Campground reviews in New England

Campground Reviews

Campgrounds that we have visited with comments.
Please e-mail your reviews to be posted.

Acres of Wildlife, *Steep Falls, Me

1. Recommended. Great Planned Activities, Mini Golf Course, Kayak, paddle boats, and canoe rental (Mom played bingo; Dad and son played golf, Daughter and best friend rented a paddle boat). Hayless hayrides and scavenger hunt (our kids won!) Nice lake view and wooded camp sites. Awesome Camp Store, Restaurant, and Modern Restrooms that are near by. My favorite.

Acres of Wildlife 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by Bob at RConnellii@aol.com
Bob's web page

2. Acres of Wildlife campground is a great family campground!! We ended up there by luck and couldn't have found a better place to camp with our four children. They are located down a 3 mile isolate dirt road, it's about 30 mins south of Lake Sebago. They have a wonderful camp store, a restaurant (if you don't feel like cooking), with happy hour between 5-6 pm. There is an arcade, mini golf course, daily activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, softball games, mini golf tournaments, make your own tie dye tee. etc. They also have their own small private lake with paddle boat, canoe and kayak rentals. The lake is very clean and is stocked monthly with trout, no fishing license required, along with a nice beach for swimming. There are also three playgrounds, which are well maintained. The sites are well spaced, many have water and electric hook-ups and many are on the lake. There are about 200 sites, seven rest rooms, and about three shower rooms, so there is not a long walk, which is a big plus to me. They are modern and very clean. I brought my digital camera and took lots of pictures, it's always nice to see what a campground looks like.

Acres of Wildlife 6 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by Jennifer Nichols
Review by mtaylor@ecrt.com

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Bayley's Camping Resort * Scarborough, ME. July 1998
Bayley's again in August 1998, July 1999

Bayley's is located in Scarborough, ME., just minutes from Old Orchard Beach. We visited Bayley's with the Twomey's in the mid part of July. The exclusive tent sites that we stayed at were on a first come first serve basis. We arrived early (8 am) on a Friday to pick our sites, with lots to choose from. We were located on a hill overlooking one of the three pools.The RV sites were located in a different part of the campground and were very close together. With the schedule of activities that Bayley's provides there is something to do all day long for all ages. Saturday morning we took part in one of the fishing derbies and later rode the double decker bus to Old Orchard Beach. At night we went to the outdoor theater and watched a juggler and a country rock band. There are many more activities for the family to enjoy; paddle boats, 3 playgrounds, wagon rides, mini golf, volleyball & basketball courts. Excellent weekend and great weather.

We visited Bayley's again in the late part of August. We had just as a good time the second time as the first. This time one of the girls was call up on stage with the juggler/comedian. He was great with her, they both had the crowd roaring. She was the hit of the show. Bailey is a great family camping spot, a little expensive but worth it, we will be back next year.

Bayley's Camping Resort 5 out 6 of Camping Bears
Review by Family Camping in New England
Photos at Bayley's Camping Resort

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Bear Brook State Park *Allenstown, NH June 2000

Bear Brook State Park is located on Rte 28 between Manchester and Concord NH. This 10,000-acre park is the largest of the New Hampshire State Parks. We did not make a reservation for one of the 96 camp sites prior to arriving at 7:30 PM and were still able to get a site, however they were filling fast so getting a reservation is recommended . Our site was large, as were most of the sites and was located among tall pines. The campground for the State Park is located about 6 miles into the park. The park offers many trails for hiking and biking, ponds and steams for fishing, canoe rentals and more. We hiked the 1.5 mile trail around Beaver Pond, there are many other trails to explore also. Located in the park is the Campground, campstore, ballfield, playground, bathhouse, shelters, picnic tables, canoe & row boat rentals, physical fitness course, archery course, Camping Museum, Snowmobile Museum and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Nature Center in which our children helped collect tadpoles for the director. There is swimming at the campground in Beaver Pond for the campers. This is a good campground for the family that wants to do things together without high cost, only $15.00 per night.

Bear Brook State Park 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Sorry no Photos, left camera at home.

