Jellystone Park™ Lakes Region
I stayed in a tent and it was the most fun I had with my famil y
Great people, family friendly, lots of activities
147 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The New Hampshire coast near Rye has camping options ranging from family sites to state parks. Minute Man Campground works well for families who want good facilities and room to spread out. About 20 minutes from Rye, Wakeda Campground sits among trees that create natural breaks between sites. Campers looking for water activities often head to Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, where the lake supports both fishing and paddling. Most campsites around Rye can be reached without much trouble, though you might need to carry gear a short distance at some of the more private spots. The campgrounds typically come with basic needs covered – water, bathrooms, and tables for meals. Trees provide good screening at many sites, while others have more open layouts with less privacy. Many campers use these areas as a base for day trips to Hampton Beach or to explore Portsmouth, both just a quick drive away. Weather dictates the camping season here, with many places shutting down once cold weather arrives. If you're planning a summer weekend trip, book ahead since spots fill quickly. Camping in the Rye area works well whether you want quiet time outdoors or days filled with activities.
"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."
from $48 - $97 / night
Check Availability"We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too."
"The electrical post and water hookup were placed way behind our site and we could not reach even with our 40’ electrical cord."
from $28 - $38 / night
Check Availability"Their location is close to Hampton Beach and Rye sea walk and good restaurants including a doughnut shop within walking distance."
"The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."
"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."
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"Simple, clean, perfect pool set up, quiet and close to beaches and New Hampshire coastline."
"Beach Rose RV Park in Salisbury, Massachusetts is a small, friendly, family-owned campground near the beach."
"One side of the campground is bordered by an inlet that fishing boats use to head out from the harbor. Another side is sand dunes, that are the south end of Hampton beach."
"Hampton Beach SP is a small beachside campground for self-contained RVs only; if you’re in a tent, you may want to look south to Salisbury SP just a few miles across the border into MA."
from $70 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Love the location & the town of York! The views are beautiful!"
from $50 - $125 / night
Check Availability"The two sides are separated by a tree line where the tent sites are located. The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1."
"Our site had big beautiful trees behind us lots of shade. Fire pit is sat on a slab of concrete or something it was amazing!"
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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"
"Walking distance to rest rooms and showers. Great owners. 1st trip in a hurricane."
"Learning to get away from the bad campers."
from $43 - $47 / night
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Great people, family friendly, lots of activities
This is a really great campground. However, the cell service is terrible. I do have Wi-Fi, but it is very weak. I would count on having to use Starlink.
I was lucky enough to score one of the waterfront spots for one night of my stay. I backed in and opened the rear doors of my campervan and just stared at the ocean view for hours. Spectacular!
Functional and scenic RV campground.
I stayed in one of the cabins and actually enjoyed it more than i thought.
I have never come across a more prejudice, morally wrong and bad business situation in my life than my most recent experience with this campground. I am 40, am an engineer and my mother is 70 and a retired high school teacher. I have a five year old and live with my mom. I have owned three properties over the years. I say all this background because it’s necessary for this story. Oh and I am very quiet, have held a security clearance, a marathon runner blah blah blah. My mom sold her condo and we have a move out date on June 15. We decided to get an rv for the season and stay at a campground. We picked this one. They said we were all set to move our rv to the site for May 21st. Then on May 20th in the afternoon they call and basically say our family dynamic is unacceptable and we can’t move in. Yes I have a girlfriend. She doesn’t live with us but stays often. She has been an Americore worker plus worked with homeless for years. Apparently we would look to out of place. First- to tell us this about 16 hours before move in is unacceptable, after a couple weeks of saying you’re fine. To be that judgmental and prejudiced is unacceptable. I have zero respect for this campground and wish all who read this to boycott. Mary Ellen you are not a good person. In one voicemail to my mom you state how she’s anxious and also say it will be fine! Turns out she had good reason to be anxious. To treat others like you do is not ok. I found that anxious comment very off at the time and in retrospect it is telling on many levels. Be ashamed! What you have done to good people is wrong on many levels. I state all this personal stuff to highlight how ridiculous being turned away from a campground is. I have owned nice homes in very nice communities and never thought a pathetic campground would turn me away, what a joke.
The first time we camped here was on Columbus Day weekend a number of years ago, and we got to see seals sun bathing on the beach. Are kids thought it was the greatest thing ever! The sites are a little close together and many of them are in direct sunlight , so that isn't the greatest , but if you have an awning, you should be good. We love that it is right on the water, and we can walk to the beach. We also appreciate that it is pet friendly, and our dogs love it too. Write down the street from camp, there is a street setup almost like a boardwalk, with arcades, live music, ice cream, food, and a carousel! There is also a bigger beach, and you are one twin away from New Hampshire. Lots to see and do here!
My husband and I had a great time here! We went early in the season, so there were not many people there. We met the new owners/managers and they were very friendly. David was attentive and very helpful!
