Cabin rentals near New Durham, New Hampshire range from rustic to modern with varying amenities. Located in New Hampshire's Lakes Region at approximately 650 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with peak camping season running May through October when daytime temperatures average 65-80°F. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, limiting cabin availability at most campgrounds during the coldest months.
What to do
Hiking trails and scenery: Gunstock Campground offers direct access to mountain hiking with trails leading from the camping area. "I went in 2018 and this year I am being my sister and nieces. Love the Segway tour and the adventure zip lining and the coaster it's a fun place and I can't wait to return," notes a visitor about the activities available at Gunstock.
Water activities and fishing: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground features excellent water recreation options. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," shares one camper. The park's pond setting provides fishing opportunities with wheelchair accessible docks available.
Mountain recreation: Seasonal activities at area campgrounds include mountain biking, archery, and zip lining. A visitor to Bear Brook State Park mentioned, "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!" The park maintains numerous dedicated biking trails throughout its 10,000-acre forest.
What campers like
Riverside sites: The natural water features near many cabin locations enhance the camping experience. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, one camper was "lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures."
Privacy levels: Cabin sites offer varying degrees of seclusion. "The campground overall is very nice. 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. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?)," advises a Gunstock Campground visitor.
Clean facilities: Many visitors highlight bathroom and shower quality as important factors. A visitor to Granite State Campground commented on recent upgrades: "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most cabin facilities require advance booking, especially for summer weekends. At popular locations like Pine Ridge Campground, booking months ahead is recommended. The campground attracts a specific demographic: "While not an adult only campground, it's mostly comprised of adults only."
Site selection strategy: Different cabin locations offer distinct advantages. At Pawtuckaway State Park, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" For families with children, sites near playgrounds might be preferred, while adult groups often seek more secluded options.
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal changes. Fall camping offers colorful foliage but cooler nights, while summer provides optimal water recreation temperatures. Spring brings variable conditions with potential for wet weather; one camper at Pawtuckaway noted their site's drainage issues: "site 25 was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with a an unexpected 36 hour downpour."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple cabin locations offer water activities suitable for different ages. Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA provides "a nice water park for kids" according to one visitor, while another notes, "This Campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored."
Playgrounds and structured activities: Many campgrounds maintain dedicated recreational facilities for younger campers. Bear Brook State Park offers "playgrounds both at the campground and at the Catamount Pond beach" with multiple swimming areas throughout the park.
Site selection for families: When camping with children, consider proximity to bathrooms and recreational areas. Some cabin locations offer family-specific sites. At Granite State Campground, "The tent site has water, electric, and a fire pit. They brought us a picnic table to use for the night. The tent was on a nice smooth spot, which was comfortable."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Cabin campers sharing facilities with RV sites should check what hookups are accessible. A reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort noted the importance of utility access: "Family and pet friendly, stocked store including adult beverages, very fun for kids, stuff to do like laser tag, float in pond, occasional live music in the field, overall the campground is well maintained and staffed."
Site spacing and size: Cabin sites near RV areas often have different spatial arrangements. One camper at Granite State observed, "The camp sites were very close together, but there was enough space to fit everything. We were there with only a few other campsites in use, but it would be kind of tight when full."
Camp store provisions: Many campgrounds with both cabin and RV options maintain well-stocked stores. At Bear Brook State Park, "The camp store offer a few basics and a selection of Bear Brook attire," while Salmon Falls KOA provides "a nice store with most everything you could need."
