Best Campgrounds near Dover, NH

Dover, New Hampshire and the surrounding area feature a variety of campground options within a short drive of the city. Old Stage Campground, located directly in Dover, provides tent, RV, and cabin camping with wooded sites near a small river. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, situated about 20 miles west of Dover, offers lakeside camping with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations in a forested setting. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the region accommodate multiple camping styles, with most facilities operating seasonally from May through September or October.

Most campgrounds in the Dover area require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during the peak summer season. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with many facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Water and electric hookups are common at developed campgrounds, though sewer connections are less prevalent. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping throughout the summer months, with cooler temperatures in spring and fall. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region, with spotty service in more remote areas. A visitor noted that "sites are narrow but wooded. Bathrooms are modern and spotless. The pond is tranquil and our site was right on the pond."

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the region, with several campgrounds offering lake or pond access. Beaver Dam Campground in nearby Berwick, Maine provides tranquil pond-side sites approximately 15 miles from Dover. Bear Brook State Park Campground, located about 25 miles west, features multiple ponds, extensive trail systems, and diverse recreational opportunities. Campers frequently mention the clean facilities and family-friendly atmosphere at many of the developed campgrounds. A review highlighted that "the park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower." The proximity to coastal areas and urban centers like Portsmouth provides additional recreational options for campers based near Dover.

Best Camping Sites Near Dover, New Hampshire (187)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    16 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. Old Stage Campground

    9 Reviews
    Madbury, NH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 742-4050

    $43 - $47 / night

    "Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."

    "Learning to get away from the bad campers."

    3. Beaver Dam Campground

    7 Reviews
    North Berwick, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 698-2267

    "Small quiet campground not too far from Dover, NH. Sites are narrow but wooded. Bathrooms are modern and spotless. Owners on site are wonderful."

    "Campground is superior in its warmth, cleanliness, dog friendly and access to points of interest."

    4. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    16 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."

    5. Wellington Camping Park

    5 Reviews
    Lee, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 659-5051

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Had to walk around to find signal for phone call."

    "Sites are wide I parked my truck next to camper and still had enough space for a safe fire in the pit."

    6. Libbys Oceanside Camp

    9 Reviews
    York Harbor, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 363-4171

    $50 - $125 / night

    "You are steps away from the beach from the time you arrive to the time you departed the staff is always available and always willing to help, answer any questions and give recommendations where to go eat"

    "Love the location & the town of York! The views are beautiful!"

    7. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    "So clean, friendly staff and plenty to do here or close by. Minutes away from some very nice beaches"

    "Their location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants including a doughnut shop within walking distance."

    8. Barrington Shores Campground

    3 Reviews
    Barrington, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 664-9333

    "Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."

    9. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    23 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."

    10. Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA

    7 Reviews
    Rochester, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465

    "We were able to book last minute and got a great tenting site, next to a running river that was great to sleep to. Very buggy, but it's outside, what do you expect?"

    "Staff was very friendly and extremely cautious about their surroundings. Plenty of things to do to stay busy during the rainy days."

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Recent Reviews near Dover, NH

