper boats, the Anaconda Escape waterslide, and Merlin's Mansion, and enjoy a scenic, historic train ride along the White Mountain Central Railroad all for only $29 per person.
Greenfield
The lesser-known town of Greenfield is a hidden gem tucked between the more popular (and more expensive!) Manchester and Keene, and has much to explore at reasonable prices. Summer is the best time to visit, as you can enjoy all the amenities of Greenfield State Park. Surrounded by dense forest, you can camp out in true New England wilderness at $25 a night, with access to walking trails that take you to the park's several ponds and bogs. You can swim at either Beaver Pond or Utter Lake, relaxing on their sandy beaches, or fish, hike, canoe, and take in the wildlife. At Crotched Mountain, the trails were specifically made by the Rehabilitation Center to allow Greenfield's beautiful natural landscape to be accessible to everyone, regardless of condition; it spans over 1200 acres of fields, forests, and marshes. In town, dine at Mi Corazon Mexican Grill, a recently remodeled restaurant serving authentic Mexican meals and creative margaritas with flavors like Elderflower and Strawberry Jalapeño, all at good prices. For a stunning (and free) photo op on your way out, drive to the historic Hancock-Greenfield Covered Bridge, preserved since 1937.
Pittsburg
Although it is only home to about 800 people, this northernmost New Hampshire town is the largest by land area in all of New England. Pittsburg is close to everything; a short drive to the neighboring states of Vermont and Maine, as well as a quick trip to Canada, all of the northeast's best destinations are within arm's reach. Lake Francis State Park in Pittsburg is situated on the shores of Lake Francis in the Great North Woods region of New Hampshire, with many activities available such as fishing, hunting, swimming, canoeing, and hiking.
Campsites maintained by the state park are available right on the lake to witness some great views and run for only $25 a night with amenities like a playground, toilets and showers, and a camp store. Other natural locations worth visiting include Garfield Falls, a 40-foot-tall waterfall perfect for swimming and hiking around, and the Connecticut River, a popular fishing location for the local brown trout. Grampy's Drive-In is "a must visit" for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in Pittsburg, as it serves low-priced homemade meals in a classic red-basket diner-style setting, and they do not hold back on the portion sizes. At Moose Alley Cones down the road, they will also pile on the ice cream so you are getting more bang for your buck at dessert time as well.
Bear Brook State Park
As the largest developed state park in New Hampshire, Bear Brook State Park has no shortage of fun, budget-friendly activities for its many visitors. The park itself offers tons of activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and even archery. Campsites located within the park are only $25 a night. Their booking grants you access to showers, restrooms, a playground, a camp store, and VIP hookups to activities like horseback riding, mountain biking, and boating. Admission to this large state park is even cheaper than most in New Hampshire at only $2 per adult.
The state capital of Concord is located only a few miles from Bear Brook State Park, so you can enjoy all of the amazing activities in the city during the day without having to pay expensive overnight fees. The coolest thing to do in the city on a budget is to visit the McAuliffe-Shepard discovery center, a space science museum with plenty of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an observatory for only $12 per person, and even lower prices for students, seniors, and children. For a well-priced menu with tons of options, head to the Windmill Family restaurant in Concord, where they serve classic diner food for all three meals of the day, featuring many vegetarian options and alternative choices for special diets.
Bristol
A short drive from Meredith, the first town on this list, this final town of Bristol is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Downtown Bristol features many shops selling goods at great prices, like Newfound Sales and Trading Post, Twin Designs Gift Shop, and The Mill Fudge Factory, where you can taste amazing homemade fudge in unique flavors like pumpkin and maple. Shackett's Brewing Company is the best place in town to grab a cheap meal, as their selection of local brews, pub food, cozy cabin atmosphere and view of the beautiful Pemigewasset River makes for an amazingly authentic New Hampshire dining experience. Swimming at Newfound Lake's sandy beach in Bristol and jumping off the dock is plenty of fun, but for a real thrill, jump off the rocks at Profile Falls, a majestic freshwater waterfall tucked into the woods of this small town.
There are many flat rocks to rest and picnic on and a huge pool at the bottom of the falls for swimming with the whole family. A unique facet of Bristol is that it features a freshwater spring open to the public and free to use; the Breck-Plankey spring is said to be maintained "for the public joy," and it certainly is a joy to drink its fresh, crisp water straight from the source. Bring a couple of empty jugs with you to fill up and save on water while you camp out at Davidson's Countryside Campground down on Schofield Road. It features a swimming pool, a large playground, a private beach, a camp store, an indoor recreation area, bathrooms, and free wifi within the campground. You can even get a waterfront site right on the Pemigewasset River for only a few dollars more than the sites in the woods going for $48 a night.
Although this list only featured 12 of New Hampshire's best affordable summer vacation spots, there are endless destinations throughout this gorgeous state to visit throughout the year. You will not have to worry about your wallet while you are out exploring the White Mountains in Franconia Notch State Park, cruising the Saco River in North Conway, or trying your hand at Funspot's arcade in Laconia, as all of the spots on this list are optimized for low costs and high rewards. Enjoy everything that makes this state so great, with enough money to come back for more fun, food, and festivities next summer!
