Glamping in Peterborough, New Hampshire offers options in an area with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,200 feet, creating diverse microclimates across the Monadnock region. The area experiences warm summer days with cool nights, even during peak season from May through October. Most luxury camping sites close during winter months with overnight temperatures regularly dropping below freezing.
What to do
Paddling: The Ashuelot River provides excellent kayaking and tubing opportunities. At Ashuelot River Campground, visitors can experience both calm water and gentle floating. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" according to Wayne B., who appreciated the riverside access. The campground also offers a shuttle service for water sports.
Fishing: Stock up on bait at local stores before heading to several stocked ponds. "My husband and I enjoyed our stay so much, we can't wait to return in a couple months... We didn't catch any fish but there's always next time," notes Evey M. from Ashuelot River. The fishing spots remain active through October with less competition during weekdays.
Hiking: Follow marked trails near several campgrounds for day hikes suitable for various skill levels. At Bear Brook State Park, "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," writes Gabby M. The park maintains over 40 miles of trails with geocaches hidden throughout for family treasure hunts.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive frequent attention at most campgrounds. At Autumn Hills Campground, "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day," notes Daniel J. Several campgrounds offer coin-operated showers with varying prices, so bring quarters.
Multiple swimming options: Pools and ponds provide alternatives for cooling off. "They have 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool. Lots of activities for the kids and the bathrooms were pretty clean for a campground," reports Julia B. about Friendly Beaver Campground. Several locations maintain separate adult and family swimming areas.
Spacious sites: Premium spots often back up to natural features like streams or ponds. "We went for a weekend and they let us stay later on sunday since it rained all weekend," shares the same reviewer about Friendly Beaver, appreciating the flexibility during inclement weather. Request corner sites when booking for additional privacy.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most luxury camping venues close between October and May. "Cold Springs Camp Resort and Autumn Hills Campground maintain seasonal operations from May through October," limiting winter options in the region. During shoulder seasons, call ahead to confirm which amenities remain operational.
Variable site privacy: Research your specific site before booking as quality varies significantly. "Sites are nice and the campground is nice and clean," reports Jessica D. about Friendly Beaver, while others note limitations: "The campsites have VERY little to no privacy, we had to hang up tarps in between us and our neighbor," warns another camper at the same location.
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for ticks and other insects, especially in wooded sites. "We have only one con about the grounds, there were a ton of ticks on the edge of the site," notes Sara D. about Autumn Hills. Pack appropriate repellent and conduct regular tick checks after outdoor activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites away from play areas unless convenient access is a priority. "We were across from the playground, and backed up to a stream. Playground was a bit older but it was maintained well, and the kids had fun," shares Joe D. about The Pine Campground. Sites near recreational areas tend to have more foot traffic.
Organized activities: Check event calendars when booking to align with family-friendly programming. "They have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events," describes Kate C. about Friendly Beaver. Most special activities occur on weekends during peak season.
Safety considerations: Water features require supervision with varying depths and currents. "The fishing pond was perfect," reports a visitor about Oxbow Campground, while Autumn Hills offers lake access "within close proximity to most sites" but "wouldn't say it's the best place for swimming," according to Quinn G.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Position carefully as some sites have awkwardly placed utilities. "We stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose," notes Allura B. about Autumn Hills. First-time RV campers should request assistance with setup if needed.
Navigation challenges: Follow campground-specific directions to avoid covered bridges and weight restrictions. At Oxbow Campground, "Tom was a gem of a guy! He was very helpful, accommodating, and kind. Because we are fully self-contained and need no hook-ups, he gave us a small discount on our night," reports David G., highlighting how accommodating staff can assist with positioning and setup.
Site levelness: Request information about the terrain when booking. "Sites are large and the campground is very clean and well kept," notes John O. about Ashuelot River Campground, while others mention "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night."
