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TravelerPawtuckaway State Park Campground
Great spot with all types of different campsites.
Camping near Auburn, NH
5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Camping near Auburn, New Hampshire ranges from private campgrounds with full hookups to wooded state park sites within easy reach of southern New Hampshire's lakes and forests. Calef Lake Camping Area, located directly in Auburn, provides tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabin accommodations from May through October. Nearby Bear Brook State Park in Deerfield and Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham offer more natural settings with hiking trails, ponds, and a variety of camping options. These state parks feature wooded sites that provide a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible to the Manchester and Concord metropolitan areas.
Most campgrounds in the Auburn region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, particularly for waterfront sites at lake-based campgrounds. New Hampshire state parks typically enforce quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and many have restrictions on pets during peak season. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the area, with state parks often having limited service. According to reviews, mosquitoes can be prevalent in wooded areas, especially in early summer, so insect repellent is essential.
The camping options around Auburn cater to different preferences and needs. Private campgrounds like Calef Lake and Hidden Valley RV Park offer more amenities including full hookups, camp stores, and organized activities. As one camper noted about a nearby state park, "The campground is tucked away in the woods so you really feel like you're away from the cities in the area." State parks provide a more rustic experience with fewer amenities but more natural surroundings and recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and paddling. Many campgrounds in the region are family-friendly with playgrounds, beaches, and relatively level terrain for biking. Visitors should note that firewood restrictions are common to prevent the spread of invasive species, with most campgrounds selling approved wood on-site.
Best Campgrounds near Auburn (184)
1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
"Driving around this past weekend I did notice that some of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach."
"My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $140 / night
2. Bear Brook State Park Campground
"Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."
"Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
3. Calef Lake Camping Area
"Beautiful location in southern NH! Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."
"They originally booked us on a site so small, our tent wouldn’t even fit so we weren’t going to be able to have a fire because our tent was so close to it."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
4. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park
5. Berry's Grove Campground
"We had plans on both sides of the state line, so the location worked really well for our trip."
"The location is what made this place for us. Waking up and being able to walk right down to the water was great. We spent most of our stay fishing, sitting outside, and just enjoying the campground."
Check Availabilityfrom $1950 / night
6. Autumn Hills Campground
"Lake access, inground pool, ball field, and lots of activities for the kids makes this a great place to relax with the family."
"Campground is peaceful and quiet; the lake is within close proximity to most sites; I wouldn’t say it’s the best place for swimming but overall a great place to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle about"
Check Availabilityfrom $45 - $60 / night
7. Epsom Valley Campground
"I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."
"We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing!"
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $165 / night
8. Friendly Beaver Campground
"The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."
"I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."
Check Availabilityfrom $60 - $130 / night
9. Pine Acres Resort
"Swimming, fishing, hiking, climbing (near by), biking. What ever your into its here. Volleyball, softball, tent sites, cabins, RV sites..seriously all the amenities."
10. Wakeda Campground, LLC
"We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them."
"Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."
Check Availabilityfrom $48 - $97 / night
Drive Time
- 3 min from Manchester, NH
- 50 min from Boston, MA
- 1 hr 5 min from Worcester, MA
- 1 hr 53 min from Amherst Center, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Auburn, NH
367 Photos of 184 Auburn Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Auburn, NH
868 Reviews of 184 Auburn Campgrounds
- k
kevinTravelerSpacious Skies Minute Man
Beautiful place about an hour from Salem Boston and Plymouth. Be careful getting in Sharp Hill coming up and down lots of scrapes on the ground tight navigation through sites lots of beautiful trees.
Nancy W.
LegendWinter Island Park
Basically a parking lot but with great views!
I’m not going to lie this was a little tricky for big rigs to get to, but with lots of patience and skillful driving, it is doable. Salem is an old New England town so there are many narrow streets and some low clearances. Follow the directions on the parks website as they are designed for RVs– don’t use Google Maps unless you are a small camper. Even getting into the park is kind of challenging because of the way the entrance is laid out with the entrance booth and some low hanging trees. This campground is in a municipal park with a marina, beach, a short walking trail, and picnic areas. The campground has different sections and totally different feels to them. We arrived on a weekend and section we were in the section which is in the parking lot of a busy marina. The parking lot was half full which made for navigating our 45’ bus into our site pretty hard.
