New Hampshire Camping & RV Show

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Posted on February 29, 2008 by That's Camping - RV & Camping Shows

We went to the NH Camping & RV show this afternoon (at the Armory in Manchester) and I wanted to write my review right away, just in case others were wondering if they should go or not. It is a small show, but packed with lots of campground booths, and a few small trailers and pop-ups. It was nice to see the A-liner trailer, and so many of the “cute” smaller RVs that are usually missing from most of the larger shows.

If you can brave the snow, tomorrow would be a great time to head there. Since everyone will be stuck digging themselves out from the snow, the show should have the same intimate feel that we experienced.

We arrived at approximately 4pm (Friday); it really pays to go during the less busy time of day because you can really talk in depth with the campground owners and staff. We asked a lot of questions, looked at campground photo albums, and grabbed a bunch of brochures. It got me in the mood for camping and I am looking forward to this season. Problem is, there are so many campgrounds are interesting in, I don’t know how to choose.

Some intriguing campgrounds:

100 Acre Wood Campground in Bethlehem, NH - brand new, will be open July 4th weekend. They are in construction mode now, but they hope to be open July 2008. In looking at their web site, it looks like they planned to be open last summer, but wet weather forced them to delay their plans.
Harbor Hill in Meredith, NH
Beech Hill Campground in Twin Mountain, NH - we have driven through this campground at least twice, but never stayed. I really would like to stay here some day!
Family and Friends Campground in Standish, Maine - The woman we spoke with was very sweet and charming, and it looks like a nice campground. There are no reviews on the That’s Camping site, but there are a few discussions on the forum about the campground.
Bethelwoods Campground in Holderness, NH - close to both Squam Lake and Winnepesaukee
Running Bear Camping Area in Ascutney, Vermont
Pemi River Campground in Campton, NH - this campground is right on the Pemigewasset River with river sites. They offer river trips, and also a shuttle for those with their own kayaks or canoes (only $5/boat)
Jacob’s Brook in Orford, NH - from the reviews sent in to That’s Camping, this campground sounds like a hidden jewel. I think we will have to check it out this summer for sure! I was bummed because the owners weren’t at the show, as they had written a very lovely email to me last summer. I would have loved to have spoken to them in person, but the staff member that was at the booth was very helpful.
Twin River Campground in Bath, NH - Mike was intrigued by this campground because the ATV trails are accessible from the campground. I am intrigued by them because they always have such a lovely booth design.
Woodmore Campground in Ringe, NH - very nice owners. Looks like they purchased the campground in 2001, and are trying to make new updates and improvements.

My review would not be complete without a shout out to my buddy Rocky from Papoose Pond - I see him (and his lovely wife) at most of the camping shows, and he always makes me laugh! We haven’t visited Papoose Pond since 2005 and maybe this year we’ll return.

I also would like to mention Flat Rock Bridge Resort in Lebanon, Maine. It was so nice to finally meet John in person. He is still working hard updating the campground, and I am glad to hear they are really doing well.

And to the person (you KNOW who you are!) that complained that my review of the New England Camping Show was too harsh (hehee, I believe “blistering” was the word you used), I hope you like this one better!!!

Check out the New Hampshire Camping & RV Show - running this weekend from Friday (Feb 29) to Sunday (March 2) - get an online coupon and get the directions to the Armory at the UCampNH website.