Best Campgrounds near Portsmouth, NH

The coastal city of Portsmouth in New Hampshire has several good camping options within a short drive. Wakeda Campground works well for families with kids who need playgrounds and picnic spots to keep busy. If you prefer a more basic outdoor experience, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground connects you to hiking trails and a lake where you can put in a kayak. Tidewater Campground has bigger campsites and better facilities for those who don't want to rough it. While staying at these campgrounds, you can fish, hike, or head into Portsmouth's historic downtown area. Most camping areas have decent bathrooms and drinking water available. Book ahead if you're coming during busy times, as many places fill up. Always check if there are fire bans before planning to have a campfire. The nearby Atlantic Ocean means you can add beach days to your camping trip. Many campers find spring and fall most comfortable weather-wise. Summer can get hot, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Winter camping exists for the hardy, but you'll need proper cold-weather gear. Portsmouth area campgrounds range from basic to comfortable, depending on what kind of outdoor stay you want.

Best Camping Sites Near Portsmouth, New Hampshire (144)

    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

    $35 - $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

    24 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

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

    $50 - $125 / night

    "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

    12 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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Showing results 1-10 of 144 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Portsmouth, NH

660 Reviews of 144 Portsmouth Campgrounds



Guide to Portsmouth

Camping near Portsmouth, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to the water. One camper mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The park includes a large family beach on the lake... with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Beach Days: If you love the ocean, Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a great spot. One reviewer said, "The ocean is absolutely gorgeous, clean, beautiful."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for White Lake State Park Campground highlights, "The lake water is crystal clear... with a nice field for the kids to get some energy out."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Wompatuck State Park Campground mentioned, "The bathroom amenities work but not the cleanest," indicating that while they may not be perfect, they are generally well-maintained.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lorraine Park Campground offer activities for kids. One camper said, "There is a well-maintained playground for kids and there are activities planned for kids and adults."

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are closer together. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "The sites were 4' apart in the section I was staying in."
  • Pet Policies: If you're bringing a furry friend, check the rules. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are allowed on trails but not in the campground or beach area during the summer.
  • Water Quality: Some campgrounds may have issues with water quality. A visitor at White Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Water from the spigot is absolutely HORRID tasting."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly amenities. One camper at Sandy Pines Campground said, "There are two playgrounds, a pool, bocce court... The restrooms are clean and plentiful."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Minute Man Campground enjoyed the "games and movies for campers to enjoy."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items that make camping easier for kids. A reviewer at Winslow Park And Campground appreciated the "good bath houses" and "walking trails all around."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger rigs. A visitor at Wompatuck State Park Campground noted, "You don't have the feeling of being really in the woods."
  • Electric Hookups: If you need power, confirm availability. A camper at Minute Man Campground mentioned, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Book Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast. A camper at Sandy Pines Campground said, "Difficult to get weekend reservations."

Camping around Portsmouth, NH, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Portsmouth, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portsmouth, NH is Wakeda Campground, LLC with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

What parks are near Portsmouth, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Portsmouth, NH that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.