Durham, New Hampshire sits at the confluence of three rivers where the Lamprey, Oyster, and Piscataqua meet, making it a prime location for water-based camping activities. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day with cooler 55-65°F nights, ideal for camping from May through October. The surrounding region features both inland forest campgrounds and coastal options within a 20-mile radius.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities just 15 miles from Durham. "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 Matt R.
Explore coastal towns: York Beach Camper Park provides a forest setting with beach proximity. "It's calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean," reports Mindie C. The campground is just a "10 min walk to short sands beach in York."
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike 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," writes Eammon C.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: At Pawtuckaway State Park, campers appreciate the lakeside options. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions J L. Another camper adds, "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!"
Meticulously maintained grounds: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort earns high marks for cleanliness. "This is a very clean, very well cared for, supper nice people and a decent price($43/night) for camping in coastal New England," states one reviewer. The campground offers "new 50-amp full hook-up sites (some of which are pull-thrus)."
Wooded privacy: Wakeda Campground features "clean large lots" with "beautiful massive forest" according to reviews. "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere," notes one camper who appreciated the natural setting.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most glamping locations near Durham require advance planning. "Wakeda Campground has a two-night minimum(at least during the peak season) but worth it," advises Jim G.
Pet restrictions: Some state parks limit dogs during peak season. At Pawtuckaway, one camper notes: "I went one summer on the way to Maine and loved everything! 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."
Seasonal facilities: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground operates from "May 11 to September 24" with varying amenities by season. "The closest bath/shower was well kept, with four bathroom stalls and the one huge shower, I imagine that the wait times in the summer months might be a hassle but in the off season it was hardly used," notes a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Water slide amenities: Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA offers entertainment for children. "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," reports J B. Another camper mentions, "Very big campground with a nice water park for kids."
Multiple playground options: Winding River Campground features "two playgrounds, both were nice" and a "water slide was fun" according to Cassie G., making it suitable for families seeking structured play areas.
Camp store conveniences: Bear Brook State Park provides necessities for families who forget items. "The camp store carried some great souvenirs, snacks, ice cream and even had a coffee machine for those traveling light and in need of a hot cup of coffee," notes Ellen C.
Tips from RVers
Utility reliability: Sea Coast gets positive reviews for utilities. One RVer notes, "No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across."
Site placement strategy: When glamping close to Durham, New Hampshire in an RV, site selection matters. "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," reports a reviewer about Sea Coast Camping.
Access considerations: Beaver Dam Campground offers full-hookup sites but note that "Driveway is hard to see and difficult to get in and out of," according to one seasonal camper who stayed for three months.
