Strafford - Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA welcomes pets with a dedicated dog park featuring agility equipment for canine exercise. The campground provides full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabins with fire rings and picnic tables. Wakeda Campground in nearby Hampton offers a spacious dog park with plenty of room for dogs to run off-leash. Most campgrounds in the region maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside designated dog areas, proof of current vaccinations, and proper waste cleanup. The dog park at Chocorua KOA includes a special swimming pond exclusively for dogs and even offers doggie daycare services for campers planning day trips without their pets. Campgrounds typically limit pets to 2-3 per site, though policies vary by location.
Hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed dogs, with Bear Brook State Park offering a 2-3 mile trail around Beaver Pond with multiple water access points for dogs to swim. Several campgrounds provide dedicated dog washing stations for cleaning muddy paws after outdoor adventures. Old Orchard Beach Campground, accessible within an hour's drive, features a small but well-maintained dog park along with trolley service to nearby beaches. Seasonal considerations affect pet policies at some state parks - Pawtuckaway State Park allows pets on hiking trails year-round but prohibits them in the campground and beach areas between May 1 and September 30. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with some offering designated pet exercise times. Emergency veterinary services are available in Dover and Rochester, approximately 15-20 minutes from Center Strafford.
$35 - $140 / night
"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."
"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."
$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."
"The park is very dog friendly for camping as well as hiking. The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites. Will definitely be returning!"
$43 - $47 / night
"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
"We were able to book last minute and got a great tenting site, next to a running river that was great to sleep to. Very buggy, but it's outside, what do you expect?"
"Staff was very friendly and extremely cautious about their surroundings. Plenty of things to do to stay busy during the rainy days."
$35 - $165 / night
"First of all, as we were driving we were passing all these other campgrounds that looked pretty run down and trashed. Enter Epsom Valley. What an awesome spot!!"
"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."
"Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."
$26 - $30 / night
"Having the river right there for the kids to fish and dogs to swim was great. We were all alone at the end of the field, and that was ok with us!!!"
"The family will definitely be making a few return trips, especially with the reasonable drive from the boston area to the grounds."
"Ayers lake campground in New Hampshire is a well kept secret. Small and family owned and operated, this campground offers some of the greatest vistas of a small New Hampshire pond we have seen."
"On lake site. Great management and owner."
$30 / night
"The facilities, which include bathhouses, a laundry room, and a beach situated along a tranquil river, contribute to a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all."
"Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available"
ScoutThe grounds are well maintained with flowers planted everywhere. Staff is extra friendly. Bathrooms and showers could use updating but were spotless. Very pet friendly with dog park, agility equipment, dog pond and dog wash.
GuideWe stayed At Wakeda Campground overnight during a trip from Maine back to Long Island, NY. It was located very close off of 95 and allows pets. We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere. They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area. They also had a game room, miniature golf, coffee shop and dog park.
The first campsite they assigned to us was very secluded but unfortunately, we were coming in during a major rainstorm. That site was a little flooded so we chose another. It still had beautiful trees surrounding it but not as secluded from neighbors. There are also many seasonal campers there but all of their sites were beautifully decorated with flowers and such. Everyone was friendly that we encountered during our stay.
We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them.
Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird. It would have been great if they offered a nature trail in the campground since the forest was so beautiful. There were paths that went into the woods but they were marked for employees only.
The next day we wanted to go for a hike before we hit the road. Unfortunately, the state parks near the campsite do not allow dogs during late Spring to early Fall. Using our Bring Fido App, we found Rails to Trails nearby that we could bring our dog and hiking cat. We did the Salisbury Point Ghost Trail that was nice and shady, though flat, but a nice leisurely walk for all of us.
ScoutPros- very clean, bathrooms kept up with regularly. Staff is very nice. They offer boat rentals, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. Store on site and they do activities during the week. Definitely more kids friendly I think. They do have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances. Pet friendly. Wood available on site.
Cons- loud cars going all night, some lights in your face. Some people tend to fly down the road on golf carts. You can also hear the main road from the open style campsite. No privacy. People will walk threw your tent site. They will talk during the night while doing this, smoking seems to be allowed at pool. No fires between 9am-5pm.
Overall we had a good time.
RangerConsider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks.
The campground has good proximity to Orchard Beach and Portland. However, the spots are pretty tight, and the WiFi is awful away from the registration office. We were in the wooded area, but those camping on the outskirts seemed able to utilize their Starlink.
The dog park and pool were small but nice. The bathroom facilities were pretty good, though they weren't cleaned as often as they should be.
