The Exeter area around Stratham, New Hampshire sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level, creating a coastal climate with mild summers and cold winters. Most cabin rentals in the region open from early May through mid-October, with some properties closing after Columbus Day weekend. Cabins vary from basic structures on state park lands to more equipped options at private campgrounds within a 25-minute drive of Stratham.
What to do
Fishing access: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities directly from lakefront campsites. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" notes camper J L. Many waterfront sites provide easy lake access but require early booking.
Playground options: Winding River Campground features two separate playground areas for children of different ages. A camper mentioned, "We had a great time here camping with our kids and grandkids. River is not much to look at but the pool was great and there were great events like foam parties, DJ at the pool, pancake breakfast and live music."
Kayaking: Beaver Dam Campground offers pond access with kayaking and canoeing 30 minutes from Stratham. "There is plenty to do if you canoe or kayak, there is a pond right there, there is a swimming area in the pond," explains a reviewer who stayed for 6 weeks one summer.
Miniature golf: Wakeda Campground includes a miniature golf course for families (fee applies). "There is no pool, nice wooded lots, small store, miniature golf(fee). Close to Hampton beach," notes a camper. The site is located approximately 10 minutes from Stratham.
What campers like
Quiet wooded settings: Wakeda Campground features heavily forested camping areas with spacious sites. A camper described it as "a nice no frills campground. We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm." Sites are set among pine trees for natural shade.
Waterfront options: Many cabin and tent sites at Pawtuckaway offer direct water views. "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... one of which is on an island and has tent sites along the water," reports a visitor.
Clean facilities: Old Stage Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "Stayed for one night at end of season. Owners were so kind and helpful. I felt very safe here as a solo traveler. Clean bathrooms. Great place!" notes a recent guest. The campground is situated along a river approximately 20 minutes from Stratham.
Pools and water features: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. "The beach and pool are small and quiet. Baths are new and clean," mentions a Beaver Dam Campground visitor who stayed for three months.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most cabin rentals in the area operate from May through early October. A Bear Brook visitor noted: "I hadn't camped here in the past 8 years, so decided it was time to revisit; it helped that it was one of the campgrounds still open after Columbus Day weekend."
Varying cabin amenities: Cabin specifications differ widely between locations. At Winding River Campground, one guest reported: "AC worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn't pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean."
Weekend crowds: Bear Brook State Park Campground can get busy, particularly on summer weekends. "I was here with a 5-year-old the last time and she enjoyed the playgrounds both at the campground and at the Catamount Pond beach. There's another beach in the campground itself," mentions a visitor.
GPS issues: Some campgrounds have tricky entrances. One camper at Tuxbury Pond noted: "A little tip about GPS: if you're using Apple Maps, it will likely take you to a turn that is not the campground entrance, there's even a hand-written sign on someone's lawn that has directions to the entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Book waterfront cabins early: Pawtuckaway's waterfront sites fill up months in advance. "What a beautiful location! 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 a reviewer.
Check shower facilities: Shower setups vary dramatically between locations. At Winding River, a camper observed: "Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting."
Visit mid-week: For a quieter experience at The Green Gate Campground, plan weekday stays. "The campground is nice, friendly people. The pool is 9ft deep. The office is the store and there isn't that much to purchase but everything is reasonably priced," reports a visitor.
Consider local wildlife: Morning animal visitors are common at some locations. A Pawtuckaway camper described: "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub and although most feed them bread, I know that's not good for them so they left unsatisfied."
Tips from RVers
Pad selection: At Barrington Shores, waterfront sites offer specific advantages. A visitor advised, "Few transient sites but beautiful spots. 119 on water by the beach and fishing spot. Would definitely come back."
Seasonal rental options: Many campgrounds offer seasonal cabin rentals for extended stays. "We have been camping here for many years. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," notes a long-time Wakeda visitor.
Road conditions: Expect varied road surfaces at different properties. A camper at Wakeda noted: "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere. They offered electric, water, and sewer hook up, trading post that had camping goods and snacks, WiFi hotspot, pool table, and lounging area."
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