The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Nottingham, NH

866 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Nottingham, New HampshireExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Nottingham, New Hampshire (186)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Madbury, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Lee, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +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

    4 Reviews
    Barrington, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Epsom, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +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. Exeter Elms Campground

    7 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +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 :)"

    10. Calef Lake Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Auburn, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 483-8282

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in southern NH! Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."

    "They originally booked us on a site so small, our tent wouldn’t even fit so we weren’t going to be able to have a fire because our tent was so close to it."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 186 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Nottingham Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Nottingham, NH

460 Photos of 186 Nottingham Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Nottingham, NH

866 Reviews of 186 Nottingham Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Anonymous A.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Libbys Oceanside Camp

    Mesmerizing Experience Stunning Sunsets & Sunrises right from your campsite

     Libby's Oceanfront Campground York, Maine gives campers a mesmerizing coastline scene experience' you will experience stunning sunsets and sunrises over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean' Sitting in your chair appreciating the tranquil and serene view. You are steps away from the beach from the time you arrive to the time you departed the staff is always available and always willing to help, answer any questions and give recommendations where to go eat and shop. Very clean restrooms, clean showers, clean laundry room. We enjoyed watching the surfers right from our campsite. Nubble Light house is minutes away from the campsites you can see the lighthouse from the campsite. 

    A great place to eat breakfast were the locals go is called Ricks Blue Jay Cafe minutes away on US1 fabulous food.  Go to Granite Whale Watching at Rye, Maine, visit Beach town village in York Maine great little shops and ice cream shops.

    We highly recommended this campground we will definitely return! :-)

  • Julie A.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    Downhill since new management

    Yogi’s Jellystone Park– Milton, New Hampshire: Seasonal Camper Review I have been camping at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton for five years, including the last two as a seasonal camper. Unfortunately, my recent experiences under new management have been disappointing and frustrating. Pet Fence Policy and Safety Concerns
At the start of this season, the new general manager, Amanda, instructed me to remove my pet fence, citing liability issues. Despite my having signed a waiver absolving the park of responsibility for my dog’s actions, she insisted on its removal without providing a clear explanation. I complied reluctantly, only to observe many other campsites retaining similar pet fences throughout the season, including one seasonal camper who kept theirs up all season and transient sites with fences as well. This inconsistent enforcement of rules is unfair and undermines trust. After seeing others with pet fences, I reinstated mine to protect my dog, especially after two incidents where loose dogs entered my site and charged at my dog. Amanda then threatened me with non-renewal of my seasonal contract if I did not remove the fence again, forcing me to comply once more. I wrote to corporate regarding this issue since Amanda was of no help but never heard back from corporate. Loss of Seasonal Site and Corporate Decisions
Yogi’s removed nine seasonal sites this year, including mine, with little warning. This decision affects long-term campers, some with over 20 years of history at the park. It appears motivated by corporate interests, favoring transient sites or cabins, which generate more revenue. The loss of a seasonal site after investing time, effort, and money into making it beautiful is deeply disheartening and reflects poor management priorities. Entertainment and Atmosphere
Adult entertainment offerings have drastically declined. This year’s highlight was a 30-minute Saturday night hayride, with no live bands in the pavilion throughout the entire season. Under previous management, live music was a regular and enjoyable feature. The lack of engaging activities diminishes the overall campground experience. Myself and other campers offered suggestions to management regarding entertainment for adults but they didn't take any of our suggestions. Bear Interaction
Despite the park’s theme, sightings of Yogi Bear are rare. On one occasion, a golf cart carrying excited children stopped to see Yogi Bear, but the character ignored them and drove past without interaction, which was very disappointing. Management and Staff Attitude
Amanda, the general manager, presents as unapproachable and aloof. She did not introduce herself to seasonal campers at the beginning of the season, many of whom do not even know what she looks like and the camping season ends in just a couple of weeks. Most staff members also exhibit a snobbish attitude, often failing to acknowledge campers, which creates an unwelcoming environment. Cost and Recommendation
The campground is overpriced relative to the quality of experience and level of service provided. Given the inconsistent rule enforcement, loss of seasonal sites, diminished entertainment, and poor management attitude, I cannot recommend Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton NH Those interested in a Yogis campground should consider other locations.

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

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?

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