LegendThis campground is huge with over 300 sites set on nearly 200 acres and along a beautiful lake! It is in a great location between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains in New Hampshire with lots to do in and outside of the campground. There are two distinct and separate sections– the Danforth Bay Camping and RV Resort and The Bluffs RV Resort.
They assigned us to a pull thru site (#A16) in the Danforth Bay section that would supposedly fit our 45’ motorhome. When we pulled in the place was packed. The people camped across from us had a huge group of people and a massive load of wood delivered that was in huge pile and it was obvious that fire was going to burn all day and through the weekend. The neighbors on one side of us had a table set up at the end of their site and were selling hand-made goods with their kids. We decided this was not really where we wanted to be for a peaceful fall weekend. Much less, our site was not very easy for us to get in and out of. The office agreed to move us to a site in The Bluffs section which they said were normally only for seasonal campers but they would make an exception since they were closing for the season in one week. They informed us the water would be turned off during our stay but that was fine with us since we have a large freshwater tank that we could fill up before. The site we were assigned to was all gravel with absolutely no grass which was fine with us because we were away from the ciaos of the other section.
The park was very clean and well-cared for with no trash laying around. Campsites were tidy and people didn’t have lots of junk laying around. There are some transient sites in the Danforth Bay section that are nice and private and some are close to the lake. The campground is huge so you can get a nice walk in without having to go round and round. There is a lake which was great for our lab to swim in and made for a pretty spot to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset. There are tons of camping options at this park and loads of amenities like a camp store, multiple pools, a boat launch, game room, multiple pavilions, free weekend entertainment, hay rides, lots of restrooms, dog parks and lots more. Since we were there in the end of the season, many amenities were closed and the activities had wrapped up for the season.
ScoutYogi’s Jellystone Park– Milton, New Hampshire: Seasonal Camper Review I have been camping at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton for five years, including the last two as a seasonal camper. Unfortunately, my recent experiences under new management have been disappointing and frustrating. Pet Fence Policy and Safety Concerns At the start of this season, the new general manager, Amanda, instructed me to remove my pet fence, citing liability issues. Despite my having signed a waiver absolving the park of responsibility for my dog’s actions, she insisted on its removal without providing a clear explanation. I complied reluctantly, only to observe many other campsites retaining similar pet fences throughout the season, including one seasonal camper who kept theirs up all season and transient sites with fences as well. This inconsistent enforcement of rules is unfair and undermines trust. After seeing others with pet fences, I reinstated mine to protect my dog, especially after two incidents where loose dogs entered my site and charged at my dog. Amanda then threatened me with non-renewal of my seasonal contract if I did not remove the fence again, forcing me to comply once more. I wrote to corporate regarding this issue since Amanda was of no help but never heard back from corporate. Loss of Seasonal Site and Corporate Decisions Yogi’s removed nine seasonal sites this year, including mine, with little warning. This decision affects long-term campers, some with over 20 years of history at the park. It appears motivated by corporate interests, favoring transient sites or cabins, which generate more revenue. The loss of a seasonal site after investing time, effort, and money into making it beautiful is deeply disheartening and reflects poor management priorities. Entertainment and Atmosphere Adult entertainment offerings have drastically declined. This year’s highlight was a 30-minute Saturday night hayride, with no live bands in the pavilion throughout the entire season. Under previous management, live music was a regular and enjoyable feature. The lack of engaging activities diminishes the overall campground experience. Myself and other campers offered suggestions to management regarding entertainment for adults but they didn't take any of our suggestions. Bear Interaction Despite the park’s theme, sightings of Yogi Bear are rare. On one occasion, a golf cart carrying excited children stopped to see Yogi Bear, but the character ignored them and drove past without interaction, which was very disappointing. Management and Staff Attitude Amanda, the general manager, presents as unapproachable and aloof. She did not introduce herself to seasonal campers at the beginning of the season, many of whom do not even know what she looks like and the camping season ends in just a couple of weeks. Most staff members also exhibit a snobbish attitude, often failing to acknowledge campers, which creates an unwelcoming environment. Cost and Recommendation The campground is overpriced relative to the quality of experience and level of service provided. Given the inconsistent rule enforcement, loss of seasonal sites, diminished entertainment, and poor management attitude, I cannot recommend Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton NH Those interested in a Yogis campground should consider other locations.
ScoutGreat campground, it is walking distance to Old Orchard beach and has large sites. Many family activities including fishing, 2 pools, a dog park, and a snack shack.
