Camping opportunities near Pittsfield, New Hampshire range from rustic sites along the Suncook River to established facilities within 20 miles of town. The area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a typical camping season running May through October when average temperatures range from 45-80°F. Most campgrounds in the region sit among pine forests with several water features available for recreation.
What to do
Fishing access: At Lazy River Family Campground, the Suncook River offers spots for anglers of all ages. "Having the river right there for the kids to fish and dogs to swim was great," notes one camper. The river runs directly through the property, providing easy shore access.
Mountain biking trails: Extensive trail networks run through several nearby state parks, particularly at Bear Brook State Park Campground where riders can access trails directly from their sites. A visitor mentioned, "The mountain biking trails are busy even on late October afternoons; some trails allow horses."
Kayak and canoe opportunities: Multiple ponds and slow-moving rivers provide paddling options throughout the region. "The river must not have been too cold because a bunch of them swam earlier that day," reports a Lazy River visitor, noting the dual-purpose water access for both paddling and swimming.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground features prime lake access that many visitors prioritize. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares one camper who secured a waterfront location.
Privacy between sites: Natural buffers between camping spots create secluded outdoor experiences. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite," notes one Bear Brook visitor, highlighting the importance of selecting sites carefully.
Affordable rates: Many campgrounds in the region maintain reasonable pricing compared to coastal alternatives. At Epsom Valley Campground, a reviewer appreciated the "great spot right by the river" while noting the reasonable cost structure that makes extended stays possible.
What you should know
Cell service varies significantly: Coverage can change dramatically between campgrounds and even between sites at the same facility. "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon," reports one Bear Brook camper, a pattern repeated at several area campgrounds.
Reservation systems differ: While some campgrounds use online booking, others require phone calls. "My problem is you need to call into this campsite every time you find something you might want to book just to see if the sites are open or not," explained one Lazy River visitor, highlighting potential booking frustrations.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and cleanliness of restrooms varies widely. "Bathhouses offer coin-operated showers; I noticed a price difference between the two of them, so went with the less expensive option!" shared a Bear Brook camper, emphasizing the importance of checking facilities upon arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Gunstock Campground provides family-friendly features beyond standard sites. "Campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," notes one visitor, making it suitable for longer family stays.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds have quieter sections ideal for families with young children. A Gunstock visitor mentioned, "It was so quiet at night! Got to walk to hike Gunstock," pointing out the benefit of peaceful evenings for families.
Book specific site numbers: Research individual site characteristics before reserving. "If you are tenting and don't mind a short walk, reserve site R1 for a raised site overlooking the pond," suggests a Bear Brook reviewer with specific site knowledge.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Many campgrounds have varying site widths that may challenge larger rigs. "I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner," noted one RVer at Bear Brook who towed a small trailer, suggesting larger units would face greater challenges.
Seasonal RV options: For those seeking longer stays, Granite State Campground offers extended options. "The camp has some seasonal full timers and many transient sites," explains a visitor, highlighting the mix of long-term and short-term camping opportunities.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies across campgrounds. "Electric didn't come right on so my husband called the office and he came right down and fixed it. He apologized as it was there first weekend for the season," reported a Lazy River camper, emphasizing responsive maintenance for RV services.
