245 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Canterbury, New Hampshire provides access to several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, including Bear Brook State Park Campground and Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. The region includes a mix of state park facilities and private campgrounds that accommodate tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the area feature amenities such as drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, while some also offer electric hookups, showers, and dump stations for RVs. Bear Brook State Park, located in nearby Deerfield, serves as a popular destination with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and multiple camping areas.
Seasonal considerations affect campground operations throughout the region, with most facilities operating from May through October. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays and waterfront locations during summer months. As one camper noted, "Make your reservation well in advance if you're planning to visit during peak season or if you want a prime waterfront site." Winter camping options are limited, with most campgrounds closing after Columbus Day weekend. The terrain varies from relatively flat, accessible sites to more secluded areas with moderate elevation changes. Cell phone coverage can be inconsistent throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning limited connectivity at Bear Brook State Park and other nearby campgrounds.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds offering access to lakes and ponds suitable for swimming, fishing, and paddling. A review of Pawtuckaway State Park mentioned that "the park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake. The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake." Family-friendly amenities are common at established campgrounds, including playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails. Privacy between campsites varies significantly across the region, with state park campgrounds generally offering more spacious and secluded sites compared to private RV parks. Several campgrounds feature cabin rentals as alternatives to tent or RV camping, providing options for visitors seeking additional comfort or protection from New Hampshire's variable weather conditions.
"Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."
"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."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites Close drive to Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, Close drive to Gunstock Mountain, not far from Laconia, wooded sites, The camp has some seasonal full timers"
"This campground is one of my favorites in the lakes region. Affordable prices, large wooded sites and great staff."
"Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire."
"I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability"I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."
"We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing!"
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"Saturday rolled around and some noisier guests came in for the night, they were several sites away and sounded like they were having a great time, didn't bother us."
"The family will definitely be making a few return trips, especially with the reasonable drive from the boston area to the grounds."
from $26 - $30 / night
"Driving around this past weekend I did notice that some of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach."
"My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up."
"Restroom closed to covid, some campgrounds kept them open and just cleaned more. Well no complaint here we’re self contained. Some areas could use some tidying up."
from $24 - $199 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"were fully booked up
- They provide firewood for $10 a bundle and it's a LOT of wood and it's very good wood
- They supply water (poland spring 2.5 gallon jugs) as there is no running water at or near"
from $45 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
ScoutBerry’s Grove was exactly what we were looking for. It is small, peaceful, and right on the water. We brought our RV and had everything we needed at the site, so getting settled was quick and easy. We especially liked being able to spend the afternoon by the lake without having to drive anywhere. It feels tucked away but you are still close enough to town if you need groceries or want to grab something to eat. Really nice campground for a relaxing weekend.
ScoutThe Sugar River was probably our favorite part of staying here. There is something really relaxing about waking up, making coffee, and being able to walk down by the river first thing in the morning. We spent our days fishing, hanging around the campground, and exploring the area. Crow’s Nest has a classic New Hampshire campground feel and we would definitely come back.
ScoutWe really enjoyed our stay at Berry’s Grove. It is a smaller campground, which gave it a much quieter and more relaxed feel than some of the bigger RV parks we have stayed at. Being right on the lake was definitely the highlight for us. We spent a lot of time sitting by the water and fishing off the dock. Our site was clean and the full hookups made everything easy. It was a nice place to slow down for a few days and we would definitely stay again.
ScoutBeautiful campground. Private spaces. Staff is very friendly.
ScoutWe booked three nights of dry camping and arrived Friday excited to start our weekend. Unfortunately, we barely made it 24 hours before deciding to leave because of the way we were treated. We were told by another man at the campground that we were permitted to run our quiet generator overnight. The posted cutoff time was 9:00 AM, and we fully intended to shut it off by then. At approximately 8:50 AM the following morning, a woman who lives on-site who is named Karen(no pun intended)- and appeared to run the facility came pounding on our RV door, yelling at us about running the QUIET generator all night. We tried to explain that we had been told we were allowed to do so and that we were going to shut it off at the required time. Instead of having a reasonable conversation, we felt that we were essentially pushed out and harassed during the short time we were there. We also had our baby with us, and it was a hot summer night. Being told that we should have simply opened the windows was incredibly frustrating and felt completely dismissive of our situation. We came to enjoy a three-night camping weekend and instead left after barely 24 hours because of how uncomfortable and unwelcome we were made to feel. We have never experienced this kind of treatment at a campground before. Unfortunately, based on this experience, we will never be returning to Hampton State Park RV Camping. The way we were treated was completely unacceptable and left us extremely disappointed and disgusted with the experience. She told us and I quote“this is a campground, not a prison” But clearly it wasn’t.
ScoutI am writing because I am deeply concerned about the treatment of my disabled adult daughter: today and last week at Pine Acres. She loved the campground and sent me literally 100s of pictures of the wildlife and activities.
She had a friendly connection with Brendan and some other staff; she had a terrible Christmas last year, and she told me how doing a Christmas craft and attending your Christmas party healed that for her. She was happy, and I can’t imagine she was an issue other than the crying.
She sent me pictures of the“ neighborhood” she was moving into for the rest of the season. She was happy. She’s been struggling so much since the loss of that dog. I felt like she had found a place to heal, was having fun, and was going to be ok. She mentioned wanting to be friendly( greeting people is hard for her) and make the park a better place, like picking up others' trash. I was shocked to hear she was asked to leave simply for having an autistic meltdown, a neurological event she will experience for the rest of her life, like a seizure. Even if this made others uncomfortable, she didn’t damage any property, threaten anyone, or do anything that could possibly warrant this treatment. It seems that someone was uncomfortable with the intensity of autistic emotions, and she and I now faced devastating consequences, including additional costs. Moreover, I also have a traumatized daughter who is scared to settle again kicked out for crying.
