5 Family Friendly New England Campgrounds 2024 Camping Season – Family of 6

Our camping season has come to an end for the year! Read on to see where we went, how we ranked our sites, and the lessons learned.

We stayed at five different campgrounds this year

1. Bear Brook State Park – Allenstown, NH
2. Moose Hillock Camping Resort – Warren, NH
3. Israel River Campground – Jefferson, NH
4. Crow’s Nest Campground – Newport, NH
5. Maine Forest Yurts – Durham, ME

The first one, we just had the boys ages 1 and 3. The next two, we had all four kids: two girls, ages 9 and 12, and the boys. The last two, it was just us and the boys. That’s all relevant because we learned quickly that HOW you camp matters when different age groups are involved. 

1. Bear Brook State Park Campground 

Let’s start with Bear Brook State Park. This campground was wonderful with just us four. Our 1-year-old wasn’t walking just yet, so the rooty areas weren’t all too concerning. We used our outdoor playpen for most of the trip and were covered in ample shade. The campsite was relatively quiet, with just a few adults nearby blasting their music occasionally. We were not nearly as close to other campsites as some of the other campgrounds. 

Specifics: Site 94, May 31st – June 3rd

Pros: 

1. Large site, which was extremely spacious and mostly tucked away from neighbors. 
2. Felt quiet and shady on this specific site
3. Campground was large
4. Playground spacious with much to do
5. Exploration possibilities on trails 
6. Nice pond at the State Park portion

Cons:

1. This specific site was at the end of a trail, so many people passing through our site
2. No pool on the campground and pond was not in walking distance
3. No water or electricity on site chosen (which we learned was important for booking other sites in the future!)

Overall, this campground is one we’d go to with the younger kiddos, but not the teens. There wasn’t much to do with older kids around the area that would’ve made the deal sweeter for them. Matter of fact, we had planned to stay at this campground more than once this summer, but changed our minds once we realized there were other campgrounds that offered much, much more for all age groups. This was the most affordable of the bunch, which made it extremely attractive and it will absolutely be a great choice at the end of the season with just the boys. 

2. Moose Hillock Camping Resort

Our site here was very nice and spacious. We had neighbors, but they were not so close to where you’d hear their conversations. We were separated by a good amount of forest, and it was hilly between, so no direct flattened path from site to site. Facilities were kept up well and upon arrival, you felt like you were going to a resort. The pool and arcade were a blast for all the kids involved. Every age group, including adults who just wanted to be poolside, could unwind and have fun. 

Specifics: June 20th – June 24th, Site 218

Pros: 

1. Spacious sites, not on top of one another
2. Water and electric (this was essential!)
3. Quiet, yet family oriented
4. Pool and arcade
5. Massive playground, pond, court and other facilities for play

Cons: 

1. Less trails to explore onsite, really none I can recall
2. Less to do around the area
3. Expensive for camping 

We loved this campground, so did our kids. From the moment we got there it felt like we’d escaped your traditional camping for an enhanced experience. This trip was unforgettable. Even though it rained a good portion of the trip, the kids still played in the pool and had joy riding their bikes around. The youngest kids loved the playground and its immaculate construction. I mean a ship and a train?! Amazing! If not for the price, I we would have booked this one multiple times over the summer. 

3. Israel River Campground

Nestled in the White Mountains with an adventure to Santa’s Village, we were thrilled to go. Once we got there, we were underwhelmed with how close the sites were. So close we had no choice but to befriend our neighbors on both sides, so the boys who struggled with unclear boundaries (i.e., there was no separation from trees) received some grace. Thankfully, one of our neighbors had a kid of the same age as our toddler. We learned this would be a campground we would choose again, but not this site. 

Specifics: Site 78, July 18th – July 21st

Pros:

1. Immaculate views
2. Pool, hot tub and playground
3. River for older kids to float and swim
4. Vicinity to attractions 
5. Family oriented 
6. Water on site

Cons:

1. The site was on a small ledge with access to the river making it a complicated access point for small children and a hazard majority of the time
2. Small tent sites, right on top of each other

The hosts were amazing and so sweet. Their camp store was massive! If we ran out of anything, they had it. We also had a ton to do, and spending a day at Santa’s Village really helped us escape that too closed-in feeling we had with the smaller site we had. There were other sites there that were bigger that we will book in the future, and they were not near the river ledge. The price was not as high as Moose Hillock, but it was definitely more than your state park.

4. Crow’s Nest Family Campground

Upon arriving here, we realized this campground was close to the highway and other homes and such. It was too small when we got to our initial campsite near the river. I’d booked a different one, but they mentioned I might like the one they recommended. When I didn’t, they were accommodating and let me move to my original site, which was refreshing. These sites were massive! We didn’t have any real issue with noise beyond the highway where we heard the semi-trucks jake breaking all day! Despite that, we really enjoyed this campground. 

Specifics: Site 92, August 29th – September 1st

Pros:

1. Large campsites
2. Family oriented 
3. Large Field with horseshoes and oversized yard games
4. Waterspout nearby
5. Not overly crowded/over-booked 

Cons:

1. Playground was more of a play structure, still cute! Just not a much more than a big ole ship.
2. Proximity to highway & noise from road

We enjoyed this place very much, enough to bring our kids back multiple times. This one it was just us and the boys. The lawn games make it fun for all the kids which means we don’t have to leave the campground for entertainment. They had an arcade too; we just didn’t get a chance to check it out since we left one day early. We very much enjoyed the appeal of this campground and its simplicity, even with the proximity to the highway and the accompanying noise. This is one we really look forward to going back to!

