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Campgrounds near Durham, New Hampshire range from wooded state parks to coastal campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find popular sites like Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham and Old Stage Campground in Dover. These locations provide options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds feature waterfront access, including those along the Atlantic coast and inland lakes, creating varied experiences for campers seeking different proximity to water bodies and natural features.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Pawtuckaway State Park remains open until late October, making it a good option for fall camping when many other sites have closed. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites which fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Cell service can be inconsistent, with visitors reporting spotty coverage in more remote areas. According to one visitor, "Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone... There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive reviews throughout the region. Pawtuckaway Lake offers numerous sites with direct water access, making it popular for paddling and swimming. Several visitors noted the family-friendly atmosphere at campgrounds like Bear Brook State Park, which features playgrounds, hiking trails, and swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the wooded, shaded nature of many sites, with tall pines providing natural barriers between camping spots at locations like Wakeda Campground. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV camping are common in the area. A camper described their experience: "The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake. Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space." Proximity to coastal attractions and the White Mountains makes the Durham area a convenient base for exploring wider New Hampshire.
"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."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
from $43 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $48 - $97 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."
"Campground is superior in its warmth, cleanliness, dog friendly and access to points of interest."
"LOTS OF GREAT restaurants there and nearby, like Ogunquit Maine and York Maine, etc. THERE is plenty to do if you canoe or kayak, there is a pond right there, there is a swimming area in the pond. "
"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!"
from $50 - $125 / night
Check Availability"We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too."
"The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."
from $28 - $38 / night
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GuideI was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
TravelerFunctional and scenic RV campground.
ScoutI stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
ScoutAmazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
ScoutI have never come across a more prejudice, morally wrong and bad business situation in my life than my most recent experience with this campground. I am 40, am an engineer and my mother is 70 and a retired high school teacher. I have a five year old and live with my mom. I have owned three properties over the years. I say all this background because it’s necessary for this story. Oh and I am very quiet, have held a security clearance, a marathon runner blah blah blah. My mom sold her condo and we have a move out date on June 15. We decided to get an rv for the season and stay at a campground. We picked this one. They said we were all set to move our rv to the site for May 21st. Then on May 20th in the afternoon they call and basically say our family dynamic is unacceptable and we can’t move in. Yes I have a girlfriend. She doesn’t live with us but stays often. She has been an Americore worker plus worked with homeless for years. Apparently we would look to out of place. First- to tell us this about 16 hours before move in is unacceptable, after a couple weeks of saying you’re fine. To be that judgmental and prejudiced is unacceptable. I have zero respect for this campground and wish all who read this to boycott. Mary Ellen you are not a good person. In one voicemail to my mom you state how she’s anxious and also say it will be fine! Turns out she had good reason to be anxious. To treat others like you do is not ok. I found that anxious comment very off at the time and in retrospect it is telling on many levels. Be ashamed! What you have done to good people is wrong on many levels. I state all this personal stuff to highlight how ridiculous being turned away from a campground is. I have owned nice homes in very nice communities and never thought a pathetic campground would turn me away, what a joke.
RangerThe first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
ScoutMy husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!
We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.
ScoutOxbow Campground in Deering has a helpful and friendly staff. The bathrooms are kept clean although should be updated.
The campsites are spacious, trash picked up and very quiet at night promoting a good night's sleep.
They sell their own fire wood, an employee who services campers is also available.
They have a propane fill station for your convenience too!
Dogs must be kept on leashes for safety.
Owners live right there within the park.and take pride in their facility.
A nice family owned and run park promoting peacefulness.
RangerNeeded a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.
Camping sites near Durham, New Hampshire range from small family-run facilities to larger state parks, all within easy driving distance. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 100-400 feet, offering forest settings with access to rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, with cooler 45-65°F temperatures during spring and fall camping seasons.
Paddling opportunities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, campers can enjoy canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake. "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," notes a visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The marshlands and rivers around camping sites near Durham offer excellent wildlife spotting. "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching," shares a camper at Salisbury Beach.
Mountain biking: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access for biking enthusiasts. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground states, "We camped here to check out the mountain biking trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast."
Waterfront camping: Sites with water access remain the most popular option in the region. A visitor to Wakeda Campground shared, "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere. They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area."
Clean facilities: Many campers note the well-maintained bathhouses and showers. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," reports a camper at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting before or after peak summer provides a quieter experience. "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. There are some spectacular views of the lake and mountains from many sites," notes a Pawtuckaway visitor.
Site reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends, requiring advance planning. "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at," advises a camper about planning for Pawtuckaway State Park.
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. A visitor at Wellington Camping Park noted, "Wi-Fi is barely usable after 8am. And phone signal is spotty at best. Had to walk around to find signal for phone call."
Pet policies: Restrictions on pets vary widely between campgrounds, with some prohibiting dogs during summer. "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," reports one Pawtuckaway visitor.
Beach access options: Campgrounds with swimming areas provide built-in entertainment. At Salisbury Beach State Reservation, "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!"
Playground availability: Campgrounds with play areas keep children entertained. "Kid. Accommodating. Family friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect," summarizes a visitor to Old Stage Campground.
Activities during weather changes: Rain can disrupt camping plans, so facilities with indoor options help. According to a camper at Wellington Camping Park, "They have a special beach for your dog if you're a puppy owner like me this is one of the only campgrounds that is very pet friendly. They also have free DVD rentals for those rainy days and some games up by the office if you have kids its also a wonderful campground."
Site accessibility: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "Some of the sites are a bit too close to each other but there are some that are nice and private. Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" reports a visitor to Bear Brook State Park.
Hookup locations: Position of utilities can create challenges at some campgrounds. "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord. Park staff told us we could back onto the grass in order to reach the electric and since the ground was hard packed sand we were able to do that," notes a camper at Beaver Dam Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Many Durham-area RV campgrounds have limited seasons. "We stayed three months here last summer. The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean. Only one washer/dryer. Driveway is hard to see and difficult to get in and out of. Owners were responsive," reports a long-term visitor to Beaver Dam Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Durham, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Durham, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.
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