Recommended Tent Camping Locations - NH, NJ

New Hampshire Tent Camping Trip

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New Hampshire’s US-3 is accessed at the Massachusetts border and winds its way north following I-93 and the Merrimack River into the highlands of state’s northern stretches.

Our merry New Hampshire tent camping travels begin in the scenic Merrimack Valley in the southern edge of the state. The area is home to the state’s first settlements and features many historic towns scattered around the valley. US-3 is a great way to explore the region. Most travelers stay on the speedy I-93 and are too busy to explore this interesting region. Your first stop should be at the town of Nashua, replete with summer activities. In Nashua you’ll find ample examples of local culture, including several theaters and orchestras. Check in at the Nashua Center for the Arts for a complete list of what’s happening during your visit. Enjoy strolling through the downtown area and along Water and Factory streets, where restored brick mill buildings are occupied once again with retail businesses and professional offices.

Next, visit Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city. First settled in 1650, Manchester was once a booming mill town and still retains its splendid historic village architecture from that bygone era. Visit the Zimmerman House, the only house in the state designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. A dazzling visit is also in store for you at the SEE Science Center, a new interactive science museum with something for everyone to enjoy.

The town’s waterfront area has experienced a wonderful revival of late, and at its heart is the new Fisher Cats Baseball Stadium, home to a new minor league franchise brought to Manchester just a few years ago.

Heading north you’ll soon enter Concord, the state capital. Concord has so many historic sites scattered in and around town. To get caught up on all the misplaces to see and activities offered, stop by the New Hampshire Antiquarian Society. At the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, you can explore outer space in this museum dedicated to the memory of the late school teacher/astronaut.

Once you’ve moved on from Concord, consider a side trip north along I-93 a few miles to Canterbury Shaker Village, one of the state’s most impressive locales. Set over 694 acres, the village consists of 24 buildings,s all part of a former working Shaker village that thrived here between 1780 and 1990. Besides Shaker living history, the village is home to several walking trails and one of the finest restaurants in New Hampshire, The Creamery.

Back on US-3, make your way north. The road goes through Laconia and conveniently to Lake Winnipesaukee, an excellent retreat here in central New Hampshire. The largest freshwater lake in the state, it is lake is jammed with vacationers during the summer months.

If a long strip of pizza parlors, arcades, water slides, and mini-golf sounds like good times, then Weirs Beach awaits you. Otherwise, let’s press on to the charming town of Meredith, located along the western edge of the lake. Meredith also has seen a resurrection of sorts in recent years. The old mill houses that line its downtown area have been renovated and are now restaurants, shops, and more in this historic village. Clearwater Campground is one of the New Hampshire tent campgrounds to check out in this area.

North of Plymouth, US-3 merges with I-93 heading north. But this is no time to get caught up on a speedy interstate. In fact, we recommend just the opposite. Slow down and take some time off because you’re now in the stunning White Mountain National Forest, the state’s most remarkable display of natural beauty. The park encompasses 768,000 acres, more than you’ll ever need for any outdoor excursions. Consider a trip along the Kancamagus National Scenic Byway, which runs west to east beginning at the town of North Woodstock, ending at Conway. After that, why not choose from among the park’s several campgrounds and stay a while, before pondering our next move? Russell Pond Campground is one of the New Hampshire tent campgrounds to check out in this area.

Upon leaving the White Mountain area US-3 continues through Northern New Hampshire through Lancaster, North Stratford, Colebrook, and past the 3 Connecticut Lakes, finally reaching its New Hampshire tent camping terminus at the Canadian border.

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New Jersey Tent Camping Trip

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New Jersey’s boardwalks and Pennsylvania’s amusement parks are just the beginning of a Mid-Atlantic vacation. Learn about pirate legends in Delaware and travel by scenic railway in West Virginia. Observe interesting creatures from all over the world at Maryland’s zoos. And in Washington, D.C., visit monuments and national landmarks that help tell an American story begun on the shores of Jamestown, Virginia, 400 years ago.

Whether you’re planning to stroll down a seaside boardwalk, test your luck at a casino or hunt for antiques –from classic wooden bridges to vintage rocking chairs–New Jersey tent camping promises to match your vacation expectations.

