Hopkinton-Everett Lake sits within a 4,500-acre flood control project in central New Hampshire, with elevations ranging from 340 to 560 feet above sea level. The surrounding area features multiple natural ponds, forested hills, and extensive trail systems across varying terrain. Seasonal water levels fluctuate significantly, affecting shorelines and water access points between May and October when most glamping facilities operate.
What to Do
Kayaking and canoeing: Keyser Pond Campground offers direct water access with protected shorelines suitable for beginners. "The campground is very friendly... We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine. The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy," noted one visitor at Sandy Beach Campground.
Fishing: Multiple catch-and-release ponds exist throughout the area, with Oxbow Campground maintaining dedicated fishing ponds separate from swimming areas. "The fishing pond was perfect. I will be returning soon. I highly recommend this place if you have a family or simply need a place to clear your mind," reports a visitor at Oxbow Campground.
Hiking: Trail networks connect many camping areas to the wider Hopkinton-Everett reservoir system. "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization. We stayed on site 22, which was spacious and private from the other sites on either side," explains a camper at Bear Brook State Park.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between properties. "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at," noted a visitor at Autumn Hills. Another camper at Bear Brook State Park shared: "The bath and shower house was well maintained and a short walk from 22."
Waterfront access: Sites along ponds provide direct water access with varying privacy levels. "Sites 13-25 back up against a hill. Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion," explains a Bear Brook State Park camper about site selection strategy.
Seasonal events: Most glamping destinations near Hopkinton-Everett offer structured weekend activities. "We went for halloween weekend in August and their haunted house was incredible for a campground! Nicely landscaped although the roads are very narrow. Made it hard to back in our spot," reported a camper at Cold Springs Camp Resort.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Waterfront sites book months in advance, particularly at the more premium glamping locations. "Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others," advises a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Site privacy variations: Privacy between glamping sites varies tremendously. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite. The facilities were close enough to the sites, but far enough away to not have the light shining into your tents," notes a Bear Brook visitor.
Adult-only areas: Several properties maintain separated sections for different demographics. "My biggest gripe is the limit of 2 adults MAX per site. As an adult with no kids I would like to bring along another couple once in a while that also enjoys camping," comments a Cold Springs visitor about restrictions some properties maintain.
Tips for Camping with Families
Multiple pools: Most glamping resorts offer separate swimming areas for different age groups. "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. They have a few animals the kids can feed," shared a parent at Friendly Beaver Campground.
Supervised activities: Scheduled events vary by property and season. "There's a basketball court and playground, a beach volleyball court, a little pond. There are dumpsters here, but no recycling," reports a Keyser Pond visitor about amenities.
Proximity to attractions: Most glamping sites are within 30 minutes of larger attractions. "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," notes a Bear Brook visitor about accessibility.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many glamping properties have uneven terrain requiring adjustments. "I noticed a price difference between the two of them, so went with the less expensive option! It was the final weekend of the season, so that may explain the lack of attention to cleaning and upkeep of the restrooms," shared an RVer at Bear Brook State Park about seasonal considerations.
Seasonal booking: Most glamping operations near Hopkinton-Everett operate May through October with limited winter options. "Electric (30 and 50amp), water, satellite and cable hookups as well as tank dump hookups at each site. 6 months is only 2300$ + elec. Open in the winter for $400/mo. + elec," notes a visitor at Great Meadow Campground about long-term options.
Hookup variations: Water and electrical hookups vary significantly between glamping properties. "The campground itself is well kept up with, store was great, has 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," reports a Friendly Beaver visitor regarding amenities.
