The area surrounding Suncook, New Hampshire sits at approximately 350 feet above sea level with the nearby landscape featuring mixed hardwood forests and small ponds. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging 70-85°F during peak camping season and cooler spring and fall periods that attract visitors seeking less crowded conditions. Most campgrounds near Suncook operate from May through October, with several closing after Columbus Day weekend.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems across its 10,000-acre property. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," notes a visitor who appreciated the park's accessible outdoor recreation. The park provides varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for families and more experienced hikers.
Kayaking and canoeing: Keyser Pond Campground provides direct water access for paddling enthusiasts. "The pond that many used for kayaking and canoeing" makes this location popular with water recreation enthusiasts. Several sites offer rentals of watercraft for visitors who don't bring their own equipment.
Mountain biking: Bear Brook State Park Campground maintains dedicated bike trails that attract cyclists of varying abilities. "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails," explains one visitor who makes return trips specifically for the biking opportunities. The park's trail system features both technical sections and more moderate routes.
Wildlife viewing: Pawtuckaway State Park includes wetlands that support diverse bird and animal populations. "Excellent hiking, beach, wildlife-filled wetlands, birding, geology, forests, and water to enjoy," reports a camper who found the park's ecosystem particularly compelling. Early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Water access sites: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers lakeside camping options that provide direct water views and easy access for fishing and boating. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" explains a camper who secured one of these premium locations. These waterfront sites typically require reservations months in advance during peak season.
Multiple swimming options: Cold Springs Camp Resort provides diverse water recreation facilities beyond natural bodies of water. "Great campground. The pools are amazing. Kid pools. Adult pools! Adult hot tub," explains a visitor who appreciated the separate swimming areas for different age groups.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds in the Suncook region maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "I was so impressed by how well the grounds were kept and how clean the bathrooms were," notes a Bear Brook State Park visitor. Many locations provide coin-operated showers, with rates typically ranging from $0.25 to $1 for timed water usage.
Camp stores: Autumn Hills Campground and others maintain well-stocked stores for essential supplies. "Store is well supplied. (Marked up obviously) Ice is $2.50," notes one camper who found convenience in not having to leave the grounds for basic items. Most stores carry firewood, ice, basic food items, and camping necessities.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: At many campgrounds, proximity to neighbors can be a challenge. "The sites were a little close and difficult to set up with more than one tent in our specific campsite," explains a visitor to Bear Brook State Park. Researching specific site numbers before booking can help secure more secluded options.
Seasonal restrictions: Some parks limit dog access during peak months. "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," cautions a visitor to Pawtuckaway State Park who was surprised by the policy. Always check current pet policies before booking.
Reservation windows: The most desirable sites at popular campgrounds fill quickly. "We stayed in sites 110 and our friends stayed in 109 on Big Island. Those were wonderful sites, level with great views of the lake," notes a Pawtuckaway visitor who secured premium locations. Most campgrounds open their reservation systems 6-12 months in advance.
Noise considerations: Great Meadow Campground and other locations may experience weekend crowd fluctuations. "Quiet during the weekdays, picks up over weekends but not too overbearing," observes a Sandy Beach Campground visitor. Midweek stays often provide a more peaceful experience for those seeking tranquility.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Most campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "The campground is nice and spacious, well kept and the staff is friendly. The biking trails were a blast," reports a Bear Brook visitor whose family appreciated having both organized and independent recreation options.
Beach features: Sandy Beach Campground provides dedicated swimming areas for different age groups. "We enjoyed the beautiful waterfront with swimming area. Playground is on the beach," explains a visitor who found the integrated play spaces convenient for family supervision. Most beaches open from 9:00 AM until dusk.
Multiple pool options: Friendly Beaver Campground caters specifically to families with children. "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events," notes a repeat visitor who brings their children regularly.
Playground proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider distance to play areas. "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. I'd avoid site 93 because it is so close to the playground," advises a Bear Brook visitor with specific site recommendations.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Suncook region have uneven terrain. "Sites not fully level but leveling blocks took care of it," notes a visitor to Keyser Pond Campground who came prepared with equipment to address the issue. RVers should bring leveling blocks or jacks to most campgrounds in the area.
Hookup availability: Cold Springs Camp Resort provides full services for larger rigs. "They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in," reports an RVer who found the setup accommodating to their equipment needs. Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but not all provide sewer connections at individual sites.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads that can be difficult for larger vehicles. "I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner," cautions a Bear Brook visitor towing a small trailer who found some turns tight. Calling ahead about specific site dimensions helps prevent arrival complications.
Seasonal options: Great Meadow Campground offers extended-stay opportunities for RVers. "6 months is only $2300 + elec... open in the winter for $400/mo. + elec," explains a seasonal camper who found the long-term rates economical compared to shorter stays. This provides an alternative to traditional glamping in Suncook, New Hampshire for those seeking longer-term accommodations.
