Cabin camping near Hampton, New Hampshire offers visitors access to the Atlantic coast and inland forests across southern New Hampshire. The region's terrain varies from coastal beaches to wooded uplands, with elevations generally under 300 feet. Most camping facilities operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability due to New England's cold temperatures and potential for snow.
What to do
Beach access: Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls provides a convenient base for coastal activities. "The location is great being 10 minutes or so from Hampton beach. Lots of little farms in the area too," notes camper Kris S. The campground's proximity to the shore makes it ideal for day trips to the ocean.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park features extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails," says Kimberly R. The park maintains well-marked paths suitable for various skill levels throughout its 10,000-acre preserve.
Kayaking and fishing: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent water access for paddlers. "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," according to Matt R. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park for those without their own equipment.
Archery practice: Bear Brook State Park provides specialized facilities for archery enthusiasts. "There are two archery ranges and wheelchair accessible docks for fishing," explains Jean C. These ranges offer a unique recreational option not commonly found at other campgrounds in the region.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Wakeda Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere," shares Pawsfuradventure T. Many sites feature natural spacing between neighbors.
Clean facilities: Old Stage Campground maintains high cleanliness standards according to visitors. "The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless," notes a camper. Regular maintenance makes this a comfortable option for those concerned about facility conditions.
Water views: Lakefront sites at Pawtuckaway State Park offer scenic advantages. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" explains J L. Morning sunrises are particularly notable from waterfront locations.
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds in the region provide opportunities to observe local animals. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," reports a visitor to Wakeda Campground. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing times.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most camping cabins near Hampton fill quickly during peak season. "Sites weren't bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available," notes Sara D. about Exeter Elms Campground.
Pet restrictions: Policies vary significantly between facilities, with seasonal limitations at some parks. "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," reports Erin W. about Pawtuckaway State Park.
Shower facilities: Coin operation is common at state parks and private campgrounds. "It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water. There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms," explains a visitor to Dixon's Coastal Maine Campground.
Campground terrain: Many sites have rocky or uneven ground requiring preparation. "The terrain is very rocky," notes Ellen C. about Bear Brook State Park. Bringing appropriate sleeping pads and tent footprints helps prevent damage to equipment.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained," reports Kristen L. Sites near playgrounds provide convenience but may experience more foot traffic.
Educational opportunities: Bear Brook State Park features historical exhibits suitable for school-aged children. "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," explains Jean C.
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas for different age groups. "The beach was clean," notes Susan B. about Pawtuckaway State Park. Most swimming areas lack lifeguards, requiring parental supervision.
Family entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities for younger campers. "Aduly bingo ever Friday DJ for kids every saturday," mentions Alicia M. about Exeter Elms Campground. Activity schedules typically appear on campground bulletin boards or websites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Cape Ann Camp Site offers various layouts for different vehicle sizes. "Love this campground. The staff is awesome. Very helpful. The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome. They have water, sewer, and electric hookups," explains Lajaun C. Larger rigs should request specific site dimensions before booking.
Access considerations: Road conditions vary between campgrounds in the region. "The road in is dirt but is mostly level," notes Erin S. about Old Stage Campground. RVers should check for low-hanging branches and tight turns when researching cabin camping near Hampton.
Utility hookups: Electrical service varies between facilities. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," reports Zachary W. about Wakeda Campground. Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds provide on-site waste disposal. "You do not get a choice during the online booking to choose the campsite to reserve & the site # is not included in the confirmation email," cautions Sara D. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground. Calling ahead to confirm specific site amenities prevents surprises upon arrival.
