Sun River Campground

For New Hampshire locals seeking a genuine escape into nature, away from the hustle and bustle, Sun River Campground in Center Barnstead offers a delightful and authentic camping experience. Situated along the serene Suncook River, this campground has recently come under new ownership, bringing with it a renewed spirit and ongoing efforts to enhance the guest experience. While it embraces a "simple campground" philosophy rather than a lavish resort, it excels in providing a quiet, friendly, and deeply relaxing environment. It's a place where the sounds of the river and the rustle of leaves replace city noise, inviting you to truly unwind and reconnect with the outdoors.

Sun River Campground is celebrated for its peaceful and friendly atmosphere, distinguishing itself as a "simple campground, not a resort." This very characteristic is what makes it so appealing to many New Hampshire campers looking for a genuine outdoor experience. While it hosts a significant number of seasonal campers, transient tent and RV sites are available and are often described as "very secluded" and beautifully positioned, especially those on a "river bend."

Under new ownership, the campground is actively undergoing upgrades, showing a commitment to improving facilities and overall guest satisfaction. This forward-looking approach, combined with the inherently quiet and cozy ambiance, creates a welcoming environment. Visitors consistently highlight the "nice people" and friendly staff, contributing to a sense of community. The presence of the Suncook River itself is a major draw, offering a "great river to swim and fish in," which is a core part of the camping experience here. The overall impression is one of a promising destination that offers an honest, no-frills, yet highly enjoyable camping adventure.

Sun River Campground is located at 743 Suncook Valley Rd, Center Barnstead, NH 03225, USA. This position places it within easy reach for many New Hampshire residents, making it an ideal choice for weekend trips or longer vacations without extensive travel. Center Barnstead is nestled in the Lakes Region, offering a blend of natural tranquility and accessibility to broader New Hampshire attractions.

For those traveling by car, the campground is conveniently located near major routes, specifically just over 4 miles north on Highway 28 from the junction of Highway 107. While some review mention roads being a bit tight within the campground, the overall accessibility to the area is straightforward. The location along the Suncook River is a key aspect of its appeal, providing direct water access for various activities. Although reviewers noted the lack of a small camp store on-site, the general area around Center Barnstead offers basic amenities and necessities within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring campers can stock up on supplies before arriving or during their stay. This balance of being "in the woods" while still being connected to necessary resources makes it a practical choice for local campers.

Sun River Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities, focusing on the core elements of a comfortable camping experience while actively working on upgrades.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a total of 85 sites, including 78 RV sites and 7 tent sites. RV sites come with various hookup options: 25 full hookups (water, electric, sewer), 53 electric and water hookups, and 7 no-hookup sites. Both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical services are available.

• Bathhouse and Hot Showers: There is a bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. Reviews indicate that the restrooms and showers are clean, with new ownership making efforts to upgrade them, including new modern designs and great water pressure in the showers.

• River Access and Rentals: A major highlight is direct access to the Suncook River. The campground offers a fleet of single kayaks, a tandem kayak, and a refurbished canoe for rent. Tubing down the slow-moving section of the river from one beach to another is a popular activity.

• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV and trailer campers.

• Firewood: Firewood is available for sale on-site, allowing campers to easily enjoy campfires.

• Pet-Friendly: Sun River Campground is pet-friendly, welcoming furry family members (specific restrictions may apply, so it's always best to call ahead).

• Laundry Facilities: A laundry room is available for guests, a useful amenity for longer stays.

• New In-Ground Pool: Under new ownership, the campground has a new in-ground pool with a new liner, sun shade, and lounge chairs, complete with pool toys and occasional freeze pop deliveries.

• On-Site Rentals: In addition to watercraft, the campground now offers unique lodging options including four classic vintage campers for rent, modern family-sized RV rentals (~30ft, sleeping up to 6), and three new glamping domes (decked right on the river with full setups). Canvas bell tents are also coming soon.

• Cabins: Newly renovated cabins are available, located directly on the river, each with bedding, a full kitchen setup, and a private quarter bathroom (showers in the bath facility).

Sun River Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that create a memorable camping experience in New Hampshire.