No sites have fire pits but you can have a fire if you bring your own above ground pit. Tent sites have picnic tables but nothing else. Some sites you can drive to and have a car onsite and others are non-vehicle access sites (11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27& 38) in which you have to park in a parking lot. Some RV sites have great water views and others are in a back gravel lot. In my opinion, the best RV sites are 12-16(A-D) because they have a water view. Sites 16B-D are a little tricky for big-rigs to get into because of the tight space. Our site (#13) had a slight downhill slope. We pulled in forward so we could have a view of the harbor which meant the utilities (water electric only) were in the front of our site but we were able to reach without an extension cord. We loved watching the action in the harbor. There is a gazebo by the water which we enjoyed siting under and watching boats go in and out of the harbor while it rained.
There is a nice sandy beach onsite which attracts a lot of day use vistors. The grounds are interesting to walk around as the water views are nice and there is an old fort to explore. Nearby town of Salem Willows is(about½ mile away) is a cute old seaside town with restaurants and arcades. They have a Bluebike rental station which is an easy way to get downtown and explore the area if you don’t have a car.
- Nancy W.Legend
Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort
Pleasantly surprised.
This campground is mostly seasonal, privately owned park models, but has 45 spaces for RV’s. I was a little skeptical about staying at this campground with so many park models and seasonals but was pleasantly surprised at how nice, clean, and tidy all the sites were. They obviously take pride in how things look because the grounds and campsites were very well-kept.
All campsites are 50/30-amp full hook-up with level gravel pads with grassy patios, a picnic table, and fire pit. We stayed in site#702 which was long enough for our 45’ motorhome and tow car. All the utilities were easy to reach and the electric worked well. The only problem was that we were parked under a large oak tree that was profusely shedding large acorns. There are some sites that are in the open which I would definitely choose, if I came back in the fall. The campground is gated which is a nice feature. It is located a mile or so off Route 1 which means you don’t get the road noise and traffic, but still conveniently located near shops and restaurants.
One nice feature are the shaded walking trails in the park. While they are not super long, it is a nice change from walking the roads (which are paved). Other amenities include a decent size swimming pool (closed while we were there), a basketball court, playground, laundry, and camp store. I thought it was a little expensive at $75/night (for full hook-up) at the end of the season, especially since the pool was closed.
- Nancy W.Legend
Sun Outdoors Wells Beach
Tight sites and expensive, busy area along the Maine coast
We stopped here in the summer to check out the coastal towns in southern Maine. There are many campgrounds in the area and we chose this one because they had a 25% off coupon (on a 7-night stay) which gave us the best nightly price in the area. However, the nightly rate was still$74/night, one reason being they charge a “resort fee” of$15/day which is ridiculous. This is a typical resort-style campground with lots of amenities (most of which we never use). But, for some people, this is a destination campground because of all the amenities- a large heated swimming pool, basketball courts, sand volleyball, bocce, fitness center, two playgrounds, 18-hole minigolf (that you pay extra for), and more.
The campsites in the front of the park are sandwiched between the swimming pool and Route 1 which is very busy and noisy. Campsites in the far back portion of the campground are shaded and a much quieter section. Camping pads and patios are a mix of gravel and sand. Many sites have shade and some have an astroturf patio (I think those are “premium” sites). Our campsite was in the middle section which was fairly quiet but the sites are close together with no privacy. The site was a long and level pull thru with a gravel pad and gravel/sand patio. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit.
There is a tent-only section and they have renal cabins. There is lots to do for families in the area including the beach and amusement and water parks. Restaurants of all sorts are nearby. You can easily walk to Congdon’s Donuts which is a Maine classic.
- Nancy W.Legend
Seacoast Camping and RV Resort
Nice Campground, Love the area!
This is a nice, clean, well-maintained campground for RV and tenting. The campground is located on Route 1 which means you are convenient to a lot of things but there is lots of traffic. Half the campground is seasonal/long term campers and the other side is mostly transients. The roads and campsites are fine crushed gravel with nice grassy patios. The campground is very well maintained (the best part being that the mower collects they cut the grass so no clippings get tracked in your camper). There are some mature trees that provide shade but don’t impede navigating in and out of sites or impacting slide outs.
Campsites range from tent with water/electric to RV water/electric and RV full hook-up 50-amp and full hook-up 30-amp. There are three bathhouses on the property (one of which has a dishwashing sink) and laundry. Tent sites 50-55 are in an are set away from RV sites and more private. They are also close to a large bathhouse with multiple toilets and showers. Tent sites 90-100 are across from a large playground which can be quite chaotic, but if you have kids, this is a great spot.
Our site (#147) was a long pull-thru with a descent amount of space between our neighbors. We got about half a dozen over-the-air channels (one being a major network station) and were able to connect with eastern arc satellites with our Dish Satellite. The 50A electric was good as was the water pressure.
