Best Campgrounds near Exeter, NH

Exeter, New Hampshire has several good camping spots within a short drive. Wakeda Campground sits a few miles outside town with bigger sites and regular bathrooms with showers. Over at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, you can swim and boat on the lake, and they keep sites open until late October for people who like camping when the leaves change. If you don't mind simpler facilities, Wompatuck State Park Campground has fewer amenities but plenty of hiking trails around it. Weather around Exeter works best for camping in spring and fall, as summers can get pretty hot and winters bring snow. Remember to store your food properly since there's wildlife in these woods. When you need a break from camping, Portsmouth is close by with good restaurants, or you can head to Salisbury Beach State Reservation if you want a day at the ocean. The area works well for both tent and RV campers depending on which campground you choose.

Best Camping Sites Near Exeter, New Hampshire (157)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "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."

    2. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 772-5274

    $48 - $97 / night

    "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."

    3. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    25 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    4. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    "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."

    5. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    6. Beach Rose RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 463-0226

    "Simple, clean, perfect pool set up, quiet and close to beaches and New Hampshire coastline."

    "Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."

    7. Exeter Elms Campground

    7 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631

    $45 - $59 / night

    "Site across the path was a little loud, but we were too I imagine... bet it'd be lots of fun for the kiddos."

    "Sites weren’t bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available :)"

    8. Hampton Beach State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hampton, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 926-8990

    $70 / night

    "One side of the campground is bordered by an inlet that fishing boats use to head out from the harbor. Another side is sand dunes, that are the south end of Hampton beach."

    "Hampton Beach SP is a small beachside campground for self-contained RVs only; if you’re in a tent, you may want to look south to Salisbury SP just a few miles across the border into MA."

    9. Seacoast Camping and RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    $38 - $48 / night

    "The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."

    "Our site had big beautiful trees behind us lots of shade. Fire pit is sat on a slab of concrete or something it was amazing!"

    10. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $35 - $45 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Exeter, NH

771 Reviews of 157 Exeter Campgrounds


  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    York Beach Camper Park

    Hideaway

    Don’t let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it’s so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean. It’s calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Kaileigh K.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sandy Pines Campground

    Amazing location and campground amenities

    We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return. I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites. The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • R
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Wells Beach

    Zero wifi or cell signal

    Stayed back in 2023 with travel trailer and experienced almost zero wifi signal as well as verizon cell signal. Returned this past week and found no improvement whatsoever. This on back half of property. Manager stated they are awar and working on it. (For 2 years?). Could not plan anything, check weather unless you walked or drive up front. Light globes at various sites next to campers lit all night and were annoying so covered with bag. Some sites are just bad..huge pine tree at 428 caused camper to park his angled. Fire wood being sold is all pine & burns up immediately.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that


Guide to Exeter

Camping near Exeter, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to water activities. One camper mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Fun: If you’re up for a beach day, Salisbury Beach State Reservation is nearby. One reviewer said, "The ocean is absolutely gorgeous, clean, beautiful," perfect for a family outing.

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Greenfield State Park Campground appreciate the large, private sites. One long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Lorraine Park Campground mentioned, "The sanitary building is clean with good showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Sandy Pines Campground are noted for their family-friendly amenities. One parent said, "Lots of family-friendly amenities."

What you should know:

  • Pet Policies: Not all campgrounds allow pets. For example, White Lake State Park Campground does not permit pets, which can be a dealbreaker for some families.
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds on weekends. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground noted, "The weekend was packed!" If you prefer quieter stays, consider mid-week visits.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wompatuck State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor mentioned, "There isn’t much to the RV sites but an electric plug."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Sandy Pines Campground enjoyed the "beautiful pool with very natural landscaping."
  • Pack for the Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground advised, "Our sites survived a 2-hour monsoon," highlighting the need for good gear.
  • Plan Meals Ahead: Having meals planned can save time and stress. A camper at Minute Man Campground appreciated the "well-maintained" facilities for cooking.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A reviewer at Wompatuck State Park Campground mentioned, "You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods," which can be important for RVers looking for space.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Minute Man Campground noted, "The staff was nice, but the store seemed to be lacking some stuff."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations when available. A camper at Greenfield State Park Campground found the "dump station clean," which is a plus for RV travelers.

Camping near Exeter, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Exeter, NH?

Exeter offers several camping options within a short drive of town. Exeter Elms Campground is located directly in Exeter, offering easy access to town amenities. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Great Bay Camping provides riverside sites with tall pines for shade, located just off the main road while maintaining a secluded woodland feel. Other nearby options include Tuxbury Pond RV Campground near South Hampton and Seacoast Camping and RV Resort in North Hampton, both within a 20-minute drive from Exeter. These locations provide excellent access to both Exeter's attractions and New Hampshire's beautiful coastline.

What amenities are available at Exeter, NH camping sites?

Camping sites near Exeter offer diverse amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground features large, level sites, many with water access, plus a family beach, hiking trails, and opportunities for kayaking, biking, fishing, and bouldering. Beach Rose RV Park provides a clean, quiet environment with a swimming pool and convenient access to New Hampshire beaches. Many area campgrounds offer water hookups, electrical connections, and picnic tables. Several campgrounds maintain on-site stores for basic supplies, shower facilities, laundry services, and recreational amenities like playgrounds. Depending on the specific campground, you might also find boat rentals, fishing docks, swimming areas, and fire rings or grills for cooking.

Are there any seasonal camping opportunities in Exeter, New Hampshire?

Yes, there are several seasonal camping options near Exeter. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is a small, family-owned campground that offers seasonal stays with beautiful lake views. Many campgrounds in the region, including Bear Brook State Park Campground, operate primarily from late spring through early fall, typically May through October, with peak season during summer months. Most state parks in the area have defined operating seasons, with Greenfield State Park, for instance, closing during winter months. Some private RV parks offer extended season camping with full hookups available even in cooler months. For specific seasonal details, it's recommended to check with individual campgrounds as opening and closing dates may vary year to year.