Best Campgrounds near Sandown, NH

Campgrounds near Sandown, New Hampshire range from state parks with developed facilities to private campgrounds with cabin options. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, located about 10 miles northwest of Sandown in Nottingham, offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabins with access to a lake for paddling and swimming. Bear Brook State Park Campground in nearby Deerfield provides similar accommodation types with additional hiking and biking trails through New Hampshire's largest state park. The camping landscape includes both public lands with basic amenities and private campgrounds featuring full hookups, organized activities, and seasonal availability typically running from May through October.

Road conditions throughout the region remain accessible for most vehicles, though some campground approach roads may narrow with tree obstructions that challenge larger RVs or trailers. Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during the summer months when sites fill quickly. "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious, but I can't give a campground a bad review because of the mosquitoes," noted one visitor about Pawtuckaway State Park. Weather conditions vary seasonally, with comfortable temperatures from late spring through early fall, though New Hampshire's notorious black flies emerge in May and June. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region, with Verizon users reporting 1-2 bars in more remote camping areas.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the area, with several campgrounds offering direct lake or pond access. Campers particularly appreciate the wooded privacy at Pawtuckaway State Park, where many sites provide views of the lake while maintaining natural separation between neighbors. According to reviews from The Dyrt, Bear Brook State Park offers "extremely family-friendly" camping with amenities including "trails, play structures, camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond." The camping experience in this region balances natural settings with convenient access to small towns and attractions. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to bathhouses with showers, though primitive sites with fewer facilities are also available for those seeking a more rustic experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Sandown, New Hampshire (149)

    1. Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    10 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. Bear Brook State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Candia, NH
    15 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."

    3. Wakeda Campground, LLC

    16 Reviews
    Exeter, NH
    14 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. Tuxbury Pond RV Campground

    14 Reviews
    South Hampton, NH
    11 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"

    5. Calef Lake Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Auburn, NH
    7 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."

    6. Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    25 Reviews
    Salisbury, MA
    20 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."

    7. Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    31 Reviews
    North Reading, MA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 475-7972

    $17 - $35 / night

    "You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus."

    "The bathroom was right next to us. Very clean with a sink outside and shower inside. Overall very great campsite. Would definitely go there more often."

    8. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park

    4 Reviews
    Derry, NH
    3 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. Pine Acres Resort

    3 Reviews
    Raymond, NH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Swimming, fishing, hiking, climbing (near by), biking. What ever your into its here. Volleyball, softball, tent sites, cabins, RV sites..seriously all the amenities."

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Showing results 1-10 of 149 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sandown, NH

705 Reviews of 149 Sandown Campgrounds



Guide to Sandown

Camping near Sandown, 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 plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, provide easy access to the water. One camper mentioned, "Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "There are hiking trails throughout the campground," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Activities: If you enjoy the beach, Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a fantastic option. One reviewer said, "The ocean is absolutely gorgeous, clean, beautiful."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Greenfield State Park Campground. A long-time visitor shared, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground said, "The bathrooms/showers are spotless with piped-in music and hairdryers."
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Campgrounds like Sandy Pines Campground offer great amenities for families. One camper noted, "Lots of family-friendly amenities."

What you should know:

  • Limited Pet Access: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, pets are only allowed on hiking trails and not in the campground or beach area during the summer. A reviewer mentioned, "Pets are NOT permitted in the campground or beach area during the summer season."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground said, "The weekend was packed! Our neighbors were playing karaoke till 11pm."
  • No Hookups at Some Sites: Campers should be aware that not all sites have electric hookups. A reviewer at Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "No electric hookup, but the sites are spacious."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and organized activities. A parent at Normandy Farms Campground said, "It has so many things for the kids to do."
  • Pack for the Beach: If you're heading to Salisbury Beach State Reservation, bring beach toys and sunscreen. One camper mentioned, "Great place to go camping; everything you need is right there."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground warned, "Watch for ticks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites may not be level. A reviewer at Normandy Farms Campground advised, "Bring plenty of leveling blocks!"
  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Minute Man Campground noted, "Some of the FHU sites are pretty tight."
  • Call Ahead for Reservations: For the best spots, it's recommended to call instead of booking online. A visitor at Saco Old Orchard Beach KOA said, "CALL instead of booking online to get a good spot."

Camping near Sandown, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Sandown, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sandown, NH is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.

What parks are near Sandown, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Sandown, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.