One Tank Trip for New Hampshire Camping

It’s been said that good things come in small packages. A shining example of this is the state of New Hampshire, which ranks 44th out of 50 when it comes to land mass, but ranks in the Top 10 of the East Coast’s great places for a vacation. This state has no fewer than four nicknames, each of them very well-deserved: The primary one is the Granite State, due to the impressive granite formations and quarries to be found here. It’s also called the Switzerland of America because of its vibrant mountain views, which also cause it to be called the White Mountain State, and New Hampshire is also known as the Mother of Rivers, as many of New England’s rivers originate right here. If this doesn’t persuade you to come visit and enjoy the outdoors, nothing will. New Hampshire is a great quick weekend getaway. You might want to stop along these locations & attractions on your one tank trips journey through the small but beautiful and exciting state.
A great place to kick off your adventure is at Bear Brook, near the state capitol of Concord. The surrounding area encompasses over 10,000 acres of woods and rivers, and lures campers, hikers, and fishermen from all around. While in Concord, be sure to investigate the Museum of New Hampshire History. Founded in the early 1800s, this museum’s vast collection includes highly informative exhibits regarding the area’s pre-Colonial days, as well as the people’s contribution to winning the Revolutionary War (though no actual battles were ever fought on New Hampshire soil). Another intriguing historical point is the Canterbury Shaker Village, which was founded more than 200 years ago by the Shaker religious movement. In addition to archaeological remains, visitors can gain a deeper insight into this movement by examining the various crafts, books, and furniture used by these individuals.
Heading east on the US-4 (also known as the NE-202) for 8 miles brings you to Chichester, a charming New England village with a thriving arts and crafts scene, which serves as an excellent staging area for side trips to surrounding villages. This is a perfect place to come when you just want to slow the pace of the trip; you’ll be hard pressed to find a more peaceful spot.
Continuing for four miles further east on the US-4, you’ll cruise into the town of Epsom. British colonists founded this historic village in the early 1700s and it still retains a great deal of its Old World charm and simplicity. Drop a line in the Suncook River, or explore the town and the surrounding wide-open spaces that serve as grade-A campsites.
Barrington is another 16 miles to the east, via Highway 202, and is an outdoor lover’s haven. The surrounding wooded areas are excellent places to go hiking or biking, and Mendum’s Pond is an absolute must-see. You’ll want to skim across the pond’s glassy-smooth surface in a kayak or canoe, or explore the forest around the pond. There have been several reported sightings of deer and moose in the area, so your odds of spotting some of these creatures are pretty good. You could definitely pull in for some fun New Hampshire camping to add to your trip.
Your final stop, Rochester, is a mere 8 miles east of Barrington on Highway 202. This offbeat town has an eclectic mix of things to see that appeal to locals and visitors alike. For those traveling with kids, you’ll find plenty to occupy them at the Strong National Museum of Play, which covers an impressive 150,000 square feet of floor space. This facility features a child-size supermarket, an array of interactive exhibits, and a large space that replicates Sesame Street. For a more mature approach, treat your taste buds to lunch at the local gourmet restaurant, which serves exotic foods from all over the world, or kick back with a good book or a newspaper at the two-story coffee shop. This town is a great place to relax before getting back on the road, but there’s always time for that last cup of coffee before heading home.
This article was only one of many other exciting one tank trips also found in Woodall's 2010 North American Campground Directory. Enjoy an eventful weekend getaway of New Hampshire camping and experience it all on just one tank of gas. Woodall's Recommended New Hampshire RV Campgrounds