3 MONTHS FREEPlan your New Hampshire trip with offline maps, RV Trip Planner, and the Free Camping Map.Try PRO
Try PRO free for 3 months
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Camping near Manchester, NH

5 campgrounds with availability this weekend

Search destinations
    Add dates

    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.

    Best Campgrounds near Manchester (179)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

      4.2(45)16mi from Manchester189 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $35 - $140 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Bear Brook State Park Campground

      4.4(29)11mi from Manchester100 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $35 - $45 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Calef Lake Camping Area

      4.0(7)6mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $40 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Friendly Beaver Campground

      3.5(14)14mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $60 - $130 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Autumn Hills Campground

      3.9(10)12mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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"

      from $45 - $60 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Berry's Grove Campground

      4.9(21)20mi from Manchester

      "We had plans on both sides of the state line, so the location worked really well for our trip."

      "The location is what made this place for us. Waking up and being able to walk right down to the water was great. We spent most of our stay fishing, sitting outside, and just enjoying the campground."

      from $1950 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Cold Springs Camp Resort

      4.7(7)14mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      "They have hundreds of sites, mostly seasonal but gives you nice walk to see the place. The pools were really nice and again clean. They have a snack shack with breakfast, lunch and dinner."

      from $69 - $130 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Greenfield State Park Campground

      4.2(21)22mi from Manchester255 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      Campground full this weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $35 - $105 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

      4.0(4)11mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents
      Check Availability

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

      5.0(1)9mi from ManchesterTents
      Check Availability
    View all 179 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Presented byLifeStraw

    Review campgrounds, win gear.

    Enter to Win

    Manchester Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, NH

    373 Photos of 179 Manchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Manchester, NH

    871 Reviews of 179 Manchester Campgrounds

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 30, 2026

      Winter Island Park

      Basically a parking lot but with great views!

      I’m not going to lie this was a little tricky for big rigs to get to, but with lots of patience and skillful driving, it is doable. Salem is an old New England town so there are many narrow streets and some low clearances. Follow the directions on the parks website as they are designed for RVs– don’t use Google Maps unless you are a small camper. Even getting into the park is kind of challenging because of the way the entrance is laid out with the entrance booth and some low hanging trees. This campground is in a municipal park with a marina, beach, a short walking trail, and picnic areas. The campground has different sections and totally different feels to them. We arrived on a weekend and section we were in the section which is in the parking lot of a busy marina. The parking lot was half full which made for navigating our 45’ bus into our site pretty hard. 

      No sites have fire pits but you can have a fire if you bring your own above ground pit. Tent sites have picnic tables but nothing else. Some sites you can drive to and have a car onsite and others are non-vehicle access sites (11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27& 38) in which you have to park in a parking lot. Some RV sites have great water views and others are in a back gravel lot. In my opinion, the best RV sites are 12-16(A-D) because they have a water view. Sites 16B-D are a little tricky for big-rigs to get into because of the tight space. Our site (#13) had a slight downhill slope. We pulled in forward so we could have a view of the harbor which meant the utilities (water electric only) were in the front of our site but we were able to reach without an extension cord. We loved watching the action in the harbor. There is a gazebo by the water which we enjoyed siting under and watching boats go in and out of the harbor while it rained. 

      There is a nice sandy beach onsite which attracts a lot of day use vistors. The grounds are interesting to walk around as the water views are nice and there is an old fort to explore. Nearby town of Salem Willows is(about½ mile away) is a cute old seaside town with restaurants and arcades. They have a Bluebike rental station which is an easy way to get downtown and explore the area if you don’t have a car.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort

      Pleasantly surprised.

      This campground is mostly seasonal, privately owned park models, but has 45 spaces for RV’s. I was a little skeptical about staying at this campground with so many park models and seasonals but was pleasantly surprised at how nice, clean, and tidy all the sites were. They obviously take pride in how things look because the grounds and campsites were very well-kept. 

      All campsites are 50/30-amp full hook-up with level gravel pads with grassy patios, a picnic table, and fire pit. We stayed in site#702 which was long enough for our 45’ motorhome and tow car. All the utilities were easy to reach and the electric worked well. The only problem was that we were parked under a large oak tree that was profusely shedding large acorns. There are some sites that are in the open which I would definitely choose, if I came back in the fall. The campground is gated which is a nice feature. It is located a mile or so off Route 1 which means you don’t get the road noise and traffic, but still conveniently located near shops and restaurants. 