834 Reviews of 187 Dover Campgrounds


  • M
    Feb. 17, 2026

    Forest Glen

    Forest Glenn campground

    Forest Glenn campground is a very nice campground on Wheelwright pond in Lee New Hampshire! Not well kept up but makes you feel like you’re still camping and not glamping ( glamorous camping ) besides some of the very nice campers here with 2 stories on them! Anyway cutting to the chase, just to let any new comers know that are looking for camping in the Lee area if you so choose to camp at forest Glenn depending who you are or how you approach this place dictates if you will have to feel like your stepping on eggshells your entire stay… the owner is a angry Drunk who is sometimes very nice to others or very nasty, and I personally mostly see him being nasty. A couple years back I wanted to look at the campground to see if this would be a place I wanted to stay at so I walked into the office and asked them if we could look around and the lady was in the process of writing us a pass to drive through. This man comes in and said whats going on so I politely told him that we were interested in his campground and we wanted to look around. He completely flipped out said he doesn't understand, said his campground is his back yard, we can't allow this how would you like if I just walked around your back yard etc etc.... yelling at us the whole time and spitting while screaming and then told us to get out of his sight…. This place mind you is overrun by golf carts and I have heard of incidents where people get hit by them because who cares about the posted 5mph speed limitations if your in a golf carts right? Right! And CLEARLY this place is a Double standard place so you will not be treated equal… and as far as I know this place has secret people who camp supposedly working at camp like the manager and security and the plumber or electrician who look like their helping but while helping they gather information about you to spread it around to others or to cause problems with you and the owner!! Oh how thoughtful… one Morning I was in the office and the owner pulled me into the rec room to have a talk with me about my string lights suggesting I shut them off at night and I’m not allowed to use them anymore. I said “sir why would I do that there are 50 other sites with spot lights and string lights Who are these lights bothering that I need to take them down for? “ he said use them inside the trailer I don’t want to see them on again! “ now tell me how that makes any sense… so I shut them off and it became like a minefield on my site at night with no lights while the campers down a different street get to have theirs on. There is no privacy at this place, things keep going missing, and the sites are packed like sardines with no room for Jesus. There are also people staying here over winter and it’s a seasonal campground tell me how that makes any sense. Anyway definitely an experience to be at where drama hits too close to home and the golf cart parking spots are rolling a little to close to my feet. “ oh sorry my foot slipped “ #welp time to search for another place. Seems to be a trend with almost every campground. Angry owners who automatically cause problems or can’t run their own business place without drug addicts for help ( to say the least me and my wife WILL NOT BE COMING BACK )

  • Sandra P.
    Feb. 16, 2026

    Harbor Hill Camping Area

    Best Seasonal Campground in the Lakes Region!

    This is a great campground to be a seasonal at! 1 mile from a beautiful beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. 1 mile from town with cute shops and nice restaurants. Friendly staff. Seasonals are very friendly and welcome new seasonals. Campground is taken care of. It is family owned and they really care. I love the fact it is all seasonal- it has a wonderful community feel.

  • L
    Feb. 5, 2026

    Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    This camping trip truly exceeded my expectations

     The campground was clean, peaceful, and surrounded by wide open views. During the day, the natural landscape felt refreshing and expansive, and at night, the sky was filled with stars, creating a calm and almost magical atmosphere. The layout of the campsite was well planned, making it easy and comfortable for both beginners and experienced campers to enjoy their stay. One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

    One fun thing I did after the trip was use Idea To Image to recreate some of the moments that stood out to me—sunrise over the tents, the warmth of the campfire, and the quiet starry night. It helped me turn those memories into beautiful visuals that really captured the peaceful vibe of the experience. Looking back at them now feels like being transported right back to the campsite. Highly recommend this place if you’re looking to slow down and reconnect with nature.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2025

    Little Ossipee Lake Campground

    Great location

    This cpground is full of seasonal sp no transient sites. Has good owners who keep the park clean and well maintained. Very friendly campground.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2025

    Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground

    Two week stay

    Read reviews on google. That’s the experience we had. The signs no everything. Cash only. The management is very weird acting and riding around on a bicycle. I feel so weird making this review because this place is odd . The tenants are fun and the scenery is great. But but but you’ve been warned. Turn your blue tooth off and your WiFi so that your cellphone privacy is protected.

  • 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. 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!


Guide to Dover

The Dover area offers several tent, RV, and cabin camping spots within 30 miles of the city. Located in southeastern New Hampshire's Seacoast region, the area features both wooded inland campgrounds and coastal access points. Camping season typically runs May through October with average summer temperatures ranging from 60-80°F, while overnight temperatures can drop to 50°F even in summer months.

What to do

River activities: At Old Stage Campground in Dover, campers can enjoy the small river that runs alongside the property. "We stayed at this campground for a month and a half while we finished up our obligations before we hit the road full time. The sites were spacious in wooded area near a small river," notes one visitor.

Water recreation: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers multiple water activities with equipment rentals. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," shares a camper.

Mountain biking: The extensive trail system at Bear Brook State Park, approximately 25 miles from Dover, provides excellent opportunities for mountain bikers. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," writes one visitor, while another adds, "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"

Beach access: Coastal campgrounds like Sea Coast Camping provide easy access to New Hampshire beaches. A reviewer notes its "location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants including a doughnut shop within walking distance."