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Beth Woods Resort Campground * Holderness, NH Sept. 2000

Beth Woods is located just ten minutes off I-93 on Rt. 3 just minutes from Squam Lake the lake that On Golden Pond was filmed. This campground has 58 wooded sites with water and electric. Out of these sites over half were seasonal. We booked our site the night before Labor Day therefore we were happy just to get a site. We had site 26A which was just big enough for our pop-up and van. Most of the over night sites were small. We did not minded this because we were not at the campground very much during the day. We used as a base for our day trips in which we visited the Polar Caves in Plymouth and Squam Lake tours. Both only a short distance from the campground. The next day we visited Ruggles Mine and The Loon Center both also with in a 45 minute drive from the campground. We enjoyed our stay at Beth Wood the owner were very nice and helpful. The sites could have been a little larger. However our kids enjoyed the pool and play area.

Beth Woods Resort Campground 3 out 6 of Camping Bears
Review by Family Camping in New England

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Branch Brook Campground *Campton, N.H. August 1997

Branch Brook, is located in Campton, N.H., just off Interstate 93. We visited Branch Brook with the Heaths, in mid August 1997, booking our sites in late June. Our sites were located right next to each other. The Twomeys booked later and still got a site on the other side of us. The location of our wooded site was just 15 ft. from the river's edge. There was canoe and tube rental available. You could go up river canoe and end your canoe trip on your site. This was a very peaceful camp site. Also being located just off the interstate we were within an easy drive to Old Man of the Mountain, The Flume, Clark's Trading Post and many other White Mts. Attractions. The three days we visited Branch Brook, the Plymouth State Fair was going on. Great afternoon trip with the kids.

Branch Brook Campground 3 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos at Branch Brook

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Chocorua Camping Village *West Ossipee, NH July 2001

Chocorua Camping village is located on Rt 16 in West Ossipee NH. Chocorua Camping village consists of 185 acres along the shores of Moores Pond and Chocorua river. We booked our site 3 days before planning our trip. There were only 2 sites available so book early if you can. Most sites were wooded with water & electric. and were spacious and clean, however our site was #104 would have been wet if it had rained. This was were all the water would run off. Some sites were not available because of new sewer line that were going in. There are beautiful hiking and biking trails which were well maintained and started at the campground that meandering around the marsh and woodland areas. There was also an activities coordinator who was well organized and enthusiastic. She was a big hit with our kids who particularly enjoyed the outdoor game of capture the flag, tie dying T-shirts and decorating the tee pee that they built. There is a small beach area for wading along with paddle boat and canoe rentals available.

Chocorua Camping Village 4 out of 6 Camping Bears

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Deep Creek State Park *Deep Creek, Maryland June 1998

Deep Creek State Park is located in the western part of the state of Maryland on Deep Creek Lake. About 12 hrs drive from southern New Hamphire. The State Park had lots of sites available for us to choose from at this time in the season, however in the summer months, reservations are a must. All sites were wooded sites with fire rings and lantern posts to hang your lantern. The park had it own private beach and boat launch. When checking in, the rangers warned us about bears and told us not to keep any food out. We had a visitor, Rocky Raccoon, who had no fear and came to our site when we were there in the daytime and at night. There are hiking trails in the park that can be explored. There is good fishing on this lake and boat rental is a must if you can.

Deep Creek State Park Maryland 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos at Deep Creek State Park

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Desert Dunes of Maine Campground *Freeport, Me. May 1999

The Desert Dunes of Maine is located in Freeport, Me exit 19 off interstate 95, west 2 miles on Desert Road. We visited in mid May. Not needing to book one of the 45 site at this time of the year, however in the season you would need to make reservations. Rate were $25 per night with water & electric. The sites were very clean an kept up. The bathroom was very clean however the showers need quarters. The new pool was not open at this time year. In one of the trees by our wooded campsite was an owl's nest which we could see and hear . We visited the Desert of Maine where the kids had a good time hunting for gem stones. Discounts to the desert were available for campers. Two miles to down town Freeport. Very good base for the many things to do in Casco Bay area.

