In New Hampshire, a transformation is taking place along the banks of the Suncook River. Joe and Kim Caprio, former technology industry professionals, have embarked on an ambitious journey to reinvent Suncook River Camp as a family-friendly nature getaway. The couple’s passion for camping and outdoor experiences led them to purchase the 22-acre property in May, marking a significant career shift and the beginning of a new chapter for the long-standing campground established in the 1970s.
The Caprios’ vision for Suncook River Camp stems from their own experiences camping around the world. They aim to create a space where families can reconnect with nature and each other, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences.
From RV sites and cabins to camper rentals and tent pitching areas, the campground caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. The addition of amenities like a renovated swimming pool with a new liner, sun shade, and chairs, as well as easy river access for kayaking and swimming, enhances the appeal for visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
One of the most striking features of Suncook River Camp is its proximity to the water. With many sites situated along the Suncook River, the campground offers a unique experience that sets it apart from many others in the region. “It’s pretty unique for campgrounds in the area,” Kim told Concord Monitor. “You might be lucky to have a body of water somewhere on the property, so when we saw this place, we were just beyond excited that so many campers can have access to a water view.”
A unique experience offered at Suncook River Camp is the opportunity to float down the river. “If you get in the water at one beach and you float down to the second beach, just at the last campsite, it’s less than a five-minute walk,” Joe said. “But the Suncook River moves so slowly it takes just under an hour to float from this beach to that beach.” This activity has become a favorite among guests and even serves as a way for the hardworking owners to unwind after a long day of campground management.
The transition from corporate life to campground ownership hasn’t been without its challenges. The Caprios faced a tight timeline, with only two weeks between acquiring the property and opening for the season on May 15. Despite advice to remain closed for renovations, they chose to welcome guests. “We just felt guilty by canceling people’s summer two weeks before it started,” Joe said. So we were kind of pulled into staying open, which meant that we really worked long hours and really hard to try to get as much of the renovation done as we could before everyone got here for the busy summer.
Over the past few months, the couple has poured their energy into renovating and upgrading the campground. Their efforts have included cleaning debris from the river, refurbishing the office, adding rental campers, and constructing a new store. Ongoing projects involve renovating the bathhouse with separate men’s and women’s toilets, upgraded private showers, and modern portable toilets. They are also restoring vintage campers and furnishing platform tents. These improvements are part of their vision to create an ideal camping experience. “We’re renovating it and making it the kind of campground we’d love to spend time in and our family and our friends want to come up and spend time in,” Joe said. “It’s a great campground for everybody.”
The Caprios have observed an interesting mix in their customer base. Approximately half of their visitors are seasonal campers who stay from mid-May to early November, while the other half consists of “transient campers” who come for shorter stays, weekends, or family vacations. About half of these transient campers are local to the area, reflecting the growing popularity of camping and outdoor recreation in the region.
The impact of the Caprios’ efforts is already evident. Daniel Couture, a New Hampshire resident and returning camper, noted the visible improvements to the property. “Joe and Kim have walked in and made it a beautiful place,” Couture told Concord Monitor. “It just keeps getting better and better every day.” This positive feedback underscores the effectiveness of the Caprios’ hands-on approach and their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all guests.
Despite the demanding nature of their new venture, Joe and Kim find joy in watching their guests enjoy the campground. Whether it’s campers sipping coffee by the river, families embarking on kayaking adventures, or friends floating lazily down the Suncook, these moments remind the Caprios of why they chose this path. Their commitment to creating memorable experiences for their guests drives their ongoing efforts to improve and expand the campground’s offerings.
Looking to the future, the Caprios have plans to continue enhancing Suncook River Camp.
As Suncook River Camp continues to evolve under the Caprios’ stewardship, it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of camping and the power of pursuing one’s passion. For Joe and Kim, transforming this long-standing campground into a family-friendly nature getaway is more than just a business venture—it’s a labor of love that allows them to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors with others. “People can experience camping with their kids for the first time without having to buy all the gear,” Kim said. “So we’re giving families more access and a consistent, reliable experience so they know what they’re getting when they show up.”
Featured image by Suncook River Camp via suncookrivercamp.com