Leighton O.
Guide
GuidePawtuckaway State Park Campground
Very nice campground! Some sites right on the lake. Have camped there several times. Lots of space between sites.
Camping near Portsmouth, NH
1 campground with availability this weekend
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The New Hampshire seacoast surrounding Portsmouth features a diverse range of camping options within a 30-minute drive of the historic port city. Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls offers nearly 400 sites under tall pine trees, accommodating everything from tents to RVs with full hookups. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located about 25 miles inland, provides a more natural setting with lakefront sites and multiple access options including boat-in camping. Coastal options extend into neighboring states with Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Massachusetts and Libby's Oceanside Camp in York Harbor, Maine, both providing oceanfront camping experiences. The region balances privately owned RV resorts with state park campgrounds, offering varying levels of amenities and natural settings.
Most campgrounds in the Portsmouth area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted, "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 varies significantly between coastal and inland locations, with Verizon users reporting spotty service at Pawtuckaway State Park. Weather considerations include occasional summer thunderstorms and potential flooding in low-lying sites during heavy rain. Many campgrounds prohibit outside firewood due to invasive species concerns, instead selling approved wood bundles on-site.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Portsmouth region. At Pawtuckaway State Park, lakefront sites on Horse Island are particularly sought after, with one camper explaining, "The breeze from the lake and lack of standing water makes these sites ideal." Coastal campgrounds often feature more densely packed sites but provide easy beach access. Many campgrounds maintain a balance between seasonal and transient campers, creating what one reviewer described as a "neighborhood atmosphere." Family-friendly amenities are common, including dog parks, playgrounds, and camp stores. The proximity to Portsmouth's restaurants and cultural attractions serves as a major draw, allowing campers to enjoy both outdoor recreation and urban amenities within the same trip.
Best Campgrounds near Portsmouth (151)
1. Wakeda Campground, LLC
"They put me in the perfect site, near the dog park (they have a dog park!). When the forecast changed to thunderstorms, they let me switch my dates without any hassle. "
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $48 - $97 / night
2. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $140 / night
3. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort
"The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."
"So clean, friendly staff and plenty to do here or close by. Minutes away from some very nice beaches"
4. Salisbury Beach State Reservation
"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."
149 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $38 / night
5. Libbys Oceanside Camp
"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"
"Love the location & the town of York! The views are beautiful!"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $125 / night
6. Seacoast Camping and RV Resort
"The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."
"The campground is located on Route 1 which means you are convenient to a lot of things but there is lots of traffic."
Check Availabilityfrom $38 - $48 / night
7. Old Stage Campground
"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
Check Availabilityfrom $43 - $47 / night
8. Hampton Beach State Park Campground
"Oceanfront camping at its best—full hookups just steps from the beach. Located in popular Hampton Beach, you'll be close to nightly bandshell concerts and vibrant nightlife."
"One side of the campground is bordered by an inlet that fishing boats use to head out from the harbor. Another side is sand dunes, that are the south end of Hampton beach."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $70 / night
9. Beach Rose RV Park
"Simple, clean, perfect pool set up, quiet and close to beaches and New Hampshire coastline."
"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
10. York Beach Camper Park
"A small but trees all around rv park. This is no thrills with basic WiFi. It is about 10 min walk to short sands beach in York."
"The staff are super friendly and it’s very close to the beach. We loved being able to walk down for sunset and sunrise each day!"
Drive Time
- 36 min from Manchester, NH
- 55 min from Boston, MA
- 59 min from Portland, ME
- 1 hr 13 min from Worcester, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Portsmouth, NH
299 Photos of 151 Portsmouth Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Portsmouth, NH
768 Reviews of 151 Portsmouth Campgrounds
- Leighton O.Guide
Salisbury Beach State Reservation
Great location if you find a site within walking distance of the beach. Sites are very close together and get pretty noisy. You have to really like people to enjoy this camping area. Bathrooms and shower are very clean though.
- Leighton O.Guide
Winter Island Park
Nice location if enjoy walks by the ocean. Staff is very friendly. Bathrooms and showers could use some work.
- PPatrick
TravelerPawtuckaway State Park Campground
Great spot with all types of different campsites.
Nancy W.
LegendWinter Island Park
Basically a parking lot but with great views!