GuideTucked 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. This extremely family-friendly campground comes equip with trails, play structures, camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond. The sites are fairly large and if you need some privacy, reserve site 12. There is a great trail that is around Beaver Pond, roughly 2-3 miles with plenty of opportunities for dogs to swim, yeah for dog friendly! This campground is beautiful, quiet in places and has everything you need for a great weekend away!
LegendMy 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. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.
The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake. The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake. Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers. There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.
Camping options around Center Strafford, New Hampshire span across a network of lakes, ponds, and forest areas with elevation varying between 600-1000 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct New England seasons with warm, humid summers averaging 80°F during peak camping months and cool spring and fall temperatures in the 50-70°F range. Most campgrounds in the area operate from early May through mid-October, with water access being a prime feature at nearly all locations.
Boating at Pawtuckaway State Park: Multiple tent and RV sites available on three islands with direct water access. "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," notes Matt R. Water enthusiasts should reserve lakefront sites early as they fill quickly.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks through a 10,000-acre forest preserve. "Numerous trails call out of exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found," explains one visitor. The park also includes "two archery ranges and wheelchair accessible docks for fishing."
Tubing at Lazy River: The Suncook River provides natural water recreation without leaving the campground. "Whether you're floating down the river (with return transport provided), swimming in the well maintained pool, or chasing your toddler back and forth in the kids pool," the campground offers multiple water options, according to Dan M. The river water runs shallow late in the season, making it best for tubing from June through early August.
Waterfront sites with fishing access: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground receives high marks for its lakeside options. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions J L. Sites on Big Island (numbers 109-110) are particularly recommended for their "level [sites] with great views of the lake."
Clean facilities with family amenities: Strafford - Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA maintains good cleanliness standards. "The staff was friendly and helpful. The campground was clean, including the bathhouse. It was super kid-friendly - there's a water slide, pool, pond to swim, fish and boat (for a fee). The pond also has a slide, which was a favorite for my kids," reports Alycia G.
Quiet, natural settings: Epsom Valley Campground offers peaceful riverside camping with natural amenities. "Our campsite was nice and level, right next to a river (with free canoe use!) and even had hammock trees," notes one camper. Several sites feature riverside locations with hammock-friendly tree placement, making them ideal for relaxation.
Seasonal restrictions impact pet policies: Unlike the dedicated dog parks mentioned in the existing description, some state parks have seasonal limitations. "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months," reports Erin W. about Pawtuckaway State Park. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails year-round but prohibited in campground areas from May through September.
Weekend noise levels vary significantly: Many campgrounds experience different atmospheres depending on timing. At Pawtuckaway, one visitor noted "campers aren't respectful of other campers and very noisy here," while Old Stage Campground receives mixed reviews about noise levels. "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," reports one camper.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Jean C. notes about Lazy River Campground: "One of the 3 bathhouses was out of order with a sign directing you to the one in the playground field. That one was clean, but there were no latches on any of the doors on the women's side." Shower availability also varies, with some requiring coins and others having functionality issues during peak season.
Water activities for different ages: Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA offers comprehensive water options. "This Campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored," notes J B. The campground includes "a nice water park for kids" along with river access for tubing.
Weather preparation essential: Spring and fall camping requires extra planning. One visitor to Pawtuckaway noted: "We stayed here twice, once in September 2013 and then again in September 2018... In 2013 site 25 was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with a an unexpected 36 hour downpour and there was only one suitable spot for our tent."
Playground access consideration: When selecting sites near play areas, location matters. At Bear Brook, "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. If you want to be close to the play area, site 90 or the ones on the loop behind it are better options."
Site selection considerations: Barrington Shores Campground offers limited transient RV sites with waterfront options. "Few transient sites but beautiful spots. 119 on water by the beach and fishing spot," recommends Eric H. First-time RVers should request sites away from main roads for more privacy.
Off-season advantages: Bear Brook State Park provides more availability during shoulder seasons. "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit; it helped that it was one of the campgrounds still open after Columbus Day weekend." During off-peak times, reservations become less necessary even at popular locations.
Hookup variations: Most campgrounds offer electric and water, but sewer connections vary. Epsom Valley Campground provides full hookups at specific sites, while others require use of the dump station. First-time RV campers should verify exact hookup types when booking pet friendly camping near Center Strafford, as 30-amp and 50-amp availability differs between locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Center Strafford, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Center Strafford, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Center Strafford, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 174 dog-friendly camping locations near Center Strafford, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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