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Best Campgrounds near Manchester, NH

764 Reviews

State parks and private campgrounds surround Manchester, New Hampshire, providing diverse camping experiences within a 30-mile radius of the city. Bear Brook State Park, located in Deerfield about 20 miles east of Manchester, stands as New Hampshire's largest state park with wooded campsites under towering pines. Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham offers waterfront camping along Pawtuckaway Lake with opportunities for paddling, swimming, and hiking to a fire tower. Closer to Manchester, Calef Lake Camping Area in Auburn and Hidden Valley RV Park in Derry provide more developed options with full hookups for RVs. The camping landscape includes everything from primitive tent sites to glamping accommodations and cabins, with most facilities operating seasonally from May through October.

Most campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during the peak summer season. Cell phone coverage varies significantly, with many state parks offering limited connectivity—Verizon users typically report 1-2 bars in wooded areas. As one camper noted about Bear Brook State Park, "The campground is tucked away in the woods so you really feel like you're away from the cities in the area." New Hampshire's notorious mosquitoes become active in late spring, making insect repellent essential equipment. Many campgrounds close for winter, though the Military Park at New Boston Air Force Station remains open year-round. Narrow access roads and tight camping loops can challenge larger RVs, especially at older state park campgrounds.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, though they require booking well in advance. "Generally large and level sites, many with water access. Make your reservation well in advance if you're planning to visit during peak season or if you want a prime waterfront site," advises one Pawtuckaway State Park reviewer. Family-friendly amenities feature prominently in the region's campgrounds, with Bear Brook offering playgrounds, beaches, and hiking trails. Bathroom facilities vary widely in quality and maintenance, with some state parks providing free showers while others require quarters for hot water. Pet policies differ significantly between locations—some state parks prohibit pets during peak season (Memorial Day to Columbus Day), while private campgrounds typically welcome them year-round with certain restrictions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Manchester, New Hampshire (168)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    16 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. Bear Brook State Park Campground

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

    $35 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    3. Calef Lake Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Auburn, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 483-8282

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in southern NH! Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."

    "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."

    4. Friendly Beaver Campground

    13 Reviews
    New Boston, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 487-5570

    $60 - $130 / night

    "The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."

    "I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."

    5. Autumn Hills Campground

    9 Reviews
    Goffstown, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 529-2425

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Lake access, inground pool, ball field, and lots of activities for the kids makes this a great place to relax with the family."

    "Campground is peaceful and quiet; the lake is within close proximity to most sites; I wouldn’t say it’s the best place for swimming but overall a great place to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle about"

    6. Cold Springs Camp Resort

    6 Reviews
    Weare, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 529-2528

    $69 - $130 / night

    "Beautiful, extremely clean bathrooms, reasonably priced little cafe, big camp store, very friendly staff, 4 outdoor pools & pretty big campground that has a gated entry/exit that needs a key card pass"

    7. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."

    "Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"

    8. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

    4 Reviews
    Derry, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 887-3767

    9. Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area

    1 Review
    New Boston, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 471-2452

    10. Epsom Valley Campground

    7 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 736-9758

    $35 - $165 / night

    "I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."

    "We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, NH

467 Photos of 168 Manchester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Manchester, NH

764 Reviews of 168 Manchester 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.

  • 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.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • 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).

Guide to Manchester

Camping near Manchester, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Greenfield State Park Campground appreciate the large, private sites. A long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Lorraine Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The sanitary building is clean with good showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the amenities at Sandy Pines Campground. A satisfied camper said, "Beautiful setting, very well run, clean and comfortable bathrooms. Lots of family-friendly amenities."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: At Monadnock State Park Campground, some campers reported no cell service. One said, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing a furry friend, check the rules. For instance, pets are not allowed at White Lake State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier conditions on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground mentioned, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Wompatuck State Park Campground. One camper said, "Wompatuck is a charming state park with numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Bear Brook State Park Campground enjoyed the beach and playground, saying, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Pack for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in wooded areas. A camper at Monadnock State Park Campground warned, "The bugs… holy hell, the bugs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Minute Man Campground mentioned, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups, like Sandy Pines Campground. One camper said, "The campground is clean and the facilities are in great shape."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Wompatuck State Park Campground noted, "You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods."

Camping around Manchester, NH, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Manchester, NH?

The Manchester area boasts several highly-rated campgrounds. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is a family-owned gem offering beautiful views of a serene New Hampshire pond. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park receives excellent reviews for its friendly atmosphere, cleanliness, and recreational activities. For those seeking more natural settings, Pillsbury State Park provides a more primitive camping experience with lakeside sites. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with golfing opportunities. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Gilson Pond Campground at Monadnock State Park offers access to one of New Hampshire's most popular hiking mountains.

Are there affordable camping options in Manchester, NH?

Yes, there are several budget-friendly camping options near Manchester. Pillsbury State Park Campground offers primitive camping (no showers or electric hookups) at reasonable rates, with many sites situated on a beautiful lake. Greenfield State Park Campground provides affordable camping in a wooded setting with access to hiking trails. State park campgrounds typically charge $25-45 per night depending on residency and amenities. For an even more economical option, the new Roots and Wings Homestead offers a relaxing rural New Hampshire camping experience. Camping off-season (spring/fall) can also result in lower rates and fewer crowds at many campgrounds near Manchester.

What amenities do Manchester, NH campgrounds offer?

Campgrounds near Manchester offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Tully Lake Recreation Area provides prime campsites with direct water access. Beach Rose RV Park features a swimming pool, clean facilities, and is conveniently located near beaches. For families, many campgrounds like Friendly Beaver and Cold Springs Camp Resort offer playgrounds, swimming areas, camp stores, and organized activities. Full-service RV parks typically provide electric hookups, water connections, dump stations, and Wi-Fi. State park campgrounds like Bear Brook include amenities such as restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, though they may have more limited facilities than private campgrounds. Many campgrounds also rent cabins for those without camping equipment.

What parks in Manchester, NH allow camping?

While Manchester itself has limited camping options within city limits, there are several excellent parks near Manchester that allow camping. Bear Brook State Park Campground is New Hampshire's largest state park and offers extensive camping facilities within a reasonable drive from Manchester. For those willing to travel a bit further, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provides wooded campsites with water access. Both parks feature hiking trails, swimming areas, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Additionally, several private campgrounds like Friendly Beaver Campground in New Boston and Calef Lake Camping Area in Auburn are within a short drive of Manchester and offer camping year-round.

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