190 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $48 - $97 / night
Check Availability"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
from $43 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."
"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."
"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!"
from $35 - $165 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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 :)"
from $45 - $59 / night
Check Availability
TravelerBeyond friendly staff. The sites and kept up. The cabins are like a home away from home. Little dan and big Dan are amazing to go swimming in. The store has everything you'd want or need during ur trip!
GuideCampgrounds have both electric & none. Most sites have shade but could use more foliage between sites. Has a beach. lake has a no motor requirement. Also trails to wonder
TravelerI have to say one of the best campgrounds in New England. All of the bathrooms, showers, site and other places were all clean and well cared for. We had a nice site by the pond. It was peaceful while still being busy withe plenty of kids. They have hundreds of sites, mostly seasonal but gives you nice walk to see the place. The pools were really nice and again clean. They have a snack shack with breakfast, lunch and dinner. A well stocked store with very nice staff. It was our second stay and will not be our last.
The only thing that wasn't great was the WIFI and cell service isn't great.
GuideThis was such a great campground! Before we even left we were planning on returning. It’s clean, has great facilities and a camp store with anything you need or forgot without having to go to Walmart. It’s a fun place for kids, peaceful for parents, plenty to do on site and nearby.
ScoutWe recently stayed here in a cabin with our family of four plus dog. Our boys loved the playground, bounce pillow, heated pools and sandy beaches. We stayed during the week so it was very quiet. We have an older dog otherwise we would have checked out the dog park and dog beach (he doesn’t like to swim). This place checks all the boxes. We were just bummed out about the store hours and food shop not being open during our stay as we hoped to get lunch there but it’s fine. The site was clean and well kept. They have regular security driving around.
ScoutExtremely well maintained and managed. We plan to return many more times this year.
ScoutIt was our first time camping with our toddler, so we weren’t sure what to expect. She loved it! The campground is walkable with bathrooms and water spaced out nicely. The beach area is great and we loved the roped off swimming area. Next time we will do the boat rental at the camp store. Our site was quiet, despite being close-ish to the playground. The bathrooms and showers stayed clean thanks to the staff who were there multiple times per day. We cannot wait to go back.
GuideWe stayed at site 81, it was near the entrance and right on the pond! The sites were spacious, so it was easy to maneuver our 21 ft travel trailer. The camp bathrooms were across from our site, they weren’t terrible but could use a bit of cleaning!
ScoutGreat little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites
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.
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!"
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."
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."
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.
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?
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?
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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Nottingham, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.
Keep Exploring
