Cabin camping near Barrington, New Hampshire offers experiences in the region's mixed hardwood forests and lake country. Located in southeastern New Hampshire where the elevation averages 300-400 feet above sea level, the area experiences typical New England seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F. Winter cabin rentals require advanced planning as many facilities close from late October through early May.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on lakes: Pawtuckaway State Park provides direct water access from many campsites. "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," notes Matt R. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Hiking on marked trails: Bear Brook State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities throughout its 10,000-acre forest preserve. "The park is very dog friendly for camping as well as hiking. The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," reports Gabby M. about Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: Several trail networks accommodate cyclists of different skill levels. "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," shares Eammon C. about Bear Brook State Park's recreation options.
What campers like
Early and late season quiet: For those seeking solitude in cabins, shoulder seasons offer advantages. "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," explains Kris M. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Lake views from campsites: Waterfront sites remain the most sought-after options. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares J L. about Pawtuckaway's premium locations.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural surroundings provide encounters with local fauna. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," notes one visitor at Wakeda Campground about the campground's forested environment.
What you should know
Bathroom and shower facilities vary: Maintenance and availability differ between locations. "Bathhouses offer coin-operated showers; I noticed a price difference between the two of them, so went with the less expensive option!" explains Jean C. from Bear Brook State Park.
Site selection matters for privacy: Not all sites offer equal seclusion. "Some sites are a bit too close to each other but there are some that are nice and private," advises Kimberly R. about Bear Brook's campground layout.
Weather preparedness: Local conditions can change rapidly. "In 2013 site 25 was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with an unexpected 36 hour downpour... After a few hours of constant rain I realized the water runoff from the road above and the driveway all ended up flowing right under our tent into the lake," cautions Ellen C. from Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Several campgrounds offer swimming options. "This campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored," shares J B. about Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA.
Playground access: Facilities for younger children vary by location. "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... I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground," advises Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park.
Well-stocked camp stores: On-site supply options save trips to town. "The small store is well stocked. You can rent kayaks here," reports Susan B. about Pawtuckaway's convenience facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. "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," warns Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Hookup limitations: Services vary significantly between locations. "There are no hookups, but there is running water and a dump station is available," notes Jean C. about Bear Brook's amenities.
Cell signal variability: Coverage depends on carrier and location. "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon," shares Utshob A. about Old Stage Campground, information particularly valuable for those needing connectivity.