RVnGO doesn't charge fees so the same RV rental is up to 50% less. RVnGO find a better place!
September 29, 2021by
RVnGO
Roughly in the middle of the state, Laconia is the gateway to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. A half hour from Concord, New Hampshire’s capital city, Laconia is made up of a quaint downtown city in the center, enclosed by lakes, rivers, and forests on the edges. RVing is extremely popular in New Hampshire, and Laconia’s beautiful features and exciting family pastimes make it easy to see why.
Campgrounds and RV Parks near Laconia
RV campgrounds in the area have the luxury of being right on the beach, nestled within mountain ranges, or both!
Pine Hollow Campground/a>
Pine Hollow Campground’s sites are located close to Maiden Lady Cove, and are a hybrid of grass plains and woodland camping. The site is pet friendly and supports 30 amp electric, with basic amenities like restrooms and showers. The campgrounds feature a pool and recreation hall, as well as individual picnic tables, fire pits, and even outdoor pizza ovens!
Gunstock Mountain Camping
To the east of Laconia, Gunstock Mountain Camping is settled in the valley base of Gunstock Mountain and surrounded by two other ranges on either side for exploring. Adjacent to the campgrounds is Adventure Park, also operated by the resort. A day at Adventure Park includes zipline tours, an aerial treetop adventure course, a mountain coaster, and views of the mountain from its Lift rides. The campgrounds support 30 and 50 amp electric, and are pet friendly. Each individual site has a fire pit and picnic table, and the resort offers restrooms and showers along with a Camp Store.
Ellacoya State Park
For people that search for the tranquility of State Park stays, Ellacoya to the east of Laconia is a great find. The park is located on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, and as such enjoys 600 ft of swimming and canoeing access. The grounds come with a small Camp Store for basic needs, showers and restrooms, and plenty of open space for relaxing and enjoying nature. The campsites support 30/20/15 amp electric and are not pet friendly.
National Parks and State Parks near Laconia
Laconia is enclosed on almost all sides by wooded trails that give way to golden sand beaches and vast lakes that glimmer in the summer sun. Mountain trails, marsh bays, grass valleys and sandbars, Laconia has them all.
Mount Major State Forest
Further east of Laconia, on the right side of Gunstock Mountain, is the Mount Major State Forest. A hiking hotspot, Mt. Major is made up of numerous winding trails that eventually lead to the rocky summit, which overlooks the Lakes Region for miles. The summit trail only takes about a half day to hike, which makes it a great choice for starter’s hiking locally to get back into the swing of things.
Ellacoya State Park
There are a number of State Parks within immediate proximity to Laconia worth mentioning, but Ellacoya State Park might be the fairest. The beach along Ellacoya’s shores is pristine and supports a larger volume of people for its bigger size than some of the other State Parks nearby. There are also grassy fields for activities and a playground for children, not to mention the hiking trails through the woods of the rest of the park.
Laconia Attractions
Laconia’s shores are bustling all throughout the spring and summer and even into fall because of their convenient location and idyllic Northern vistas. In addition, there are several day-trips that count Laconia as their base to jump from that can be taken advantage of during your time here.
Enjoy Family Fun at Weirs Beach
Weirs Beach celebrates the nostalgia of camping in the Northeast during the 60s and 70s and keeps that carefree spirit alive today. The beach itself is on Lake Winnipesaukee’s southwestern shore, where the water is the bluest. A boardwalk runs along the length of the beach, and nearby within the town is a recreation center, bumper-carts, Go-Kart, mini-golf, and the timeless Weirs Beach Drive-In Theater.
Day Trip to Flume Gorge and Basin Cascade
Just under an hour from Laconia center to the north are the many trails that cross through the Franconia Notch State Park. There are so many unique hikes in this area that your day trip might become a weekend getaway. There’s the Flume Gorge, with a trail that passes through the gorge itself and along the streaming water and waterfalls for absolutely spectacular views. Or for a somewhat more challenging hike, the Basin Cascade trail is just a couple miles away. This hike starts at the breathtaking water rapids of The Basin, and winds up along Kinsman Falls and Rocky Glen Falls before reaching the summit at Lonesome Lake atop the mountain. Here, a volunteer-run Hut provides meals, snacks, and restrooms for hikers after a long walk. The views of the Cannon Mountain range from the Hut are extraordinary and a must-see for nature lovers visiting the area.
Watch The Sunset From A Cruise Ship
Weirs Beach is also the homebase for Mount Washington Cruises. The fleet at Mount Washington offers daily tours throughout the summer months all over the Lake Winnipesaukee, including: scenic tours, brunch or dinner cruises, cocktail cruises, island cruises, and more. The cruises are a brilliant day trip on their own, as well as a romantic way to cap off a day spent at Weirs Beach by taking in the sunset from the heart of the lake.
Events in Laconia
As the beating heart of the Lakes Region, Laconia is host to many festivals throughout the year, some of which bring in visitors from across the country.
Take a Ride Through Laconia Motorcycle Week
Each year for a week in June, Laconia is host to Motorcycle Week. New Hampshire has the 2nd largest demographic of motorcycle owners in the country, so it makes sense that the oldest annual Rally would take place in the heart of its gorgeous, winding backroads. Hundreds of people flock to Laconia during this week to enjoy live music daily, and take part in races, shows, and other motorcycle based competitions.
Join the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival
For two days in October each year, visitors can help contribute to New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival’s quest to break the Guinness World Record for the largest number of lit jack-o-lanterns in one spot! Naturally, the festival comes with a carnival and small parade as well to make sure that everyone is engaged with the full spread of autumnal festivities.