Boardwalks
There’s no doubt that boardwalk experiences add plenty of pizzazz to Jersey Shore vacations. Check out our recommended wood-planked wonders–and the ubiquitous funnel cakes–in a few of our favorite spots.

Spring Lake
The ocean boardwalk at Spring Lake is uncharacteristically peaceful and uncluttered, as compared with most others in the Garden State. It’s totally free of commercial establishments, so you can count on quiet walks and leisurely bike rides while you’re there.

Point Pleasant Beach
Carnival-style rides, games and Jenkinson’s Aquarium complex keep things humming at Point Pleasant’s walkway. Don’t forget the special bonus–fresh-made fudge and (what else) funnel cakes are the snacks of choice.

Seaside Heights
Piers with pulsating amusement parks cap both ends of the boardwalk at Seaside Heights, where breezy rides on an old-fashioned carousel never go out of style.

Atlantic City
The city’s original boardwalk, constructed in 1870, holds the distinction of being the world’s first. It’s just one of AC’s numerous claims to fame. Be sure to check out the New Jersey tent campgrounds in the area.

Wildwood
Family fun abounds on Wildwood’s fifties-era boardwalk. Traditional amusements and lots of blinking neon signs are reminiscent of the classic plank walks of yesteryear. Be sure to check out the nearby New Jersey tent campgrounds in Cape May.

Casinos
There are compelling reasons why Atlantic City is widely acclaimed as the East Coast’s top gaming destination. Numerous casinos dot the boardwalk, providing a hub for those looking for poker, slots, and the one-arm bandits capable of charming tourists out of their nest eggs.

Atlantic City
Casinos at the Hilton, Ballys, Caesars, Sands, and Harrah’s offer fun and games with all the trimmings. Also be sure to visit Showboat, Tropicana, and Trump’s trio of casino resorts at the Marina, Plaza, and Taj Mahal.

Antiquing
If you’re in hot pursuit of vintage treasures, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to the antique traders of New Jersey. Here’s a quick checklist to help you get started:

Chester
Antique galleries in Chester are housed in hundred-year-old buildings, adding to the fun and authenticity of the search-and-shop experience.

Frenchtown
Downtown Frenchtown is full of antique stores, boutiques and art studios, home to an eclectic range of collectibles seemingly found around every corner.

Lambertville
In New Jersey’s “Antique Capital,” you’ll find treasures of old in a gaggle of shops nicely complementing the city’s beautiful assortment of restored homes and inns.

Red Bank
The Jersey Shore town of Red Bank is a good place to search for well-seasoned furnishings and vintage china. Just leave plenty of room in the motorhome for your finds.

Haddonfield
While shopping for fine old things in Haddonfield, be sure to take time to indulge in a pleasant meal at a downtown café.

Atlantic City
Atlantique City (clever, no?) is an awesome, ten-acre collectibles fair and a Mecca for the serious shopper. The event is held at the Atlantic City Convention Center every spring and fall.

Exploring Bridges
Ocean, bays, rivers, streams, lakes… there’s plenty of water in and around New Jersey and therefore lots of bridges to carry travelers safely from here to there. Many structures are nothing short of fabulous. In many cases, you will want to pull over the mighty RV to take a look.

Lumberville, Pennsylvania to Raven Rock, New Jersey
You won’t get caught in any traffic jams on the Lumberville Bridge. In fact, you won’t need to navigate around any auto traffic at all, since the bridge restricts passage to foot travelers only. Built in 1856 of steel and masonry materials, the Lumberville Bridge is a great spot for enjoying tranquil scenic hikes over the Delaware River.

Sergeantsville to Clinton
The circa 1872 Green Sergeant’s Covered Bridge is one of just two covered bridges (and the only antique one) still standing in New Jersey. It crosses over Wickecheoke Creek and is open to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Middletown to Rumson in Monmouth County
The Oceanic Bridge affords auto travelers and walkers reliable passage over the Navesink River. Whether you drive or walk, make a special effort to soak up the magnificent scenery from the bridge’s vantage point.

Cherry Hill
Although its design elements are reminiscent of late 19th-century bridgework, the Scarborough Bridge was actually constructed at the end of the fifties. It neatly traverses the Cooper River’s north fork and leads into scenic Cherry Hill.

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