Best Campgrounds near Derry, NH

You'll find good camping options within a short drive of Derry, New Hampshire. Wakeda Campground has family sites with basic modern facilities. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground sits near water where you can fish or take a boat out. Bear Brook State Park Campground gives hikers plenty of trails through quiet woods. Summer weekends fill up fast at most places, so it's smart to book ahead, especially at spots like Greenfield State Park Campground. Check on current fire rules before you go since they change with conditions. The area has plenty of hiking and fishing spots close to the campsites. Pay attention to how long you can stay at each place, as limits vary, and some require permits for longer visits. Both tent and RV campers will find suitable sites around Derry. The surrounding woods and lakes make camping here worthwhile in warmer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Derry, New Hampshire (145)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Bear Brook State Park Campground

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

    $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."

    "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."

    3. Calef Lake Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Auburn, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 483-8282

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in southern NH! Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."

    "They originally booked us on a site so small, our tent wouldn’t even fit so we weren’t going to be able to have a fire because our tent was so close to it."

    4. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    33 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    "The bathroom was right next to us. Very clean with a sink outside and shower inside. Overall very great campsite. Would definitely go there more often."

    5. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

    4 Reviews
    Derry, NH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 887-3767

    "This campground is 1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH. The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes."

    6. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    7. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 772-5274

    $48 - $97 / night

    "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."

    "Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."

    8. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    26 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    9. Sunset Park

    1 Review
    Hampstead, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    $32 - $40 / night

    10. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

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Recent Reviews near Derry, NH

707 Reviews of 145 Derry Campgrounds


  • Julie A.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    Downhill since new management

    Yogi’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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    Good Campground

    Stayed for over a week off season , mid September. Very quiet during the week , weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday / Saturday. 50 percent or more is seasonal camp sites. Sites in back are ok with trees and different levels. Sites are a little closer than I usually find. Neighbors are very considerate on site privacy. Owners are exceptionally helpful and work hard to keep the site functioning and clean. Coin operated showers with hot water, mostly nice and clean except after a crowd gets packed and checks out Sunday AM. Laundry room takes quarters for machines. Small store at office which was open every day. Game room with wi fi. Pool , playground , volleyball area. Good size wood bundle for $10 , delivered directly to your site. Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    York Beach Camper Park

    Hideaway

    Don’t let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it’s so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean. It’s calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.


Guide to Derry

Campsites near Derry, New Hampshire offer diverse terrain options within a 30-minute drive radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level with cool spring nights that can dip into the 40s even in May. Campgrounds in this area typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with several offering unique water access points for paddling opportunities.

What to do

Boat rentals at Pawtuckaway: Rent canoes and kayaks directly at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground for paddling on the lake. "You can rent kayaks here. Lots of small people powered boats on the lake," notes Susan B., who appreciates the well-stocked camp store.

Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park features extensive biking networks suitable for multiple skill levels. "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," writes Eammon C., who found the trails accessible directly from campsites.

Historic exploration: Take a day trip to nearby Concord for revolutionary history sites. "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott," suggests Ann B., who recommends spending a morning in the historic downtown.

Golf and camping package: Combine outdoor recreation with golf at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park which features a 9 or 18-hole course on its 1300-acre property. "Camp and Golf whats more relaxing. Nice RV campground with alot of seasonal residents," notes Shawn C.

What campers like

Water access sites: Lakefront sites at Bear Brook State Park Campground provide direct water access for fishing. "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" says Kimberly R., who has visited multiple times and enjoys the private sites.

Camp store amenities: Wakeda Campground offers a well-stocked trading post with camping supplies and convenience items. "The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly," mentions Kelly F., who has been camping there for many years.

Proximity to beaches: Some campsites offer fast access to coastal areas. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff," writes Sara D. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation, noting it's "a win-win" for families who enjoy both ocean and camping.

Entertainment options: Several campgrounds schedule regular entertainment. "The live band was cool but we had golf carts & parked vehicles pretty much surrounding us & some right on our campsite," reports Sara D. at Tuxbury Pond, who unexpectedly enjoyed a comedy show that was "awesome" and family-appropriate.

