David M.
Traveler
TravelerPinehirst RV Park
Nice little coastal town
Functional and scenic RV campground.
Best Campgrounds near Nottingham, NH
Nottingham, New Hampshire serves as a hub for diverse camping experiences, with state parks and private campgrounds offering varied accommodations within a short drive. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located directly in Nottingham, features 192 wooded sites along Pawtuckaway Lake with opportunities for swimming, hiking, and paddling. Many sites provide lake views and water access for canoes and kayaks. Bear Brook State Park Campground in nearby Deerfield offers another well-regarded option with trails, ponds, and family-friendly amenities. The surrounding area includes private campgrounds like Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls, which provides nearly 400 sites under tall pine trees, and several smaller facilities offering everything from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cabin rentals.
Camping in this region typically operates from early May through late October, with most facilities closing for the winter season. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, particularly for waterfront sites. As one camper noted about Pawtuckaway State Park, "Make your reservation well in advance if you're planning to visit during peak season or if you want a prime waterfront site." Cell phone coverage can be spotty in some areas, with Verizon users reporting variable service at Pawtuckaway. Pet policies vary significantly between campgrounds, with many state parks restricting dogs during peak season. New Hampshire's summer weather brings warm days and cool nights, though campers should prepare for occasional thunderstorms and persistent mosquitoes, especially near water bodies.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the Nottingham area, with several campgrounds offering lake or pond frontage. Pawtuckaway State Park provides what one visitor described as "a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone," including a family beach, hiking trails to a fire tower, and marshlands for wildlife viewing. Bear Brook State Park similarly offers multiple recreation options with trails for hiking and mountain biking, swimming areas, and fishing opportunities. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., creating family-friendly environments. Campsites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and parking spaces, with bathhouses providing flush toilets and showers. The region's proximity to both natural attractions and coastal areas makes it popular for weekend getaways from Boston and other New England cities.
Best Camping Sites Near Nottingham, New Hampshire (190)
1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
44 ReviewsRaymond, NH4 milesWebsite+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."
2. Bear Brook State Park Campground
28 ReviewsCandia, NH12 milesWebsite+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."
3. Wakeda Campground, LLC
16 ReviewsExeter, NH15 milesWebsite+1 (603) 772-5274$48 - $97 / night
"We had bathrooms located near our site. They were four separate bathrooms that had a sink and toilet and were clean. They did offer showers in another area but I did not use them."
"Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."
4. Old Stage Campground
9 ReviewsMadbury, NH10 milesWebsite+1 (603) 742-4050$43 - $47 / night
"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
5. Wellington Camping Park
5 ReviewsLee, NH5 milesWebsite+1 (603) 659-5051$45 - $55 / night
"Had to walk around to find signal for phone call."
"Sites are wide I parked my truck next to camper and still had enough space for a safe fire in the pit."
6. Barrington Shores Campground
3 ReviewsBarrington, NH6 milesWebsite+1 (603) 664-9333"Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."
7. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
10 ReviewsNorth Hampton, NH16 milesWebsite+1 (603) 964-5730"So clean, friendly staff and plenty to do here or close by. Minutes away from some very nice beaches"
"Their location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants including a doughnut shop within walking distance."
8. Epsom Valley Campground
8 ReviewsEpsom, NH16 milesWebsite+1 (603) 736-9758$35 - $165 / night
"I enjoyed the hiking trails in the back and a pretty good amount of things to do near by. Being able to walk to a store and restaurant is great."
"We only wanted to stay for one and when we arrived, the older women drove me around in the golf cart to see which site would best suit us and I just thought it was the sweetest thing!"
9. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground
15 ReviewsSouth Hampton, NH18 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."
"We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"
10. Exeter Elms Campground
7 ReviewsExeter, NH13 milesWebsite+1 (603) 778-7631$45 - $59 / night
"Site across the path was a little loud, but we were too I imagine... bet it'd be lots of fun for the kiddos."
