Campgrounds that we have visited with comments.
Please e-mail your reviews to be posted.
Latest ReviewsAcres of Wildlife,
Steep Falls, Me Summer
2000,
Bayley's Camping
Resort, Scarborough, ME Aug.
98, July 98, 99
Bethel Woods Resort
Campground Holderness, NH Sept.
2000
Branchbrook Campground,
Campton, NH August
97
Bear Brook State
Park, Allenstown, NH June
2000
Chocorua Camping
Village, West Ossippe,
NH July 2001
Deep Creek State
Park, Deep Creek, MD
June 98
Desert of Maine
Campground Freeport, ME
May 1999
Epsom Valley Campground,
Epsom, NH June 2000
Franconia Notch
State Park Lafayette Campground, Franconia, NH July 2000
Gunstock Camping
Area Gilford, NH August
2000
Hidden Valley Campground,
Derry, NH June 1998
Kezar Lake Camping
Area June 2001
Lake George Escape
Evergreen Resort, Lake George, NY Aug 1999
Lake Pemaquid Camping
Damariscotta, Me July
2000
Narrows Camping
Resort, Bar Harbor, Me August
1998
Pawtuckaway State
Park Nottingham, NH
July 1999
Northstar Campground in Newport, NH July 2001
Russell Pond White
Mts. National Forrest Thornton, NH Sept. 1998
Sanborn Shore Acres
Campground Hampstead, NH
June 1999
Sebago Lake State
Park , Naples, Me June
1999, June 2000
Shawme Crowell
State Forest, MA July
2001
Yogi Bear's Jellystone
Park,Ashland , NH
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). Hay less 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 at jln@cyberportal.net
Jennifer photos at Acres of Wildlife http://www.coolshop.com/camping
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.
Bayley's Camping Resort 5 out 6 of Camping Bears
Photos
at Bayley's Camping Resort
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.
Bethel Woods is located
just ten minutes of I-93 on Rt. 3 just minutes from Squam Lake
of On Golden Pond fame. This campgound 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 an van. Most of the over night sites were this
small. We did not minded however because we were not at the campground
very much during the day. We used it as a base for our day trips
in which we visited the Polar Caves in Plymouth and Squam Lake
Tours which offers tours of Squam Lake were On Golden Pond was
filmed. Both on a short distance for the campground. The next
day we visited Ruggles Mine and The Loon Center both also with
in an 45 minute drive. We enjoyed our stay at Beth Woods, the
owner were very nice and helpful. The sites would have been a
little better if they were larger. However our kids enjoyed the
pool and play area.
Bethel Woods Campground 3 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos of Bethel
Woods
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
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, camp store,
ball field, 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 4 out of 6 Camping Bears
Sorry no Photos, left camera at home.
Still under review
Chocorua Camping Village is located on Rt 16 in West Ossippe, NH. Chocorua Camping Village consists of over 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. Most sites were spacious and clean. Our site was #104. It was dry the whole time we were there but the site was on a downward incline. If it rained, we would have been flooded. Some sites were not available due to construction of sewer lines. Chocoura Camping Village has beautiful hiking & biking trails starting at the campground and meandering around the marsh and woodland areas. The trails were well maintained. The activities coordinator was organaized and enthusiastic. She was a big hit with our kids who particularly enjoyed the outdoor game, capture the flag. There is a small beach area for wading with paddle boat and canoe rentals available for fishing.
Chocorua Camping Village 4out of 6Camping Bears
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 Hampshire. 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
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 . 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 heard. 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
I recently made reservations
to stay at the Epsom Valley Campground, 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 received 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 that's only because they were so
nice and generous.
Epsom Valley Campground 2 out of 6 Camping Bears
Review by Stephanie Bousquet
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
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 or 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
Hidden Valley is located
in the southeast part of New Hampshire. 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
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 like ours. There were many sites that were 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.)
these sites were taken by return visitors that have been coming
back for years. There is dock space available for campers with
a boat. Reservations are needed for dock space. The staff were
very friendly and helpful. With a sparkling clear lake and excellent
fishing; we did not leave the campground all weekend. The 400'
sandy beach and playground was an excellent place for the family
to enjoy the day. We rented a pontoon boat for 4 hours and enjoyed
the quiet lake and the surrounding view of the White Mountains.
The campground's own brochure describes Kezar Lake as one of the
5 most beautiful lakes in the world. Now, I see why. We will be
back again.
Kezar Lake Camping Area 5 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photo
Kezar Lake Camping Area
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
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
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 Hampshire 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 Lumber
Jack show. Great for children, 1.5 hour show about the lumber
industry with participation of the children.
Narrow Camping Resort 3 out of 6 Camping Bears
Photos
at Narrows Camping Resort
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
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
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
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
June 2001 - Sebago was as
nice this year as it was the past two. This was our first trip
of the year and once again a stay at this State Park got us ready
for the 2001 camping season. This is one of the best State Park
in Maine however they have change there booking policy. To get
a site early you have to book the first of the year and stay for
4 days but at their rate this is no problem. The site are large
and clean.
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 Naples 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 Naples Cove and Witch Cove
1 & Witch Cove 2 both with no water or electric hook ups.
Our site #7 was located in Naples 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
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
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
