Cabins near Lee, New Hampshire offer accommodations ranging from rustic to modern across several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Situated in the southeastern region where elevations average 200 feet above sea level, these cabin destinations provide easy access to both inland ponds and coastal areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 60°F to 85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, canoe and kayak rentals allow visitors to explore the lake. "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 a camper.
Explore hiking trails: Bear Brook State Park maintains over 40 miles of trails through its 10,000-acre forest preserve. A visitor remarked, "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."
Visit nearby beaches: Cabin renters can drive 25 minutes to Hampton Beach from Wakeda Campground. "The location is great being 10 minutes or so from Hampton beach. Lots of little farms in the area too," shares a guest who stayed in one of their cabins.
Enjoy campground recreation: Many cabin sites include on-site activities like miniature golf, swimming, and playgrounds. A visitor at Winding River Campground commented, "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 to name a few."
What campers like
Waterfront cabin locations: Guests frequently mention the appeal of lakeside settings. A visitor at Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages noted, "This campground offers some of the greatest vistas of a small New Hampshire pond we have seen." Another camper at Pawtuckaway recommended, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!"
Privacy between sites: Some cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, "Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees," according to one camper who appreciated the natural boundaries.
Clean facilities: Cabin guests often highlight bathroom cleanliness as important. A camper at Pawtuckaway noted, "The closest bath/shower was well kept, with four bathroom stalls and the one huge shower." At Beaver Dam Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The facilities are spotless."
Convenient location: The proximity to both natural areas and towns makes cabins in this region practical for mixed itineraries. "Not far from Boston, making this a nice escape but also a pretty crowded day use park and campground. Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy," wrote one Pawtuckaway visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most Lee area cabin rentals operate from early May through mid-October. A Bear Brook visitor noted seasonal differences: "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit; it helped that it was one of the campgrounds still open after Columbus Day weekend."
Varying water conditions: Lake and pond levels fluctuate seasonally. At Winding River Campground, a camper observed, "The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible, likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos."
Weekend crowds: Expect more activity Friday through Sunday. "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children," mentioned a Pawtuckaway visitor.
Bathroom facilities: Shower availability and quality varies between parks. One camper at Bear Brook reported, "It was the final weekend of the season, so that may explain the lack of attention to cleaning and upkeep of the restrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Consider weekday stays: For quieter family experiences, book Monday through Thursday. "We went 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," shared a Pawtuckaway visitor.
Select cabins near amenities: Families appreciate proximity to bathrooms and play areas. At Old Stage Campground, a guest shared it's "Kid accommodating. Family friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect."
Check for scheduled activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. A Winding River visitor mentioned, "We had a 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."
Evaluate site privacy: Some cabin areas offer better separation between units. At Bear Brook, a camper recommended, "If you are tenting and don't mind a short walk, reserve site R1 for a raised site overlooking the pond."
Tips from RVers
Call about cabin amenities: Verify what's included before arrival. At Winding River, a camper noted of their cabin, "Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn't pull out."
Check road conditions: Some cabins are accessed via unpaved roads. A visitor at Exeter Elms Campground mentioned, "When you first drive-in the potholes are ridiculous and the sites are unkempt."
Verify GPS directions: Navigation systems sometimes direct to incorrect locations. At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, a guest warned, "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions."
Consider cabin location within campground: Position can impact noise levels and privacy. At Bear Brook, a visitor advised, "I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site."
