Canterbury, New Hampshire offers diverse camping options in central New Hampshire's rolling terrain. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Bear Brook State Park Campground sits within a 10,000-acre forest preserve with well-marked trails. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground. Trails accommodate hikers of various skill levels.
Mountain biking: The trails at Bear Brook are popular with cyclists. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count... The biking trails were a blast," shares a reviewer. Many trails connect directly to campsites for easy access.
Fishing and boating: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent water activities with many sites situated along the shoreline. "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," reports a camper.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: The lakeside locations at Pawtuckaway provide scenic views and easy water access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares one enthusiastic camper about their stay.
Clean facilities: Cold Springs Camp Resort maintains excellent standards throughout their grounds. "They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless," mentions a visitor. Multiple pools and hot tubs are additional attractions at this family-oriented resort.
Wildlife encounters: Campgrounds around Canterbury offer 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," recounts a Pawtuckaway camper, describing the regular wildlife visits to their campsite.
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality and privacy vary significantly. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, "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," explains one camper who provides detailed site recommendations.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for premium locations. "The water sites book up quickly," notes a Pawtuckaway visitor, emphasizing the need to plan ahead for lakefront spots.
Weather considerations: The New Hampshire climate affects camping conditions. Autumn Hills Campground experiences seasonal issues: "The only con is there were a ton of ticks on the edge of the site," reports one camper, highlighting spring and summer concerns for outdoor activities.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple pool options: Cold Springs Camp Resort offers exceptional water facilities for children. "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub," shares an enthusiastic visitor. This arrangement allows family members of all ages to enjoy water recreation.
Animal attractions: Smaller campgrounds sometimes offer unexpected family-friendly features. "They have a nice petting zoo of a few goats and a horse," mentions a visitor to Friendly Beaver Campground, providing an additional activity option for young children.
Playground accessibility: Consider site proximity to play areas at Autumn Hills Campground. "They do have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances," notes a camper, describing the range of family activities available.
Tips for RVers
Site navigation: Many Canterbury-area campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Meredith Woods Four Season Camping, "the site was clean and efficient" according to a visitor, though some locations require careful maneuvering.
Winter camping options: Meredith Woods offers year-round camping with appropriate services. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," reports a winter visitor, highlighting this rare option for winter glamping in Canterbury, New Hampshire area.
Hookup considerations: For those seeking glamping experiences with full amenities, hookup quality matters. "4 way hook ups, fair cost per night (in winter, not sure about peak costs)" notes a Meredith Woods camper, referencing the practical considerations for RVers seeking luxury camping near Canterbury.
