Cabins near Portsmouth, New Hampshire range from rustic structures without electricity to fully furnished units with modern amenities. Located within 30 minutes of the Atlantic coast, cabin rentals typically include access to water recreation on lakes, ponds, or rivers. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months average 75-85°F with higher humidity levels.
What to do
Water activities on Pawtuckaway Lake: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground provides direct lake access from many sites. A visitor noted, "Kayaking, swimming area and hiking were all 5 stars! Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months." The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the three islands that make up the campground.
Explore coastal beaches: Wakeda Campground serves as a convenient base camp for beach excursions. "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm. The location is great being 10 minutes or so from Hampton beach," reports one camper. Morning walks on the beach can be less crowded before 9am.
Stargazing opportunities: Many cabin sites lack light pollution. At Cape Neddick Oceanside Campground, "The campground is set right on the ocean but you're still in the forest. Everyone is really friendly at the camp and in town." Their rustic cabins provide prime viewing of night skies over the water.
What campers like
Private cabin settings: Old Stage Campground offers woodland cabin sites with varying levels of seclusion. "My family stayed at this campground for a month and a half while we finished up our obligations before we hit the road full time. The sites were spacious in wooded area near a small river," explains one extended-stay visitor. Most cabin sites include small porches or covered areas.
Seasonal activities: Exeter Elms Campground maintains a schedule of weekend events. "Adult bingo every Friday DJ for kids every Saturday," mentions a regular visitor. Family-focused activities typically increase during July and August when school is out.
Waterfront locations: Campers consistently praise cabins with water views. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" writes a Pawtuckaway visitor. Waterfront cabins typically cost $15-30 more per night than standard cabin sites at most campgrounds.
What you should know
Winter availability limited: Most cabin facilities operate seasonally. At Dixons Coastal Maine Campground, "This is a cute little place-good for tents and smaller campers, though there are some 'field' sites. Pool available; short drive to beach." Their season runs May 11 to September 24.
Reservation requirements: Cabins book faster than tent sites, especially for weekend stays. "We chose this campground because we got a booking discount on the Dyrt app," notes a Tuxbury Pond camper, explaining the benefits of advance planning. Most cabin facilities require 2-night minimum stays on weekends during peak season.
Supply checklist varies: Beaver Dam Campground provides fully-equipped cabin rentals. "Campground is superior in its warmth, cleanliness, dog friendly and access to points of interest. Some of the sites are close together but if you can plan in advance, there are sites available with room." Pack towels, toiletries, and outdoor cooking equipment for most cabin stays.
Tips for camping with families
Scout cabin layouts: Winding River Campground offers multi-level cabin options. A recent visitor described, "There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn't pull out." Call ahead to determine sleeping arrangements, especially for larger groups.
Pool access timing: Summer weekends bring more visitors to shared facilities. "We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music to name a few," reports a Winding River visitor.
Kid-friendly spaces: Choose cabins with yard space for outdoor play. "Kid. Accommodating. Family friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect," summarizes one Old Stage Campground visitor. Most cabins include outdoor fire rings, but some restrict cooking to designated grills only.
Tips from RVers
Consider season pass options: For frequent cabin users, membership programs offer savings. At Moody Beach RV Campground, "Consider the Thousand Trails membership when booking this site. Our annual membership fees basically covered what it would cost to camp here for two weeks." These passes can reduce nightly rates by 30-50% for multiple stays.
Site layout variations: Cabin positioning affects privacy levels. "The campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you, resulting in very little privacy," explains a Moody Beach visitor. Request corner sites or end units for more outdoor space.
Pet policies differ significantly: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground welcomes pets at most sites. "Pros: Friendly staff, clean bathrooms, clean grounds, gated campground with card key access in/out of the grounds...dog park, boating pond," notes one visitor. Always confirm pet policies before booking, as rules vary by season and cabin type.
