Sunset Park Campground, Hampstead, NH

Introduction / Overview: Your Quiet Corner of Southern New Hampshire

For generations of New Hampshire residents, Sunset Park Campground in Hampstead has been a cherished summer tradition. Nestled on 72 acres in the quaint charm of Southern New Hampshire, this family-owned and operated campground has offered a clean, calm, and friendly environment since 1957. It provides the perfect backdrop for making lasting family memories, whether you’re seeking a serene weekend escape or a full season of lakeside living.

Sunset Park is distinctively known for its peaceful atmosphere, which is highly praised by its regulars. As one happy customer notes, "Sunset Lake never disappoints. It's quiet, clean and calm here." This tranquility is achieved through a mix of respectful, well-kept grounds and a dedicated focus on the quality of the camping experience. Catering to both seasonal and transient guests, the park specializes in providing full hook-up sites—meaning water, electric, and sewer—for a comfortable stay. From the lush, spacious wooded sites to the grassy fields, the setting encourages relaxation, allowing you to unwind to the soothing sounds of loons, barred owls, and peepers instead of traffic noise.

The core of the park’s appeal is its stunning location on the shores of Sunset Lake (also known as Wash Pond), which boasts a private, sandy beach and breathtaking sunset views that give the campground its name. It’s a place "perfect for families of all ages," blending essential modern amenities with the simple, restorative pleasures of New Hampshire’s great outdoors.

Location and Accessibility: Easily Reached, Centrally Located

Sunset Park Campground is located in the beautiful, historic town of Hampstead, New Hampshire, making it remarkably convenient for local residents in the state's most populated southern region, as well as those coming from the nearby Seacoast or even Massachusetts. The campground's address places it on a quiet side road that still offers quick access to major New Hampshire and regional routes.

Address: 104 Emerson Ave, Hampstead, NH 03841, USA

The park’s location is ideal for day trips while still feeling secluded. It is approximately 45 minutes from destinations like Hampton Beach, Water Country, downtown Portsmouth, and the Kittery Outlets. More locally, it is just eight miles from the excitement of Canobie Lake Amusement Park. This central positioning allows local families to use the campground as a home base for exploring southern New Hampshire’s diverse attractions—from the bustling coast to the quiet local vineyards and breweries. The main loop within the park is described as roughly a mile, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, though guests are reminded that the authorities are "ardent about 5mph" to ensure safety and maintain the peaceful, quiet environment.

Services Offered (Comfort and Convenience for Campers)

Sunset Park Campground goes above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free stay for all guests, particularly those utilizing their full hookup sites.

Full Hookup Sites: The majority of RV sites offer water, sewer, and electric hookups, with 30 Amp service being standard, ensuring convenience for both short-term and seasonal campers.
Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: Clean, well-maintained bathhouses are available to all guests, a highly valued amenity that contributes to the park’s overall cleanliness.
Rental Options: For those without their own RV, the park offers unique rental options, including a no-hassle Yurt rental—where you only need to bring sleeping bags—and sometimes a cottage or trailer rental.
Camp Store & Essentials: Firewood and ice are available on-site, ensuring campers have access to the basic necessities for a classic New Hampshire campfire experience.
Recreational Rentals: Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent, providing easy access to Sunset Lake for fishing and paddling.
Dump Station and Wi-Fi: A dump station is typically provided for the use of campers, and Wi-Fi service is often available, usually in the covered pavilion area for communication and planning.

Features / Highlights (Lakeside Fun and Community Events)

The true highlights of Sunset Park are rooted in its community atmosphere and beautiful natural setting:

Private Beach on Sunset Lake: The campground boasts a private, well-maintained beach with sandy-bottom swimming on Sunset Lake (Wash Pond), offering a safe and pristine spot for cooling off and enjoying the water.
Active Recreation Facilities: The park provides a range of activity areas, including a softball field, basketball court, cornhole court, and horseshoe pits, perfect for impromptu games and friendly competitions.
Extensive Seasonal Activities: Sunset Park maintains a robust schedule of planned activities throughout the season for both children and adults, including favorites like Olympics Weekend, Halloween Weekend, the Annual Gong Show, and tournaments for cribbage, darts, and horseshoes.
Family Focus: The entire park is geared towards family fun, with clean playgrounds and a safe environment for children to explore and make new friends, solidifying its reputation as "perfect for families of all ages."
Proximity to Conservation Trails: Campers can venture beyond the park to explore or mountain bike on Hampstead's extensive network of conservation trails, providing miles of quiet, wooded exploration.
Fishing Opportunities: Sunset Lake is known for large-mouth bass fishing, offering anglers a peaceful spot to cast a line right from the shore or a rental boat.

Contact Information (Your Gateway to Sunset Lake)

To inquire about seasonal rates, transient site availability, rental options, or current event schedules, local residents should contact the park directly.

Address: 104 Emerson Ave, Hampstead, NH 03841, USA

Phone: (603) 329-6941

Mobile Phone: +1 603-329-6941

The park operates seasonally, typically opening around Memorial Day weekend and closing after Columbus Day weekend. Please note that while the park is accommodating, they maintain policies—such as a fee for non-camping guests coming for dinner—designed to manage the quiet atmosphere and ensure site security, which is key to maintaining a tranquil environment for all registered campers.

Conclusion: Why Sunset Park is Suitable for New Hampshire Locals

Sunset Park Campground is ideally suited for New Hampshire locals, particularly those in the southern and seacoast regions, for several compelling reasons.

Firstly, it offers a necessary escape without requiring a long drive to the northern mountains. Its Hampstead location provides a convenient retreat that can be reached quickly after a work week, maximizing precious weekend time. Secondly, the campground fosters a strong sense of community, particularly for its seasonal visitors who have created a friendly, well-kept environment on their lots—a welcome feature for those seeking long-term relaxation.

Thirdly, the focus on a quiet, clean, and family-friendly environment is perfect for local families seeking a safe, wholesome summer experience. The beautiful private beach on Sunset Lake, which is often described as "calm," allows children to play and adults to relax in a meticulously maintained natural setting. It’s a place where local generations return year after year, reinforcing the best parts of New Hampshire’s outdoor culture—simple lakeside living, community fun, and easy access to both nature and entertainment. For a refreshing and reliable New Hampshire camping experience, Sunset Park Campground remains a top-tier choice.