Dorchester, New Hampshire sits at approximately 800 feet elevation in the Baker River Valley, with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season. The surrounding White Mountains create natural wind barriers that shield many campgrounds from strong gusts, though evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. Most campgrounds in this area open from May through mid-October, with peak foliage viewing in late September.
What to do
River activities: 3 miles from the Baker River. Plymouth Sands Camping Area provides direct access to the river with a beach area perfect for wading and splashing. According to Eddy B., "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river." The gentle current makes this ideal for family floats during summer months.
Hiking trails: Access within 15-30 minutes. Baker River Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby trails. "Nice private campground... We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," notes Dana M. The campground provides easy access to numerous trailheads with varying difficulty levels.
Stargazing: Best during new moon phase. Pine Haven Campground offers unobstructed night sky viewing opportunities, particularly in the northern section. As Brandon C. explains, "The night sky is lovely to look at in the middle of the field they have." The limited light pollution creates excellent viewing conditions for constellations and occasional meteor showers.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Varies by campground. At Baker Rocks, campers appreciate the thoughtful site layout. Justin P. shares: "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded." The campground's design prioritizes space between neighboring campers without sacrificing convenience.
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance schedules. Many campers highlight bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. At Plymouth Sands Camping Area, "There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean," according to Jeremiah C., who also notes that "the showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons."
Yurt camping options: Available May-October. Yurt camping near Dorchester provides a comfortable middle ground between tenting and cabins. April W. noted at Baker Rocks, "We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt, both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines." The yurt accommodations offer solid protection from rain with proper ventilation.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature swings of 20°F common. Nights get cool even in summer, requiring warm sleeping bags. In the Baker River Valley, rain can develop quickly, particularly in afternoon hours. Always check local forecasts before outdoor activities.
Limited cell service: Varies by provider. Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. At Pine Haven, "We didn't have much cell service at the campground, which didn't bother us," mentions Shiloh. Campers should download offline maps and information before arrival.
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for peak season. Popular sites fill quickly, especially river-adjacent spots. Kayleen C. recommends specific locations: "We had a site right on the river and the view was amazing. The sites are pretty well spaced apart and well kept." Holiday weekends often require bookings 6+ months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple age ranges. Country Bumpkins Campground offers dedicated play areas for children. Angela A. shares, "Most of the sites are along the river which makes it such a relaxing place to be!" The playground provides a gathering spot for kids while parents relax nearby.
River safety: Water levels vary seasonally. When camping with children, verify current water conditions before allowing water play. Hannah reports, "Site was directly next to a babbling brook," noting that the shallow water depth is generally safe for supervised children during normal conditions.
Quiet hours: Generally 10pm-7am. Most campgrounds enforce noise restrictions. At Pine Haven, Laura W. mentions, "It was a clean facility with a beautiful spot on the river, it was a little crowded for our liking but everyone was nice and we enjoyed our stay!" Respect for quiet hours helps ensure everyone enjoys their experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring blocks. Some campgrounds require additional equipment for level positioning. At Meredith Woods, Chris H. advises, "They have a hot tube and indoor pool. They also have a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind." Their sites accommodate different RV sizes but may need leveling assistance.
Winter camping options: Limited but available. Meredith Woods offers year-round access with winter maintenance. Mara S. confirms, "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day." The heated facilities make this a rare winter RV camping option in the region.
Hookup availability: Varies by site location. Premium riverside spots often lack full hookups. Jean C. notes at Country Bumpkins, "Sites with utilities, though most of the riverfront sites do not offer utilities. The north section has tent sites tucked back in the shade along the river." Request specific site details when booking.
