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Resident asks planning board how to run a tiny dry campground from Blake Road property
Summary
A Loudon resident described plans for a small, informal dry campground and board members outlined steps: check state campground licensing, seek a zoning special exception in the Agricultural/Forest Preservation (AFP) district, then bring a site plan to the planning board.
Abby Ladd, a Loudon resident, told the Planning Board she is exploring a small, low‑infrastructure campground on her property at the end of Blake Road, offering “maybe six possible locations” for dry camping rather than a full commercial campground.
Ladd said she wants occasional tent or RV stays without water, sewer or electrical hookups and told the board she found the town’s regulations describe only “full‑blown” campgrounds, not small, informal setups. “I don’t wanna do any infrastructure,” she said.
Planning Board members advised Ladd to begin with the New Hampshire state licensing process. Board members noted the town zoning code treats a parcel with two or more specific sites as a campground and therefore requires a zoning special exception in the Agricultural/Forest Preservation (AFP) district. Board members led Ladd through the likely procedural steps: consult state licensing (the board noted state campground licensing and regulations apply), then apply for a zoning special exception, and finally submit a site plan to the Planning Board if needed. The board also recommended early conversations with the fire department about emergency access and a more detailed sketch of site locations, distances and access points before formal applications.
Board members and staff repeatedly cautioned Ladd that even a small number of sites triggers licensing and zoning requirements. “You need permission to do it,” a member said, adding that the AFP district requires a special exception. Another member advised, “have a little bit more information yourself as far as what you really wanna do and how big your lodge, you know, each lot or how far away they are” before contacting state officials.
Ladd said she would speak with the state first and then return with a more developed sketch or questions; board members said the planning office and the fire department could help with technical and access questions. No formal action was taken; the discussion was advisory and informational only.