What you should know

Site variations: Campsite privacy and size vary significantly within each campground. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite," explains Jackie G. about her experience at Bear Brook State Park Campground.

Seasonal fluctuations: Facilities and services change throughout the camping season. "It was the final weekend of the season, so that may explain the lack of attention to cleaning and upkeep of the restrooms," notes Jean C., who camped at Bear Brook in October.

Bathroom conditions: Shower and bathroom quality varies between campgrounds and even within facilities. "The bottom of one of the dishwashing sinks was coated with something that resembled dried coffee grounds," observed Jean C., though this was at season's end when maintenance decreases.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have noise challenges, particularly on weekends. "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children," warns Madison G.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Choose sites near play areas but with adequate buffer zones. At Calef Lake Camping Area, "Small campground but we had fun here. Small lake to swim in and a small playground. They had a beach dance which was really fun," shares Rhonda B.

Waterfront activities: Select campgrounds with swimming options during summer months. "What a beautiful location! If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars!" exclaims Erin W. about her summer trip to Pawtuckaway.

Wildlife watching opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to spot local wildlife. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," writes Pawsfuradventure T. about Wakeda Campground, adding that the "beautiful massive forest" made for excellent wildlife viewing.

Family-friendly programming: Check campground event calendars for structured activities. "Family activities, playground, swimming pond that you can canoe in that looked fairly clean," mentions Sara D., who also noted that Calef Lake offered special weekend activities like painting for kids.

Tips from RVers

Utility placement challenges: Electrical and water hookup locations can create setup challenges. "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services," reports Carry M. about Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park.

Seasonal camper considerations: Many campgrounds host numerous seasonal residents. "There are lots of seasonal campers so if you don't like that atmosphere this is probably not the place for you," advises Betty H., noting that Minute Man Campground offers "great level site water and electric" options.

Navigation challenges: Internal campground roads may not match maps. "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!" warns Brittany V. about Minute Man, though she still rated it highly for its "heated pool, laundry, Wi-Fi that works, cable, 50 amp FHU."

Extension cord requirements: Plan to bring power extension options. "Electric box a little far from parking site had to use an extension cord," notes Jim C., who otherwise found Minute Man Campground convenient for Boston access, just a 30-minute drive away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping sites near Derry, New Hampshire?

Tent campers have several excellent options near Derry. Pillsbury State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping with many lakeside sites accessible by car. While it doesn't have showers or electric hookups, the park provides a quintessential New Hampshire tent camping experience. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park features 37 wooded tent sites near a scenic pond and provides access to hiking on Mount Monadnock. These campgrounds offer peaceful natural settings with basic amenities that tent campers appreciate.

What campgrounds are available in Derry, NH?

While Derry itself has limited camping options, several excellent campgrounds are within easy driving distance. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers wooded sites with lake access and numerous recreational activities including swimming, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Bear Brook State Park Campground, New Hampshire's largest state park, features family-friendly amenities including trails, play structures, a camp store, beach, and baseball diamond. For those seeking a private campground option, Calef Lake Camping Area in nearby Auburn provides reservable sites with toilet facilities and big-rig-friendly access.

Is glamping available near Derry, NH?

Yes, glamping options are available near Derry for those seeking upgraded camping experiences. Roots and Wings Homestead offers a relaxing glamping experience in rural New Hampshire with comfortable accommodations in a tranquil setting. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages provides cottage rentals alongside traditional camping, featuring spectacular views of a New Hampshire pond in a small, family-owned setting. While traditional camping is more common in the region, these locations offer elevated experiences with additional comforts beyond standard tent camping.

Can I rent an RV in Derry, New Hampshire?

While there aren't dedicated RV rental companies specifically in Derry, several RV-friendly campgrounds in the region cater to renters. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is highly rated for its cleanliness, friendly owners, and amenities. Beach Rose RV Park offers a simple, clean environment with a pool and is conveniently located near the New Hampshire coastline. Most RV rentals will need to be arranged through regional or national rental companies that service southern New Hampshire, with pickup locations likely in Manchester or Nashua rather than Derry itself.