Wolfeboro, New Hampshire camping options sit within the Lakes Region at 515 feet elevation, where the Winnipesaukee, Merrymeeting, and Smith Rivers converge. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing between November and March, while summer camping season typically runs from May through September with daytime highs averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak summer months.
What to do
Mountain biking access: The trail network surrounding Gunstock Campground offers multiple difficulty levels for riders. "We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime," reports Sara D., who enjoyed the bike trails. The campground maintains designated Segway paths for those seeking alternative exploration options.
Trout fishing: At Tippicanoe Campground, visitors can fish in the stocked pond without traveling elsewhere. "Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH and is a spring fed sandy bottom pond," notes David G. The size restrictions create a quieter environment for fishing.
Winter camping: Unlike many seasonal operations, Hancock Campground remains open year-round, making it suitable for cold-weather adventurers. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," shares Heather B. Winter campers should bring additional insulation and prepare for unplowed access roads.
What campers like
Community atmosphere: The tent-only section at Hancock Campground creates a distinct camping experience. "We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community," writes Tara S. These sites require carrying gear from the parking area.
Security features: Gunstock Campground implements controlled access systems for visitor safety. "The campground is gated so you have to make sure you keep your key card with you whenever leaving in order to get back in," mentions Melissa B. This feature provides peace of mind for campers leaving equipment at their sites during daytime activities.
Site spacing: The Breezy Knolls section offers better separation between campsites. "I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?) and then I believe sites 203 and 205 were nice and tucked away in the trees as well," suggests Melissa B., noting the wooded character of this section provides more privacy than the open areas of the campground.
What you should know
Bear activity: Several campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. At Hancock Campground, "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries," reports Lindsey M. Campers should store all food items, cooking equipment, and scented products in these containers.
Insect considerations: Seasonal bee activity can affect certain campsites. "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around, including all over the cars in the lot," warns Lindsey M. about Hancock Campground. Late summer visitors should bring appropriate repellents and consider riverfront sites where breezes may reduce insect pressure.
Equestrian camping limitations: Horse owners seeking equestrian camping near Wolfeboro, New Hampshire must bring portable containment systems. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side," notes Carry M. This arrangement creates space constraints for trailer positioning, particularly challenging for horse trailers requiring extended length.
Tips for camping with families
Adventure activities: Gunstock's recreational offerings keep children engaged beyond standard camping. "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," reports Kasey H. Families should budget extra for these activities, which operate on seasonal schedules separate from the campground.
Swimming options: Ramblewood Cabins and Campground offers "spacious with views" sites according to Anne G. The property provides swimming beaches with gradual entry points suitable for younger children, while Hidden Valley features two separate swimming areas that help distribute crowds during peak weekends.
Playground accessibility: At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, the playground location provides visibility from most campsites. "There are 300 camping sites with full hookups... The amenities are state of the art, clean laundry center, restrooms, bath house, grocery store, bar & grill, playground & 2 swimming beaches," notes Christy C. Parents can monitor children while maintaining campsite activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection criteria: At Gunstock Campground, certain sections offer more privacy for extended stays. "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni," writes Ryan P. RVers should request the Breezy Knolls section when making reservations for more separation between units.
Seasonal considerations: Many local campgrounds maintain different services during off-peak periods. "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge... and we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river," shares Molly G. about Hancock Campground. Shoulder season camping provides solitude but may have reduced amenities.
