Henniker sits at the junction of the Contoocook River valley and surrounding highlands of southern New Hampshire, with elevations ranging from 450 to 900 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while fall brings temperatures between 45-65°F with spectacular foliage from late September through October. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 20°F, especially at higher elevation sites.
What to Do
Water activities on Keyser Pond: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboating at Keyser Pond Campground where complimentary paddle boats are available for guests. "Me and my fiancé last minute booked a 4th of July trip and had a wonderful time! Our site was all rocks and we were tenting but we made it work," notes one visitor who brought their dog along for the adventure.
Baseball and open field activities: The recreational field at Autumn Hills Campground provides space for organized games and family sports. "Lake access, inground pool, ball field, and lots of activities for the kids makes this a great place to relax with the family," shares a camper who appreciated the hillside layout that "minimizes the amount of neighbors you have if you are looking to have some quiet time."
Hiking trails: Explore the network of marked trails surrounding Bear Brook State Park, which encompasses over 10,000 acres of forest preserve. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," explains one visitor who appreciated the dog-friendly hiking options that start directly from the campground.
What Campers Like
Yurt camping options near Henniker: For those seeking alternative accommodations, several campgrounds within 20 minutes of Henniker offer yurt camping. "We've been back here a few times because my girls love it. They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days," shares a visitor about Friendly Beaver Campground, which offers yurt and glamping options along with traditional sites.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the maintenance of bathhouses and common areas as a highlight. "Oxbow takes great care to keep the grounds and the bathrooms/showers very clean. It is obvious he takes pride in ownership," notes a visitor about Oxbow Campground, adding "I would stay here again and for much longer next time."
Variety of swimming options: Beyond natural bodies of water, many campgrounds offer multiple pool options. "So many amenities, you just couldn't get bored if you tried to. Beautiful, extremely clean bathrooms, reasonably priced little cafe, big camp store, very friendly staff, 4 outdoor pools," reports a camper about Cold Springs Camp Resort, making it particularly appealing during hot summer months.
What You Should Know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the area have a mix of secluded and exposed sites. "The campground is very friendly... a lot of seasonal folks. We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine," explains a visitor to Sandy Beach Campground, though they noted challenges with "gypsy moth worms" during certain seasons.
Reservation timing: Peak season (June-August) requires booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for waterfront sites. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating," explains a Pawtuckaway State Park visitor, highlighting the competitive nature of securing premium spots.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations in spring and fall. "We stayed here twice, once in September 2013 and then again in September 2018 and it is one of my favorites," shared a camper describing challenging rain conditions where "the water runoff from the road above and the driveway all ended up flowing right under our tent into the lake."
Tips for Camping with Families
Halloween-themed weekends: Several campgrounds offer special themed weekends in September and October. "Halloween themed weekend was so incredibly fun. The seasonal sights go all out!" shares a visitor about Keyser Pond Campground, where fall camping combines with festive activities, making it a unique experience for yurt camping near Henniker, New Hampshire.
Animal experiences: Kids enjoy the small petting zoos available at select campgrounds. "My girls love it. They have a nice petting zoo of a few goats and a horse," notes a camper who also appreciated that "the general store was adequate" for picking up forgotten supplies.
Multiple playground options: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers several play areas across its extensive grounds. "The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the combination of developed facilities with natural surroundings.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have varying degrees of maneuverability for larger rigs. "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home. Staff is pleasant and helpful. Quiet during the weekdays, picks up over weekends but not too overbearing," notes an RVer at Sandy Beach Campground who traveled in a 34-foot Class A.
Seasonal site options: For those considering longer stays, several campgrounds offer seasonal arrangements. "We stayed here for the season 2021. What a wonderful time at sandys, would definitely stay again," shares a seasonal camper who found the extended stay arrangement beneficial for exploring the region thoroughly.