Camper Van Rental New Hampshire

Everything You Need to Know to Rent a Travel Van in New Hampshire

Exploring New Hampshire by camper van or Class B RV reveals a state where rugged mountains meet pristine lakes and charming New England villages. Nicknamed the Granite State, New Hampshire packs dramatic peaks, crystal-clear waters, and covered bridges into a compact region perfect for van life. Renting a camper van in New Hampshire gives you the freedom to explore each unique aspect of the state, or cherry pick the places you’re specifically interested in.

Whether you want to hike up Mount Washington, kayak across mirror-calm lakes, or discover farm stands selling maple syrup along winding country roads, you’ll be able to find it just steps away from your very own home away from home.

1. What Are the Best Destinations in New Hampshire to Visit on a Camper Van Trip?

While New Hampshire may be small, there are plenty of travel-worthy destinations to check out, including:

• White Mountain National Forest: Spanning 800,000 acres with the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, dramatic notches, and endless hiking trails perfect for parking your travel van rental nearby. This is also a world-class spot for leaf peeping!

• Lake Winnipesaukee: New Hampshire's largest lake at 72 square miles offers swimming, boating, and waterfront towns with easy RV access.

• Portsmouth: This coastal city blends colonial history with modern dining, craft breweries, and harbor views just minutes from ocean beaches.

• Franconia Notch State Park: Home to the Flume Gorge, Echo Lake, and mountain vistas that define the White Mountains experience.

2. Where Can I Camp in New Hampshire with a Camping Van?

New Hampshire has excellent state parks and private campgrounds with stunning views. These are some top choices, though there are many others to choose from too:

• Lafayette Place Campground: Located in Franconia Notch State Park, this campground offers 97 wooded tent sites perfect for smaller camper vans, with hiking trails starting right from camp. Note: there are no hook up sites and full staffing and facilities are only open from late-May to early-October. Pets are not permitted.

• Ellacoya State Park: Situated on Lake Winnipesaukee's southwest shore, Ellacoya State Park offers RV sites featuring full hookups and 600 feet of sandy beach.

• Gunstock Campground: Near Gilford, this campground provides 260 sites with full hookups, a heated pool, and stunning lake views from nearby Gunstock Mountain. For the full experience, you can camp here, then enjoy some of the Gunstock Adventure Park activities like ziplining or a scenic chairlift ride.

Each campground welcomes conversion van rentals and small RVs, though it's always a good idea to check specific site dimensions to ensure your rig fits comfortably.

3. What's the Best Time for a Sleeper Van Trip in New Hampshire?

The most popular season for camper van trips is the fall in September and October to experience New England's famous fall foliage. Plus, these months also bring cooler temperatures perfect for hiking.

Late spring can be a good time with fewer crowds and good temperatures, though you do risk the chance of there still being snow in the mountains. Summer months from June to August bring peak tourist season with busy campgrounds and popular trails, so booking your sleeper van and campsites early matters.

Winter camping is possible with a well-insulated Sprinter camper van, especially for skiing and snowshoeing adventures, though many campgrounds operate with limited services or close entirely from mid-October to late-May.

4. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Sprinter Van in New Hampshire?

Budget options typically range from $100 to $175 per night for basic conversion vans with sleeping quarters, small kitchens, and essential camping gear. Mid-range models with upgraded amenities, solar power, and additional sleeping space generally fall between $175 and $275 nightly depending on the season and host.

Luxury Sprinter camper vans with premium interiors, full bathrooms, and high-end finishes can run anywhere from $280 to over $400 per night, especially during peak fall foliage season in September and October. Always confirm mileage limits, cleaning fees, and insurance options directly with your host, as each rental owner sets their own policies and pricing structures.

Related blog post: How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Conversion Van?

5. Where Can I Rent a Camper Van in New Hampshire?

Manchester, Concord, and Portsmouth serve as primary pickup locations for New Hampshire rentals, with hosts offering everything from compact sleeper vans to spacious Class B RVs. altCamp connects you with local rental hosts who offer diverse fleets suited for different trip styles and budgets. Some hosts offer airport pickup or delivery to your starting point, making it easier to begin your adventure immediately after landing.

If you're flying into a larger airport, you may also consider looking at Boston, MA for a wider range of rental options, as it's only 1-2 hours from the New Hampshire border.

6. Is Boondocking Allowed in New Hampshire?

White Mountain National Forest allows dispersed camping in designated areas, with popular free camping spots along Tripoli Road, Town Hall Road, and Gale River Loop Road. You must camp at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and roads, and stays are limited to 14 days in designated dispersed sites. Always follow Leave No Trace principles if you decide to disperse camp.

Walmart and some shopping centers permit overnight stays, but always check with management before settling in with your Class B RV. Most dispersed camping areas accommodate smaller camper vans better than large RVs, as forest roads can be narrow and sites are often compact. State parks require paid reservations, but they offer amenities like bathrooms, showers, and dump stations, which is often worth the modest fees.

Related blog post: Can I Sleep Anywhere in a Camper Van?

7. Can I Take a Class B RV to the White Mountains?

Absolutely. The White Mountains welcome camper vans with numerous campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and scenic byways that are great for RV travel. The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) is a 34.5-mile scenic drive perfect for your small RV, with multiple pullouts for photos and trailhead parking.

Mountain roads can be steep and winding, so compact Class B RVs and conversion van rentals under 25 feet handle better than larger motorhomes. Crawford Notch State Park and Franconia Notch both offer campgrounds with sites suitable for vans, putting you minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, and mountain summits.

Related article: What Is a Class B RV? (Full Breakdown with Examples)

8. What's the Parking Situation Like in Portsmouth with a Camper Van?

Portsmouth's historic downtown features narrow colonial-era streets where parking a camper van can be tricky. The city operates two main parking garages (Foundry Place Garage and Hanover Garage) but height restrictions typically limit access to passenger vehicles only.

Your best strategy will be parking at free lots like Parrott Avenue or Four Tree Island, then walking 10-15 minutes to downtown. These lots accommodate Class B RVs and conversion vans without time limits, allowing you to explore Portsmouth's waterfront, breweries, and historic sites on foot. Street parking with meters runs $2-$5 per hour with a three-hour maximum, but finding a spot large enough for even a small RV is going to be challenging during busy summer months.

9. Are There Waterfront Campsites in NH?

Ellacoya State Park on Lake Winnipesaukee offers the best state-run waterfront camping with RV sites right near the 600-foot sandy beach. Long Island Bridge Campground in Moultonborough, NH provides private waterfront sites with direct lake access for swimming and kayaking.

Gunstock Campground sits just minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee with views of the lake from the nearby summit, though sites aren't directly on the water.

10. Are There Budget-Friendly Camper Van Options in New Hampshire?

Absolutely. In fact, you might be surprised by how budget-friendly camper rentals in NH can be, with some as low as $115 per night. Once you have the rental, you can find dispersed sites along Tripoli Road, Haystack Road, and Gale River Loop for free camping with basic amenities like fire rings (no hookups or facilities).

State park campgrounds offer affordable rates typically between $25-$40 per night with bathrooms, showers, and picnic tables—significantly cheaper than private RV resorts.

With its blend of mountain drama, lake serenity, and New England charm, New Hampshire is ideal for a camper van adventure (you might say an…ad-van-ture, if you will). The Granite State delivers year-round adventures from summer lake days to fall foliage drives to winter ski trips, all accessible from your home on wheels.

Explore more New England rentals in Boston and Maine, and Vermont.