Best Campgrounds near Kingston, NH

Campgrounds in the Kingston, New Hampshire region feature a mix of family-oriented facilities and natural settings within 30 minutes of the coast. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground and Bear Brook State Park Campground provide public land camping options with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several privately operated campgrounds like Exeter Elms Campground and Winding River Campground offer additional camping areas with varying levels of amenities. The area contains both seasonal and year-round camping possibilities, with most facilities concentrated along the region's waterways.

Many campground facilities near Kingston operate on a seasonal schedule, typically from early May through October. "Sites weren't bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches," one visitor noted about the Exeter Elms Campground. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends when coastal proximity makes these campgrounds popular. Temperature variations in spring and fall may affect camping comfort, with nights remaining cool even during summer months. Water access at many sites allows for recreational opportunities, though seasonal water levels can impact activities. Most campgrounds provide both tent and RV sites with varying hookup options, while some offer cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Campground experiences near Kingston vary considerably between public and private facilities. State parks like Pawtuckaway offer more natural settings with hiking trails and pond access, while private campgrounds emphasize family amenities like swimming pools, planned activities, and on-site stores. A camper at Winding River observed, "Great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music." Mixed-use campgrounds in the area typically feature both seasonal campsites occupied by long-term users and transient sites for visitors. Most privately operated campgrounds cater to both tent and RV camping with varying degrees of separation between the two styles, though reviews suggest tent sites are often situated closer together with less privacy than their RV counterparts.

Best Camping Sites Near Kingston, New Hampshire (144)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $35 - $140 / night

    "Driving around this past weekend I did notice that some of the sites had damp spots; site 71 was the worst with deep mud on the long approach."

    "My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone."

    2. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 772-5274

    $48 - $97 / night

    "We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them."

    "Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."

    3. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    25 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

    "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    4. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    5. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."

    "Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."

    6. Beach Rose RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 463-0226

    "Simple, clean, perfect pool set up, quiet and close to beaches and New Hampshire coastline."

    "Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."

    7. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    "So clean, friendly staff and plenty to do here or close by. Minutes away from some very nice beaches"

    "Their location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants including a doughnut shop within walking distance."

    8. Exeter Elms Campground

    7 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631

    $45 - $59 / night

    "Site across the path was a little loud, but we were too I imagine... bet it'd be lots of fun for the kiddos."

    "Sites weren’t bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available :)"

    9. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    32 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    "The bathroom was right next to us. Very clean with a sink outside and shower inside. Overall very great campsite. Would definitely go there more often."

    10. Winding River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Kingston, NH

674 Reviews of 144 Kingston Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    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. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • Kaileigh K.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sandy Pines Campground

    Amazing location and campground amenities

    We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return. I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites. The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • R
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Wells Beach

    Zero wifi or cell signal

    Stayed back in 2023 with travel trailer and experienced almost zero wifi signal as well as verizon cell signal. Returned this past week and found no improvement whatsoever. This on back half of property. Manager stated they are awar and working on it. (For 2 years?). Could not plan anything, check weather unless you walked or drive up front. Light globes at various sites next to campers lit all night and were annoying so covered with bag. Some sites are just bad..huge pine tree at 428 caused camper to park his angled. Fire wood being sold is all pine & burns up immediately.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that

  • Savanna B.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Place is nice, can get loud

    It's a nice campground with a pool and hottub. The store is a little overpriced. Most of the staff is okay but there are some that are a little rude. It can get loud at times but it's mostly chill


Guide to Kingston

Kingston area campgrounds range from state-owned forests to private facilities with varying levels of development. Campsites typically sit at elevations between 100-300 feet, creating mild temperature variations even during summer months. Most campgrounds within a 30-minute radius of Kingston can accommodate both tent and RV camping, though waterfront sites at state parks fill up fastest during peak season.

What to do

Water activities at Pawtuckaway State Park: The park offers excellent canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. "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," notes Matt R. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.

Beach access from Salisbury Beach: Located about 25 minutes from Kingston, this campground provides direct beach access. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!" reports Sara D. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

Hiking trails at Bear Brook: The extensive trail system accommodates hikers of all skill levels. "The park is very dog friendly for camping as well as hiking. The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," shares Gabby M. about Bear Brook State Park.

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Premium lakeside spots provide scenic views and direct water access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" explains J L. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.

Seasonal events and activities: Many private campgrounds offer organized entertainment. "There were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few. Staff were friendly and helpful," says Lisa H. about Winding River Campground.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high with campers. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," notes Rebecca S. about Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.

What you should know

Seasonal opening schedules: Most campgrounds operate from May through October with limited facilities during shoulder seasons. "Camped here in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," reports Kris M. about Pawtuckaway.

Pet policies vary significantly: Some state parks restrict dogs during peak season. "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. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," mentions Erin W. about Pawtuckaway.

Site privacy differences: Campgrounds offer varying levels of seclusion. "Not very private and sites are packed close together, but that is what I expected based off the map!" explains Meg T. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

Tips for camping with families

Beach proximity options: Several campgrounds offer easy access to ocean beaches. "We rode bikes to Salisbury Beach and my young adult son rode his longboard to the beach. We thought the small campsites would bother us, but after one day we got used to it and it was fine," says Ray C. about Beach Rose RV Park.

Playground facilities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's areas. "The kids had enough driving for the day so we had to stop. We called last min and were thankful they had a spot. Beautiful clean site. Felt so welcomed by the hosts," notes Jac about Beach Rose RV Park.

Water recreation for children: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas specifically designed for younger campers. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!" shares Kristen L. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Most private campgrounds offer full hookups while state parks may have limited electrical options. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," notes Zachary W. about Wakeda Campground.

Site length variations: Check site specifications before booking larger rigs. "The park recently added new 50-amp full hook-up sites (some of which are pull-thrus) so there are plenty of options for big-rigs," explains Nancy W. about Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort.

Dumping stations: Not all campgrounds provide on-site sewer hookups. "Good sites, with water and 30 amp electric. Easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly, big dump site, and good prices," mentions John O. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Kingston, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kingston, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.

What parks are near Kingston, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Kingston, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.