Best Campgrounds near New Durham, NH

Camping areas around New Durham, New Hampshire span several developed campgrounds and natural settings within the Lakes Region. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground in nearby Nottingham offers tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options with lake access. Gunstock Campground in Gilford provides 250 sites with various accommodation types including cabins. Several campgrounds in the area feature amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere. The region includes both family-oriented resorts such as Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Milton and adult-focused campgrounds, creating a diverse mix of camping experiences within a 30-minute drive of New Durham.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, with most campgrounds operating from May through October. Summer months bring warm days ideal for swimming and water activities, while fall offers spectacular foliage viewing opportunities. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays and waterfront locations. Campgrounds like Sun River in Center Barnstead operate from mid-May to mid-October, while others like Pawtuckaway State Park remain open until October 31st. Cell service varies throughout the region, with several visitors noting spotty coverage in more remote areas. A visitor commented that "phone coverage is poor (Verizon); can usually get texts out. If you want to geocache, download the info for offline use!"

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the New Durham area, with lakes and rivers serving as focal points for many campgrounds. Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer water access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Pawtuckaway State Park earns praise for its lake setting, with one camper noting that "the park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake. The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake." Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities are common at larger campgrounds, while smaller sites offer more seclusion and natural surroundings. Several visitors mentioned the region's proximity to hiking trails in the White Mountains as an added benefit, allowing campers to enjoy both water recreation and mountain exploration during their stay.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Durham, New Hampshire (265)

    1. Gunstock Campground

    13 Reviews
    Gilford, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 737-4355

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."

    "Pros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of"

    2. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    25 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."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    6 Reviews
    Milton, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 652-9022

    $64 / night

    "Started with really expensive sites, and we had 4 of them next to one another. Rained the whole time we were there. Wouldnt even consider a discount, nothing."

    "This is a glampground, keep this in mind, if your looking for a peacful Shangri-La seek another campground, if your looking to let loose and enjoy an amenity filled experience around other people, give"

    4. Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA

    7 Reviews
    Rochester, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465

    "We were able to book last minute and got a great tenting site, next to a running river that was great to sleep to. Very buggy, but it's outside, what do you expect?"

    "Staff was very friendly and extremely cautious about their surroundings. Plenty of things to do to stay busy during the rainy days."

    5. Sun River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 269-3333

    $30 / night

    "The facilities, which include bathhouses, a laundry room, and a beach situated along a tranquil river, contribute to a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all."

    "Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available"

    6. Bear Brook State Park Campground

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

    $35 - $45 / night

    "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."

    "Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."

    7. Granite State Campground

    7 Reviews
    Belmont, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 393-6003

    "New bath houses, New hook-ups on many sites Close drive to Lake Winnisquam and Winnipesaukee, Close drive to Gunstock Mountain, not far from Laconia, wooded sites, The camp has some seasonal full timers"

    "This campground is one of my favorites in the lakes region. Affordable prices, large wooded sites and great staff."

    8. Turtle Kraal RV Park

    1 Review
    Alton, NH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 855-2377

    "Turtle Kraal RV campground is a gated RV campground just outside Alton Bay NH.  Lots of great restaurants, ice cream shops and water activities are nearby!  "

    9. Roots and wings homestead

    1 Review
    Farmington, NH
    7 miles
    +1 (228) 547-5880

    $70 - $200 / night

    "The Roots & Wings Homestead is new to the Dyrt and offers a great spot to relax in rural New Hampshire.  Check them out and make sure to post some pictures of your stay!"

    10. Flat Rock Bridge Family Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rochester, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465
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Recent Reviews near New Durham, NH

1210 Reviews of 265 New Durham 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.
    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.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Julie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Wassamki Springs Campground

    Great Family campground!

    The amenities here make it a wonderful place for kids and adults!!   Nice,  clean and quiet!    I stayed on a spot by the water, that was totally worth the upgrade.

  • Kaileigh K.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Sandy Pines Campground

    Amazing location and campground amenities

    We had an amazing long weekend at Sandy Pines and will definitely plan to return. I loved that there was a tent only area that felt a little more secluded and quiet with some nice privacy between sites. The playground and pool were a hit with the kids. The bathrooms were always clean and single user, some had showers as well. The proximity to goose rocks beach was a major plus!

  • 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!

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • 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 New Durham

Camping near New Durham, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to water for kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Franconia Notch State Park. A camper noted, "The park includes a large family beach on the lake...trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Fishing: Many lakes and rivers in the area are great for fishing. Campers at Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park have enjoyed the fishing opportunities, stating, "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground. One review said, "A beautiful location!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Bear Brook State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were very clean!!"
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lorraine Park Campground offer activities for kids. One reviewer noted, "There is a well-maintained playground for kids and there are activities planned for kids and adults."

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hancock Campground mentioned, "Most sites are close together with very little privacy."
  • No Pets Allowed: If you're bringing a furry friend, check the pet policies. For example, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground allows pets only on hiking trails, not in the campground.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lost River Valley Campground, may have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms were pretty gross and need updating."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, which has a playground and activities for kids. One family said, "Such a great place for families."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: If you're camping near water, be prepared for bugs. A camper at Lorraine Park Campground warned, "You will need mosquito repellent."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Campgrounds like White Lake State Park Campground may have limited supplies. A visitor mentioned, "The water from the spigot is absolutely HORRID tasting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "Orrery good size rig can fit in some sites."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a game-changer for RVers. For instance, Dry River — Crawford Notch State Park has sites with amenities like showers and coin-operated laundry.
  • Be Mindful of Road Noise: Some sites are close to roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Franconia Notch State Park mentioned, "There is a bit of noise from Rt. 93."

Camping near New Durham, New Hampshire, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near New Durham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, New Durham, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 265 campgrounds and RV parks near New Durham, NH and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near New Durham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Durham, NH is Gunstock Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near New Durham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near New Durham, NH.