Campsites around Barrington, New Hampshire sit within the Granite State's Lakes Region where elevation ranges from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. The area's glacial landscape contains numerous ponds and small lakes created by retreating ice sheets thousands of years ago. Most campgrounds open from May through October when temperatures average 75-85°F during summer days and 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Kayaking at Pawtuckaway State Park: Rent equipment on-site or bring your own to explore the three-island layout of the park. "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," shares Matt R., who visited Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Hiking options with elevation: Trail networks provide varying difficulty levels with mountain summit views. "Pretty serious trail up and around some mountains, to a fire tower, ponds. There are at least three campground areas, one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water," explains Harry H. about Pawtuckaway.
Mountain biking at Bear Brook: The extensive trail system offers technical challenges for riders of all skill levels. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," notes Eammon C. from Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Off-season wildlife viewing: Spring and fall visits offer better wildlife sightings with fewer crowds. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," reports Pawsfuradventure T. who stayed at Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls, approximately 25 miles from Barrington.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites with direct access: Sites along shorelines allow for fishing directly from camp. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes J L. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Renovated washrooms receive consistent positive mentions. "The bathrooms are family style. One family at a time," explains Randy R. about how Bear Brook State Park handled COVID protocols, demonstrating their adaptability.
Spacious, shaded campsites: Mature forest provides natural site separation and cooling. "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees," describes Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park.
Dog-specific recreation areas: Dedicated pet swimming areas exist at several campgrounds. "Wellington Camping Park has a special dog beach where pets can swim safely away from the main recreational areas," mentions one reviewer about Wellington Camping Park, making it ideal for pet friendly camping near Barrington, New Hampshire.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions for dogs: Some parks limit pet access during summer months. "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. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," warns Erin W. about Pawtuckaway State Park.
Variable cell service: Coverage can fluctuate dramatically between campgrounds and even sites. "Wi-Fi is barely usable after 8am. And phone signal is spotty at best. Had to walk around to find signal for phone call," reports Ray P. about Wellington Camping Park.
Site placement variations: Research specific site numbers before booking. "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!" advises Erin W. about Pawtuckaway.
Ranger station hours: Staff availability may be limited, especially during shoulder seasons. "On Friday afternoon from about 1pm (when we first arrived) til 5 (when we last checked) the ranger station was closed, so we couldn't check in or get wood," notes Kris M. about their early May visit to Pawtuckaway.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple water features provide swimming alternatives. "They have a nice stretch of sandy beach at the campground as well as canoes and kayaks for rent. The convenience store at the campground had essentially everything you would need for a good camping trip," explains Anna C. about Pawtuckaway.
Educational opportunities: Explore local history through on-site museums. "For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp(CCC) museum. The CCC built much of the infrastructure here and elsewhere in the country," recommends Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park.
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. "I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site," advises Jean C. about Old Stage Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening animal sightings add educational value. "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," mentions Ellen C. about Pawtuckaway State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Check turning radius requirements when reserving specific sites. "I was in site 38 and 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," notes Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park.
Water and electric locations: Hook-up placement varies between campgrounds. "Electric service was sturdy and proper... water turns on with ball valve, sewer has 2 inlets," explains Harold C. about Wellington Camping Park.
Late season availability: Many campgrounds remain open through mid-October with fewer crowds. "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit; it helped that it was one of the campgrounds still open after Columbus Day weekend," mentions Jean C. about Bear Brook State Park.
Site width considerations: Extra space allows for vehicle parking alongside RVs. "Sites are wide I parked my truck next to camper and still had enough space for a safe fire in the pit," notes Harold C. about Wellington Camping Park, an important factor for those seeking pet friendly camping options near Barrington.