The Desert of Maine Campground 3 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos of Desert Dunes of Maine Campground

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Epsom Valley Campground *Epson, NH June 1999

I recently made reservations to stay at the Epsom Valley Campgound, in Epsom, NH. I spoke to a very nice woman on the telephone, but she neglected to inform me that the site that she had reserved for myself, and 3 other adults, was in the condition that I found it to be. When we pulled up to the site, it was a roomy site, with no privacy surrounding it whatsoever, but the kicker was that the ground was completely sand. It was like pulling onto a beach, right in the middle of the woods. I asked her if there were any other open sites that weekend, and she was extremely kind enough to switch me to a nicer site. The site I had first recieved was sandy because of a new septic system installed beneath it. The site she switched us to actually was a nice site, I believe it was the largest and most private one there, and we did have a good time. The bathrooms were clean, but the showers needed some work. We had a good time, but if that site had not have been open, I would have demanded my money back and went home. And most sites looked like the one I had first pulled into. Very nice people, rough campsite. I think they get 2 out of 6 bears, and thats only because they were so nice and generous.

Epsom Valley Campground 2 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by Stephanie Bousquet@ stephbiskit@yahoo.com

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Franconia Notch State Park,Lafayette Campground *Franconia, NH July 2000

Lafayette Place Campground is located in Franconia Notch State Park just North of Lincoln, NH on Rte 93 North. We made reservation early in the year to be sure of a site, however when we arrived there were still many of the 97 sites available, this may have been do to the chance of bad weather. We arrived with two other families, all three sites were large wooded sites with a moderate slope.There were flatter sites along the river that ran through the campground. Most of the site were taken by campers with tents and hiker who use the campground as a base for one of the many trail Franconia Notch offers. There is 8 mile bike trail which runs the length of the parkway. The registration desk and store offered wood, and other basic camp needs, along with maps of the trail and bike ways. The restroom were clean and showers hot, however they require quarters. This is a great campground if you want to hike or visit one of the parks many attractions like the Old Man of the Mountain, Flume Gorge, The Basin, Echo and Profile Lake, or one of the other attractions in the White Mountain National Forest has to offer. . Would have like to stay more than a weekend and had better weather, so we will have to go back.

Franconia Notch State Park,Lafayette Campground 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos at Franconia Notch State Park,Lafayette Campground

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Gunstock Camping Area*Gilford, NH August 2000

Gunstock is located in the heart of the lake region of NH just off Rte 11 in Gilford. Only a short distance for Wears Beach and Lake Winnipesaukee. Most of the site were wooded, however some are located in a field which we had. I would have perfect to be in the wood sites however we made are reservation late. The campground has monthly camper with large RV to tent campers something for all so check the site map and make reservation early to get the site type you want. The campground offers hiking, horseback riding, paddle boats, bike trail a new swimming pool and many more activity. On Saturday night they had a speaker from Audubon Society talking on the NH Birds Nature Program , they also a live barn owl which the children found to be very interesting. Gunstock is a great location to plan your lakes region visit. If you'r there a weekend of week there are many thing to do in this region. One of the day trip we made was to take a ride on the Mount Washington and view Lake Winnipesaukee by boat.

Gunstock Camping Area 5 out of 6 Camping Bears

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Hidden Valley Camping & Golf Course *Derry, NH June 1998

Hidden Valley is located in the southeast part of New Hamphire. Most of the campsites were seasonal sites. Our site was located away from these seasonal sites just below the par 3 golf course. We picked Hidden Valley because it was the closest campground to our destination of Big Island pond. We were visiting friends. During the time of our stay, it rained and thundered most of the time. There was only one place to shower which was located a good distance away from the tent sites where we were located. This campground caters to the seasonal campers. The last weekend in June there were lots of sites available. Could have been a better time, if we had better weather.

