Best Campgrounds near Portsmouth, NH

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 Camping Sites Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire (146)

    1. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 772-5274

    $48 - $97 / night

    "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."

    2. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 895-3031

    $29 - $140 / night

    "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."

    3. Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    "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

    26 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 462-4481

    $28 - $38 / night

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

    "The feel here is electric, and positive. Lots of RV’s that stay here all summer long. Feels like you are in a tight-knit community, very friendly folks, packed tightly together."

    5. Libbys Oceanside Camp

    9 Reviews
    York Harbor, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 363-4171

    $50 - $125 / night

    "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!"

    6. Old Stage Campground

    9 Reviews
    Madbury, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 742-4050

    $43 - $47 / night

    "Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."

    "Learning to get away from the bad campers."

    7. Seacoast Camping and RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    North Hampton, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 964-5730

    $38 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "Our site had big beautiful trees behind us lots of shade. Fire pit is sat on a slab of concrete or something it was amazing!"

    8. Beach Rose RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 463-0226

    "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."

    9. Hampton Beach State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Hampton, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 926-8990

    $70 / night

    "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."

    "Hampton Beach SP is a small beachside campground for self-contained RVs only; if you’re in a tent, you may want to look south to Salisbury SP just a few miles across the border into MA."

    10. Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    9 Reviews
    Cape Neddick, ME
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 363-3626

    "There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms. They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...). "

    "Our plan was to spend two nights for a rest from driving. The day spent here was to wander along the coast and bask in the sea air. So this was a pretty good campground for that purpose."

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Recent Reviews near Portsmouth, NH

686 Reviews of 146 Portsmouth Campgrounds


  • Anonymous A.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Libbys Oceanside Camp

    Mesmerizing Experience Stunning Sunsets & Sunrises right from your campsite

     Libby's Oceanfront Campground York, Maine gives campers a mesmerizing coastline scene experience' you will experience stunning sunsets and sunrises over the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean' Sitting in your chair appreciating the tranquil and serene view. 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 and shop. Very clean restrooms, clean showers, clean laundry room. We enjoyed watching the surfers right from our campsite. Nubble Light house is minutes away from the campsites you can see the lighthouse from the campsite. 

    A great place to eat breakfast were the locals go is called Ricks Blue Jay Cafe minutes away on US1 fabulous food.  Go to Granite Whale Watching at Rye, Maine, visit Beach town village in York Maine great little shops and ice cream shops.

    We highly recommended this campground we will definitely return! :-)

  • Julie A.
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp Resort, Lakes Region

    Downhill since new management

    Yogi’s Jellystone Park– Milton, New Hampshire: Seasonal Camper Review I have been camping at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton for five years, including the last two as a seasonal camper. Unfortunately, my recent experiences under new management have been disappointing and frustrating. Pet Fence Policy and Safety Concerns
At the start of this season, the new general manager, Amanda, instructed me to remove my pet fence, citing liability issues. Despite my having signed a waiver absolving the park of responsibility for my dog’s actions, she insisted on its removal without providing a clear explanation. I complied reluctantly, only to observe many other campsites retaining similar pet fences throughout the season, including one seasonal camper who kept theirs up all season and transient sites with fences as well. This inconsistent enforcement of rules is unfair and undermines trust. After seeing others with pet fences, I reinstated mine to protect my dog, especially after two incidents where loose dogs entered my site and charged at my dog. Amanda then threatened me with non-renewal of my seasonal contract if I did not remove the fence again, forcing me to comply once more. I wrote to corporate regarding this issue since Amanda was of no help but never heard back from corporate. Loss of Seasonal Site and Corporate Decisions
Yogi’s removed nine seasonal sites this year, including mine, with little warning. This decision affects long-term campers, some with over 20 years of history at the park. It appears motivated by corporate interests, favoring transient sites or cabins, which generate more revenue. The loss of a seasonal site after investing time, effort, and money into making it beautiful is deeply disheartening and reflects poor management priorities. Entertainment and Atmosphere
Adult entertainment offerings have drastically declined. This year’s highlight was a 30-minute Saturday night hayride, with no live bands in the pavilion throughout the entire season. Under previous management, live music was a regular and enjoyable feature. The lack of engaging activities diminishes the overall campground experience. Myself and other campers offered suggestions to management regarding entertainment for adults but they didn't take any of our suggestions. Bear Interaction
Despite the park’s theme, sightings of Yogi Bear are rare. On one occasion, a golf cart carrying excited children stopped to see Yogi Bear, but the character ignored them and drove past without interaction, which was very disappointing. Management and Staff Attitude
Amanda, the general manager, presents as unapproachable and aloof. She did not introduce herself to seasonal campers at the beginning of the season, many of whom do not even know what she looks like and the camping season ends in just a couple of weeks. Most staff members also exhibit a snobbish attitude, often failing to acknowledge campers, which creates an unwelcoming environment. Cost and Recommendation
The campground is overpriced relative to the quality of experience and level of service provided. Given the inconsistent rule enforcement, loss of seasonal sites, diminished entertainment, and poor management attitude, I cannot recommend Yogi’s Jellystone Park in Milton NH Those interested in a Yogis campground should consider other locations.

  • S
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Only a 4 because of out of stater price

    Campsites are close together, but the beach is amazing. Especially in the off season.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Hanscom AFB FamCamp

    Great stop

    Lovely campground. Clean, good WiFi. Kind campers. Will be back

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    York Beach Camper Park

    Hideaway

    Don’t let the entrance turn you off. Once you get back into the campgrounds, it’s so cute. You are nestled in the woods. You feel like you are in the Forest but so close to the ocean. It’s calm and peaceful. The owners are so friendly and kind.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Beach Rose RV Park

    Nice park

    Owners were helpful on arrival, level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet.


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?

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?

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?

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?

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.