Camping options around Boscawen, New Hampshire center on the Merrimack River watershed with elevations ranging from 350-450 feet above sea level. Winter camping is available at select locations where temperatures can drop below 0°F. The region features several pond and lake-access campgrounds within 15-25 miles of town, creating water recreation opportunities throughout the May-October camping season.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks for cyclists. "The biking trails are busy even on late October afternoons; some trails allow horses. Canoes and kayaks let you explore and fish," notes Jean C., who appreciates the varied outdoor activities available outside peak season.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide pond access for anglers. According to Jeremy S., Bear Brook State Park features a "beautiful lake" with "wheelchair accessible docks for fishing." The campground also maintains "antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp museum" for history enthusiasts.
Swimming options: For water recreation beyond the glamping sites in Boscawen, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers swimming at its beach area. "Sites are nice and the campground is nice and clean," reports Jessica D., who enjoyed the well-maintained facilities during her visit.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campers mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature. A Pawtuckaway State Park visitor noted, "The bath and shower house was well maintained and a short walk from [site] 22." Facilities at the park are regularly cleaned despite heavy seasonal use.
Beach access: Keyser Pond Campground offers water access that campers appreciate. A visitor mentioned, "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," demonstrating that while beach areas exist, water conditions vary by location.
Winter camping options: Unlike most seasonal glamping sites near Boscawen, Meredith Woods Four Season Camping offers year-round accommodations. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," reports Mara S., highlighting amenities available during colder months.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds feature sites with limited privacy. At Autumn Hills Campground, "Our site was down at the bottom of the hill near Daniel's Lake. Site was rocky and sandy. We were basically in a space cut out next to the road and felt pretty exposed," reports Daniel J.
Booking waterfront sites: For optimal experiences at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, waterfront sites require advance planning. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" explains J L., highlighting the premium nature of these locations.
Pet policies vary seasonally: Not all campgrounds welcome pets year-round. As Erin W. discovered at Pawtuckaway: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Cold Springs Camp Resort offers multiple swimming options beyond what typical glamping sites provide. "Very family centric, 7 pools which (include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools)," notes Kara C., who visited during a themed weekend.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small petting areas. At Friendly Beaver Campground, Brandon C. shares, "We enjoyed their small but nice petting zoo of a few goats and a horse," providing entertainment options for children beyond standard playground equipment.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide entertainment for families. At Bear Brook State Park, campers note the park has "plenty of things to do like hike, fish, swim" and Manchester "is not too far for places to go out and eat at," offering a balance of natural and urban amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: At Bear Brook State Park Campground, site access can be challenging for larger RVs. Jean C. notes, "I 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."
Seasonal site availability: Some campgrounds primarily serve seasonal campers. A Friendly Beaver Campground visitor observed, "Mostly seasonal sites. Lots of golf carts and drunks (if that's your thing, cool). Facilities were nice and clean. We didn't feel like we were in nature."
Hookup placement: RV campers should confirm hookup locations before arrival. As noted by a camper at Autumn Hills Campground, "We stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose," highlighting that amenity placement varies even within campgrounds offering full hookups.