We stayed in the Oak Section at 317. The sites are pretty close together, which is why I gave a 4. We didn’t have neighbors, but I can imagine on a busy weekend, it might get crowded. The Utilities at this site were in an awkward spot, compared to where we wanted the camper.
Needed a spot to dump. They were one of only a very few places open in March. $20 to dump our tanks.
New Hampshire's coastal region near Rye experiences cool, humid summers with average highs around 80°F in July and August. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with many campgrounds closing once temperatures drop below freezing at night. Most camping spots near Rye sit within 10 miles of the Atlantic Ocean, creating a unique mix of coastal and woodland camping environments.
Beach access from camp: Hampton Beach State Park Campground offers RV camping with full hookups right near the water. "Oceanfront location is classic NE style summer camping. Also classic NE style, it's packed in the summers. We caught the tail end of the season last year and the beach was super peaceful and much quieter than in high season," notes Lyssa M.
Fishing opportunities: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, fishing spots abound along the lake shores. "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," shares Matt R.
Explore nearby towns: From Seacoast Camping and RV Resort, visitors can easily reach Portsmouth and Newburyport. "The park is in a good location and pretty close to the beach, restaurants, shopping and access to Route 1. You are also just twenty minutes or so to Portsmouth and Newburyport which are some of our favorite New England coastal towns," notes Nancy W.
Waterfront sites: Many campers praise the lakeside spots at Pawtuckaway State Park. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares J L.
Proximity to beaches: Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers camping within walking distance of the ocean. "Clean facilities, super quick access to the beach, friendly staff, sites are pretty close together with little separation between each other. RV & tent sites available. Our family loves both the ocean & camping so it is a win-win!" says Sara D.
Off-season tranquility: Hampton Beach State Park becomes much quieter after summer peaks. "Extremely crowded in high season, empty in off season. Extremely close to the beach," mentions Caitlin B.
Site spacing varies significantly: At Wakeda Campground, sites offer more privacy than many coastal options. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," reports Zachary W.
Weather considerations: Fall camping requires preparation for cooler nights. Temperatures in September and October can drop into the 40s overnight, with increasing rainfall.
Reservation timing matters: Most waterfront sites book up 6-12 months in advance. Hampton Beach State Park reservations "are usually made a year in advance," according to Kevin K.
Playground access: Sea Coast RV Resort provides child-friendly amenities. "Very clean, very quiet. Not a lot for kids to do," says Karen, while Crystal notes they have a "big playground."
Swimming options: Old Stage Campground offers a pool for families. A camper described it as "Kid. Accommodating. Family friendly. Kid infested. Safe. Scenic. Perfect."
Beach alternatives: When oceanfront spots are full, consider inland options with other water features. "There is a very large playground, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, basketball, and camp store," at Seacoast Camping and RV Resort according to one reviewer.
Site selection: At Sea Coast RV Resort, some sites require careful navigation. "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," reports Nancy W.
Power considerations: Many campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but not all. "Good sites, with water and 30 amp electric. Easy walk to the beach. Dog friendly, big dump site, and good prices," notes John O. about Salisbury Beach State Reservation.
Extended stays: Several campgrounds offer monthly rates for longer visits. "We stayed here for a week, our site was large with full hookups and the area was very clean, some sites in other sections are closer together," reports Betty H. about Tuxbury Pond RV Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available within walking distance of Rye Beach?
There are limited camping options within walking distance of Rye Beach itself. Beach Rose RV Park is one of the closest options, offering a clean, quiet setting with a pool and convenient access to New Hampshire's coastline. For those willing to travel a short distance, Sea Coast Camping and RV Resort is nearby and provides easy access to Rye's sea walk. Both campgrounds are well-maintained and serve as excellent bases for exploring Rye Beach. While not directly within walking distance, these options provide the closest accommodations for campers looking to enjoy Rye Beach without driving far.
Where can I find campgrounds near Rye Beach, NH?
Several quality campgrounds are located within a short drive of Rye Beach. Seacoast Camping and RV Resort offers clean, well-maintained facilities with both full hook-up and pull-through sites for big rigs at reasonable rates for coastal New England. Another excellent option is Hampton Beach State Park Campground, which provides convenient beach access. For those willing to travel slightly further, Salisbury Beach State Reservation offers beachfront camping with electrical hookups and picnic tables, though be prepared for potential challenges with utility placement at some sites.
Is camping allowed directly on Rye Beach?
No, camping is not permitted directly on Rye Beach. Like most New Hampshire beaches, overnight camping on the beach itself is prohibited to protect the natural environment and ensure public access. For beach camping experiences in the region, consider Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park, which offers quiet spots near the beach. Alternatively, Thousand Trails Moody Beach provides good proximity to coastal beaches, though with tighter spots. For camping with beach access in New Hampshire, your best option is to stay at established campgrounds near the coastline and make day trips to Rye Beach.
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