Best Campgrounds near Contoocook, NH

Contoocook, New Hampshire offers established campgrounds with a range of amenities and camping styles within a 15-mile radius of town. Sandy Beach Campground, located directly in Contoocook, provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options with access to a pond for swimming and boating. Several other campgrounds populate the region, including Spacious Skies French Pond in Henniker and Bear Brook State Park Campground in Deerfield, catering to both overnight visitors and seasonal campers. The area's mix of privately owned campgrounds and state park facilities creates diverse accommodation choices for various camping preferences.

Most campgrounds in the Contoocook area operate seasonally from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. "The campground is very friendly... a lot of seasonal folks. We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine," noted one visitor to Sandy Beach Campground. Access to most sites is straightforward with paved or maintained gravel roads suitable for passenger vehicles and RVs. Many campgrounds offer full hookup sites with electric, water, and sewer connections, though tent-only areas are also available at most facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds frequently reach capacity.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw to the Contoocook area, with many campgrounds situated on ponds or lakes. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities exist at several facilities, including Sandy Beach and Keyser Pond campgrounds. Visitors frequently mention clean facilities and family-friendly atmospheres, though some note that sites can be close together, particularly in the more developed campgrounds. One camper reported that "Small but well organized campground... Sandy beach by the water has plenty of room to relax out in the sun as well as launch areas to set out in a paddle boat, canoe or row boat." Campground amenities typically include showers, bathrooms, camp stores, and recreational facilities like playgrounds, while several also offer organized activities during peak season weekends.

Best Camping Sites Near Contoocook, New Hampshire (202)

    1. Spacious Skies French Pond

    9 Reviews
    Henniker, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 428-7616

    $24 - $149 / 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."

    2. Sandy Beach Campground

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

    3. Bear Brook State Park Campground

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

    $29 - $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."

    4. Keyser Pond Campground

    5 Reviews
    Henniker, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 428-7741

    5. Autumn Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Goffstown, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 529-2425

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lake access, inground pool, ball field, and lots of activities for the kids makes this a great place to relax with the family."

    "Campground is peaceful and quiet; the lake is within close proximity to most sites; I wouldn’t say it’s the best place for swimming but overall a great place to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle about"

    6. Cold Springs Camp Resort

    6 Reviews
    Weare, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 529-2528

    $69 - $130 / night

    "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 that needs a key card pass"

    7. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $29 - $87 / night

    "Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."

    "Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"

    8. Friendly Beaver Campground

    13 Reviews
    New Boston, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 487-5570

    $60 - $130 / night

    "The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."

    "I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."

    9. Oxbow Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 464-5952

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We stayed with our parents in their camper for a couple nights and had such a positive experience there!"

    "We stayed right next to a cute pond on site 69. There was a family with several smaller children who were fishing g the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish."

    10. Lost Boys Hideout

    3 Reviews
    Weare, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 930-1610

    $49 - $149 / night

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Recent Reviews near Contoocook, NH

806 Reviews of 202 Contoocook Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.


Guide to Contoocook

Camping near Contoocook, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes that lead to stunning views. One visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking and swimming are popular at local lakes. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife. Campers at Lost River Valley Campground shared experiences of spotting deer and other animals, making it a great spot for nature lovers.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, well-spaced sites. A camper at Lorraine Park Campground appreciated the "spacious and shaded" pitches, making it a comfortable stay.
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Minute Man Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are great. FREE hot showers, flush toilets and sinks with soap."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Quechee State Park Campground said, "The staff were always available and willing to help with ice, firewood, and quarters for showers!"

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper at Hancock Campground noted, "This campground is first come first serve."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at White Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The water from the spigot is absolutely HORRID tasting."
  • Pet Policies: Check pet policies before you go. A reviewer at Salisbury Beach State Reservation noted, "If you’re looking for privacy and quiet, this isn’t the place for you."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and organized activities. One family at Jamaica State Park Campground enjoyed the "great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety First: Ensure kids can safely ride bikes on camp roads. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Pack Snacks: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as some campgrounds are far from stores. A visitor at Minute Man Campground suggested stocking up before you get there.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Contoocook, New Hampshire, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With plenty of activities, spacious sites, and friendly staff, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Contoocook, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Contoocook, NH is Spacious Skies French Pond with a 3.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

What parks are near Contoocook, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Contoocook, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.