Dartmouth / Lake Sunapee — The Best Kept Secret?

Traveling interstates 89 or 91, you will find the Dartmouth / Sunapee Region, which may be the state of New Hampshire’s best kept secret. Those who know, return time and time again to this relatively unknown and non-commercialized region of the state that is rich in history and has untouched natural beauty.

Shaped and polished by the ancient glaciers, this region is referred to as the Upper Connecticut River Valley (or Upper Valley). It spans portions of the New Hampshire counties of Grafton, Merrimack, and Sullivan with the Connecticut river flowing between and connecting to our bordering neighbor of Vermont. This results in a vibrant meld of art, science, nature, and history.

The beauty and landscape has attracted world class educators, engineers, scientists, writers, artists, and craftsmen from around the world to make this their home. Agriculture rounds out the Upper Valley’s character with organic farms, orchards, private stock farms, tree farms, and maple sugaring.

Offering an authentic New England atmosphere, the Upper Connecticut River Valley is home to quaint towns and villages with the architecture and ambiance that has been untouched by “progress.” Nationally recognized scenic byways with views of mountains, lakes, rivers, and farm land can be experienced while driving, biking, horseback riding, boating, kayaking, hiking, ATVing or just strolling.

An eagle flying down a river bed, carrying away a trophy sized trout that would be the envy of any fisherman. A moose taking a peaceful morning stroll through your campsite. Spectacular vistas overlooking valleys, rivers, fall foliage, and farmland for miles and miles. Unique covered bridges including the longest wooden covered briidge in the United States and the longest two-span covered bridge in the world. Incredible views of Lake Sunapee from Mount Sunapee. Did you know that the Appalachian Trail, plus hundreds of other scenic hiking trails ranging from easy to expert, can be found in this region?

Camping in the Upper Valley is not just a summer/fall activity. Combined with snowmobiling, skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and Winter Carnivals many campers enjoy winter camping in this full and robust region area of the state of New Hampshire.

To learn more about the Dartmouth / Sunapee region contact any of our member campgrounds and they will be happy to assist you.