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Camping near Manchester, NH

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    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 (178)

    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."

      from $35 - $140 / night

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      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

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      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

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      4. 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

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      5. Friendly Beaver Campground

      3.4(13)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

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      6. 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

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      7. 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!"

      from $35 - $105 / night

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      8. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

      4.0(4)11mi from ManchesterRVs, Tents
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      9. Berry's Grove Campground

      4.8(13)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

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

      5.0(1)9mi from ManchesterTents
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    Recent Camping Photos near Manchester, NH

    373 Photos of 178 Manchester Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Manchester, NH

    842 Reviews of 178 Manchester Campgrounds

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Lorraine Campground

      What a gem of a campground. The park staff are very helpful and friendly. The facilities: bathrooms, showers, dump station and trash receptacles are spotless. They offer nature oriented fun activities for all ages! And they even have playgrounds for the littles to play on. The sites are are mixed use, offering tent only, RV with electric, and group sites. They also have yurts that can rented, which come with a full size bed and bunk beds.

    • E
      Sep. 16, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Campground good -Management Bad

      This RV park was a small little park with a little lake to fish and swim (if you're brave enough) Overall had a pleasant experience until 2 weeks after we had left.

      After paying and calling to ensure we were all squared away before leaving with a good to go and a zero-dollar balance, we left. 2 weeks later they charged my card again without letting me know.  I figured it must have been a mistake since I had the paperwork with a zero-dollar balance AND I called to ensure we were all set.   

      Turns out it was purposeful- management decided that there was an additional admin fee after I had left the property.  Note that this was not anything to do with any mess or damage left behind -That I could completely understand but this was a random additional charge. They went ahead and charged without any warning and with no real explanation. 

      I stayed here for 2 months and the first month had no such issues and no additional payments due.

      If you stay here- be aware that they can charge your card EVEN IF you call and make sure you are all set AND have proof of a zero dollar balance. 

      They will say its in the contract and while there is an admin fee section in the contract- it does not state anywhere that it will be charged later, not included in your original bill or anything that would make charging your card randomly acceptable - especially with a zero dollar balance.

      I'm not sure how many times they do this to people but the charge was on the smaller side, so they probably get away with this A LOT.

    • R
      Sep. 14, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Dimension To The Trip

      We brought the boat along and having water access added an entirely different dimension to the trip. Instead of loading everything into the truck and driving somewhere for the day, we could make being on the water part of the camping experience itself.

    • Cynthia M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Great Meadow Campground

      Great seasonal campground

      This is our 2nd year as seasonal campers and it is wonderful. The seasons sites are very spacious and most have plenty of shade/sun. The transient site are not as spacious but have grassy areas and plenty of sun. There are no tent sites at this time

    • Maria A.
      Sep. 9, 2026

      The Pines Campground

      Peaceful place

      Pleasant place, pool with good facilities; I recommend it.

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 9, 2026

      Wakeda Campground, LLC

      Large, clean and quiet

      This is a nice campground with 90% permanent upscale sites. Don’t let that deter you, the nightly spots are concentrated have excellent natural surroundings. Decent size spaces and mostly level. Workers were nice and many things to do.

    • Oscar W.
      Sep. 9, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      Made The Trip Worth

      Coffee by the water before anyone else in our camper woke up. That alone made the trip worth it.

    • Dylan B.
      Sep. 8, 2026

      Berry's Grove Campground

      A Great Arrangement

      We have family around Nashua but wanted to bring the RV rather than stay at someone’s house for several days. This turned out to be a great arrangement. We could spend the day visiting everyone and then come back to our own space at night. It also meant nobody had to rearrange their house for us, which I’m sure they appreciated as much as we did.

    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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