Best Campgrounds near Canterbury, NH

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Canterbury, New Hampshire (236)

    1. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $35 - $45 / night

    "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."

    2. Granite State Campground

    7 Reviews
    Belmont, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 393-6003

    "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."

    3. Epsom Valley Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 736-9758

    $35 - $165 / night

    "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!"

    4. Gunstock Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gilford, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 737-4355

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."

    "Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of"

    5. Lazy River Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    12 miles
    +1 (603) 798-5900

    $26 - $30 / night

    "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."

    6. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / 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."

    7. Sandy Beach Campground

    6 Reviews
    Contoocook, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    8. Ramblewood Cabins and Campground

    1 Review
    Boscawen, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 538-6948

    $25 - $45 / night

    9. Spacious Skies French Pond

    7 Reviews
    Henniker, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 428-7616

    $24 - $185 / night

    "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."

    10. Welcome to the Wolf Swamp

    1 Review
    Canterbury, NH
    0 miles
    Website

    $45 / night

    "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"
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Showing results 1-10 of 236 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Canterbury, NH

983 Reviews of 236 Canterbury Campgrounds



Guide to Canterbury

Camping near Canterbury, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground rave about the "great location with lake views, trails, etc." It's a fantastic spot for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or swimming at White Lake State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The lake water is crystal clear (and warmer than expected)," making it perfect for a refreshing dip.
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. A reviewer at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park noted, "This campground has a lot of amenities like showers and washer/dryers," and it's a great base for spotting local fauna.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Franconia Notch State Park - Lafayette Place, one visitor said, "Restrooms are clean and the camp store is well stocked."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "I’d call the sites semi-private. You know you have neighbors all around, but you aren’t tripping over each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A reviewer at Lost River Valley Campground shared, "The bathrooms are always clean, the staff in the office and store has been friendly."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A camper at Hancock Campground mentioned, "There was no running water at any of the pumps and the pit toilets were quite full."
  • Pet Restrictions: Some campgrounds have strict pet policies. For example, Franconia Notch State Park - Lafayette Place does not allow pets, which can be a downside for pet owners.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Lorraine Park Campground has a "well-maintained playground for kids and activities planned for kids and adults."
  • Plan for Water Activities: If your family enjoys swimming, consider campgrounds near lakes. A reviewer at White Lake State Park Campground said, "The beach was a 10-minute walk from our site."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for downtime. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "The rec room was impressive, with games and movies for campers to enjoy."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Canterbury, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

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.