The campground does not have much in the way of amenities except for a game room, basketball court, and playground. The game room is pretty cool with lots of arcade-style games, a pool table, foosball, and table tennis. While we were there, they just finished putting in all new playground equipment and enlarged the size making it really big and a hit with the kids in the park. Once convenience is that maintenance picks up garbage at your site (between 8am– 3pm). Unfortunately, people leave them out after hours and animals got into them and scattered garbage everywhere. We've stayed here before and always enjoy being in the area as it is close to the fun cities of Portsmouth and Newburyport.
Devon B.
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Play Games
The recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
Briggs M.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Nice Place To Relax
We were visiting family around Nashua and needed somewhere to park the RV nearby. Berry’s Grove ended up being a really good fit. We could come and go easily and still have a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
- KKurt B.Scout
Hampton Beach State Park Campground
Oceanfront camping at its best—full hookups just steps from the beach. Located in popular Hampton Beach, you'll be close to nightly bandshell concerts and vibrant nightlife. There is a lottery system in place for stays during the summer.
Guide to Auburn
Camping near Auburn, New Hampshire provides access to diverse terrain within central New Hampshire, where elevations range from 350 to 500 feet above sea level. The region experiences typical New England seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within a 20-mile radius of Auburn, offering varied landscapes from riverside spots to pine forest settings.
What to do
Tubing and swimming: Lazy River Family Campground in Epsom lives up to its name with river access directly from the campgrounds. "The river offers a beach and tubing without having to drive anywhere," notes one camper, who appreciated that "return transport [is] provided" after floating downstream. The swimming pool is another popular option, described as "well maintained" with a separate "kids pool" area.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park Campground has extensive trail systems ideal for biking enthusiasts. A reviewer mentioned, "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again." Another camper highlighted the convenience: "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"
Miniature golf: Several campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond hiking. One visitor to Epsom Valley Campground shared: "We played the mini golf in the front and had so much fun!" The course provides entertainment without leaving the campground, particularly valuable during shorter stays or inclement weather.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers premium lakeside camping spots that book quickly. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" reported one camper. Another mentioned, "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!"
Clean facilities: Wakeda Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," states one reviewer. Another camper appreciated the "nice wooded lots, small store, miniature golf" and noted its convenient location "close to Hampton beach."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various wildlife. At one campground, a visitor recounted, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird." Another camper at Pawtuckaway described, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Friendly Beaver Campground has inconsistent site layouts. "The campsite itself was squished in between two other sites so closely that we could hear others in their tent whispering during quiet hours, lol, no trees in between sites whatsoever where we were," reported one camper. For better privacy, explore the campground before booking or request specific sites.
Bathroom facilities fluctuate by season: Campground bathrooms receive mixed reviews. One camper at Lazy River noted: "The bathrooms hurt. One of the 3 bathhouses was out of order... That one was clean, but there were no latches on any of the doors on the women's side." Check recent reviews or call ahead about facility status.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by carrier throughout the region. One visitor to Bear Brook State Park observed: "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon." Plan communications accordingly, especially for longer stays.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly pools: Autumn Hills Campground offers swimming options that parents appreciate. "The staff is very nice. They offer boat rentals, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. Store on site and they do activities during the week. Definitely more kids friendly I think. They do have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times," shared one visitor.
Playground access: When selecting sites, consider proximity to play areas. One camper at Calef Lake Camping Area mentioned the "playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike," making it a gathering point for families. However, note that sites immediately adjacent to playgrounds may experience more foot traffic and noise.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular entertainment for younger campers. A visitor to Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park observed, "The amenities are state of the art, clean laundry center, restrooms, bath house, grocery store, bar & grill, playground & 2 swimming beaches," providing multiple options regardless of weather conditions.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Epsom Valley Campground receives praise for staff helpfulness but presents some layout challenges. One RVer noted: "The owner was amazing, friendly and super accommodating! It was just what we were looking for and will definitely return." Consider requesting assistance with site selection if arriving with a larger rig.
Site leveling requirements: The terrain at some campgrounds requires preparation. One camper at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park mentioned, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services." Bring leveling blocks and extension hoses/cords.
Loop navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have tight corners. A visitor to Bear Brook State Park found that "the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner." Larger rigs should inquire about site access before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Auburn, NH?
Which is the most popular campground near Auburn, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Auburn, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews.
What parks are near Auburn, NH?
What parks are near Auburn, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Auburn, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.
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