Hidden Valley Campground & Golf Course 2 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos at Hidden Valley

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Kazar Lake Camping Area * Lovell, ME June 2001

Kezar Lake camping Area is located in Lovell, Me just Northeast of Conway, NH on Rt. 5. We booked our site 2 weeks before planning our trip. There were only two sites available, so book early. Most of the sites were wooded sites with some on the lake. Because of their booking policy (If you have a site this year; you can book the same site during the same week next year.) All of the site along the lake were taken by return visitors that have been coming back for years. There is dock space available (reservations required) for campers with boats. Kezar Lake is an excellent lake for fishing. We rented one of the available pontoon boats for the day and enjoy a day on the lake fishing and enjoy the view of the surrounding White Mountains. The campground state that Kezar Lake is one of the five most beautiful lakes in the in the world. With a 400' sandy beach this is a campground that we would visit again.

Kezar Lake Camping Area 5 out of 6 Camping Bear

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Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort, Lake George, NY Aug. 1999

Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort is located in Lake George, NY a mile off interstate 87 north exit 23. Just minutes from downtown Lake George. With over 300 sites they had something to offer for all types of campers. I found that the sites with water and ele. were to close to each other so there was not a lot of privacy and the dry site were much more spacious, however these site had only port potties and had to use the showers in the main part of the campground so at peak times you would have to wait. The camp activities seem to be half rate with little participation. We pick Lake George Escape because of it location to the many attractions in the Lake George and Adirondacks region. We took advantage of the many discount tickets that campground offered and visited, Howe Caverns, Ausable Chasm, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake George Steamboat Cruise on the Mohican, and the Painted Pony Rodeo. Also we saved $37.00 on camping from their on line discount coupon.

Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photo of Lake George Escape Evergreen Resort

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Lake Pemaquid Camping * Damariscotta, Me. July 2000

We won two nights of camping at Lake Pemaquid Camping by signing up for a drawing at the Boston Camping show. These two nights were for the off season, however when we booked our site for the first week in July they honored the free passes at this time. Lake Pemaquid Camping is located on the shores of Lake Pemaquid, 15 minutes East of Boothbay Harbor, Me. We felt that the sites along the shore were the most desirable ones, our site #16 shared dock space with one other site. The campground offers many activities on the lake and at the campground to enjoy. There is fishing, boating, water bikes, canoeing, large playground, and much more. One of the added touched that the campground provided was each morning a local paper was left at our site. The bathroom and shower were clean however the showers needed quarters. One of the down falls of this campground was the lack of activities for teenagers, it seem as if every teen was hanging out at the game room as soon as the sun went down. We felt that this campground was great for a base to explorer the Boothbay Harbor region which we did most of the time.

Lake Pemaquid 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos of Lake Pemaquid and Boothbay

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Narrows Camping Resort *Bar Harbor, Me. May 2002, August, 1998

2002 - We arrived at Narrows on Thursday, Memorial Day weekend. Having booked our site well in advance we able to get great sites (#83 & #84 ) on the water again over looking Frenchman's Bay. There were many site available to choose from at this time of year however when school lets out reservation are a must. There was something for everybody from RVers to tenting. The only down fall for the tenting area was it was little bit away from the restroom. However the restroom were very clean an well maintained. There is a heated swimming pool, large play area for children, camp store, a function room that had nightly activity, and the campground offers a shuttle bus to the village of Bar Harbor. There are many things to do in this area for the family. We took a ride on LuLu Lobster Boat a tour in Bar Harbor hosted on a traditional Downeast-style wooden lobster boat. Captain John was great with the kids teaching them about lobstering in Maine. We also took a scenic flight around Acadia National Park aboard Acadia Air. This was a great experience for our children who have never been in a plane before. The campground is minutes from Acadia National Park which is a must, if you only drive the park loop road or hike one of the many trail you must visit Acadia. If you can, sunrise on top of Cadillac is breathtaking the first place in the United State to see the sunrise. This was a great long weekend at the Narrows and Acadia I would highly recommend this campground to anyone that wants to visit this part of Maine.

