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Best Campgrounds near Rochester, NH

924 Reviews

Rochester, New Hampshire and surrounding areas offer a mix of established campgrounds for tent, RV, and cabin camping. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located about 15 miles west of Rochester, features water access and accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, and cabin options. Other notable facilities include Old Stage Campground in nearby Dover and Ayers Lake Farm Campground in Barrington, which provide developed sites with amenities like electric hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Most established campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Camping season in the Rochester area typically runs from May through October, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Pawtuckaway State Park operates from May 1 to October 31, while many private campgrounds like Old Stage and Barrington Shores maintain similar seasonal schedules. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays when facilities often reach capacity. Several campgrounds provide amenities including electric hookups, water access, sanitary dump stations, and shower facilities, particularly at the privately operated sites. A camper familiar with the area noted, "Ayers lake campground in New Hampshire is a well kept secret. Small and family owned and operated, this campground offers some of the greatest vistas of a small New Hampshire pond we have seen."

Many campgrounds near Rochester feature water access, which remains a primary attraction for visitors. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Barrington Shores Campground both offer waterfront sites that receive high ratings from visitors. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with recreational amenities - Salmon Falls/Lebanon KOA includes features like water slides, swimming pools, and organized activities. Sites along lakes and rivers tend to book quickly during peak season. Forested campgrounds provide natural shade and cooler temperatures even during summer heat. According to review data, visitors frequently mention clean facilities and friendly staff as highlights of their camping experiences. One reviewer described Lazy Frog Campground as "a cute campground, just off the beaten path" where the "owners have worked hard to improve this little gem."

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Best Camping Sites Near Rochester, New Hampshire (214)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    18 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."

    2. Old Stage Campground

    9 Reviews
    Madbury, NH
    9 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."

    3. Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA

    7 Reviews
    Rochester, NH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465

    "We were able to book last minute and got a great tenting site, next to a running river that was great to sleep to. Very buggy, but it's outside, what do you expect?"

    "Staff was very friendly and extremely cautious about their surroundings. Plenty of things to do to stay busy during the rainy days."

    4. Beaver Dam Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Berwick, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 698-2267

    "Campground is superior in its warmth, cleanliness, dog friendly and access to points of interest."

    "LOTS OF GREAT restaurants there and nearby, like Ogunquit Maine and York Maine, etc.  THERE is plenty to do if you canoe or kayak, there is a pond right there, there is a swimming area in the pond. "

    5. Bear Brook State Park Campground

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

    $35 - $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."

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

    7 Reviews
    Milton, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 652-9022

    $64 / night

    "Started with really expensive sites, and we had 4 of them next to one another. Rained the whole time we were there. Wouldnt even consider a discount, nothing."

    "This is a glampground, keep this in mind, if your looking for a peacful Shangri-La seek another campground, if your looking to let loose and enjoy an amenity filled experience around other people, give"

    7. Flat Rock Bridge Family Resort

    5 Reviews
    Rochester, NH
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 339-9465

    8. Lazy Frog Campground

    4 Reviews
    Berwick, ME
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 457-1260

    "Lazy Frog is a cute campground, just off the beaten path. The owners have worked hard to improve this little gem.

    We stayed in August when it is was hot."

    9. Barrington Shores Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barrington, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 664-9333

    "Lots of things to do in surrounding towns and easy access to the river."

    10. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages

    2 Reviews
    Barrington, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 332-5940

    "Ayers lake campground in New Hampshire is a well kept secret. Small and family owned and operated, this campground offers some of the greatest vistas of a small New Hampshire pond we have seen."

    "On lake site. Great management and owner."

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Recent Camping Photos near Rochester, NH

591 Photos of 214 Rochester Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rochester, NH

924 Reviews of 214 Rochester Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Meredith Woods Four Season Camping

    Now called HUNTERS RUN Rv Park

    Good spot, lots of seasonal campers, new corporate owners and it’s named Hunter’s Run RV Park. Combined with another campground across the street. Called for reservations and staff helpful once they answered. Store and office hours are erratic. FireWood supply “iffy” so brought some locally sourced food. Camped at Lakeside area.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Clearwater Campground

    Now Hunter’s Run RV Park

    This is now called Hunter’s Run. Many seasonal campsites more than half the campground. Good site spacing. Store only open limited hours and staff on site only limited hours. Probably due to new corporate owners. Very quiet off season and during the week. No wood available during our visit, 2 bundles locked in cage area but nobody around to purchase from. Bathhouses and showers very clean at lakeside section of campground. Nice clean beach area at the lake. Looks like kayak and canoe rentals. This is on south side of NH route 104 which is a busy road. Some road noise noticed from our location near the lake. Gravel/dirt sites with fire pits ( rocks ) and picnic table. Called office to arrange for site and they called back. Staff very helpful to find a good site and making reservations.

  • 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.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

Guide to Rochester

Camping near Rochester, 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:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the variety of landscapes, with one reviewer mentioning, "The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or swimming at places like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A reviewer shared, "The park includes a large family beach on the lake... where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper said, "Great location with lake views, trails etc. Can't beat it for only an hour from Boston."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the well-maintained amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean facilities, camp store and beach are great."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground are noted for being great for families. One family shared, "Such a great place for families. West Bay has a playground, a great shower house, water access, and kayak rentals."

What you should know:

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

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. One reviewer at Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground said, "Great place for kids with lots of variety, animals and low traffic back roads for bike riding."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring items to keep everyone comfortable. A family shared, "The campground is close to Lincoln, NH so if you need supplies you can easily run into town for food and drink."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger rigs. A reviewer at Lorraine Park Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight, but overall the campground is nice."
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Campgrounds near highways may have noise. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "The sites are all nice... but the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground appreciated the availability of a dump station, saying, "Dump Station: Yes."

Exploring the campgrounds around Rochester, NH, can lead to memorable experiences filled with nature, family fun, and relaxation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping sites available near Rochester?

Yes, several campgrounds near Rochester offer excellent tent camping opportunities. Covered Bridge provides spacious tent sites in a quiet setting, perfect for first-time campers. Bear Brook State Park Campground offers tent sites in New Hampshire's largest state park with trails, ponds, and family-friendly amenities. Other options include White Ledge Campground with primitive tent sites and Roots and Wings Homestead for a more rustic experience. Most tent campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities.

Where can I find campgrounds near Rochester, NH?

Rochester offers several excellent camping options nearby. Barrington Shores Campground is a convenient choice with drive-in access and full hookups for RVs. Just a short drive away, Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers a beautiful wooded setting with water activities. Other nearby options include Old Stage Campground near Dover and Beaver Dam Campground near Berwick. The region provides a mix of private and public campgrounds, with options ranging from lakeside settings to forested retreats.

What amenities do Rochester, NH campgrounds typically offer?

Campgrounds near Rochester typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Ayers Lake Farm Campground and Cottages provides firewood and scenic lake views in a family-owned setting. Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort features extensive facilities on nearly 200 acres with lakefront access. Most area campgrounds provide water hookups, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many also offer additional amenities such as camp stores, swimming areas, playgrounds, dump stations, and hiking trails. Private RV parks tend to have more services like full hookups, while state parks focus on natural amenities with basic facilities.

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