Best Campgrounds near Farmington, NH
Campgrounds near Farmington, New Hampshire include a mixture of state parks, family-oriented private campgrounds, and RV resorts that accommodate different camping preferences. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located about 15 miles southeast of Farmington, provides tent, RV, cabin and glamping options with waterfront sites along Pawtuckaway Lake. The camping landscape extends into neighboring Maine with options like Salmon Falls/Lebanon KOA offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most established campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and restroom facilities, while private campgrounds typically offer additional amenities like electric hookups, showers, and camp stores.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping operations in the Farmington area, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. "Many of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach," noted one camper about spring conditions at Pawtuckaway State Park. Winter closures are standard throughout the region due to snow and freezing temperatures. Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks and private campgrounds generally accepting advance bookings, while some smaller facilities operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell phone coverage can be inconsistent throughout the area, with Pawtuckaway State Park reported to have poor coverage, particularly for Verizon customers. Roads within campgrounds can present challenges for larger RVs, with several reviews mentioning narrow approaches and limited turning space.
Waterfront access represents a highly valued feature at campgrounds in the region. At Pawtuckaway State Park, sites on Horse Island provide direct water access, though they come at a premium price. According to visitor feedback, "Sites on Horse Island will cost you $5 more than those on Big Island, but many of the sites are directly on the water, making it easy to slip your boat into the lake from your site." Family-friendly amenities are common at private campgrounds, with facilities like Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort offering swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. The proximity to outdoor recreation is another highlight, with many campgrounds providing access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and water activities. Bear awareness is necessary when camping in the region, with several campgrounds requiring proper food storage in vehicles rather than at campsites.