1998 - We visited Narrows Camping Resort with two other families in the first part of August during a full moon with great weather. Narrows is located just out side of Acadia National park and Bar Harbor, Me. about 5 hours from the New Hamphire seacoast. The sites we reserved were located right on the water, these site were small however the view made up for this. There could have been more restrooms and showers located through out the campground, in the AM there was some wait to shower. The heated pools was great after a day in Acadia National Park. The camp activities were fair , however there are a great many other activities to do in Acadia and Bar Harbor to fill your days and nights. One we did, was to visit The Great Maine Lumberjack show. Great for children, 1 1/2 hour show about the lumber industry with participation of the children.

Narrow Camping Resort 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos at Narrows Camping Resort 1998
Photos at Narrows Camping Resort 2002

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Northstar Campground * Newport, NH July 2001

We just got back from a three night stay @ Northstar Campground in Newport, NH. All in all, we had a good time, but it wasn't the place for us. It is a smaller place with about 60 sites. Not much in the way of activities (my 7 year old was bored), and their swimming pond was rather murky looking, but the Sugar River runs through it and was nice to wade in. Being a small place, you'd think we'd be jammed in, but we had a huge site with hookups. Noisy neihbors the first night, but the owners took care of them. Rather primitive "facilities", but they are working on adding more "real" bathrooms, and showers (have two metered showers now). No store, but the office does sell wood & ice.If it were just my husband and I, we'd definately go back, but the kiddos need more to do, and the two swings in the playground just don't do it.

Northstar 2 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by K. Poly

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Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, *Nottingham, NH July 1999

Pawtuckaway State Park is located on Pawtuckaway Lake 3 1/2 miles North of Rte 101 & 156 , 1/2 hr.west of the NH seacoast . We book our site the first part of January. Reservations of the 190+ sites are a must during the summer months. Our site was located on Horse Island, in which most of the preferred site were on the water among tall pine trees. We could fish and boat right from our site were the girls caught their first fish. All the sites were very spread out so you were not right on top of your neighbors. There is swimming at the beach area located short walking distance from the campsite. With canoe & paddle boat rentals, hiking & biking trails there is a lot to do. Rates were $22 per night with no hook-ups. Mostly tenting and pop-ups, with some small RV. Only one shower in our locations that required quarters.

Pawtuckaway State Park 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos of Pawtuckaway State Park

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Pine Acres Family Campground, * Raymond, NH April 2002

We visited Pine Acres because it was the first campgound that we could fine open in mid April. This was our first trip with our new Coachman Travel Trailor. We just had to give it a test trip the first weekend that we got it. Pine is located just a mile off NH Rt. 51 With the season just starting most of the campground was occuiped with season campers and new owners trying out their new campers. Most of the sites were wooded site with ample space. At this time there were no activities planned how ever during the season there is a full-time activities director that has daily and weekly organized activities along with special theme weekends for young and old alike. There lake swimming, canoe, rowboat, and paddleboat rentals with a giant waterside and miniature golf. For the first weekend of the season there was many staff member around to assist you. We would like to go again when more activites were plan during the summer.

Pine Acres Family Campground
4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Would more that likely rate higher in summer season.

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Russell Pond, White Mts. National Forest, *Thornton, NH Sept., 1998

We picked Russell Pond because it was just minutes from our destination, Loon Mt. Highland Games. Russell Pond is a National Forest campground therefore you can not make reservation in advance (first come, first served) We had someone arrive early Friday morning to get us a site. Most of the sites were tent site, however some were RV without hook ups. The campground was located in the heart of the White Mts. of NH. just minutes from Interstate and 93 and Route 3, minutes from from many of the White Mts. Attractions. Russell Pond was a very clean and peaceful campground with a crystal clean pond for canoeing and fish. Remember the quarters ($2.00 for a 5 minute hot shower.) Rates are very reasonable @$16.00 for 4 Adults and 4 Children.

Russell Pond White Mts. National Forrest 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Just for the peacefulness
Photos at Russell Pond White Mts. National Forrest

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Sanborn Shore Acres Campground, *Hampstead, NH June 1999

Sanborn Shore Acres is located in Hampstead, NH off Rte 121 on Big Island Pond (which is actually a lake). Excellent swimming, fishing and boating. Most the the sites were seasonal however they do have a limited number of overnight sites with w/e/s for $25 per night. You should call in advance if you would like to book one of these sites. We had no problem getting a site this time of year. The swimming area was very clean, with a gradual slope of sand. There was a playground just off the beach for the kids. Canobie Lake Park is located within 15 minutes from the campground.

