Cabins near Rollinsford, New Hampshire serve as convenient bases for exploring southern Maine and coastal New Hampshire. The region sits at the junction of the Salmon Falls and Piscataqua Rivers, creating diverse waterway access points for paddlers. Winter cabin rentals typically operate at reduced rates from November through April, with several campgrounds offering seasonal heating options for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Water activities on calm ponds: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground features water-based recreation on a calm lake system. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," notes Matt R.
Biking near the coast: Sandy Pines Campground provides excellent access to nearby bike trails. "For those so inclined, there is great mountain biking either through the Tyler Preserve down to Cape Porpoise or North through the Emmitt Smith Preserve," writes Joe R.
Off-season hiking: Fall and spring offer the best hiking conditions with fewer crowds and reduced insect activity. "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," according to Kris M.
Swimming options: Beaver Dam Campground provides both pond and pool swimming areas. "The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean," reports Constance S., making it suitable for families wanting swimming variety.
What campers like
Accessible wildlife viewing: The wooded settings around cabin rentals provide good wildlife spotting opportunities. "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird," shares a visitor at Wakeda Campground.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds with cabin rentals maintain high standards for shared facilities. "The bathrooms were moderately clean," reports Kris M. while another camper notes, "Cleanest nicest bathrooms and showers I've ever seen camping" at Sandy Pines Campground.
Winter availability: Some cabin rentals operate year-round with seasonal activities. "We took our family of 5, and my mom for a weekend getaway! It was perfect. So much to do. Very quiet at night, which is helpful in such a family environment," according to Emily B. at Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Water proximity: Cabins with water views remain the most requested. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" says J L. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Old Stage Campground offers varying site quality. "Bad site c-27. Learning to get away from the bad campers," notes Bobcat B., while later adding "2nd trip, new site. Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners."
Electricity limitations: At peak season with full occupancy, electrical systems can be strained. "Once the weekend campers arrived our surge protector kept tripping due to low voltage. To remedy the situation we used only one air conditioner, used propane for our hot water and refrigerator," shares J B. at Lazy Frog Campground.
Wet conditions: Low-lying sites can flood during heavy rain. "The site was small and between the two driveways. All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom," advises Katrina M.
Booking windows: Waterfront and premium cabin sites book 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends. Early May and September-October offer better last-minute availability with more moderate temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Salmon Falls/Lebanon KOA provides extensive recreation options. "This Campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored," states J B.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have more active atmospheres than others. "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children," Madison G. says about Pawtuckaway State Park.
Beach access timing: Morning beach visits avoid afternoon crowds. "It is 9 miles from Wells Maine which is on the ocean. LOTS OF GREAT restaurants there and nearby, like Ogunquit Maine and York Maine," according to SANDIE B. at Lazy Frog Campground.
Safety features: Family-oriented campgrounds typically offer security measures. "This all inclusive campground has been a pleasure to stay in and safe with family and safe travels. All amenities were met for any type of service or recreation one could want of all ages!" reports Eddie M. at Barrington Shores Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site width considerations: Dixons Coastal Maine Campground requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "Site can vary in size. So check when you book that your site will be big enough," advises Dan G.
Utility hookup management: Prepare for variable utility connections across the region. "Working hard. Wifi is spotty and slow," notes Kurt C. about Salmon Falls/Lebanon KOA.
Off-peak advantages: Shoulder season camping offers less crowded experiences. "We stayed here to see the fall colors. The park is laid out very nice. The sites are nice size with gravel. They are under trees so we could watch the colors change," shares Marilea G.
Weather preparation: The area experiences significant seasonal variation. "Our tent site at Sandy Pines was a bit small, and we were a bit closer to the people in the sites on each side than we would have liked, but overall, we had a good stay. We could hear the ocean from our site and had a nice view of the marsh area behind us," reports Michelle.
