Bear Brook State Park Campground offers luxury forest camping options in a 10,000-acre preserve near Pittsfield, New Hampshire. Sites range from basic campsites to fully equipped glamping accommodations with proper beds and electricity. The campground sits approximately 3 miles down a forested road, requiring check-in at the entrance station before proceeding to camping areas. Most sites are available from May through October, with limited winter camping at certain locations.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Bear Brook State Park provides extensive mountain biking opportunities directly accessible from the campground. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Kayaking and canoeing: Several ponds within the parks offer calm waters for paddling. "The cabins are on a remote lake. Perfect for star gazing! Rustic but comfy beds," writes a camper about their experience at Pawtuckaway State Park. Another visitor at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground highlights the water access: "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."
Geocaching: Several parks in the region offer geocaching opportunities. "Numerous trails call out of exploration, around ponds and up and down hills, with geocaches to be found (if you can, download the info and maps before you get to the park to be sure you have the necessary info)," advises a camper about their visit to Bear Brook State Park.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise lakeside camping options. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" says one reviewer about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. These premium sites often fill months in advance, particularly during summer weekends.
Indoor amenities for off-season glamping: Some campgrounds near Pittsfield offer heated facilities for cooler weather stays. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse," notes a winter camper at Meredith Woods Four Season Camping.
Well-stocked camp stores: Several campgrounds maintain stores with supplies and necessities. "The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites," writes a visitor about Bear Brook State Park Campground.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite seclusion differs greatly within and between campgrounds. "Some of the sites are a bit too close to each other but there are some that are nice and private," notes a camper about Bear Brook. At Sandy Beach Campground, a visitor remarked, "The first site we got was way too small for our tent and they accommodated us and gave us a choice of two others to pick from."
Weather considerations: New Hampshire's weather can change rapidly. "A few modifications. The bathrooms are family style. One family at a time. Check in is at the beginning of the 3-mile road to the campground and the camp store is a walk-up window only," explains a camper describing COVID-era protocols at Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region's camping areas. "Cell phone coverage varies from 1-2 bars, not always 4G, on Verizon," reports a camper at Bear Brook. Another visitor notes: "For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When glamping near Pittsfield with children, consider proximity to play areas. "They also have a nice little play ground witch is always the first thing my little buddy asks to go find," mentions a visitor at Meredith Woods Four Season Camping. Another camper notes: "Site 93 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."
Water activities: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit... I was here with a 5-year-old the last time and she enjoyed the playgrounds both at the campground and at the Catamount Pond beach. There's another beach in the campground itself," reports a Bear Brook visitor.
Family-friendly events: Some campgrounds organize activities for children. At Calef Lake Camping Area, a visitor reports: "Small campground but we had fun here. Small lake to swim in and a small playground. They had a beach dance which was really fun."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should carefully research site dimensions before booking. "We stayed on site 22, which was spacious and private from the other sites on either side," notes a Bear Brook camper. Another visitor cautions: "I called last minute to get a spot and they could accommodate us that day for the 3 nights we were looking for. Can't say that would happen every time but thankfully it did this time."
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. "I found 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," cautions a visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Off-season opportunities: Winter camping offers unique experiences. "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round. There are a ton of full time seasonal RV's as many people use this campground as a base for snow machining," explains a visitor about Meredith Woods.