This never needed to be handled like this. She tried to advocate for herself and ask for one more night to prepare, but she never refused to leave; she was packing well, advocating. She was also advocating, believing that the people who had been so kind would be reasonable. Then she was retaliated against for that advocacy. Grace is reasonable, and a resolution could have been reached to address any non-discriminatory concerns; instead, you chose violence. Grace is kind; I realize she is a bit awkward, but that doesn’t mean she wanted this mistreatment.
TravelerNo major complaints. Beautiful location, easy to get to, convenient RV hookups. Goose poop everywhere so watch your step. Showers are relatively expensive. Sites are very very close together.
TravelerFor the price, it’s not bad. For about $50/night, we got a nice even sandy campsite with a picnic table and fire ring. Not much privacy, though- the neighboring sites are not separated by trees or bushes or anything.
Camping near Canterbury, New Hampshire offers options within a 30-minute driving radius. The area sits between the Lakes Region and the Merrimack Valley, with terrain varying from forested hills to riverfront lowlands. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F while fall brings cooler camping weather with overnight temperatures sometimes dropping into the 30s by late October.
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground features extensive trail systems popular with cyclists. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," notes Eammon C., who visited specifically to check out the mountain bike trails. The park's 10,000-acre forest preserve allows riders to access trails directly from campsites.
Boating and fishing: Spacious Skies French Pond provides direct access to a sizeable body of water. "Where we parked our trailer was some gravel sand and dirt. Great site across from a beach, on French Pond I'm guessing is at least 25 acres," shares Harold C. The pond offers opportunities for fishing and non-motorized boating.
Hiking with views: Gunstock Campground offers direct access to mountain trails with panoramic vistas. "Got to walk to hike Gunstock," mentions Christine M., highlighting the convenience of trail access. The campground's location at a mountain resort provides numerous hiking options with minimal driving.
Privacy between sites: Epsom Valley Campground receives praise for its secluded camping areas. One camper noted, "The spots were pretty spacious and the rules were very relaxed." The campground's "wilderness area" offers particularly private tent sites while still providing full hookups.
Clean facilities: Gunstock Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Very well kept and quiet grounds," reports Ryan F. Multiple reviews mention the attention to cleanliness at facilities throughout the property, with showers and restrooms receiving consistent positive feedback.
Waterfront locations: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers prime lakeside camping. "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at," shares Erin W. The park features camping areas spread across three islands with many sites directly on the water.
Site variation: Bear Brook State Park Campground has significant differences between sites. Jean C. explains, "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." Research specific site numbers before booking to ensure the camping experience matches expectations.
Reservation timing: Bear Brook State Park Campground fills quickly during peak season. "During the peak season, I'm sure it's a different story given its proximity to Concord and Manchester and the variety of activities available," notes one camper who visited during the off-season when sites were plentiful.
Phone coverage: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Bear Brook, "Cell phone coverage varies from 1-2 bars, not always 4G, on Verizon," according to Jean C., while at Gunstock Campground, a reviewer noted, "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon."
Swimming options: Sandy Beach Campground offers waterfront recreation for children. "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," notes Tammy, providing an honest assessment. The campground includes both beach and pool swimming options.
Playground access: Bear Brook State Park Campground has several play areas. "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," advises Jean C. Some sites are very close to playground areas, which can be convenient or potentially noisy.
Campsite selection: When camping with children at Gunstock Campground, site location matters. "The campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," shares Melissa B. The layout includes both wooded areas and open spaces with varying proximity to amenities.
Site accessibility: Granite State Campground has invested in improvements for RVs. "New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites," reports Andrew P., who visited with a Boy Scout troop. The campground accommodates both seasonal campers and transient RVs.
Backing considerations: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. At Bear Brook, Jean C. found "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." Sites designed for larger rigs are typically found along main campground roads.
Utility availability: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. At Spacious Skies French Pond, visitors should verify what's available before arrival. "The campground is advertised as having full hookups with Wi-fi and cable. Asked about Wi-fi, 'it's not all hooked up yet'. Told them our cable didn't work, 'it's not connected yet'," reports David S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping sites in Canterbury?
Canterbury offers several excellent camping options nearby. The Pastures Campground is an adorable little camp with spacious lots featuring tables and fire rings. It offers nice bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and even a library. Another option is Bear Brook State Park Campground, located in New Hampshire's largest state park, offering trails, ponds, play structures, a camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond. It's an extremely family-friendly destination. Other nearby options include Epsom Valley Campground and Granite State Campground, both offering drive-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets.
What is the best time of year to camp in Canterbury?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) is the ideal time to camp in Canterbury, with summer offering the warmest temperatures. For spectacular scenery, consider autumn camping at Big Rock Campground, which features 28 wooded sites in the White Mountains with convenient access to Lincoln for supplies. Fall camping at Covered Bridge Campground is also excellent, offering quiet surroundings and spacious tent sites perfect for enjoying New Hampshire's famous fall foliage. Summer provides the most comfortable temperatures and access to water activities, while spring offers blooming wildflowers but potentially muddy conditions. Always check campground seasonal opening dates, as many New Hampshire campgrounds close during winter months.
What amenities are available at Wolf Swamp Campground near Canterbury?
Wolf Swamp Campground near Canterbury provides several essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground features reservable sites with drive-in access, making it convenient for most campers. Basic amenities include potable water access and toilet facilities. For those seeking alternative options with more extensive amenities, consider Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park, which offers clean facilities, friendly staff, organized activities, and a welcoming atmosphere with reasonable rules. Another option is Roots and Wings Homestead, which provides a peaceful retreat in rural New Hampshire.
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