Camping options near Hudson, New Hampshire extend beyond traditional sites, with several forested state parks within a 30-mile radius. The area's rolling terrain sits at elevations between 200-500 feet, creating diverse camping environments from riverside spots to wooded retreats. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer camping season brings average highs in the 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails: Pawtuckaway State Park offers "pretty serious trail up and around some mountains, to a fire tower, ponds" according to Harry H., who notes the park's "excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy."
Lake activities: The water areas at Pawtuckaway provide multiple recreation options. Matt R. describes it as "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."
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park is recognized for its excellent trail system. Eammon C. notes, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count." Another visitor adds, "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the region offer swimming areas with varying features. At Bear Brook, you'll find "kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites" plus "a very nice" pool according to a recent visitor.
Geocaching adventures: For those seeking unique outdoor activities, Jean C. notes that at Bear Brook there are "numerous trails call out of exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise lakefront camping options. At Calef Lake Camping Area, visitors enjoy "lake access 24/7 and secluded campsites," with one camper noting, "Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."
Streamside camping: For those who prefer the sound of running water, The Pine Campground provides a peaceful experience. Ian H. shares, "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night."
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained bathrooms at Bear Brook State Park. Gabby M. was "impressed by how well the grounds were kept and how clean the bathrooms were," while another camper notes they're "cleaned multiple time a day."
Yurt camping: Those seeking glamping near Hudson, New Hampshire can explore yurt options. Willard Brook State Forest offers "a large yurt suitable for 10 people" with electricity according to Jean C., making it a comfortable alternative to traditional tent camping.
Winter accessibility: While most campgrounds operate seasonally, some provide year-round options. The Pine Campground remains open throughout winter, offering Hudson area yurt camping alternatives when most state parks are closed.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. At Pawtuckaway, J L. advises "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating."
Seasonal restrictions: Some parks have seasonal limitations. Kris M. notes about Pawtuckaway State Park: "On Friday afternoon from about 1pm (when we first arrived) til 5 (when we last checked) the ranger station was closed, so we couldn't check in or get wood."
Pet policies: Rules for dogs vary significantly between parks. At Pawtuckaway, one camper was disappointed to "learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months."
Noise levels: Campground atmosphere varies greatly. Some reviewers mention noise issues, with one noting that at Pawtuckaway "campers aren't respectful of other campers and very noisy here," while another describes it as "really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children."
Limited privacy: Site spacing differs between campgrounds. At Calef Lake, one camper mentions, "They originally booked us on a site so small, our tent wouldn't even fit so we weren't going to be able to have a fire because our tent was so close to it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Autumn Hills Campground provides family-friendly amenities including "a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances," according to one reviewer.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events. At Calef Lake Camping Area, Sara D. mentions they had "kids and adult paint the weekend we were there," providing structured entertainment options.
Beach facilities: Several parks feature swimming areas designed for children. Jean C. notes that at Bear Brook, there's a "playgrounds both at the campground and at the Catamount Pond beach. There's another beach in the campground itself."
Site selection: When camping with children, location matters. At Bear Brook, Ellen C. recommends specific areas: "I also liked the sites across from ours near the ball field and thought they would make a nice place for a large group of friends to pitch their tents (Sites 31, 32, 33, 34)."
Rental options: For families seeking yurt camping near Hudson, New Hampshire without purchasing equipment, rental options exist. Willard Brook State Forest provides a fully-equipped yurt that "offers electricity" and accommodates larger family groups.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. Carry M. found at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park that "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Hookup quality: RVers should check what utilities are available. Hidden Valley provides "300 camping sites with full hookups," according to Christy C., who found it "Very reasonably priced at $40 per night."
Navigation challenges: Roads within campgrounds can create difficulties. Jean C. notes at Bear Brook: "I was in site 38 and found that 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."
Winter options: Most RV parks in the region close seasonally, but some offer extended seasons. Those needing year-round RV camping should contact campgrounds directly about winter availability and services.
