Portsmouth, New Hampshire RV parks operate in a seasonal climate with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Average summer temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F while winter temperatures typically drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area close between mid-October and mid-April, opening their gates when snow melt allows for safe travel on local access roads.
What to do
Beach access within walking distance: At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, campers are near multiple beaches. "It's a great base for sightseeing," explains Betty H., who found the full hookup sites spacious and clean despite many seasonal campers.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature ponds or lakes for fishing. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, campers can enjoy "fishing and swimming on property along with a club house," according to Shawn C., who appreciated the mix of RV sites and tent camping options.
Family entertainment: Most parks offer organized activities during summer weekends. The staff at Cole's Mine RV Resort creates themed experiences for families. "2 amazing playgrounds, clean facilities and one amazing pool," writes Laura C., noting that the smaller size means "not many people crowding the pool."
What campers like
Heated pools and amenities: Several parks maintain heated swimming pools even when coastal waters remain chilly. "Beautiful campground, clean facilities, decently priced. The pool, playground, bathrooms, and basketball court were all open and well maintained," reports Kristen L. about her stay at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Trolley access to beaches: Transportation to popular beaches is a common feature. "Trolley access to the beach area was great and people are friendly," notes David A. about Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, adding that while the park can get crowded, it has "great amenities, and well run."
Helpful staff and loan programs: Staff at Portsmouth area campgrounds often go above expectations. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, Christy C. experienced extraordinary hospitality: "Our generator was down and we needed to pick up our friend at the airport. Lauri loaned us her minivan to go to the airport and Drew loaned us some tools to work on the RV."
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds near beaches have railroad tracks nearby. At Wild Acres Sun RV Resort, Bryan notes: "The campground map is missing the train tracks that are between the campground and the ocean. The trains all blow their horn and you will hear it if you're at one of the sites 'by the ocean'."
GPS navigation challenges: Digital navigation systems sometimes lead to incorrect entrances. "If you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance," warns Sara D. about her experience at Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Varied site privacy levels: Site layout differs dramatically between parks and even within the same campground. At Beach Rose RV Park, Jackie M. found "level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet." This campground offers a different experience than more wooded options.
Tips for camping with families
Consider smaller campgrounds during peak times: Less crowded parks may offer a more peaceful experience. "Super fun pool and a small campground so not many people crowding the pool. Many nice fishing spots and lots of play areas and outdoor recreation," notes Samantha N. about Cole's Mine RV Resort.
Check comedy show age ratings: Some campgrounds host evening entertainment that may not be child-appropriate. Sara D. found herself at an adult comedy show at Tuxbury Pond with her 9-year-old: "For the most part, the comedians kept it fairly clean & our 9 yr old did not get any of the jokes that were a little sassy."
Book off-peak for quieter stays: Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer dramatically different experiences. "We stayed a weekday night and over the weekend and the weekend was crazy busy. A little too much," reports Daria about Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, despite giving the park a 5-star rating.
Tips from RVers
Site placement affects utilities access: Hookup locations can create challenges at some parks. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, Carry M. found that "the water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Driving considerations for large rigs: Some campgrounds have narrow internal roads requiring careful navigation. At Seacoast Camping and RV Resort, Nancy W. observed: "The roads in the park are fairly narrow and we had to drive over the grass across from our site in order to back in. Lucky for us nobody was parked in that site."
Cell service and connectivity varies: Internet access fluctuates between campgrounds. Sarah A. at Wild Acres notes: "Wifi not great and we have starlink - lots of obstruction so if you need uninterrupted access I'd check with the front desk to see if there are clearer areas for your satellite."
