Best Campgrounds near Raymond, NH

State parks and forests surrounding Raymond, New Hampshire feature a variety of camping experiences within a short drive. Bear Brook State Park, New Hampshire's largest state park, sits approximately 10 miles northwest of Raymond, offering wooded campsites under towering pines with access to multiple ponds and extensive trail systems. Pawtuckaway State Park, located about 7 miles east in Nottingham, provides lakeside camping with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and hiking to a fire tower. Private campgrounds like Wakeda Campground in Hampton Falls and Calef Lake Camping Area in Auburn complement these state facilities with full hookup options for RVs and family-oriented amenities. The region supports tent camping, RV sites with utilities, rustic cabins, and some glamping accommodations.

Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. New Hampshire state parks have varying pet policies, with many restricting dogs during peak season. As one camper noted about Bear Brook State Park, "The campground is tucked away in the woods so you really feel like you're away from the cities in the area." Cell service can be spotty in more remote locations, particularly at Pawtuckaway where visitors report Verizon coverage limited to text messages. Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer months, especially near water features, prompting many reviewers to recommend bringing ample repellent.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, though they typically require booking well in advance. A reviewer at Pawtuckaway State Park commented, "Generally large and level sites, many with water access. Make your reservation well in advance if you're planning to visit during peak season or if you want a prime waterfront site." The wooded settings provide natural privacy between many campsites, with tall pines offering welcome shade during summer heat. Facilities vary widely, with state parks typically offering more basic amenities like pit toilets or coin-operated showers, while private campgrounds often feature full bathhouses, camp stores, and recreational facilities. The proximity to both lakes and the Atlantic coast (about 30 minutes east) makes the Raymond area popular for campers seeking water activities.

Best Camping Sites Near Raymond, New Hampshire (166)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    3 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."

    2. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 485-9869

    $29 - $45 / night

    "Tucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground."

    "Site 91 is near the entrance, but large and set back from the camp road, so it offers some extra seclusion. It’s across the street from the playground."

    3. Wakeda Campground, LLC

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

    $48 - $97 / night

    "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."

    "Our full hookup site was very close to other sites, so unfortunately we had to deal with some noise issues."

    4. Calef Lake Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Auburn, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 483-8282

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Beautiful location in southern NH! Located Beside a lake, The water is great for swimming, and the playground is absolutely perfect for kids and adults alike."

    "They originally booked us on a site so small, our tent wouldn’t even fit so we weren’t going to be able to have a fire because our tent was so close to it."

    5. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "entrance (seems to happen frequently, I guess)."

    "We went just for one night with a tent because our 5 years old loooves camping, so we reserved this at the last minute, and when we get there, well, the tent sites are way too close to each other, thank"

    6. Wellington Camping Park

    5 Reviews
    Lee, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 659-5051

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Had to walk around to find signal for phone call."

    "Sites are wide I parked my truck next to camper and still had enough space for a safe fire in the pit."

    7. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    26 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    23 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."

    8. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

    4 Reviews
    Derry, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 887-3767

    9. Exeter Elms Campground

    7 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 778-7631

    $45 - $59 / night

    "Site across the path was a little loud, but we were too I imagine... bet it'd be lots of fun for the kiddos."

    "Sites weren’t bad, clean campground, pool & canoe rentals, family activities offered, short drive to the beaches. Primitive camping, waterfront sites & cabins available :)"

    10. Old Stage Campground

    9 Reviews
    Madbury, NH
    16 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."

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Recent Reviews near Raymond, NH

764 Reviews of 166 Raymond Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Helpful staff

    The staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • 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.


Guide to Raymond

Campsites near Raymond, New Hampshire offer convenient access to diverse outdoor recreation within a 30-minute radius. The region sits at elevations between 200-400 feet, characterized by mixed pine-hardwood forests interspersed with numerous small ponds and streams. Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds, with several locations reporting only text message capabilities for Verizon customers while ATT coverage tends to be more reliable in the area.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: Bear Brook State Park provides multiple ponds for water activities. "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit... During the peak season, I'm sure it's a different story given it's proximity to Concord and Manchester and the variety of activities available," notes one visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground.

