Camping cabins near Gilford, New Hampshire provide access to the Lakes Region, centered around Lake Winnipesaukee at 504 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during peak season, with cooler nights in the 50-60°F range. Most cabin rentals in this area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, closing during the winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Lake activities: 15-minute drive from Gunstock Campground to Lake Winnipesaukee for swimming, fishing, and boating. "The camp has some seasonal full timers and many transient sites. I stayed with my sons Boy Scout troop and we loved it," notes a visitor at Granite State Campground.
Mountain adventures: on-site at Gunstock Campground with aerial activities. "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," according to a camper who enjoyed the variety of recreation options.
Indoor recreation: year-round options at several properties. "Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse," reports a winter visitor to Meredith Woods, highlighting options for inclement weather.
Nature trails: free access to miles of woodland paths. "It has pretty spacious sites... hiking, etc.," shares a Gunstock visitor. Another camper at Gunstock adds, "Lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites."
What campers like
Privacy levels vary: wooded sites preferred by many tent campers. A reviewer at Gunstock noted, "I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?) and then I believe sites 203 and 205 were nice and tucked away in the trees as well."
Swimming options: both lake and pool access at several properties. "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet," explains a visitor to Gunstock who appreciated the peaceful setting despite being in an open site.
Camp stores: essential supplies available on-site at most locations. At Harbor Hill Camping Area, a visitor noted, "The general store has just about everything you will need, and there is a grocery store about a mile from the site."
Cleanliness: regularly maintained facilities across properties. "Very clean, pet friendly, employees are great," writes a camper at Long Island Bridge Campground, which maintains beach access directly on the lake.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: book early for summer weekends, especially holiday periods. Peak season runs May through October with most cabins requiring 2-night minimum stays.
Site layouts: significant variation between locations and within campgrounds. "Not all sites are overly spacious, some are in close proximity and there are many seasonal campers but the grounds are very well maintained," explains a visitor to Ames Brook Campground.
Pet policies: restrictions vary by property. "This is a very clean, quiet, gated campground, with easy beach access for the kids. Pets are asked to stay home," notes a visitor to Silver Lakes Park Campground, highlighting their no-pets policy.
Seasonal operations: limited winter availability at most locations. A camper at Meredith Woods noted, "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably," one of few campgrounds open during colder months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: equipment suitable for different ages. "There is a playground, rentable kayaks and canoes, a basketball goal, frisbee golf, corn hole, horseshoes, yard darts etc," reports a family staying at Silver Lakes Park Campground.
Swimming safety: beach gradients vary across lakefront properties. A visitor to Clearwater Campground noted, "The lake beach was fantastic, very nicely maintained," making it suitable for families with young children.
Entertainment facilities: on-site recreation options for rainy days. Harbor Hill offers "a recreation room with arcade games, pool, ping-pong and other games. Free DVD and book lending library," according to a visitor who appreciated these amenities.
Extra costs: budget for rentals and optional activities. "This spot looked like a post card. Will absolutely visit again," shares a visitor at Long Island Bridge Campground who enjoyed kayak rentals for exploring the lake.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: bring blocks for some locations. At Twin Tamarack, a camper noted, "The price was reasonable. Dogs are welcome. Verizon cell coverage was 3 bars of 4G LTE. The owners are kind and professional."
Hook-up options: full service sites limited at some campgrounds. "The camp sites were very close together, but there was enough space to fit everything," reports a camper staying at Granite State Campground.
Road access: narrow entrances at several properties. "Easy to get to off Rt. 93, in Ashland, quick ride to many area attractions like hiking, lakes, etc," notes a visitor to Ames Brook, mentioning the convenient location.
Winter camping: specialized options for cold-weather visitors. Those seeking year-round cabin accommodations should specifically confirm winter availability, as most properties close seasonally.