Cabin accommodations near Jaffrey, New Hampshire provide shelter options for campers who want more protection from the elements. The region sits in the Monadnock Highlands at elevations between 900-1,200 feet with cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most cabin rentals in the area operate from May through October with higher availability midweek than during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season.
What to do
Water activities at the pond: Ashuelot River Campground offers an excellent location for water recreation with options for tubing and paddling. One visitor noted, "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" while another mentioned "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit."
Hiking trails: Otter River State Forest features several hiking paths through wooded areas. A reviewer shared, "The hiking trails in and around the camp trail were nice, but not overly remarkable. Don't recall there being a ton to do in and around the neighboring towns." Another mentioned, "If you drive they have a great breakfast place about two miles from the camp ground."
Fishing opportunities: Pearl Hill State Park Campground provides fishing access. According to one visitor, "There is a beach side of the pond with picnic tables and grills. And theres also a nice little area on the opposite side of the pond with a small entry area to the pond that we bring the dogs to." The park also offers "a nice big open field too with a few lawn games set up."
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort stands out for its extensive water facilities. One camper reported, "Very family centric, 7 pools which (include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools)." Another mentioned, "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub."
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained bath facilities at campgrounds in the area. At Oxbow Campground, a reviewer noted, "Tom takes great care to keep the grounds and the bathrooms/showers very clean. It is obvious he takes pride in ownership." Another camper mentioned, "Clean & up-to-date bathrooms with hot showers. Family-oriented with friendly staff."
Proximity to attractions: Spacious Skies Minute Man offers access to historical sites. A guest shared, "Spacious Skies Minute Man is a forested haven so close to Boston that you think you are in the country. There are so many cool things to do just a short drive away. The nearby town of Ayer is right out of a Norman Rockwell painting." Another mentioned, "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."
What you should know
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies throughout the region. At Otter River State Forest, one camper reported, "I lost cell coverage (Verizon) as I approached the campground, so you may want to ensure you have maps downloaded for offline use if you'll be out exploring." In contrast, at Ashuelot River Campground, visitors should "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits."
Site selection tips: Choose sites carefully for privacy. At Pearl Hill State Park Campground, "I think sites 9-14 offer better privacy than some of the ones closer to the rest rooms, although those sites tend to be relatively level and decent sized." For wooded options, "The sites that are near the small pond are generally larger and have better space for pitching a tent."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can affect campground conditions. One camper at Pearl Hill noted, "Our site and others had some difficulty with drainage, as it's been a super wet summer." Another mentioned that "Swimming area closed for bacteria levels, but lots of other nearby activists for the recreation seeker."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer facilities specifically designed for children. At Oxbow Campground, "They have 3 separate ponds-one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is for swimming." Another reviewer mentioned, "The fishing pond was perfect. I will be returning soon. I highly recommend this place if you have a family."
Activity planning: Structured events help keep children engaged. At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, "The larger pond has a nice beach and picnic area. Hang out by the stream with a little bridge and be lullaby-ed by the whooshing waters." The forest also offers "hiking trails in the area and, of course, swimming at the small pond."
Tent site selection: For families with tents, consider site location carefully. At Swanzey Lake Camping Area, "All tent sites are in the way back of the campground. It is very weird... the office (which is only open until 5 PM????? Whaaaat????) Is across the street from where all the campsites are located." The campground has a "Nice beach, but need to cross public road to get there - short walk."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Consider size restrictions when planning your RV trip. At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, "Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers (think teardrops and pop-ups), but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units." For specific sites, "Site 11 is larger and can accommodate a larger unit."
Hookup information: Verify electrical service before booking. At Friendly Beaver Campground, "With the exception of a handful of the sites at this campground (mainly, the ones on the pond that go exceptionally quickly), the sites are too small, too close together." Another RVer noted issues at a different location: "I had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities."
Accessibility challenges: Road layout affects ease of arrival. At Spacious Skies Minute Man, "Roads are a little interesting to navigate, and definitely aren't the straight lines on their map!" However, the campground is "Easy to maneuver even with a big rig."
