Lyndeborough camping options extend beyond the upscale glamping resorts mentioned elsewhere. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation in southern New Hampshire's Hillsborough County, where dense forests and small ponds create diverse camping environments. Fall foliage peaks in early October, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 45°F even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks suitable for day hiking. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained paths through New Hampshire's largest developed state park.
Fishing opportunities: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground's multiple ponds provide excellent fishing from designated wheelchair-accessible docks. A camper observed, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!"
Mountain biking excursions: Bear Brook's trail system attracts dedicated mountain bikers. One visitor mentioned, "The mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" The park offers terrain suitable for various skill levels with interconnected loops.
Educational museums: Bear Brook State Park contains both a snowmobile museum and a Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) museum. "For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp museum. The CCC built much of the infrastructure here and elsewhere in the country," explains a camper.
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort features seven distinct pool areas for different age groups. A satisfied visitor reported, "7 pools which (include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools)."
Clean facilities: Oxbow Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Tom takes great care to keep the grounds and the bathrooms/showers very clean. It is obvious he takes pride in ownership," notes one camper appreciating the maintenance standards.
Pet-friendly sites: Many campgrounds welcome dogs, though with varying restrictions. At Autumn Hills Campground, visitors noted, "They have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances. Pet friendly."
Waterfront relaxation: Several parks offer waterfront camping sites. At Pawtuckaway, a camper shared, "In 2018 we stayed in sites 110 and our friends stayed in 109 on Big Island. Those were wonderful sites, level with great views of the lake and are situated right across from the bath/shower."
What you should know
Site size variations: Site dimensions vary considerably between campgrounds. The Pine Campground received praise for generous spaces: "Staff assisted to guide us into our space. 25' travel trailer, full hookups. Lot 6, backs onto a little creek."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with state parks closing earlier in fall. Willard Brook State Forest Campground has a particularly short season, operating only "from late May to early September."
Weather considerations: Prepare for unpredictable New England weather, even in summer. One Autumn Hills visitor mentioned, "The lake is amazing!" but warned about potential wildlife: "We have only one con about the grounds, there were a ton of ticks on the edge of the site."
Noise levels: Keyser Pond Campground can experience significant highway noise at some sites. A camper advised, "The tent sites are wicked small, packed together and so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Friendly Beaver Campground offers a petting zoo for children. A parent recommended, "We've been back her a few times because my girls love it... They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming facilities. According to a visitor to Friendly Beaver, "They have 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool. Lots of activities for the kids and the bathrooms were pretty clean for a campground. We will definitly be back."
Yurt camping options: For families seeking yurt camping near Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, Willard Brook State Forest offers a large yurt that accommodates up to 10 people. As one camper noted, "The yurt does offer electricity, but there are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to playgrounds. At Bear Brook State Park, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Autumn Hills Campground has some challenging sites for larger units. One RVer shared, "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."
Leveling requirements: RVers should bring leveling equipment. At Keyser Pond Campground, a visitor noted, "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it."
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at The Pine Campground appreciated their setup: "25' travel trailer, full hookups. Lot 6, backs onto a little creek."
Dump station availability: Limited dump stations exist in the area. One visitor noted about Willard Brook, "There are no hookups nor a dump station at the campground."