I’m not going to lie this was a little tricky for big rigs to get to, but with lots of patience and skillful driving, it is doable. Salem is an old New England town so there are many narrow streets and some low clearances. Follow the directions on the parks website as they are designed for RVs– don’t use Google Maps unless you are a small camper. Even getting into the park is kind of challenging because of the way the entrance is laid out with the entrance booth and some low hanging trees. This campground is in a municipal park with a marina, beach, a short walking trail, and picnic areas. The campground has different sections and totally different feels to them. We arrived on a weekend and section we were in the section which is in the parking lot of a busy marina. The parking lot was half full which made for navigating our 45’ bus into our site pretty hard.
No sites have fire pits but you can have a fire if you bring your own above ground pit. Tent sites have picnic tables but nothing else. Some sites you can drive to and have a car onsite and others are non-vehicle access sites (11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27& 38) in which you have to park in a parking lot. Some RV sites have great water views and others are in a back gravel lot. In my opinion, the best RV sites are 12-16(A-D) because they have a water view. Sites 16B-D are a little tricky for big-rigs to get into because of the tight space. Our site (#13) had a slight downhill slope. We pulled in forward so we could have a view of the harbor which meant the utilities (water electric only) were in the front of our site but we were able to reach without an extension cord. We loved watching the action in the harbor. There is a gazebo by the water which we enjoyed siting under and watching boats go in and out of the harbor while it rained.
There is a nice sandy beach onsite which attracts a lot of day use vistors. The grounds are interesting to walk around as the water views are nice and there is an old fort to explore. Nearby town of Salem Willows is(about½ mile away) is a cute old seaside town with restaurants and arcades. They have a Bluebike rental station which is an easy way to get downtown and explore the area if you don’t have a car.
- Nancy W.Legend
Sea-Vu West Premier RV Resort
Pleasantly surprised.
This campground is mostly seasonal, privately owned park models, but has 45 spaces for RV’s. I was a little skeptical about staying at this campground with so many park models and seasonals but was pleasantly surprised at how nice, clean, and tidy all the sites were. They obviously take pride in how things look because the grounds and campsites were very well-kept.
All campsites are 50/30-amp full hook-up with level gravel pads with grassy patios, a picnic table, and fire pit. We stayed in site#702 which was long enough for our 45’ motorhome and tow car. All the utilities were easy to reach and the electric worked well. The only problem was that we were parked under a large oak tree that was profusely shedding large acorns. There are some sites that are in the open which I would definitely choose, if I came back in the fall. The campground is gated which is a nice feature. It is located a mile or so off Route 1 which means you don’t get the road noise and traffic, but still conveniently located near shops and restaurants.
One nice feature are the shaded walking trails in the park. While they are not super long, it is a nice change from walking the roads (which are paved). Other amenities include a decent size swimming pool (closed while we were there), a basketball court, playground, laundry, and camp store. I thought it was a little expensive at $75/night (for full hook-up) at the end of the season, especially since the pool was closed.
- Nancy W.Legend
Sun Outdoors Wells Beach
Tight sites and expensive, busy area along the Maine coast
We stopped here in the summer to check out the coastal towns in southern Maine. There are many campgrounds in the area and we chose this one because they had a 25% off coupon (on a 7-night stay) which gave us the best nightly price in the area. However, the nightly rate was still$74/night, one reason being they charge a “resort fee” of$15/day which is ridiculous. This is a typical resort-style campground with lots of amenities (most of which we never use). But, for some people, this is a destination campground because of all the amenities- a large heated swimming pool, basketball courts, sand volleyball, bocce, fitness center, two playgrounds, 18-hole minigolf (that you pay extra for), and more.
The campsites in the front of the park are sandwiched between the swimming pool and Route 1 which is very busy and noisy. Campsites in the far back portion of the campground are shaded and a much quieter section. Camping pads and patios are a mix of gravel and sand. Many sites have shade and some have an astroturf patio (I think those are “premium” sites). Our campsite was in the middle section which was fairly quiet but the sites are close together with no privacy. The site was a long and level pull thru with a gravel pad and gravel/sand patio. All sites have a picnic table and fire pit.
There is a tent-only section and they have renal cabins. There is lots to do for families in the area including the beach and amusement and water parks. Restaurants of all sorts are nearby. You can easily walk to Congdon’s Donuts which is a Maine classic.
- Nancy W.Legend
Seacoast Camping and RV Resort
Nice Campground, Love the area!
