Seasonal yurt camping near Dover, New Hampshire provides access to diverse landscapes from coastal areas to inland forests. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall bring 45-65°F temperatures with occasional rain. Winter yurt options remain limited, with most campgrounds operating from May through mid-October.
What to do
River tubing at Pawtuckaway State Park: The waterfront sites offer excellent access for water activities during summer months. According to Matt R., "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."
Mountain biking at Bear Brook State Park: Located about 35 minutes from Dover, this forested area features extensive trail systems. As one visitor noted, "The mountain biking trails are a blast. We'll definitely be back again." The park maintains over 40 miles of dedicated biking trails through varied terrain.
Beach exploration within 30 minutes: York Beach Camper Park provides convenient beach access just 10 minutes from Short Sands Beach. A camper mentioned, "We loved being able to walk down for sunset and sunrise each day! Some of the sites are rather small, but the one we stayed at was great."
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. A visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park Campground shared, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."
What campers like
Waterfront site selection: Sites with water views book quickly but offer significant advantages. A camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground stated, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!"
Forest immersion with privacy: Many sites offer wooded seclusion despite busy summer seasons. "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization. We stayed on site 22, which was spacious and private from the other sites on either side," reported one visitor.
Clean facilities at Wakeda Campground: This campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "Friendly campground with great staff. Late back atmosphere, so easy to relax here," shared a satisfied camper.
Proximity to local attractions: Most campgrounds position you within short drives to multiple points of interest. A visitor to Beaver Dam Campground explained, "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Many parks fill completely during peak summer season. "We stayed here twice, once in September 2013 and then again in September 2018 and it is one of my favorites," shared a camper, suggesting off-season visits offer better availability.
Ticks and poison ivy awareness: Some campgrounds have seasonal challenges with local vegetation and insects. One camper at Flat Rock Bridge Family Resort mentioned, "One of my children was covered in ticks from a nest that was on the ground and the other got poison ivy."
Cash requirements for facilities: Many campgrounds require quarters for shower use. "It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water. There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms," noted one visitor.
Campground ownership changes: Several properties have changed management recently. A camper observed, "This campground is under a new name it is a koa now and is better than it was under the old owners I spent 3 here it is kinda pricey 107 a night on the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Yurt options for comfort: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers yurt accommodations ideal for families seeking elevated camping experiences near Dover. A visitor remarked, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Playground proximity considerations: When selecting sites, consider placement relative to play areas. "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."
Water activities for heat relief: Pools and water features provide essential relief during hot summer days. One visitor to Beaver Dam Campground noted, "The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean."
Campsite noise factors: Some campgrounds experience varying noise levels based on location and season. A Pawtuckaway visitor mentioned, "Campers aren't respectful of other campers and very noisy here," suggesting requesting more isolated sites during booking.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the Dover region have varied terrain. A visitor to Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort reported, "Hard gravel access roads, level gravel sites. No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across."
Off-season opportunities: RVers find greater flexibility in the shoulder seasons. "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."
Site width considerations: RV sites vary significantly in spaciousness. "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in. Lucky for us nobody was parked in that site," shared one RV camper.
