Best Campgrounds near Gilmanton, NH

Campgrounds near Gilmanton, New Hampshire range from established facilities with full amenities to more rustic options in natural settings. The area includes several family-friendly campgrounds like Gunstock Campground in nearby Gilford, which offers 250 sites with access to drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins at places such as Granite State Campground in Belmont and Bear Brook State Park Campground in Deerfield, providing options for various camping preferences and needs.

Seasonal considerations play a significant role in camping experiences throughout the region. Most campgrounds operate from early May through October, with peak season running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Winter camping is limited, though some year-round options exist like Paugus Bay Campground. Facilities vary widely across campgrounds, with many offering electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. The terrain ranges from lakeside settings to wooded areas, providing diverse environments for outdoor recreation. As one camper noted about a nearby state park, "The sites are fairly large and if you need some privacy, reserve site 12. There is a great trail that is around Beaver Pond, roughly 2-3 miles with plenty of opportunities for dogs to swim."

Water access represents a highly valued feature among campers in the Gilmanton area. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes and rivers, including Gunstock Campground and Silver Lakes Park Campground in Belmont. These waterfront locations offer opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating during the warmer months. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and natural beauty as highlights of their stays. Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, recreational fields, and hiking trails enhance the camping experience at many locations. Reviews indicate that sites with water and electric hookups tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, especially at popular destinations like Pawtuckaway State Park, where one visitor described it as having "a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone" including "a large family beach on the lake" and "many opportunities for hiking."

Best Camping Sites Near Gilmanton, New Hampshire (263)

    1. Gunstock Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gilford, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 737-4355

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."

    "Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of"

    2. Granite State Campground

    7 Reviews
    Belmont, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 393-6003

    "New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites Close drive to Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, Close drive to Gunstock Mountain, not far from Laconia, wooded sites, The camp has some seasonal full timers"

    "This campground is one of my favorites in the lakes region. Affordable prices, large wooded sites and great staff."

    3. 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."

    4. Lazy River Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    12 miles
    +1 (603) 798-5900

    $26 - $30 / night

    "Saturday rolled around and some noisier guests came in for the night, they were several sites away and sounded like they were having a great time, didn't bother us."

    "The family will definitely be making a few return trips, especially with the reasonable drive from the boston area to the grounds."

    5. Epsom Valley Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 736-9758

    $35 - $165 / night

    "I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."

    "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!"

    6. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    27 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."

    7. Paugus Bay Campground

    6 Reviews
    Laconia, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 366-4757

    "We seriously lucked out with getting two sites next to eachother over looking the lake though.

    Pros: -Owners were very friendly and helpful. -Lots of lake activities to do."

    "Campground is primarily seasonal sites, however the nightly rentals sites are nicely located near the water."

    8. Sun River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 269-3333

    $30 / night

    "The facilities, which include bathhouses, a laundry room, and a beach situated along a tranquil river, contribute to a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all."

    "Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available"

    9. Meredith Woods Four Season Camping

    8 Reviews
    New Hampton, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 279-5449

    $44 - $135 / night

    "They also have a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind."

    10. Silver Lakes Park Campground

    1 Review
    Belmont, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 524-6289

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Silver Lake Park Campground and Cabins was an incredibly well maintained campground off Jamestown Road in Belmont NH. "

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Recent Reviews near Gilmanton, NH

1098 Reviews of 263 Gilmanton 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.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • 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!

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • 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.


Guide to Gilmanton

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gilmanton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gilmanton, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 263 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilmanton, NH and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gilmanton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilmanton, NH is Gunstock Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilmanton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Gilmanton, NH.

What parks are near Gilmanton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Gilmanton, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.