• Riverfront Location and Activities: The "real gem" is its location directly on a beautiful, slow-moving section of the Suncook River. This provides excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing (noted as some of the best in the area), kayaking, and tubing, easily accessible for all ages. There are two beach areas along the river for enjoyment.

• Secluded Tent Sites: For those who prefer traditional tent camping, the sites are described as "very secluded" and offer a genuine "in the woods feel," providing peace and privacy.

• New Ownership and Upgrades: The campground is under new ownership that is actively working to "upgrade" facilities and enhance the overall experience. Recent improvements include a new pool liner, renovated bathhouse, and new rental units.

• Variety of Unique Accommodations: Beyond standard RV and tent sites, Sun River Campground now offers vintage camper rentals, modern RV rentals, glamping domes (right on the river), and newly renovated cabins, providing diverse options for those seeking a unique stay.

• Quiet and Friendly Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the "quiet" nature of the campground and the "nice people" who run it. It fosters a relaxed and welcoming environment, making it a peaceful retreat.

• Family-Oriented: The campground is described as a "family-oriented destination that fosters a sense of community and camaraderie," making it suitable for creating lasting memories with loved ones.

• Spacious Sites: Many sites are noted as "very spacious," providing ample room for tents, RVs, and outdoor activities.

Sun River Campground offers various booking options and amenities that can be considered valuable "offers" for campers.

• Diverse Rental Options: The availability of unique rental units such as vintage campers, modern RVs, glamping domes, and renovated cabins provides ready-to-camp solutions for those who don't own equipment or seek a more comfortable "glamping" experience. These come fully furnished with beds, kitchens, and linens.

• Affordable Daily Rates: Daily rates are competitive, generally ranging from $26.00 to $65.00, depending on the site type and hookups, providing an affordable option for short stays.

• Seasonal Camping: The campground accommodates a large number of seasonal campers, offering a long-term camping solution for those who wish to have a semi-permanent summer home in New Hampshire.

• Discounts: While specific promotions aren't always explicitly listed, some booking platforms indicate that Sun River Campground may offer discounts for Good Sam, Senior Discount, First Responders, Medical Professionals, AAA, and Military, among others. It's always worth inquiring directly.

• Cash and Card Payments: The campground accepts major credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, VISA) in addition to cash, providing flexible payment options.

For the most current rates, availability of specific rental units, and any seasonal promotions, it is always recommended to contact Sun River Campground directly.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Sun River Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 743 Suncook Valley Rd, Center Barnstead, NH 03225, USA

• Phone: (603) 269-3333

• Mobile Phone: +1 603-269-3333

• Website: suncookrivercamp.com (Look for their official website for more detailed information and potentially online booking)

• Operating Season: Mid-May to Mid-October (dates may vary slightly by year).

It is always advisable to call ahead, especially during peak season or if you are interested in a specific type of site or rental unit, as availability can be limited. The staff will be happy to assist you with planning your visit to this growing New Hampshire gem.

Sun River Campground is an excellent choice for New Hampshire locals seeking a peaceful and authentic camping experience with the added benefit of ongoing improvements. Its location in Center Barnstead makes it conveniently accessible from many parts of the state, allowing for easy weekend getaways or longer, more immersive stays without extensive travel. This accessibility is a major plus for those looking to maximize their outdoor time close to home.

For New Hampshirites, the allure of riverfront camping is strong, and Sun River Campground delivers with its direct access to the Suncook River, perfect for swimming, fishing, and tubing. The quiet, family-friendly atmosphere, combined with the genuine friendliness of the new owners and staff, creates a welcoming environment that fosters relaxation and connection. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from daily life and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.

Furthermore, the recent investments in upgrades, including a new pool, renovated bathhouse, and unique rental options like glamping domes and vintage campers, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. This means locals can enjoy improved amenities while still retaining the rustic charm they might seek. Whether you're a seasoned camper with your own RV, a tent enthusiast looking for a secluded spot, or curious about trying glamping, Sun River Campground offers a diverse and evolving set of options. It's a true "diamond in the rough" that allows New Hampshire residents to embrace the beauty of their home state in a cozy and continually improving setting.

Sun River Campground

743 Suncook Valley Rd, Center Barnstead, NH 03225, USA