Camping near Pelham, NH

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping options around Pelham, New Hampshire include several developed campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The area features sites like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground to the northeast and Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest to the southeast. These established camping areas accommodate various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds in the region provide waterfront access, with facilities ranging from primitive tent-only sites to fully equipped RV parks with electric, water, and sewer connections.

    Most campgrounds in the Pelham area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter availability. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. A camper noted, "The sites are huge with space in between. They keep the bathrooms very clean. There are lots of trails and ponds." Fire regulations vary by location, with most sites providing fire rings or boxes, though some campgrounds prohibit outside firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species. The terrain around Pelham features a mix of wooded areas, small ponds, and hiking trails, with most campgrounds located within 20-30 miles of the town center.

    Waterfront sites at campgrounds like Harold Parker State Forest receive positive reviews for their scenic views and access to swimming and fishing. A review mentioned, "Some waterfront sites, very near town and north shore activities. Very helpful rangers." Family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, basketball courts, and picnic areas are common at the larger established campgrounds. Many campgrounds in the region maintain clean shower and restroom facilities, with several offering free hot showers. Campers should be prepared for seasonal mosquitoes, particularly in low-lying areas near water features. The proximity to Boston (approximately 30-45 minutes away) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations for city dwellers seeking quick nature retreats, resulting in higher weekend occupancy rates.

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    Best Campgrounds near Pelham (131)

      1. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      4.5(33)15mi from Pelham86 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

      "The bathroom was right next to us. Very clean with a sink outside and shower inside. Overall very great campsite. Would definitely go there more often."

      from $17 - $45 / night

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      2. Spacious Skies Minute Man

      4.4(29)17mi from Pelham9 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

      "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

      from $44 - $999 / night

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      3. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

      4.2(44)25mi from Pelham189 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      4. Hanscom AFB FamCamp

      4.4(12)18mi from PelhamRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The campground offers RV sites, some with hookups, as well as more walk-in secluded tent sites as well as one yurt tent. The campground is peaceful and quiet, although adjacent to a very busy AFB."

      "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."

      5. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

      3.0(15)20mi from PelhamRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      6. Bear Brook State Park Campground

      4.4(29)26mi from Pelham100 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      7. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

      4.2(27)26mi from Pelham451 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."

      from $28 - $38 / night

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      8. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

      4.0(4)13mi from PelhamRVs, Tents

      9. Calef Lake Camping Area

      4.0(7)17mi from PelhamRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $40 / night

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      10. Country Barn Motel & Campground

      4.0(1)10mi from PelhamTents

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    Recent Reviews near Pelham, NH

    769 Reviews of 131 Pelham Campgrounds


    • Daniel C.
      Jul. 28, 2026

      Cold Springs Camp Resort

      Such a clean campground!

      I 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.

    • j
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Oxbow Campground

      Great Campground!

      Extremely well maintained and managed. We plan to return many more times this year.

    • Kate C.
      Jul. 19, 2026

      Bear Brook State Park Campground

      Fantastic family campground!

      It 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.

    • S
      Jul. 17, 2026

      Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

      Stunning, quiet campground

      We 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!

    • Arthur D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 16, 2026

      Pine Acres Family Camping Resort

      4th of July weekend

      It was a hot one! The pool was crowded but that’s to be expected when it was 96 for three days. Clean, fun, and friendly. My son said it was the best campground so far.

    • Emily T.
      Jul. 15, 2026

      Otter River State Forest

      Labor Day Weekend!

      We had a great time during our stay on Labor Day Weekend. Even on the busier side, it was still quiet and our site was fairly private. Right on a stream and a short walk to the bathrooms and hiking trails. We drove a few minutes up the road to Lake Dennison to kayak and fish.

    • B
      Jul. 11, 2026

      York Beach Camper Park

      Great little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites

      Great little mom and pop campground with tent and RV sites

    • M
      Jul. 8, 2026

      Otter River State Forest

      Highly Recommend

      Great place to camp. Reasonably priced. Clean hot showers and dish washing station. Clean-Quiet-Well Patroled and Maintained. Nature based activities for kids.


    Guide to Pelham

    Campers exploring the best places to camp near Pelham, New Hampshire have access to diverse camping experiences within a 25-mile radius. The area sits at elevations ranging from 200-500 feet with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during the day and dropping to 60°F at night. Wooded campgrounds dominate the landscape, providing natural shade during summer months when humidity can reach uncomfortable levels.

