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."
