Pelham, New Hampshire sits at the southeastern edge of the state with elevations ranging between 100-400 feet above sea level. Campgrounds near Pelham experience warm summers with average highs in the 80s and cold winters where temperatures regularly drop below freezing. The camping season typically runs from May through October with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend due to decreasing temperatures.
What to do
Hike extensive trail systems: Bear Brook State Park Campground features numerous trails for all skill levels across its 10,000-acre forest preserve. According to one camper, "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization." Another visitor mentions "numerous trails call out for exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found."
Try mountain biking: The trails at Bear Brook State Park Campground are popular among cyclists even in late fall. A reviewer notes: "The mountain biking trails are busy even on late October afternoons; some trails allow horses." Another visitor confirms, "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count... The biking trails were a blast."
Enjoy archery ranges: Bear Brook offers specialized outdoor activities beyond standard camping recreation. One camper points out "There are two archery ranges and wheelchair accessible docks for fishing. For history, check out the antique snowmobile museum and the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) museum."
Explore historical sites: Hanscom AFB FamCamp provides excellent access to Revolutionary War sites. A camper explains: "In the immediate vicinity are the villages of Lexington and Concord as well as the Minute Man National Park and Walden Pond, so the campground makes a great basecamp for exploration of the area's rich culture and history."
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Friendly Beaver Campground offers four different pools for various preferences. A visitor explains: "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days." This diversity of water options allows for swimming regardless of weather conditions.
Private bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds have upgraded their bathroom facilities. At Friendly Beaver, a camper notes: "Clean, well maintained, private bathrooms/showers. Store is best I have ever seen. Well stocked with everything you could need."
Waterfront sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers prime camping spots along the water. One visitor says, "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!" Another adds, "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!"
Yurt camping options: While traditional camping remains popular, yurt camping near Pelham, New Hampshire has increased in availability. Winter Island Park offers oceanfront access with specialized accommodations. A camper notes: "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach...The pros were the great view, easy put in for our kayaks, and convenience for fishing and trail walking."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Pelham operate only from May through October. At Wakeda Campground, a visitor notes, "The season runs from May 15 to October 1." This limited window means planning ahead for any fall camping trips.
Site privacy varies significantly: Campgrounds offer different levels of privacy between sites. One camper at Friendly Beaver notes: "The campsite itself was squished in between two other sites so closely that we could hear others in their tent whispering during quiet hours, lol, no trees in between sites whatsoever where we were."
Bathroom maintenance varies by season: Late season campers may experience different facility conditions. One visitor to Bear Brook observed: "It was the final weekend of the season, so that may explain the lack of attention to cleaning and upkeep of the restrooms. Several of the stalls were lacking toilet paper."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. A Pawtuckaway visitor advises: "Not far from Boston, making this a nice escape but also a pretty crowded day use park and campground. If possible, reserve those to ensure the best spots (the sunrise!), but all of the campground sites are nice."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with animal attractions: At Friendly Beaver Campground, kids enjoy special features beyond standard playgrounds. A visitor mentions: "They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."
Check for multiple playgrounds: Calef Lake Camping Area offers family-friendly amenities. A camper reports: "The playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike. This is a yearly spot I take my family, and we're never disappointed!"
Consider waterfront activities for children: Pawtuckaway State Park offers diverse water experiences. One visitor shared: "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water."
Choose sites away from adult gathering areas: Some campgrounds have separate areas for different experiences. A Bear Brook camper suggests: "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 (Sites 31, 32, 33, 34)."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup locations: Site layouts can present challenges at some campgrounds. One RVer at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park observed: "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Verify dump station availability: Not all campgrounds have on-site dump facilities. A visitor to Winter Island Park notes: "FYI - the dump station is not on site; ask at the office about arrangements for this."
Consider military camping options: For eligible military personnel, specialized campgrounds offer excellent value. An RVer at Hanscom AFB FamCamp shared: "Clean, quite and inexpensive, what's not to like! Staying at #20 tent sight and loving it. No water on this site but there is electricity. Several options for bathrooms and all have hot running water."
Investigate seasonal site options: Many campgrounds near Pelham have high percentages of seasonal campers. A Tuxbury Pond RV Campground visitor notes: "Mostly seasonal, overpriced. Transients are treated like unwanted step children."
