Glamping in Goffstown, New Hampshire balances outdoor recreation with comfort across several distinct camping resorts. Located in Hillsborough County at approximately 400 feet above sea level, the area experiences mild summers with temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooling evenings around 60°F. The region's mixed hardwood forests create dense canopies, offering natural shade at many campsites during summer months.
What to do
Swimming options: 3 miles from Goffstown at Bear Brook State Park, campers have multiple water recreation choices. "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization... the swimming area at the pond looked very inviting for summer time campers," notes Ellen C. about Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Paddling experiences: 5-10 minute walk from many sites at Pawtuckaway State Park. "This a 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," says Matt R. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Animal interactions: daily feeding times at Friendly Beaver offer more than standard petting zoos. "They have a few animals the kids can feed... They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events," explains Kate C. about Friendly Beaver Campground.
Mountain biking trails: accessible directly from Bear Brook's campground. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," shares Eammon C., while another visitor notes "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: reserve early for premium water views. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" reports J L. about Pawtuckaway. Sites directly facing water typically cost $5-10 more per night but offer unobstructed views.
Clean bathroom facilities: inspected multiple times daily at several campgrounds. "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day," notes a visitor at Autumn Hills Campground, where family-style bathrooms allow one family at a time.
Convenience store access: open 7am-9pm at most locations. "Store is best I have ever seen. Well stocked with everything you could need," reports Colleen C. about Friendly Beaver, while another camper notes the "store had all you need" with basics and local souvenirs.
Year-round swimming options: indoor pools remain open regardless of weather at some resorts. "They have 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool. Lots of activities for the kids and the bathrooms were pretty clean for a campground," explains Julia B., highlighting the extended swimming season available to glampers.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Check site maps carefully before booking. "Some of the sites are a bit too close to each other but there are some that are nice and private," explains Kimberly R. about Bear Brook, while another camper notes that "the tent sites were large which was great as we had two tents at ours."
Weekend noise levels increase: Especially at family-oriented resorts. "Saturday night was MUCH quieter," mentions Sara D. about Keyser Pond Campground, implying Friday arrivals create more commotion. Many resorts enforce midnight quiet hours strictly.
Seasonal restrictions: Most glamping operations run May through October. "Been here twice now...booked 9 days next July and some in Oct," shares a return visitor, reflecting the standard operating season for most high-end glamping resorts in the region.
Cell service fluctuates: Coverage varies by carrier and location. "Cell phone coverage varies from 1-2 bars, not always 4G, on Verizon," reports Jean C., while another visitor notes "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity considerations: Sites near play areas experience more foot traffic. "It's across the street from the playground. I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site," advises Jean C.
Multiple swimming areas: Some resorts separate swimmers by age/activity. "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days," explains Kate C. about Oxbow Campground, which offers "3 separate ponds-one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is for swimming."
Scheduled activities: Most resorts offer organized events. "They have plenty of room at the pool, bathrooms are in tip-top shape with free hot showers, Friendly staff & reasonably priced little cafe with decent breakfast," notes Sara D., highlighting infrastructure that supports family comfort beyond basic amenities.
Noise considerations: Some sites absorb more ambient sounds. "You can hear road noise but it wasn't bothersome. There's good free wifi at camp, and good cell reception with Verizon and ATT," reports Laura M., providing practical information for families needing connectivity.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite," notes Jackie G., while another RVer mentioned "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it."
Variable hookup locations: Sewer connections may require extensions. "We stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose," reports Allura B. at Sandy Beach Campground, reflecting the importance of bringing additional hose length.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have tight turns. "The little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner," cautions Jean C., important for those with larger rigs.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer this service. "There is running water and a dump station is available," confirms one reviewer, while others note dump fees for non-campers can run $30-40 at some locations.
