Pawtuckaway State Park and Bear Brook State Park offer abundant tent and RV camping near Nashua, New Hampshire, with options ranging from waterfront sites to secluded wooded areas. These established campgrounds provide access to New England's outdoor activities throughout their May-October seasons, with many sites requiring reservations during peak summer months. Water access is a key feature at several locations, with Pawtuckaway offering multiple islands for camping and Bear Brook featuring ponds suitable for fishing and non-motorized watercraft.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park's 10,000-acre forest preserve features extensive trail networks for hiking and biking. As one visitor notes, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count... The biking trails were a blast." The park offers trails suitable for various skill levels across its forested landscape.
Swimming and beach activities: The Pine Campground maintains a clean swimming pool for campers. According to a reviewer, "We enjoyed our stay and will be back. Playground was a bit older but it was maintained well, and the kids had fun. They have a pool that we enjoyed on a few of the hot days."
Fishing and boating: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent water access for fishing enthusiasts. A camper explains, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" Many waterfront sites accommodate small boats, canoes, and kayaks.
Wildlife viewing and natural areas: Bear Brook includes several ponds and wetland areas ideal for observing local wildlife. A visitor describes it as having "excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, birding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the water access at Bear Brook State Park Campground. One reviewer recommends, "If you plan ahead and get a waterfront site it's amazing... Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars!" Site selection matters significantly for those seeking water views.
Stream-side camping: The Pine Campground offers sites alongside a small stream, creating a peaceful backdrop. A visitor shares, "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night."
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort stands out for its extensive aquatic facilities. One camper details, "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub." Another adds, "7 pools which include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. At Autumn Hills Campground, a reviewer notes, "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple times a day."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through October, with limited options during off-season. Bear Brook State Park has a specific season running "from early May to late October."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds can become busy and noisy during peak times. At Friendly Beaver Campground, one camper observed, "All everyone does here is ride around in Golf carts with cases of beer and get drunk... It's an underfunded trailer park." Site selection can significantly impact your experience.
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. A Pawtuckaway visitor advises, "If possible, reserve those to ensure the best spots (the sunrise!), but all of the campground sites are nice."
Tick presence: At Autumn Hills Campground, a camper warns, "We have only one con about the grounds, there were a ton of ticks on the edge of the site." Tick prevention measures are recommended during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Autumn Hills Campground offers structured programming for children. A visitor notes, "They do plan and host activities and events for the weekends... There were a bunch of families and everyone seemed to be in good spirits."
Multiple pool options: Cold Springs Camp Resort caters specifically to families with children of various ages. A reviewer details, "So many amenities, you just couldn't get bored if you tried to. Beautiful, extremely clean bathrooms, reasonably priced little cafe, big camp store, very friendly staff, 4 outdoor pools."
Playground access: Consider campsite proximity to playground facilities. At The Pine Campground, one camper suggests, "We picked a site down the road from the playground, if you have kids you may want to be closer."
Animal attractions: Friendly Beaver Campground offers unique opportunities for animal interactions. A visitor shares, "They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Willard Brook State Forest Campground, a camper notes, "Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. Most of the sites are best suited to tents and small trailers (think teardrops and pop-ups)."
Hookup placement: RVers should consider hookup locations when selecting sites. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, a visitor warns, "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."
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger rigs. At Willard Brook, a reviewer notes, "Most of the sites are best suited for tents and small trailers, but a couple of sites can accommodate slightly larger units. They are level and there's not a lot of brush between sites."
Road navigation: Cold Springs Camp Resort presents some challenges for larger vehicles. A camper observes, "Nicely landscaped although the roads are very narrow. Made it hard to back in our spot."
