Franklin, New Hampshire camping options extend well beyond the glamping experiences highlighted at Harbor Hill and Sandy Beach. Nestled between the Merrimack River and multiple lakes, this region experiences average summer temperatures of 65-85°F, ideal for outdoor activities from May through October. Winter camping is available at select locations, with Meredith Woods Four Season Camping Area maintaining year-round operations for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Mountain biking at Bear Brook State Park: The 10,000-acre forest preserve features extensive trail networks popular with riders. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," noted one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Kayaking at Pawtuckaway State Park: The three-island campground provides direct water access from many sites. "This is 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," explains a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
River tubing near Plymouth: The Baker River offers gentle tubing opportunities during summer months. "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river," shares a visitor at Plymouth Sands Camping Area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathrooms are frequently mentioned across regional campgrounds. "Bathrooms and showers were very clean and modern. About 15 minutes outside of Meredith, NH near Lake Winnipesaukee," notes a visitor at Harbor Hill Camping Area.
Winter camping options: Year-round facilities allow for four-season experiences. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse," explains a winter camper at Meredith Woods Four Season Camping.
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping spots provide immediate water access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares a Pawtuckaway visitor about their lake experience.
What you should know
Campground ownership changes: Several properties have undergone recent management transitions. "Now called HUNTERS RUN Rv Park. Good spot, lots of seasonal campers, new corporate owners and it's named Hunter's Run RV Park. Combined with another campground across the street," reports a Meredith Woods visitor.
Seasonal restrictions: Some facilities limit dog access during peak months. "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," notes a visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Site privacy varies significantly: Research site numbers before booking. "The sites are so close together that it is uncomfortable. Despite this, we had to park and haul our gear basically right through other people's campground to get to our site," cautions a visitor at Baker River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: Several campgrounds offer rainy-day alternatives. "Has a pool and a couple playgrounds for the kids AND a recreation room with arcade games, pool, ping-pong and other games. Free DVD and book lending library," notes a Harbor Hill visitor.
Playground considerations: Evaluate play structures for age appropriateness. "The staff was extremely kind. The site was clean and efficient. Indoor pool was a plus in cold/rainy days. Family with kids the only down, wish the playground was bigger, and height smaller. Not a structure for small children," advises a Meredith Woods visitor.
Beach access for children: Sandy shores provide safe swimming areas. "We enjoyed our stay. The first site we got was way too small for our tent and they accommodated us and gave us a choice of two others to pick from. A lot of seasonal people but friendly. Playground is on the beach," shares a visitor at Sandy Beach Campground.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal site availability: Many Franklin-area campgrounds cater to long-term RV guests. "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home. Staff is pleasant and helpful. Quiet during the weekdays, picks up over weekends but not to overbearing. Mostly a 5th wheelers park but you can see a 34 foot class A here and there so don't fret, there is room," explains a Sandy Beach visitor.
Winter RV accommodations: Limited year-round options exist for RVers. "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round. There are a ton of full time seasonal RV's as many people use this campground as a base for snow machining," notes a Meredith Woods visitor.
Leveling requirements: Site conditions vary across the region. "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it," advises a Keyser Pond Campground visitor about their site conditions.
