Glamping options close to Concord, New Hampshire typically operate from May through October, with most sites located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Temperatures during camping season range from lows around 50°F in spring and fall to highs near 85°F in July and August. The region features rolling woodland terrain punctuated by numerous ponds and small lakes, creating diverse camping environments across relatively short distances.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: Bear Brook State Park offers extensive trail networks through its 10,000-acre forest preserve. One visitor noted, "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization. We were there in the fall but the swimming area at the pond looked very inviting for summer time campers."
Fishing opportunities: Keyser Pond Campground provides shoreline access for anglers. The sites include waterfront options with easy pond access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" reports one camper who enjoyed the experience.
Year-round activities: Some luxury glamping accommodations offer winter options. Great Meadow Campground provides winter stays for $400/month plus electricity. One reviewer mentioned the flexibility: "6 months is only 2300$ + elec. Open in the winter for $400/mo. + elec."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Oxbow Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms and showers. A camper mentioned, "Tom takes great care to keep the grounds and the bathrooms/showers very clean. It is obvious he takes pride in ownership."
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort features seven different pools for various preferences. As one visitor explained, "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub."
Secluded sites: For those wanting privacy, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers waterfront options on islands. "We stayed in sites 110 and our friends stayed in 109 on Big Island. Those were wonderful sites, level with great views of the lake and are situated right across from the bath/shower," shared a satisfied camper.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Premium spots fill quickly, particularly waterfront locations. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, "If you are tenting and don't mind a short walk, reserve site R1 for a raised site overlooking the pond. Sites 13-25 back up against a hill."
Wildlife concerns: Some campgrounds experience seasonal pest issues. At Autumn Hills Campground, "We have only one con about the grounds, there were a ton of ticks on the edge of the site."
Noise levels vary: Some glamping locations have more peaceful atmospheres than others. One visitor to Keyser Pond noted, "A group of children were in the woods next to our site yelling profanities and attempting to make a teepee throughout the day. Definitely not a place to go relax and be in nature."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Friendly Beaver Campground provides multiple pool options for different ages. "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature small animal areas. Oxbow Campground includes "a pond for swimming, playground, free paddle boats, a recreational hall with a pool table & video games, laundromat."
Accommodation sizing: Some sites are better suited for families than others. At Bear Brook State Park, "I also liked the sites across from ours near the ball field and thought they would make a nice place for a large group of friends to pitch their tents (Sites 31, 32, 33, 34)."
Tips from RVers
Site navigation: Many glamping sites close to Concord, New Hampshire have specific access challenges. At Sandy Beach Campground, "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home. Staff is pleasant and helpful. Quiet during the weekdays, picks up over weekends but not to overbearing."
Seasonal considerations: Cold Springs Camp Resort operates from May through October with varying crowd levels. "So many amenities, you just couldn't get bored if you tried to. Beautiful, extremely clean bathrooms, reasonably priced little cafe, big camp store, very friendly staff, 4 outdoor pools & pretty big campground that has a gated entry/exit."
Backup plans: Weather can affect glamping experiences significantly. At Pawtuckaway State Park, "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 since the terrain is very rocky."
