Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Bow, New Hampshire offer varied camping experiences across multiple state parks and private facilities. Camping season typically runs from early May through late October, though several campgrounds maintain different opening and closing dates. Campers will find a mix of wooded sites, waterfront locations, and open field camping areas with varying levels of privacy.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground features extensive trail systems for biking enthusiasts. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground. The park contains numerous trails for all skill levels that connect directly to the camping areas.
Paddling opportunities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent kayaking and canoeing on its lake system. A visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground shared, "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."
Tubing and swimming: The Suncook River provides a relaxed floating experience for campers. "Whether you're floating down the river (with return transport provided), swimming in the well maintained pool... there is never a moment of worry or stress," reports a camper from Lazy River Family Campground. Their shuttle service brings tubers back upstream after floating.
Geocaching adventures: Several local campgrounds offer geocaching opportunities on their property. One reviewer at Bear Brook State Park noted, "Numerous trails call out of exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found (if you can, download the info and maps before you get to the park to be sure you have the necessary info)."
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort provides various pool environments for different preferences. A camper at Cold Springs Camp Resort shared, "There are 7 pools which include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools." This variety allows families and adults to enjoy water activities separately.
Bathroom cleanliness: Despite varying campground amenities, bathroom maintenance receives consistent attention. At Epsom Valley Campground, a camper noted, "The facilities were beautiful and clean," while another mentioned, "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day" at Autumn Hills Campground.
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer prime lakeside camping spots. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions a visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park. These waterfront sites typically come at premium prices and require early reservation, often 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites near Bow feature opportunities to observe local wildlife. "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," shares a Pawtuckaway visitor, highlighting the natural interactions available at lakeside camping locations.
What you should know
Site privacy varies dramatically: Campground layouts offer significantly different experiences regarding site separation. At Greenfield State Park Campground, "Private sites, lots of woods" contrasts sharply with reports from Autumn Hills where "Sites are very small, and extremely close together. My 28 foot travel trailer barely fit into the site."
Reservation timing is critical: Many campgrounds require reservations months in advance, particularly for weekend stays during summer. A visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park advised, "If possible, reserve those to ensure the best spots (the sunrise!)," highlighting the importance of early booking for waterfront sites.
Road noise impacts certain sites: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby highways. A Lazy River Family Campground reviewer mentioned, "Sites along the river, while waterfront and nice, do suffer from road noise coming from NH28." Campers seeking quieter experiences should request sites farther from major roads.
Seasonal population differences: Several campgrounds maintain a high percentage of seasonal campers. At Friendly Beaver Campground, a visitor observed, "Mostly seasonal sites. Lots of golf carts and drunks (if that's your thing, cool)." These long-term residents often create a different atmosphere than transient camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Facilities with various swimming environments accommodate different age groups. At Friendly Beaver Campground, "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when booking sites. One camper at Bear Brook noted, "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."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule organized events on weekends. At Autumn Hills Campground, a visitor reported, "This campground had a lot to offer for whatever you need in camping. Quiet, fun, entertaining, kids and adult pools." These scheduled activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds feature small petting zoos or farm animals. "We enjoyed their small but nice petting zoo of a few goats and a horse," notes a reviewer about Friendly Beaver, offering an alternative activity for children when not swimming or hiking.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions vary significantly: RV campers should verify specific site measurements before booking. 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." Sites on hills may present leveling challenges.
Loop access challenges: Certain campground roads pose navigation difficulties for larger rigs. A Bear Brook visitor warned, "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."
Hookup placement issues: Some sites require extended hose lengths for utility connections. An Autumn Hills camper reported, "We stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose." First-time RV campers should consider requesting assistance with setup if unfamiliar with their equipment.
Electric options vary: Not all campgrounds offer the same electric service. Cold Springs Camp Resort provides 50-amp hookups while others may only offer 30-amp, affecting what appliances can run simultaneously in larger RVs. Adaptors are recommended for flexible camping options.
