Equestrian camping near Manchester, New Hampshire offers limited options for horse owners. The region sits at approximately 210 feet above sea level with rolling terrain that transitions to more mountainous areas within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak visitor numbers occurring on summer weekends when temperatures typically range from 60-85°F.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Gunstock Campground provides access to numerous biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "It has pretty spacious sites, they have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," notes Kasey H.
Fishing opportunities: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park features stocked fishing areas accessible to campers. "Fishing and swimming on property along with a club house," mentions Shawn C. in his review, highlighting activities beyond the main golf attraction.
Hiking excursions: Multiple trail systems connect near camping areas. "Got to walk to hike Gunstock. Wished there was a restaurant within walking distance. But not a show stopper," reports Christine M., pointing to convenient trail access directly from the campground.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet environment at certain sites. "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly," explains Ryan F. about his stay at Gunstock Campground.
Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners find accommodations at several locations. "Campground has a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," reports Melissa B., detailing the pet facilities at Gunstock Campground.
Secluded spots: For those seeking more privacy while horse camping near Manchester, certain areas offer more separation. "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect," writes Carolyn S. about her Gunstock Mountain experience.
What you should know
Site placement challenges: Hookup locations can present difficulties at some campgrounds. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, one camper noted: "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Varied site conditions: Surface quality differs significantly between locations and specific sites. "The site had very long grass, bare rock and mud. It was not a site we would have wanted to stay on any longer than the one night," reports Carry M. about certain spots at Hidden Valley.
Limited wooded options: Those seeking shade may face challenges. "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations," advises Melissa B. regarding Gunstock Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Families benefit from diverse recreation choices. "We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!" shares Sara D. about Gunstock Campground, suggesting pre-arrival research for better site selection.
Hospitality matters: Staff assistance can significantly impact family experiences. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, Christy C. reported: "Our generator was down and we needed to pick up our friend at the airport. Lauri loaned us her minivan to go to the airport and Drew loaned us some tools to work on the RV. They were so helpful and treated us like family."
Noise considerations: Be aware of activity noise when selecting sites. "There is a zip line course and a metal 'slide' or coaster behind the Breezy Knolls area which can get kind of noisy between the sounds of the gear and the kids screaming. Lol. But it didn't really bother me personally," notes Melissa B. about specific areas in Gunstock.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking horse-friendly camping near Manchester, prioritize sites with adequate space. "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni," recommends Ryan P. about Gunstock Campground.
Hookup configuration: Pay attention to the layout before setting up. At Tippicanoe Campground, David G. observed: "Tthe sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach, trout stocked pond and all ammenities."
Seasonal considerations: Many sites host long-term campers. "A lot of the campers are seasonal which is May - October each year," notes Christy C. about Hidden Valley RV Park, suggesting the benefit of booking early for prime spots during peak season.
