Contoocook camping areas typically sit at elevations between 400-600 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even during summer months. The region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Seasonal campsites often book months in advance, particularly at pond-adjacent properties.
What to do
Kayak fishing at Autumn Hills: The campground provides access to Daniel's Lake where morning hours offer the best fishing conditions. "The lake is amazing!!" according to Maggie H., who found the campground facilities "really good" despite sites being relatively close together.
Explore mountain bike trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks for riders of all abilities. Eammon C. noted, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count... The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again."
Visit antique museums: Bear Brook State Park features both a snowmobile museum and Civilian Conservation Corp museum on property. Jean C. mentioned, "For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp(CCC) museum. The CCC built much of the infrastructure here and elsewhere in the country."
Paddle on French Pond: Spacious Skies French Pond offers water recreation on a substantial body of water. As Harold C. described, "Great site across from a beach, on French Pond I'm guessing is at least 25 acres." Ann B. added, "I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak."
What campers like
Bathroom cleanliness: Oxbow Campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities according to Will, who stated, "The bathrooms are the cleanest campground bathrooms I've ever been to. Everyone is so nice and welcoming." David G. added, "Tom takes great care to keep the grounds and the bathrooms/showers very clean."
Swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort provides multiple water recreation areas. Sara D. described, "4 outdoor pools & pretty big campground that has a gated entry/exit that needs a key card pass you get upon registering." Sheila C. mentioned, "There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest!"
Campsite privacy: Greenfield State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites within wooded surroundings. Jade B. commented, "We went camping with a group of 5 people spread out onto two sites... It was easy to find the campground and our site." Erin R. described it as a "Very large campground with lots of woods to block you from other campers."
Pet-friendly hiking: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Contoocook provide trail access directly from campsites. Matt R. recommended, "Close by to Miller state park (NHs oldest state park), Garwin falls (beautiful little water falls you can swim in)."
What you should know
Seasonal occupancy: Many campgrounds in the Contoocook region have primarily seasonal residents. Harold C. noted at Spacious Skies French Pond, "Most of the sights are long term. Camp was pretty much full, even then it was quiet."
Water conditions: Some pond swimming areas develop seasonal issues. Hailey D. reported at Greenfield State Park, "When we went (July) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms, hence the 1 star deduction. We are grateful that they are honest about it, but it is disappointing to not be able to swim."
Site spacing variations: Keyser Pond Campground and others have considerable differences in site privacy. Erika H. observed, "Definitely aimed towards more of the RV/camper fields... The tent sites are wicked small, packed together and so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in sound levels. Daniel J. noted at Autumn Hills, "Noise isn't too bad. They do plan and host activities and events for the weekends," while Brandon C. described Friendly Beaver as having "campers very loud and ruckus, especially in the safari field with the RVs."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Friendly Beaver Campground provides numerous family-oriented amenities. Kate C. shared, "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. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Playground access: Some campground layouts place sites very close to play areas. Jean C. advised about Bear Brook, "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. I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground."
Free paddling: Oxbow provides complimentary watercraft. Sara D. mentioned, "A pond for swimming, playground, free paddle boats :), a recreational hall with a pool table & video games, laundromat. They have 3 separate ponds-one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is for swimming."
Extended stays: Some families prefer week-long bookings. Denise J. at Spacious Skies noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Corner site preference: Robert M. at Sandy Beach Campground observed, "We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine." He added that while mostly fifth-wheelers dominate, "you can see a 34 foot class A here and there so don't fret, there is room."
Utility placement: Allura B. recommended checking hookup locations before arrival: "We stayed at site 14 [at Autumn Hills] needed a very long sewer hose. The staff was very nice."
Space limitations: The Contoocook area has limited options for larger RVs. Kathleen B. cautioned about Keyser Pond, "A majority of the full hook up sites were seasonal and some looked to have been there for quite awhile and they appear to have squeezed in as many sites as possible."
Back-in navigation: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Jean C. advised about Bear Brook, "I found that 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."
