When you’re RVing through New England, you come to appreciate the campgrounds that go the extra mile. The ones that feel less like a parking spot for the night and more like a genuine retreat. Friendly Beaver Campground in New Boston, New Hampshire, is exactly that kind of place. It’s tucked away in the rolling, wooded hills west of Manchester, but it’s the amenities and the welcoming atmosphere that really make it stand out. And for the practical RVer, it offers a clean, efficient dump station that makes it a perfect stop before you venture deeper into the Granite State, especially if you’re traveling during the shoulder seasons.
What first caught my eye about this place was the promise of a year-round indoor pool. As someone who doesn't always travel in the peak of summer, that’s a huge draw. But the real treasure for a passing-through traveler is a well-run dump station. We were on our way to explore some of the hiking trails in the area, like Purgatory Falls, and needed a convenient place to empty our tanks. New Boston feels like a world away from the city. It’s quiet, surrounded by dense forests, and has that classic New England charm with old farm stands and winding back roads. It’s even home to the New Boston Space Force Station, a fact that just adds to the area's unique, off-the-beaten-path vibe.
Pulling into Friendly Beaver, the name immediately makes sense. The staff we met in the camp store were incredibly warm and helpful. And speaking of the camp store, it’s massive. They claim it’s the largest in New Hampshire, and I believe it. It’s stocked with everything you could possibly need, from basic RV supplies to local crafts and snacks. If you find you’ve run out of holding tank chemicals or forgot your gloves, they have you covered. This is a huge convenience that you don't find at every campground.
The dump station is conveniently located near the entrance, next to a small service building. This thoughtful placement means you don’t have to navigate the entire campground to get to it. Because a good number of the sites here have full hookups, the communal dump station doesn’t get overwhelmed with traffic, which is a big plus. We pulled right up to a clean concrete pad with no waiting. There was easy access to potable water, and the whole setup was neat and tidy. It’s clear they take pride in maintaining their facilities.
While I was handling the chore, my wife took our dog for a walk on one of the wooded trails that circle the property. Being able to let your pet stretch its legs in a safe, scenic environment is one of those small things that makes a big difference on a long travel day. We also peeked at the bathhouses, which were modern and clean, and the laundry facilities looked top-notch, with extra-large machines that could handle a whole week’s worth of clothes. This is the kind of place you could comfortably settle into for a while.
The campground offers a variety of sites, including many with 30 and 50 amp electric hookups. If we were staying overnight, the shaded sites would be a welcome respite from the sun. The limited number of full-hookup sewer sites means you should probably reserve one early if that’s your preference, but with such an easy-to-use dump station, it’s not a major hardship to go without. The convenience of being able to dump on your way out makes any site a good option.
As for the cost, they didn’t have a public fee posted, but a quick call ahead confirmed the price for non-guest dumping. It was very reasonable, especially when you consider the quality of the facility and the overall welcoming environment. A place like this, with its pools, playgrounds, and activities, is a destination in itself, so paying a small fee for the convenience of using their well-maintained station feels like a bargain. I’d recommend swinging by on a weekday, Tuesday through Thursday, if you want to be absolutely sure to avoid any weekend check-in traffic.
The one thing to be mindful of is the season. New England’s foliage season in October is legendary for a reason, but it also brings crowds. If you’re traveling during that time, expect the campground and the local roads to be much busier, especially on weekends. An early morning dump-and-go would be your best strategy.
Ultimately, Friendly Beaver Campground more than lives up to its name. It’s a fantastic, full-service campground that also graciously provides a much-needed service to passing RVers. The combination of a spotless dump station, a ridiculously well-stocked store, and a genuinely friendly staff makes it a top-tier stop. Whether you’re staying for a week or just for twenty minutes, you’ll leave feeling well taken care of. It’s a perfect example of New England hospitality and a place I’d happily recommend to any fellow traveler exploring the beautiful back roads of New Hampshire.
88 Cochran Hill Rd, New Boston, NH 03070
(603) 487-5570
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
friendlybeaver.com