Campsites near Contoocook, New Hampshire offer diverse options from basic tent camping to glamping with modern amenities. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation within the Merrimack River Valley, providing temperate summer conditions with highs around 80°F and lows near 55°F from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop well below freezing, with snowfall beginning as early as October.
What to do
Water recreation: Try paddling or fishing at Oxbow Campground where campers can enjoy three separate ponds—"one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is swimming," according to a visitor. Free paddle boats are available for guests.
Mountain biking: Access extensive trail networks at Bear Brook State Park Campground, which connects directly to the campground. "The mountain biking trails are awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" notes a regular visitor. The park maintains well-marked trails throughout its 10,000-acre forest preserve.
Seasonal events: Experience Halloween celebrations even during summer months at Cold Springs Camp Resort, where one camper mentioned, "We went for halloween weekend in August and their haunted house was incredible for a campground!" These themed weekends include decorated sites, costume contests, and special activities.
Sunset viewing: Find lakefront sites for optimal viewing at Pawtuckaway State Park, where campers can experience "an especially picturesque sunset over the lake" according to visitors. Sites 110 and 109 on Big Island offer "level sites with great views of the lake."
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort offers seven separate pool areas including specialized options. "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub," shares one camper. This variety prevents overcrowding even during peak summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Autumn Hills Campground maintains exceptionally clean bathrooms. "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day," reports a camper. This attention to cleanliness extends throughout the common areas.
Wildlife encounters: Daily duck visits are common at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where one camper noted, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub." The park's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
Secluded options: For glamping close to Contoocook, New Hampshire with more privacy, Bear Brook State Park offers sites with good separation. One reviewer noted site R1 is ideal for "a raised site overlooking the pond" while sites 13-25 "back up against a hill" providing better seclusion than many luxury glamping options.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Keyser Pond Campground operates from May 15 through October 31, with most glamping accommodations in the Contoocook region following similar seasonal schedules. Winter camping is limited to a few facilities.
Site privacy varies significantly: At Autumn Hills, one camper noted, "Sites are kinda close to each other, so if you care about camping at quiet place, it might not be suitable for you." Research specific site numbers before booking to ensure desired privacy levels.
Road noise factors: Some campsites experience highway noise, particularly tent sites. A Keyser Pond camper observed that sites are "so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet." Request sites further from main roads when booking.
Reservation timing: Bear Brook State Park fills quickly during peak season, with one camper noting that while "reservations are available online, I didn't need them for closing weekend" after Columbus Day. For summer weekends, particularly at luxury glamping sites near Contoocook, bookings should be made 3-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational activities: Friendly Beaver Campground provides diverse pool options for all ages. "We've been back here a few times because my girls love it. They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days," explains a repeat visitor. The indoor pool extends swimming options regardless of weather.
Animal encounters: Friendly Beaver includes a small petting zoo where "they have a few animals the kids can feed" according to families who visit regularly. This provides an educational opportunity for younger campers between other activities.
Protected swimming areas: For families considering luxury glamping near Contoocook, seek campgrounds with designated shallow water sections. Oxbow Campground features a fishing pond where visitors observed families with "several smaller children who were fishing the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish."
Playground proximity considerations: When selecting family sites, note that some campgrounds place playgrounds very close to certain sites. One camper advised avoiding "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Autumn Hills Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. One RVer noted, "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it." Bring leveling equipment, particularly for larger rigs.
Corner site advantages: At Sandy Beach Campground, an RVer with a 34-foot rig reported, "We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine." Corner sites typically offer more space and easier access than interior spots.
Maneuverability concerns: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. A camper at Autumn Hills advised, "I noticed the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner." Larger rigs should call ahead to confirm access.
Utility placement: Several RVers noted variable utility locations requiring extended hoses. One camper at Autumn Hills stated they "stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose." Bring extension cords and longer hoses than typically needed to ensure proper connections.
