Camping options near Gilmanton, New Hampshire range across diverse terrain from 500 to 1,000 feet elevation, with proximity to both Lake Winnipesaukee and the Suncook River creating unique microclimates. Most campgrounds in this area sit within a 20-mile radius, creating opportunities for day trips between camping destinations. Winter camping conditions can be challenging with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Mountain biking at Bear Brook State Park: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks for mountain biking enthusiasts. The trails accommodate various skill levels with well-marked routes. One camper noted, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The biking trails were a blast."
Tubing at Lazy River Family Campground: Located on the Suncook River, this campground provides river access for tubing with shuttle service back to your campsite. A visitor mentioned, "Let me just start by saying I come here every year and I absolutely love the friendliness of the staff, the other campers and or people who tent. I bring my kids here every year the first camping trip kids always ask can we go to Lazy River Campground!"
Explore historical sites: The region contains multiple historical attractions including the CCC museum at Bear Brook State Park. "For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp(CCC) museum. The CCC built much of the infrastructure here and elsewhere in the country," shared one Bear Brook State Park Campground visitor.
Try disc golf and outdoor games: Several campgrounds offer recreational activities beyond hiking and swimming. One camper at Silver Lake Park Campground commented, "There is a playground, rentable kayaks and canoes, a basketball goal, frisbee golf, corn hole, horseshoes, yard darts etc."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer sites with natural barriers for privacy. At Gunstock Campground, a camper observed, "This campground overall is very nice... 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."
Affordable overnight options: Camping remains a budget-friendly accommodation choice in the region. As one visitor noted about Epsom Valley Campground, "Me and my boyfriend camped here after trying to find a spot up in the white mountains without any success. The owner was amazing, friendly and super accommodating! It was just what we were looking for and will definitely return."
Off-season quietude: Several campgrounds operate into the fall with fewer crowds. A Pawtuckaway State Park visitor shared, "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet."
Year-round facilities: Unlike most seasonal operations, some campgrounds remain open through winter. One winter camper at Meredith Woods commented, "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."
What you should know
Proximity to roadways: Some waterfront campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby roads. A camper at Lazy River Family Campground observed, "Our site was right along the river. Be aware that the sites along the river, while waterfront and nice, do suffer from road noise coming from NH28. Obviously not the campgrounds fault by any means."
Varying bathroom conditions: Bathhouse quality fluctuates between campgrounds and seasons. At Epsom Valley Campground, a visitor noted, "We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing! They really do care about making sure everyone is accommodated/happy. The site was perfect and it was right next to the bathrooms which were SO clean!"
Site selection matters: Site privacy varies significantly within each campground. A visitor to Gunstock Campground advised, "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations."
Pet restrictions: Policies regarding pets differ between locations. One camper at Pawtuckaway State Park mentioned, "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. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor alternatives for rainy days: Some campgrounds offer indoor recreation options when weather turns unpleasant. A visitor to Meredith Woods Four Season Camping shared, "The staff was extremely kind. The site was clean and efficient. Indoor pool was a plus in cold/rainy days."
Choose campgrounds with beach access: Waterfront options provide built-in entertainment for children. A camper reviewing Silver Lake Park Campground noted, "This is a very clean, quiet, gated campground, with easy beach access for the kids (and launching space for pontoon or bass boats)."
Check playground equipment: Not all playgrounds suit younger children. A Meredith Woods visitor cautioned, "Family with kids the only down, wish the playground was bigger, and height smaller. Not a structure for small children."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a transitional experience. At Granite State Campground, a visitor commented, "Really enjoyed my time here and was impressed with many of the new updates they have done here. Looking forward to staying here again."
Tips from RVers
Tight navigation: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Paugus Bay Campground observed, "My biggest complaint is the narrow roads in the campground. The location is great, and the campground does seem to have quite a bit to offer."
Waterfront site reservations: Lakeside sites book quickly, especially for holiday weekends. One RVer at Paugus Bay Campground advised, "Sites are EXTREMELY tight. If you have a pull behind, you definitely need to be comfortable backing it up in tight, dicey situations. If you do not get a site near the docks to enjoy the view, I could see this camp ground not being worth it."
Hookup availability: Electrical and water connections vary by site. A camper at Granite State Campground mentioned, "We pulled in and went right to the office. The man was very nice and gave us a map to our tent site. We bought some wood from the campground. The tent site has water, electric, and a fire pit."