Mountain biking: The extensive trail network at Bear Brook supports riders of all skill levels. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count. The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," shares a camper who visited Bear Brook.

Golfing: For campers who enjoy golf during their outdoor stays, Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park combines camping with a 9 or 18-hole course. "This campground is 1300 acres owned and operated by the Simonsen family in Derry, NH. The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc."

What campers like

Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer larger sites under tall pines. "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees," writes a reviewer about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The wetlands and ponds attract various animals. "We forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub... The next day I bought uncooked Quaker Oats and some grapes that I cut in quarters for them," describes a visitor to Pawtuckaway.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming areas. "The sites are level and roomy. The bathroom was clean. The walk to the beach was along a public parking lot. The beach was clean. The small store is well stocked. You can rent kayaks here. Lots of small people powered boats on the lake," notes a Pawtuckaway camper.

What you should know

Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate May through October with significant differences in crowding and amenities. A visitor to Salisbury Beach State Reservation observed, "As there are a lot of campsites and with this being a popular beach area, the campground is probably full in the summer. Most of the sites are wide open so getting satellite is possible."

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are prevalent, particularly in wooded sites and near water. "The bug situation can be intense, especially in early summer when sites back up to wetlands or ponds," report multiple reviewers.

Site selection matters: Research specific site numbers before booking. "I was in site 38 and found that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner," shares a camper about Bear Brook State Park.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds feature extensive play areas. At Wakeda Campground, families appreciate the recreation options: "They also had a recroom attached which has a pool table. They do rent canoes for the river. The shower/toilet house was very clean and open for use."

Entertainment options: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities. "Adult bingo every Friday, DJ for kids every Saturday," mentions a visitor to Exeter Elms Campground.

Water safety considerations: Lakes and ponds often lack lifeguards and have varying water conditions. "The swimming area at the pond looked very inviting for summer time campers. I also liked the sites across from ours near the ball field and thought they would make a nice place for a large group of friends to pitch their tents," notes a Bear Brook camper.

Tips from RVers

Hookup locations: RVers should check site diagrams before arrival as utility placement varies. At Wellington Camping Park, a camper noted, "Sites are wide I parked my truck next to camper and still had enough space for a safe fire in the pit. Nice painted picnic table, water turns on with ball valve, sewer has 2 inlets, electric service was sturdy and proper."

Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full sewer connections. "Good sites, with water and 30 amp electric. Easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly, big dump site, and good prices," reports a visitor to Salisbury Beach State Reservation.

Leveling challenges: Many sites require leveling blocks. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite," mentions a reviewer about Bear Brook, which applies to RVs as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly campgrounds near Raymond, New Hampshire?

The Raymond area has excellent family-friendly camping options. Bear Brook State Park Campground is New Hampshire's largest state park and offers a truly family-oriented experience with play structures, a camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is another great option with plenty of activities for families, clean facilities, and friendly owners. Families also appreciate Exeter Elms Campground for its range of amenities and accessibility. Most family campgrounds in the region offer reservable sites, proper restroom facilities, and recreational activities to keep children entertained throughout your stay.

What campgrounds are available in Raymond, NH?

Raymond, NH and its surrounding area offer several excellent camping options. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground is nearby and features wooded sites, many with water access, where you can enjoy swimming, hiking, kayaking, and fishing. Calef Lake Camping Area in nearby Auburn provides drive-in access with reservable sites, toilets, and accommodations for larger RVs. The region also has several private campgrounds including Wellington Camping Park and Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, both offering various amenities for campers. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months, so booking in advance is recommended.

What is the best time of year to camp in Raymond, NH?

The prime camping season in Raymond, NH runs from late May through early October. Summer (June-August) offers warm days perfect for swimming and water activities at places like Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages, which provides beautiful vistas of a small New Hampshire pond. Early fall (September-early October) brings spectacular foliage and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration at parks like Roots and Wings Homestead. Spring camping (May-early June) can be beautiful but expect cooler nights and occasional rain. Many campgrounds in the region open Memorial Day weekend and close after Columbus Day, with reduced services during shoulder seasons. Summer weekends book quickly, so make reservations well in advance.