5. Maine Forest Yurts

This was our final trip for the year. We were so done with lugging all that equipment, so we wanted to opt for a bit more of a glamping experience, yet we got so much more! This experience was by far at the top of our list for many reasons. We felt like we had the entire forest to ourselves! It was so quiet and peaceful, with a lot of space between the six yurts they had on this land. Additionally, there was freedom to be a true primitive explorer with the ability to go to the canoes and kayaks and use them as we please without reservation or time constraints. Their homemade playground had the most unique opportunities for imaginative play for the kids right next to the walkabout pond, where we discovered turtles and frogs to catch and release. Also, the protection of the fully stocked yurt with a designated and fully stocked outhouse meant you didn’t have to leave your site for much or bring anything! There is plenty to do in the area, such as visiting Maine Wildlife Park or exploring the many trails offered on this land. 

Specifics: Forest Ridge Yurt, October 7th – 9th

Pros: 

1. Glamping at its best! Fully stocked!
2. Proximity between other yurts
3. A lot to do including canoeing, kayaking, pond/beach, playground, ring toss, hiking
4. Self-serve, firewood available pay by cash before leaving or Venmo
5. Phenomenal hosts, hey Page! Responsive.
6. Very family friendly 

Cons: 

1. Hilly behind yurt so the 14-month-old struggled a bit with exploring the forest without a lot of guidance.

Being primitive campers, the yurt relieved us greatly since we didn’t have to do the whole setup and take down with a tent, kitchen, and bathroom. We were also majorly protected from environmental elements through the superb construction. It was pouring on day one, and the sound of rain from within the yurt was meditative. We drove to the wildlife park and enjoyed seeing bears, cougars, moose, and other Maine-centric wildlife. It was just 20 minutes away, so not bad. There was a really nice market (Pineland Farms) about a 5-minute drive from the yurts, which had we known, we wouldn’t have even brought food from home, which would have easily taken our yurting up one more notch. 

This place is ideal for families, if you want to still be adventurous and out in nature but with about 1/4 the work, especially in colder months making your fire and getting it right is essential to keep you warm inside. 

So What Did We Think?

There are many elements that these were really all graded on. We rated based on our family size and what each location has to offer as primitive campers not too much concerned with facilities we had a clear order. 

Our Overall Favorite: Maine Forest Yurts

When we think about having all 4 kids and what the easiest is for us, hands down, it’s Maine Forest Yurts. With two bunk beds and a futon, and being fully stocked, we don’t have to bring much. It seems when camping, you parent more. You’re away from most routine and all the screens so kids get bored and are forced to get creative. Maine Forest Yurts provided entertainment all around for everyone in addition to offering nearby things in the area to do to satisfy everyone’s appetite. 

There was plenty to do in the area and we didn’t have to worry about packing all of our gear, setup and takedown. We had access to many things to do and could have easily stayed here for more than 2 nights. Kids of all ages can explore the forest and find plenty of things to do.

Favorite for Primitive Camping (Summer-Fall): Crow’s Nest Campground

Despite being right beside the highway noise, there was enough to do for days. We didn’t get a chance to check out the pool, kiddy pool, or mini-golf, but those options are nice in addition to the large campsites. If we needed anything, we could go right into town, come back to the campsite, and easily enjoy the night without feeling like we were imposing on neighbors. Its affordability, too, makes it an easy choice for primitive camping with a touch of simple fun. 

Favorite for Amenities Provided (Summer-Early Fall): Moose Hillock Resort Campground

The large resort pool was a game changer as was the massive playground and the rest there was to do for all age groups involved. We could’ve easily found more to do each day. The space on the sites were plentiful and the most memorable memories were the large pool. This being the most expensive of the bunch, we’d probably visit this once during the summer but for a longer amount of time, 4 nights max. 

Favorite for Views and Nearby Things to Do: (Israel River Campground)

While exploring all the White Mountains offer, this is an easy home base. You can end your day poolside or in the jacuzzi with great views of the mountains. This is my pick for times when it’s just my husband and I or only two of the kids. Though family-friendly, it seems more geared to being a place of relaxation and renewal with fun as a byproduct, not the main goal. When I think of primitive camping, this place is more for your minimalist camper or RV person. The type to sit on the river with a hard seltzer or something to that effect. We had a blast at Santa’s Village while here!

Most Affordable: Bear Brook State Park

This campground is plentiful with sites, with some sites more private and grassier than others. With its minimal amenities and being a state park, it can become a favorite as the kids get older and are more self-sufficient. This seems like a good place for groups of friends looking to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s true primitive camping and way off the beaten path. It was pretty deep in the woods to drive to, and we got lost a few times. 

We did have another campground not listed, Pawtuckaway State Park, which we canceled. We have seen an increasing amount of swim advisories. This deterred us from going because we felt limited in what we could do with the kids. That said, we can’t wait to try out Maine Forest Yurts in the Winter!