Campsites near Somersworth, New Hampshire sit in a region that experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter dropping to 10-30°F. Winter camping is limited, with most campgrounds closing by mid-October and reopening in May. Riverside and lakefront camping spots can experience significant mosquito activity during summer months, particularly at dusk.
What to Do
Tubing on the river: At Salmon Falls / Lebanon KOA, visitors can float down the adjacent river during summer months. "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?" reports Ben J.
Kayaking and boating: Many campsites offer direct water access for small watercraft. "This 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. about Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Hiking and wildlife observation: Explore the diverse landscapes around camping areas. "Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy. Pretty serious trail up and around some mountains, to a fire tower, ponds," describes Harry H. about the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park.
What Campers Like
Waterfront sites: Premium waterfront spots are highly coveted at many campgrounds. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" says J L. about Barrington Shores Campground, where waterfront sites provide direct access to fishing and water activities.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "The bathrooms were clean. The walk to the beach was along a public parking lot. The beach was clean. The small store is well stocked," notes Susan B. about her experience at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Family-oriented atmospheres: Many campgrounds prioritize family experiences with dedicated activities. "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," reports J B. about Lazy Frog Campground.
What You Should Know
Site privacy varies significantly: Campsite layout and proximity to neighbors differs across campgrounds. "Sites are level and roomy. The bathroom was clean," notes Susan B. about Pawtuckaway, while another camper mentions "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."
Seasonal popularity affects experience: Booking early is essential for prime spots, especially on weekends. "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing... but all the sites are roomy and lovely to camp at!" advises Erin W.
Dog policies fluctuate: Not all campgrounds welcome pets throughout the season. "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," notes Erin W. about Dixons Coastal Maine Campground, which does permit pets.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water attractions for kids: Many campgrounds feature water-based recreation. "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," notes J B. about the Lazy Frog Campground.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation provides learning experiences. "Pawtuckaway park offers not far from Boston, making this a nice escape but also a pretty crowded day use park and campground. Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, girding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy," notes Harry H.
Night noise levels: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet. There are some spectacular views of the lake and mountains from many sites," reports Kris M.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service considerations: Power limitations may impact larger RVs during peak usage. "We have a 50 amp unit but reduced down to 30 amp (30 was the only option). We always use a surge protector. Once the weekend campers arrived our surge protector kept tripping due to low voltage," explains J B. about Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Site configurations: RV sites vary in layout and accommodation. "The 30 amp sites are very close together. The campground layout is quite unusual, with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you, resulting in very little privacy," advises Arno W. about Thousand Trails Moody Beach.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping before full season may encounter limitations. "On Friday afternoon from about 1pm (when we first arrived) til 5 (when we last checked) the ranger station was closed, so we couldn't check in or get wood. Thankfully, there was a place down the road that sold wood from a trailer on the side of the road," shares Kris M.