"Sites weren’t bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available :)"
Recent Camping Photos near Nottingham, NH
354 Photos of 190 Nottingham Campgrounds
Kimberly R.
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
Ray P.
Wellington Camping Park
Laura M.
Saddleback Campground
The Dyrt
Pine Acres Resort
Bob H.
Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages
Erin S.
Old Stage Campground
Marne D.
Great Bay Camping
Gail W.
Bear Brook State Park Campground
Lisa H.
Winding River Campground
Alyse-Beast F.
Calef Lake Camping Area
Laura
Wakeda Campground, LLC
Kurt W.
Epsom Valley Campground
Recent Reviews near Nottingham, NH
879 Reviews of 190 Nottingham Campgrounds
- rroy T.
ScoutCountry Barn Motel & Campground
Very appealing cabins
I stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
Alizé B.ScoutField and Stream RV Park
Highly recommend
Amazing place and community, unfortunately very expensive.
JimmyScoutOld Orchard Beach Campground
Prejudice owners
I have never come across a more prejudice, morally wrong and bad business situation in my life than my most recent experience with this campground. I am 40, am an engineer and my mother is 70 and a retired high school teacher. I have a five year old and live with my mom. I have owned three properties over the years. I say all this background because it’s necessary for this story. Oh and I am very quiet, have held a security clearance, a marathon runner blah blah blah. My mom sold her condo and we have a move out date on June 15. We decided to get an rv for the season and stay at a campground. We picked this one. They said we were all set to move our rv to the site for May 21st. Then on May 20th in the afternoon they call and basically say our family dynamic is unacceptable and we can’t move in. Yes I have a girlfriend. She doesn’t live with us but stays often. She has been an Americore worker plus worked with homeless for years. Apparently we would look to out of place. First- to tell us this about 16 hours before move in is unacceptable, after a couple weeks of saying you’re fine. To be that judgmental and prejudiced is unacceptable. I have zero respect for this campground and wish all who read this to boycott. Mary Ellen you are not a good person. In one voicemail to my mom you state how she’s anxious and also say it will be fine! Turns out she had good reason to be anxious. To treat others like you do is not ok. I found that anxious comment very off at the time and in retrospect it is telling on many levels. Be ashamed! What you have done to good people is wrong on many levels. I state all this personal stuff to highlight how ridiculous being turned away from a campground is. I have owned nice homes in very nice communities and never thought a pathetic campground would turn me away, what a joke.
Sue B.
RangerSalisbury Beach State Reservation
Love camping here!
The first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
DevinScoutWinding River Campground
Close Sites, Loved the River!
My husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!
We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.
- SS W.Scout
Oxbow Campground
Clean, Spacious & Friendly
Oxbow Campground in Deering has a helpful and friendly staff. The bathrooms are kept clean although should be updated.
The campsites are spacious, trash picked up and very quiet at night promoting a good night's sleep.
They sell their own fire wood, an employee who services campers is also available.
They have a propane fill station for your convenience too!
Dogs must be kept on leashes for safety.
Owners live right there within the park.and take pride in their facility.
A nice family owned and run park promoting peacefulness.
- DevinScout
Spacious Skies Minute Man
The Road is Loud
My husband and I had a great time here! The owners and managers are amazing. Kind, friendly, attentive! We really appreciated them!
The reason for the 4/5 is due to the road noise, and the neighbors noise. The residents that boarder the campground are a bit loud. We camped at spot 72. If you are tent camping, I would recommend not camping at the 70’s spots. It’s just close to the road, and it can get noisy at times. It quiets down at night, but during peak travel times is a little loud. Head to the back of the camp ground. The bathroom looks further away than it is, but everything is very convenient!
Adam B.RangerBeach Rose RV Park
Nice people
Needed a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.
Guide to Nottingham
The Nottingham area sits at the northeastern edge of New Hampshire's coastal lowlands, approximately 300-400 feet above sea level, creating diverse camping environments from lakeshores to pine forests. Cell phone coverage varies considerably throughout campgrounds near Nottingham, with ATT generally providing better service than Verizon in many locations. Water bodies and forested sites typically experience higher mosquito activity between June and August.