Sanborn Shore Acres Campground 3 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos of Sanborn Shore Acres Campground

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Sebago Lake State Park Campground, *Naples, Me June 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

July 2002 - Again great trip, this is State Park is one of the best in Maine.
June 2001 - We will be back again, The beach is great for swimming, fishing and boating.
June 2000 - Once again we had great weather at Sebago State Park which makes any trip more enjoyable. We went to Sebago with about 10 different family groups which was great for the children to make new friends. We feel the sites in Naple Cove are larger and more private than the one at Witch Cove . All the sites were in among the tall pine tree. Our sites 4, 5, 6 and 9, 11,12 and 13 were the best site and are just off the beach area. These site however can be a windy if you get some bad weather blowing off the lake. Fishing and boating are perfect at this State Park is if you can bring a boat or canoe and your fishing rods. We will be back in 2001.
June 1999 - Sebago is located just off Rte 302 between Naples and South Casco, about 1/2 hour west of Portland Me. We booked our site the week before father's day and had no trouble, however reservations are a must after school is out. To book a site along the water which I thought were the better sites or during mid-season you would have to make reservations early, the first of the year. There were two parts of the campground Naple Cove and Witch Cove 1 & Witch Cove 2 both with no water or electric hook ups. Our site #7 was located in Naple Cove in with the tall pine trees only 100 ft from the sandy beach. The sites in this area we thought were the better of the two areas. Sebago Lake crystal clear water was excellent for swimming, fishing and boating. Sebago Lake is a very clean campground with flush toilets, hot showers, guided hikes, and a outdoor amphitheater , open from May 1, through October 15. Once again we had excellent weather to make the trip more enjoyable.

Sebago Lake State Park 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photo of Sebago Lake State Park June 1999
Photo of Sebago Lake State Park June 2000

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Shawme Crowell State Forest*Sandwich, MA July 2001

Two weeks before our trip we book our site through Reservations America the only place that you can book your site for one of the Mass State Campgrounds. Crowell is located on Rt. 6A just over the Brourn Bridge in Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. All the site were large wooded sites with fire pits. Most site were very private with lots of room between sites. We used Shawme Crowell as a base for our visit to Nautucket which was ideal for this, just 15 minutes to the ferry. We were not at the campground that much, however there was a camp store and clean restroom and the rangers were helpful. This campground was great for what we want this weekend and the price was great at $12.00 per nite.

Shawme Crowell 3 out of 6 Camping Bears

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Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Ashland, NH

We visit Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park the first part for June with a free weekend pass we received from the RV dealer that we bought our new camper from. The river sites were nice, however a little close to one another for my liking. The other sites were in an open area with no shade very close to the road and one another. There were many activities for the children. With 2 pools, one a water park type, playground, horseshoe, canoe rentals, a schuled activities, mini golf, children could keep busy at the campground for the weekend. Our children enjoyed playing at the river edge the most. A little to busy for my liking, it just seem a little rushed the whole weekend. They could use more showers in the campground the one they did have was a distance from most of sites and there was a long wait to use in the AM. Not the campground if you just want to relax. Would go again just for the weekend but couldn't stay much long.

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park 3 out of 6 Camping Bears

Recommended!!! Large Campground. Yogi, Boo Boo, and Cindy, Many Activities, the Kids favorite
Nice Pool and pool furniture (for Adults only) to relax in. Metered hot tub. Nice playground. Great Camp Store and Snack Bar. Modern and clean Restrooms, Showers can be a long walk depending on site you get. Some sites are rather cramped. River beach (Pemi River) Trash pickup at your site. Too many staff personnel. Pricey but worth it (especially if you don't want to leave the campground much... plenty to do).

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by Bob at RConnellii@aol.com
Bob's web page http://www.angelfire.com/co/rconnell/camping.html

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