This is a nice, clean, well-maintained campground for RV and tenting. The campground is located on Route 1 which means you are convenient to a lot of things but there is lots of traffic. Half the campground is seasonal/long term campers and the other side is mostly transients. The roads and campsites are fine crushed gravel with nice grassy patios. The campground is very well maintained (the best part being that the mower collects they cut the grass so no clippings get tracked in your camper). There are some mature trees that provide shade but don’t impede navigating in and out of sites or impacting slide outs.
Campsites range from tent with water/electric to RV water/electric and RV full hook-up 50-amp and full hook-up 30-amp. There are three bathhouses on the property (one of which has a dishwashing sink) and laundry. Tent sites 50-55 are in an are set away from RV sites and more private. They are also close to a large bathhouse with multiple toilets and showers. Tent sites 90-100 are across from a large playground which can be quite chaotic, but if you have kids, this is a great spot.
Our site (#147) was a long pull-thru with a descent amount of space between our neighbors. We got about half a dozen over-the-air channels (one being a major network station) and were able to connect with eastern arc satellites with our Dish Satellite. The 50A electric was good as was the water pressure.
The campground does not have much in the way of amenities except for a game room, basketball court, and playground. The game room is pretty cool with lots of arcade-style games, a pool table, foosball, and table tennis. While we were there, they just finished putting in all new playground equipment and enlarged the size making it really big and a hit with the kids in the park. Once convenience is that maintenance picks up garbage at your site (between 8am– 3pm). Unfortunately, people leave them out after hours and animals got into them and scattered garbage everywhere. We've stayed here before and always enjoy being in the area as it is close to the fun cities of Portsmouth and Newburyport.
Briggs M.
ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Nice Place To Relax
We were visiting family around Nashua and needed somewhere to park the RV nearby. Berry’s Grove ended up being a really good fit. We could come and go easily and still have a nice place to relax at the end of the day.
Guide to Portsmouth
Portsmouth seacoast camping offers sites from full-service RV resorts to forested tent camping areas within a 30-mile radius of the city. Campsites in the region feature a mix of oceanfront, lakefront, and wooded options with varied pricing from $43-70 per night. Most campgrounds operate from May through early October, with many requiring reservations up to a year in advance for waterfront sites during summer months.
What to do
Whale watching tours: Hampton Beach State Park Campground provides convenient access to daily whale watching excursions. "There are daily deep sea fishing trips from companies across the street," notes Jean C., who appreciates the location's proximity to these maritime adventures.
Beach activities: Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort serves as an excellent base for exploring multiple beaches. "About 5 miles to the east is Hampton Beach and a little farther is the town of Rye which are worth the drive. After lunch pop over to Wallis Sand Beach for an afternoon relaxing by the sea," advises Nancy W.
Lighthouse visits: Cape Neddick offers access to Nubble Lighthouse. Bob W. from Dixons Coastal Maine Campground suggests, "Don't miss Nubble Light House and Fox's Lobster house. Around the corner is a great Ice Cream shop."
Paddleboarding: Waterfront camping enables direct water access for paddling. Nancy W. describes her experience near Salisbury Beach: "We loved paddle boarding in the river where seals were plentiful and fun to watch. There is also another winding river that goes through a marshy area that was great for bird watching."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Libbys Oceanside Camp offers prime ocean views. "This campsite has a great view over the ocean towards the lighthouse. The site is very tidy and toilets clean! Everything you would need available," shares Olaf, while Alexander H. adds, "Awesome views. Ocean front sites."
Meticulously maintained grounds: Cleanliness stands out as a major positive for many campsites. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well. Wifi service was excellent," notes Rebecca S. about Sea Coast Camping.
Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate natural encounters throughout the region. One Pawsfuradventure T. at Wakeda Campground reports, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird."
Convenient beach access: Proximity to beaches remains a top priority. Meg T. at Salisbury Beach State Reservation notes: "Beautiful ocean access and great facilities. We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station."
What you should know
Insect concerns: Low-lying campgrounds can have mosquito issues. At Old Stage Campground, one reviewer warns, "The lower portion of the campground is located in a swamp. The mosquitos were relentless."
Site placement matters: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers varying site quality. Ellen C. shares from experience: "In 2013 - site 25 was a little challenging since it was on a downgrade and we were hit with a an unexpected 36 hour downpour and there was only one suitable spot for our tent since the terrain is very rocky."
Weather considerations: Coastal conditions can be windy and change rapidly. David V. advises about Hampton Beach, "Be careful of your awning as it is very windy."