    What to do

    Hiking trails access: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities with trails leading to scenic viewpoints. "There are at least three campground areas, one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water. If possible, reserve those to ensure the best spots (the sunrise!), but all of the campground sites are nice," explains a camper who enjoyed the trail options.

    Golfing opportunities: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with a 9 or 18-hole golf course just 20 miles from Pelham. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc." One visitor noted the campground also features "fishing and swimming on property along with a club house."

    Historical exploration: Minute Man Campground provides convenient access to Revolutionary War historical sites. "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites, and famous people home tours such as Louisa May Alcott. Lots of good coffee spots and restaurants in historic downtown Concord so spend a morning in this special city."

    What campers like

    Waterfront access: Bear Brook State Park Campground features a pond with swimming beach that campers consistently praise. A visitor mentioned, "The swimming area at the pond looked very inviting for summer time campers. I also liked the sites across from ours near the ball field and thought they would make a nice place for a large group of friends to pitch their tents."

    Clean facilities: Wakeda Campground maintains high cleanliness standards that earn positive reviews. "We have been camping here for many years. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," notes one regular visitor. Another camper appreciated the "nice wooded lots, small store, miniature golf(fee)."

    Privacy between sites: Lorraine Park Campground at Harold Parker State Forest offers spacious sites with natural separation. A camper observed, "Awesome park. It was a quiet night and bathrooms where clean. Has spacious showers. Park rangers drive around campground often." Another camper appreciated that "Large sites. Clean bathroom. Good for families or couples."

    What you should know

    Military-only access: Hanscom AFB FamCamp restricts camping to military personnel and their families. "The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders." A visitor noted it offers "several clean modern bath houses, with hot showers and flush toilets."

    Weather considerations: Summer brings mosquitoes to many campgrounds in the area, particularly in wooded sections. Bring insect repellent for evening camping, especially near water features.

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Pelham require advance booking for weekend stays from June through August. Holiday weekends often fill 2-3 months in advance.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground options: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground offers multiple family activities. "The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained. We really enjoyed our stay!" mentioned a family who visited. The campground also offers a convenient location for beach trips.

    Swimming opportunities: Calef Lake Camping Area provides lake swimming that's popular with families. "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," noted a repeat visitor who brings their family annually.

    Beach proximity: Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers oceanfront camping just 30 miles from Pelham. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff," reports one visitor. The campground also has "water and 30 amp electric. Easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly, big dump site, and good prices."

    Tips from RVers

    Electric reliability: Wakeda Campground earns high marks for power consistency. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," notes one RVer. The campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups for extended stays.

    Setup challenges: Some campgrounds have electrical posts positioned inconveniently. A visitor to Salisbury Beach noted: "The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40' electrical cord." Check with campgrounds about hookup placements when booking.

    Seasonal considerations: Most RV campgrounds near Pelham operate from May through mid-October, with limited winter availability. Call ahead to verify opening dates as many parks adjust seasonal schedules based on weather conditions.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are the campgrounds near Pelham?

    Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Pelham. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers wooded sites with water access where you can swim, hike, kayak, and fish in a scenic New Hampshire setting. For those willing to venture a bit further, Bear Brook State Park Campground is New Hampshire's largest state park with trails, ponds, and a family-friendly atmosphere including play structures, a camp store, and beach access. Additional options include Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park near Derry and Calef Lake Camping Area near Auburn, both offering convenient access from the Pelham area.

    Do I need reservations for camping in Pelham?

    Yes, reservations are highly recommended for campgrounds in the Pelham area, especially during peak season. Tully Lake Recreation Area in nearby Royalston, MA requires reservations through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations and offers prime campsites with direct access to the lake. Similarly, Gilson Pond Area Campground at Monadnock State Park has just 37 sites that fill quickly, particularly on weekends. For most state parks and private campgrounds in the region, reservations can be made online in advance, with some sites booking up months ahead during summer and fall foliage seasons.

    What amenities are available at Pelham camping areas?

    Campgrounds near Pelham offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park provides a clean, family-friendly environment with numerous activities and helpful staff. Facilities are well-maintained and the owners are known for being friendly and accommodating. For a more rustic experience, Roots and Wings Homestead offers a peaceful retreat in rural New Hampshire. Many area campgrounds provide basic amenities like potable water, toilets, and fire rings, while others feature additional comforts such as camp stores, shower facilities, swimming areas, and recreational activities. Amenities vary significantly between state parks, private campgrounds, and RV parks, so checking specific locations before booking is advisable.