Camping options near Newmarket, New Hampshire range from family-friendly lakeside sites to more secluded mountain retreats within a 25-minute drive radius. Many campgrounds in this region sit on former agricultural land at elevations between 100-300 feet, creating natural drainage that helps sites stay drier even after rain. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s with evening lows in the 60s, making tent camping comfortable with proper gear.
What to do
Kayaking on Pawtuckaway Lake: Rent equipment directly at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground and explore the scenic waterways. "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," notes Matt R.
Hiking to fire towers: Bear Brook State Park offers miles of well-marked trails through a 10,000-acre forest preserve. One camper shared, "Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy. Pretty serious trail up and around some mountains, to a fire tower, ponds."
Beach access: Many campgrounds provide easy access to coastal beaches. At Sea Coast Camping, you're just "minutes away from some very nice beaches" according to Stephen R., making it easy to split your time between forest camping and ocean activities.
Local seafood exploration: The region offers excellent dining options for a night off from camp cooking. Nancy W. recommends, "After lunch pop over to Wallis Sand Beach for an afternoon relaxing by the sea. We love visiting the Kittery Trading Post (in Maine) which is a good outdoor outfitter and eating at Bob's Clam Hut."
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers secluded camping with lake views. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" writes J L., highlighting the premium nature of these spots.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their bathrooms and common areas. At Wakeda Campground, Zachary W. notes: "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites." This sentiment is echoed across multiple campgrounds in the region.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local animals. One camper at Wakeda shared, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird. It would have been great if they offered a nature trail in the campground since the forest was so beautiful."
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to popular beaches, many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. Rebecca S. describes one campground as "one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well."
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: Sites vary significantly in size and privacy. At Wakeda Campground, one visitor noted, "The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere. The first campsite they assigned to us was very secluded but unfortunately, we were coming in during a major rainstorm. That site was a little flooded so we chose another."
Seasonal restrictions: Some parks have limitations during peak months. One camper observed, "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months."
Bathroom facilities: Shower setups vary widely between campgrounds. Some require quarters (25-50 cents), while others are included. One visitor noted, "Bathhouses offer coin-operated showers; I noticed a price difference between the two of them, so went with the less expensive option!"
Check-in procedures: Operating hours at ranger stations can vary. "On Friday afternoon from about 1pm (when we first arrived) til 5 (when we last checked) the ranger station was closed, so we couldn't check in or get wood," reported one camper at Pawtuckaway.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational areas for convenience. At Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, "There was a very large playground, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, basketball, and camp store. This park really cares about appearance and grounds-keeping is top notch."
Water activities: Calef Lake Camping Area offers diverse water options. One camper mentioned, "Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. A visitor to Salmon Falls noted, "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."
Kid-friendly sites: Look for level areas away from water hazards for young children. "The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet. There are some spectacular views of the lake and mountains from many sites," writes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, one RVer noted: "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance."
Power reliability: Full hookup sites are available at several campgrounds. "We stayed here for a week, our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean, some sites in other sections are closer together," shared one RVer about their experience.
Seasonal options: For luxury camping near Newmarket, Beaver Dam Campground offers extended stay possibilities. "We stayed three months here last summer. The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean. Only one washer/dryer."
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality. Nancy W. described one campground having "hard gravel access roads, level gravel sites. No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across."