What to do
Canoe rentals and river exploration: At Wellington Camping Park, campers can rent canoes for exploring the Lamprey River directly from the campground. "They also rent canoes here. Nice playground, game room, laundry, showers, bathroom. We enjoyed our little stay!" reports AdventureStang.
Archery practice: Bear Brook State Park offers dedicated archery ranges for visitors to practice their skills. "There are two archery ranges and wheelchair accessible docks for fishing," notes Jean C., highlighting the variety of activities available beyond hiking and swimming.
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park Campground features extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain biking. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," writes Eammon C., while another reviewer mentions, "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"
What campers like
Secluded waterfront tent sites: Calef Lake Camping Area offers tent sites along water features. "Riverfront secluded areas... Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike," states Alyse-Beast F.
Well-maintained facilities: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort earns consistent praise for cleanliness. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," shares Rebecca S.
Seasonal activities and entertainment: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground provides ongoing entertainment during peak season. One camper describes their experience: "The live band was good & the stand up comedy was awesome... All 3 comedians were clearly aware that there was a child in the audience & one specific comedian said right from the get-go that he was going to keep it clean for his bit."
What you should know
Pet restrictions vary by season: Some state parks have seasonal restrictions for dogs. At Pawtuckaway State Park, one reviewer noted: "I went one summer on the way to Maine and loved everything! Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars! 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."
Check-in procedures and timing: Old Stage Campground and others may have limited office hours. One Pawtuckaway visitor noted: "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."
Campsite selection is crucial: Site layout and privacy vary widely between and within campgrounds. At Bear Brook, a visitor observed: "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees."
Tips for camping with families
Scout for playground proximity: When booking sites at Bear Brook, note their relation to play areas. "Site 93 is so close to the playground and the fire ring placement makes it seem like families enjoying the playground will be tempted to walk through your site. If you want to be close to the play area, site 90 or the ones on the loop behind it are better options."
Separate swimming areas for dogs: Some campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated swimming spots. At Wellington Camping Park, "They have a special beach for your dog if you're a puppy owner like me this is one of the only campgrounds that is very pet friendly," reports Alley H.
DVD rentals for rainy days: Wellington Camping Park offers a solution for inclement weather. "They also have free DVD rentals for those rainy days and some games up by the office if you have kids its also a wonderful campground," mentions Alley H.
Tips from RVers
Booking larger pull-through sites: At Sea Coast Camping, the layout considers practical concerns. "Pull through sites, while close were arranged in such a way so that you are not next to the sewer hookup of your neighbor. A big plus for me," shares Mommy D.
Water pressure and quality: When camping at Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort, visitors praise the utilities. "No issues with electric, sewer or water hookups. Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across," according to Chuck H.
Extra care backing into sites: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. At Bear Brook, one camper advised: "I noticed that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping at Nottingham Lake in NH?
Where can I find camping at Nottingham Lake in NH?
While there isn't a campground called Nottingham Lake specifically, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent lakeside camping in the Nottingham area. The park features wooded sites, many with water access, where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The campground offers a variety of landscapes with a family beach on the lake and numerous hiking trails. Make reservations well in advance for prime waterfront sites, especially during peak season.
What campgrounds are available near Nottingham?
What campgrounds are available near Nottingham?
Several quality campgrounds surround the Nottingham area. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages is a small, family-owned option offering beautiful pond views in a quiet setting. Bear Brook State Park Campground in nearby Allenstown is New Hampshire's largest state park with trails, multiple ponds, and family-friendly amenities. Other nearby options include Barrington Shores Campground for drive-in camping, Exeter Elms Campground near Exeter, and Roots and Wings Homestead for a more rustic experience in rural New Hampshire.
Which is the most popular campground near Nottingham, NH?
Which is the most popular campground near Nottingham, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Nottingham, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.
What parks are near Nottingham, NH?
What parks are near Nottingham, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Nottingham, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.
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