After what has felt like a never-ending stretch of April, May, and June showers, we’ve made it past the first heat wave of summer and the sun has come out to play! You may already know and love Gunstock as your winter playground, but don’t count us out when it comes to summer fun. Adventure hounds and relaxation experts alike will find their home-base at Gunstock this summer. The Gunstock Adventure Park is known as thrill-seeker central, but perhaps the most slept-on attraction at the mountain would have to be our 260-site campground.
If you consider this mountain your home, staying at Gunstock Campground replicates the magic of pitching a tent in your own backyard! With mountain adventure seconds up the entry road and the beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee just minutes away, this family-friendly campground keeps locals and summer vacationers coming back year after year. While you clear your calendar for long weekend availability, let’s break down your 4-day itinerary to skip the crowds and take advantage of one of the best summer getaway spots in the Lakes Region!
Thursday – Let's get this show on the road!
Roll into town any time after 1 p.m. to check in at the brand-new Gunstock Camp Store and get your weekend going. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, so don’t forget the marshmallows and weenies! Whether you’re one for carefully curating your campsite or you’d rather pitch a tent and call it a day, once your site is settled get out there and explore! Your amenities include a playground, heated swimming pool, dog park, bathhouses with free hot showers, coin-op laundry and more. We haven’t even mentioned the miles of beautiful hiking and biking trails footsteps away from your site. Trust us, you’ll want to check those out.
It wouldn’t be a classic summer night in New England if you didn’t round out your evening with some ice cream. Stop in for a treat at the Camp Store, or visit one of countless local spots in the area. Some of our favorites include Social Club Creamery, Kellerhaus, Sawyers Dairy Bar, Stillwells, and Jordan's.
Friday – Adventure's calling and you should probably pick up!
Morning: You can skip the morning coffee; nothing gets your blood pumping quite like the adrenaline rush of ziplining at Gunstock! Our Zipline Tour is a fan-favorite in the Lakes Region, offering unparalleled views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains beyond. Gunstock campers receive discounted access to all Adventure Park activities, and we plan to put it to use! Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and when you’re racing from summit to base don’t be surprised that the time flies by.
Afternoon: Once you’ve grabbed a bite to eat back at your site, grab your towel and a swimsuit, the lake is calling your name! Beat the weekend crowds and take the afternoon to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee’s nearby beaches. Ellacoya State Park, Weirs Beach, and Alton Bay are all within a 20-minute drive from our campground!
Saturday – Yup, we're getting more fresh air!
Morning: Get active in the cool morning air and start your Saturday with a hike! Gunstock has a wonderful network of maintained trails. Find a map and some insights and tips for each trail here. Other hiking attractions include the nearby Mount Major, Mount Rowe, Locke’s Hill, and more!
Every outdoor explorer knows that hiking works up an appetite! Skip the PB&J and grab a bite at the Barrel Bar & Grille, Gunstock’s on-site restaurant which offers full-service indoor and outdoor dining. For those ready to hit the next adventure the Barrel also offers pre-packaged sandwiches, sweet treats, and soft drinks on the go.
Afternoon: Clip in and climb through the canopy in our Aerial Treetop Adventure course. Let the shade keep you cool from the afternoon sun as you challenge yourself across the course’s 81 suspended features. The course includes log ladders, bridges, swings, footbridges, and plenty of ziplines. An Explorer Course made just for kids makes this activity accessible for the whole crew!
If you’re not too gassed from your day of outdoor adventure, check out one of New Hampshire’s premiere live music venues at BankNH Pavilion. Check out their summer concert lineup prior to your visit and save on tickets in advance.
Sunday – Sunday already? Say it ain’t so!
Weekends fly when you’re having fun. The campground check-out time is at 11 a.m., leaving you time for one more cozy fireside breakfast before packing up your site. Squeeze in a final adventure with a Scenic Chairlift Ride to the summit and soak up those breathtaking views one last time.
As you peep the mountain in your rearview, just know we loved welcoming you into the Gunstock Campground family! This isn’t so much a goodbye as a “see ya next time!”