Most campgrounds within 30 miles of Windham, New Hampshire sit along the Merrimack Valley corridor, with elevations ranging from 90 to 300 feet above sea level. The region features a mix of oak-pine forests and wetland ecosystems, with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during peak camping season. Many campgrounds near Windham remain open from May through October, with some extending their season into November for fall camping.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Bear Brook State Park Campground offers extensive hiking options across its 10,000-acre forest preserve. "Located in a 10000 acre forest preserve, the campground is heavily forested and very secluded from civilization," reports Ellen C. The park maintains numerous trails for exploration around ponds and through varied terrain.
Mountain biking adventures: Bear Brook State Park Campground features popular mountain biking trails accessible directly from campsites. "The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," writes Eammon C. Kimberly R. adds, "Mountain biking is awesome here, can ride right off the campground and onto the trails!"
Historic exploration: Minute Man Campground serves as a base for visiting Revolutionary War sites. "Boston is only 40 minutes away, and the best of Maine is also very close," notes Adam P. The location provides convenient access to Concord's historic sites, with one camper mentioning, "Concord is only 30 minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."
Water activities: Pawtuckaway State Park offers excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities. "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," explains Matt R. The park also features canoe and kayak rentals for visitors without their own equipment.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Campers consistently praise the forest setting at Wakeda Campground, noting its distinctive tall pines. "We were overwhelmed by the beautiful massive forest. The campground was splendid with old tall, pine trees everywhere," says a camper. Zachary W. appreciates the "great spread out sites" that provide space between neighbors.
Waterfront camping: Pawtuckaway State Park offers lakeside sites that fill quickly. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" shares one camper. Ellen C. recounts, "In 2018 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."
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Wakeda Campground, campers report seeing "wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird." At Pawtuckaway, one camper mentions, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."
Clean facilities: Lorraine Park Campground earns praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Awesome park. It was a quiet night and bathrooms where clean. Has spacious showers. Park rangers drive around campground often," reports Marisabel R. Kelly F. agrees, noting "They keep the bathrooms very clean."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Several state parks limit dog access during peak months. At Pawtuckaway State Park, "they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months," reports Erin W., who was disappointed after planning a return visit. Dogs are generally permitted on hiking trails year-round but face campground restrictions between May and September.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially waterfront sites. "If you plan ahead and get a water front site it's amazing," advises Erin W. about Pawtuckaway State Park. Sites at Salisbury Beach State Reservation also book rapidly during summer months.
Weather considerations: Spring camping may encounter wet conditions. Kris M. mentions camping at Pawtuckaway "in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s)." Another camper at Bear Brook noted their site "was a little flooded" after heavy rain, requiring them to choose another location.
Varying site sizes: Campsite dimensions differ significantly within the same campground. At Bear Brook State Park, Jean C. observes that "mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size." She suggests specific sites: "If you are tenting and don't mind a short walk, reserve site R1 for a raised site overlooking the pond."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Calef Lake Camping Area provides family-friendly amenities including a playground. "Small campground but we had fun here. Small lake to swim in and a small playground. They had a beach dance which was really fun," shares Rhonda B. The campground organizes activities specifically for children.
Swimming options: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds offer swimming areas for both families and pets. Calef Lake Camping Area features "a swimming pond that you can canoe in that looked fairly clean," according to Sara D. Bear Brook State Park provides two beach areas, including one at Catamount Pond.
Entertainment amenities: Tuxbury Pond RV Campground includes organized activities for families. "The live band was good & the stand up comedy was awesome," reports Sara D., who attended a comedy show with her 9-year-old. The campground also schedules children's movies on weekends during peak season.
Quiet environment: For families seeking peaceful settings, Wakeda Campground offers a calmer atmosphere. "Staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean," notes Kelly F. Another camper mentions, "We were fortunate to visit on a quieter weekend."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At Beach Rose RV Park, concrete pads provide level parking for RVs. "Level concrete pad full hookups. Sites close together but quiet," reports Jackie M. While at Bear Brook, Jim C. notes that "electric box a little far from parking site had to use an extension cord."
Size considerations: Many campgrounds have site size limitations. Beach Rose RV Park reviewer notes, "It's a 50 site campground and built 20 years ago, so it's cozy small sites in some spots." Despite this limitation, the campground offers "full hook-ups with laundry, showers and a heated pool."
Big rig access: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles but require careful navigation. Jean C. explains about Bear Brook: "I found that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner."
Dump station availability: For RVers without full hookups, dump stations are critical. Salisbury Beach State Reservation provides "water and electric hookups" with "a big dump site," according to John O., making it convenient for longer stays without sewer connections at individual sites.
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