Dog-Friendly Camping near Edward MacDowell Lake, NH

Edward MacDowell Lake sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in southern New Hampshire, surrounded by mixed hardwood forests that provide vibrant fall colors and wildlife habitat. The region's summer temperatures average in the 70s, with cooler nights dropping into the 50s even during peak camping season. Several campgrounds near the lake offer pet-friendly accommodations with varying levels of amenities and access to hiking trails.

What to do

Trail exploration: 25+ miles of options connect many campgrounds to surrounding natural areas. "We stayed late in the season during a chilly damp weekend and had the best time. We were right on the pond, so the kids could fish whenever. Lots of hiking trails (the dogs loved it). Can't wait to come back next year and explore the lake along the hike," notes a visitor at Spacious Skies Seven Maples.

Fishing opportunities: multiple ponds for anglers with diverse skill levels. "Awesome campground with two of the greatest host/owners Chuck and Laura. We have been coming here for years and always enjoy the time spent here. Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," according to a camper at Ashuelot River Campground.

Water activities: river floating works well during warmer months. "My husband and I enjoyed our stay so much, we can't wait to return in a couple months. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. They keep the place maintained well and very clean. We are tent campers so the number of RVs was overwhelming, but it was much quieter than expected," reports another visitor to Ashuelot River Campground.

What campers like

Clean facilities: well-maintained bathrooms make extended stays more comfortable. "This is a beautiful campground. The park ranger at the front gate was very friendly and helpful. The bathrooms are immaculate. The showers take coins but the facilities are some of the best I've seen while camping on State Park grounds," notes a camper at Gilson Pond Area Campground.

Privacy between sites: wooded buffers create natural separation at select campgrounds. "The campsites are accessible by car but nice and secluded. You can hike the path to the mountain trailhead or drive over and park for the day," adds another Gilson Pond visitor.

Recreation areas: playgrounds and pools provide additional entertainment options. "We stayed in the cabin with a kitchenette and bathroom. The shower worked well and it was nice not to have to walk to the restrooms, though they were close by. Our stay was during the week so it wasn't very crowded. Our son liked the playground and it was unfortunately too cold for the pool but it looked fun," shares a visitor at Spacious Skies Seven Maples.

What you should know

Seasonal water closures: check before swimming as conditions can change. "When we went (July 2025) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms, hence the 1 star deduction. We are grateful that they are honest about it, but it is disappointing to not be able to swim at the campers beach," explains a camper at Greenfield State Park Campground.

Road access restrictions: covered bridges limit some RV routes. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," warns a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground.

Seasonal availability: most campgrounds open May through October. The region's camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, with some facilities shutting down earlier depending on weather conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Smaller campgrounds: better supervision options for families with young children. "Tom was a gem of a guy! He was very helpful, accommodating, and kind. Because we are fully self-contained and need no hook-ups, he gave us a small discount on our night. We stayed right next to a cute pond on site 69. There was a family with several smaller children who were fishing the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish," shares a visitor at Oxbow Campground.

Swimming options: multiple ponds with varying depths for different ages. "Large park. Good sized sites with plenty of shade and decent privacy. Bathrooms are sufficient and there are enough to cover the wide expanse of the park. Swimming pond and beach is clean but can get crowded on a busy weekend. Frog pond is fun to explore," notes a Greenfield State Park camper.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: early morning offers best chances for spotting local species. Bird watchers should bring binoculars for viewing waterfowl around the ponds and lakes.

Tips from RVers

Site size considerations: request specific dimensions when making reservations. "We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors," mentions a visitor to Lake Dennison Recreation Area.

Power challenges: voltage fluctuations can occur at older campgrounds. "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities While my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue," warns a camper at Spacious Skies Seven Maples.

Off-season advantages: quieter experience with more privacy between September and October. "Stayed for over a week off season, mid September. Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday/Saturday," shares a visitor to Woodmore Family Campground.