      One nice feature are the shaded walking trails in the park. While they are not super long, it is a nice change from walking the roads (which are paved). Other amenities include a decent size swimming pool (closed while we were there), a basketball court, playground, laundry, and camp store.  I thought it was a little expensive at $75/night (for full hook-up) at the end of the season, especially since the pool was closed.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Sun Outdoors Wells Beach

      Tight sites and expensive, busy area along the Maine coast

      We stopped here in the summer to check out the coastal towns in southern Maine. There are many campgrounds in the area and we chose this one because they had a 25% off coupon (on a 7-night stay) which gave us the best nightly price in the area. However, the nightly rate was still$74/night, one reason being they charge a “resort fee” of$15/day which is ridiculous. This is a typical resort-style campground with lots of amenities (most of which we never use). But, for some people, this is a destination campground because of all the amenities- a large heated swimming pool, basketball courts, sand volleyball, bocce, fitness center, two playgrounds, 18-hole minigolf (that you pay extra for), and more. 

      The campsites in the front of the park are sandwiched between the swimming pool and Route 1 which is very busy and noisy. Campsites in the far back portion of the campground are shaded and a much quieter section. Camping pads and patios are a mix of gravel and sand. Many sites have shade and some have an astroturf patio (I think those are “premium” sites). Our campsite was in the middle section which was fairly quiet but the sites are close together with no privacy. The site was a long and level pull thru with a gravel pad and gravel/sand patio. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit. 

      There is a tent-only section and they have renal cabins. There is lots to do for families in the area including the beach and amusement and water parks. Restaurants of all sorts are nearby. You can easily walk to Congdon’s Donuts which is a Maine classic.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 29, 2026

      Seacoast Camping and RV Resort

      Nice Campground, Love the area!

      This is a nice, clean, well-maintained campground for RV and tenting. The campground is located on Route 1 which means you are convenient to a lot of things but there is lots of traffic. Half the campground is seasonal/long term campers and the other side is mostly transients. The roads and campsites are fine crushed gravel with nice grassy patios. The campground is very well maintained (the best part being that the mower collects they cut the grass so no clippings get tracked in your camper). There are some mature trees that provide shade but don’t impede navigating in and out of sites or impacting slide outs. 

      Campsites range from tent with water/electric to RV water/electric and RV full hook-up 50-amp and full hook-up 30-amp. There are three bathhouses on the property (one of which has a dishwashing sink) and laundry. Tent sites 50-55 are in an are set away from RV sites and more private. They are also close to a large bathhouse with multiple toilets and showers. Tent sites 90-100 are across from a large playground which can be quite chaotic, but if you have kids, this is a great spot. 

      Our site (#147) was a long pull-thru with a descent amount of space between our neighbors. We got about half a dozen over-the-air channels (one being a major network station) and were able to connect with eastern arc satellites with our Dish Satellite. The 50A electric was good as was the water pressure. 

      The campground does not have much in the way of amenities except for a game room, basketball court, and playground. The game room is pretty cool with lots of arcade-style games, a pool table, foosball, and table tennis. While we were there, they just finished putting in all new playground equipment and enlarged the size making it really big and a hit with the kids in the park. Once convenience is that maintenance picks up garbage at your site (between 8am– 3pm). Unfortunately, people leave them out after hours and animals got into them and scattered garbage everywhere.  We've stayed here before and always enjoy being in the area as it is close to the fun cities of Portsmouth and Newburyport.

    • Devon B.
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Crow's Nest Campground

      Play Games

      The recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂

    • Briggs M.
      Oct. 27, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Nice Place To Relax

      We were visiting family around Nashua and needed somewhere to park the RV nearby. Berry’s Grove ended up being a really good fit. We could come and go easily and still have a nice place to relax at the end of the day.

    • KThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 26, 2026

      Hampton Beach State Park Campground

      Oceanfront camping at its best—full hookups just steps from the beach. Located in popular Hampton Beach, you'll be close to nightly bandshell concerts and vibrant nightlife. There is a lottery system in place for stays during the summer.

    • Riley B.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Crow's Nest Campground

      Spend A Few Days

      We came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.

    • Harvey R.
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Never Got Old

      Waking up with the lake right outside the camper never got old. We would have breakfast, sit by the water for a while and then head out to explore the area.

    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.

    Keep Exploring

    4. View all New Hampshire cities for camping