Waterfront sites and wooded campsites provide the primary camping experiences near Amherst, New Hampshire, with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet across the region. Most campgrounds offer standard tent and RV accommodations, but availability varies significantly by season, with many locations operating from May through October. Winter camping options exist but are limited to a few year-round facilities like Field and Stream RV Park.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Spacious Skies Seven Maples features a fishing pond ideal for beginners and families. "We stayed late in the season during a chilly damp weekend and had the best time. We were right on the pond, so the kids could fish whenever," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking. A reviewer mentioned, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The biking trails were a blast."
Water recreation: The lakes at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provide multiple options for paddling enthusiasts. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," according to one camper.
What campers like
Quiet, wooded sites: Greenfield State Park Campground receives consistently positive feedback for site privacy. "Very large campground with lots of woods to block you from other campers. Dog friendly 🐶," shared one camper who gave the park a 5-star rating.
Clean facilities: The maintenance level varies significantly between campgrounds in the region. One visitor to Autumn Hills Campground noted, "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day."
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort stands out with its extensive aquatic facilities. "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub," reported one satisfied camper, highlighting the diversity of swimming options available at this single location.
What you should know
Site differences: Campsite quality and privacy vary dramatically across the region. At Friendly Beaver Campground, a visitor cautioned: "The campsites have VERY little to no privacy, we had to hang up tarps in between us and our neighbor or else we would practically be looking straight at each other if we both had a camp fire at the same time."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds implement policy changes during different times of year. At Pawtuckaway State Park, pets face limitations during peak season: "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months."
Fire regulations: Fire rules vary significantly between locations. Seven Maples prohibits alcohol consumption, while several parks require fires to be extinguished by midnight. One visitor to Autumn Hills noted, "No fires between 9am-5pm," indicating daytime fire restrictions at some locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Seven Maples offers specialized water features for children. A visitor described, "The pool is amazing for kids of all ages with water slides and a splash area. There's no life guard or staff monitoring the pool area so it did get a little too crazy at times for my little ones."
Playground considerations: Campground playgrounds vary significantly in quality and maintenance. At The Pine Campground, one camper observed: "Playground was a bit older but it was maintained well, and the kids had fun."
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for younger campers. "They have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events," noted a visitor to Friendly Beaver Campground, highlighting the structured recreation options beyond natural amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Large RVs may encounter challenges at some locations. At Minute Man Campground, a visitor advised: "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!"
Electrical considerations: Power capacity varies between sites and campgrounds. One RVer at Seven Maples reported: "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities While my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue."
Winter camping options: Field and Stream RV Park operates year-round with seasonal pricing adjustments. "They offer all year round camping. Great site right next to the water. Sites are clean and well equipped. Coin laundry with nice machine," noted one winter visitor, though rates increase between October 15 and May 1.
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