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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
