Camping around Bennington, New Hampshire offers a mix of woodland sites and waterfront access across the Contoocook River watershed at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region's granite bedrock creates natural features campers can explore, with summer temperatures typically reaching 80°F during the day and dropping to 60°F at night. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October due to New England's harsh winters.
What to do
Pond fishing and boating: Keyser Pond Campground offers multiple fishing and boating options for visitors. "They have 3 separate ponds-one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is for swimming. Plenty of bathrooms throughout campground and sites are not expensive to reserve," notes Sara D. in her review of the campground.
Mountain biking on marked trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground provides extensive trail networks for mountain biking enthusiasts. "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," says Eammon C., highlighting the park's recreational opportunities.
River tubing and paddling: The Ashuelot River Campground gives visitors direct access to water recreation. "Awesome campground with two of the greatest host/owners Chuck and Laura. We have been coming here for years and always enjoy the time spent here. Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," shares Michael M., describing the river activities available.
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort stands out for its extensive water amenities. "So many amenities, you just couldn't get bored if you tried to. Beautiful, extremely clean bathrooms, reasonably priced little cafe, big camp store, very friendly staff, 4 outdoor pools & pretty big campground that has a gated entry/exit that needs a key card pass you get upon registering," Sara D. explains in her review.
Clean, modern facilities: Friendly Beaver Campground maintains high standards for its bathrooms and amenities. "Facilities were nice and clean. We didn't feel like we were in nature. More like the parking lot of a Kid Rock festival. They charge for EVERYTHING (internet $10 per device)," reports Ripp D., giving insight into both the positives and negatives of the experience.
Family-oriented activities: Autumn Hills Campground offers organized events for families. "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. They have community fires and dances," shares Jen in her review.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: At Otter River State Forest, site selection makes a big difference in your experience. "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent. The sites on the first two loops/spur roads are smaller and most of them are designated for tents only or tents/popups," advises Jean C. Sites 65, 67, and 68 are walk-in sites closer to the water.
Seasonal campers dominate some parks: Many campgrounds in the region host primarily seasonal residents. "All everyone does here is ride around in Golf carts with cases of beer and get drunk. Not my scene! It's an underfunded trailer park," notes Steve E. about one campground, representing the more critical perspective some visitors experience.