What campers like

Waterfront sites: The lakefront sites at Pawtuckaway State Park are particularly popular among campers. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" writes one visitor. Another mentions, "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!"

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain high standards of cleanliness. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well," reports a visitor to Sea Coast Camping.

Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper at Bear Brook State Park recalls, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird." Another visitor to Pawtuckaway mentions, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."

Proximity to attractions: The strategic location of Beaver Dam Campground offers easy access to coastal towns. "It is 9 miles from Wells Maine which is on the ocean. LOTS OF GREAT restaurants there and nearby, like Ogunquit Maine and York Maine, etc. About an hour from Freeport Maine, Also Portland is not far and great food there."

What you should know

Site privacy varies: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Old Stage Campground, "The sites were spacious in wooded area," while at Wakeda Campground, "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites."

Bugs can be challenging: The wooded environment can mean dealing with insects. One camper at Old Stage Campground mentioned, "The bugs, however, really prevented us from enjoying spending time outdoors."

Seasonal population: Many campgrounds host numerous seasonal campers. A visitor to Old Stage noted, "The majority of the campground were seasonal campers who had really settled in. We felt a little out of place."

WiFi limitations: Internet connectivity can be spotty at many campgrounds. At Wellington Camping Park, a visitor reported: "Wi-Fi is barely usable after 8am. And phone signal is spotty at best. Had to walk around to find signal for phone call."

Mixed staff experiences: Camper interactions with staff vary by campground and timing. One Old Stage Campground visitor reported, "Our experience with the staff and owners was hit or miss. Sometimes they were extremely nice and friendly, other times it was like they were looking for an argument."

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA offers numerous water-based recreational options. "This Campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored," shares a visitor. Another adds, "Very big campground with a nice water park for kids."

Playground access: When selecting a site, consider proximity to play areas. At Bear Brook State Park, one camper advised, "I'd avoid 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."

Kid-friendly atmosphere: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. Old Stage Campground received this review: "Kid. Accommodating. Family friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect."

Beach options: Pawtuckaway State Park provides swimming areas suitable for children. A visitor notes, "Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars!" Another mentions, "The beach was clean."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Bear Brook State Park Campground, RVers should choose sites carefully. "I noticed 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."

Seasonal considerations: Off-season camping provides a different experience. A camper at Bear Brook noted, "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet."

Hookup availability: Sea Coast Camping recently added improved RV accommodations. "The park recently added new 50-amp full hook-up sites (some of which are pull-thrus) so there are plenty of options for big-rigs."

Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds may present challenges. A visitor to Old Stage Campground mentioned, "The road in is dirt but is mostly level."

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Dover, NH for tent camping?

For tent camping near Dover, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers a lovely wooded setting with large, level sites. Many sites have water access, and the park provides swimming, hiking, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of landscapes and extensive trail system. Another excellent option is Bear Brook State Park Campground, New Hampshire's largest state park. This secluded campground features trails, ponds, play structures, a camp store, beach, and even a baseball diamond. Both parks are popular during peak season, so advance reservations are recommended for securing the best sites.

What family-friendly camping options are available in and around Dover, NH?

Families camping near Dover have several excellent options. Beaver Dam Campground offers a quiet, wooded setting with modern, spotless bathrooms and tranquil pond-side sites. The on-site owners provide exceptional service, making it perfect for families seeking a peaceful retreat. Another great choice is Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages, a small family-owned property offering stunning views of a New Hampshire pond. Families wanting more amenities might consider Wellington Camping Park, which features reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, suitable for both tent and RV camping. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails or water activities.

Are there any RV rental options available in Dover, New Hampshire?

While Dover itself has limited RV rental services, nearby campgrounds offer RV accommodations that can be more convenient than traditional rentals. Beach Rose RV Park provides a simple, clean RV setup with a pool and proximity to the New Hampshire coastline. For those seeking more amenities, Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort offers a massive 300-site property on nearly 200 acres along a beautiful lake. Located between the Lakes Region and White Mountains, this resort provides plenty of activities both within and outside the campground. For RV rentals, check with these campgrounds directly or look into RV sharing platforms that connect owners with renters in the Dover area.