Site proximity: Many coastal campgrounds place sites close together. At Dixons, katrina M. observes, "This is an extremely large campground. It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are. All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Playgrounds and pools provide entertainment for kids. "This is a kid friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect," describes Lyndzie O. about Old Stage Campground.
Secure environments: Beach Rose RV Park offers a controlled setting. Jac notes, "Arrived at dark and they were friendly and accommodating. Took a walk around in the morning and everyone was so nice. You could definitely bike to the beach."
Educational opportunities: Birdwatching and tide pool exploration appeal to curious children. At Salisbury Beach, Sara D. mentions, "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!"
Seasonal timing: School vacation weeks bring more children. Madison G. cautions about Pawtuckaway, "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Gravel pads may require additional leveling blocks. Nancy W. shares about Sea Coast: "Our site (#124) was one of the new sites which they had just completed. It was a gravel back-in which was plenty long and level."
Hookup placement: Be prepared for unusual utility configurations. Chuck H. at Sea Coast RV Park notes, "Some of the best clear, clean, drinking water at high pressure we have come across."
Entertainment options: WiFi quality varies between parks. "The wifi worked perfectly for streaming tv despite the campground being fully booked for Memorial Day weekend," reports Jeff P.
RV length restrictions: Salisbury Beach State Reservation can accommodate larger rigs but has limitations. Nancy W. notes, "Many of the sites are short but since you can park on the grass that turns out not to be a problem."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping in Portsmouth, New Hampshire typically cost?
How much does camping in Portsmouth, New Hampshire typically cost?
Camping costs around Portsmouth vary based on campground type and amenities. At Bear Brook State Park Campground, expect to pay standard state park rates, typically $25-35 per night for basic sites. Private campgrounds like Old Stage Campground offer spacious wooded sites near a small river, with rates ranging from $35-60 per night depending on hookups and seasonality. RV parks and resorts with full amenities generally cost $45-75 nightly. Many campgrounds offer discounted weekly and monthly rates, which can be economical for longer stays. Membership programs like Thousand Trails can significantly reduce costs at participating campgrounds. For the best value, consider camping during shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) when rates are often lower but weather remains pleasant.
What are the best campgrounds near Portsmouth, NH?
What are the best campgrounds near Portsmouth, NH?
Portsmouth offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground stands out with its diverse landscapes, swimming beach, hiking trails, and water activities like kayaking and canoeing. For a more intimate experience, Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages provides stunning views of a serene New Hampshire pond in a small, family-owned setting. Other highly-rated options include Bear Brook State Park (New Hampshire's largest state park) and Wakeda Campground, both offering wooded sites and recreational activities. Most campgrounds near Portsmouth require reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer season when the area's combination of forest, lakes, and proximity to coastal attractions makes it a popular destination.
What amenities are available at Portsmouth area campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Portsmouth area campgrounds?
Portsmouth area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. Wakeda Campground, LLC stands out with its dog park and accommodating staff. Many campgrounds like Wellington Camping Park provide good-sized lots, friendly atmosphere, and basic amenities, though Wi-Fi can be unreliable. State parks such as Salisbury Beach and Bear Brook offer picnic tables, fire rings, and access to recreational activities including swimming beaches, hiking trails, and fishing spots. Private campgrounds typically add amenities like camp stores, shower facilities, laundry services, and organized activities. Several campgrounds feature water access with boating and swimming opportunities. RV-specific amenities include electric hookups (30/50 amp), water connections, dump stations, and in premium locations, full sewer hookups and cable TV.
Are there any RV-friendly campgrounds near Portsmouth's seacoast?
Are there any RV-friendly campgrounds near Portsmouth's seacoast?
Beach Rose RV Park offers a simple, clean environment with pool facilities and convenient access to beaches along New Hampshire's coastline. It's particularly suitable for RVs seeking a quiet atmosphere near the seacoast. Salisbury Beach State Reservation accommodates RVs with electrical posts and water hookups, though placement can sometimes require creative parking to reach utilities. The hard-packed sand makes site access manageable for most rigs. Additional options include Hampton Beach State Park Campground, which features big-rig-friendly sites, and Seacoast Camping and RV Resort, designed specifically for recreational vehicles. Most seacoast campgrounds require reservations well in advance, especially during summer months when spaces fill quickly. Larger RVs should confirm site dimensions before booking.
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