Calef Lake Campground

For those of us in the Granite State, finding the perfect spot to pitch a tent or park an RV often means balancing the desire for natural beauty with the need for modern convenience. Calef Lake Campground, located in the charming town of Auburn, New Hampshire, has been serving local families and travelers for generations. Situated on over 40 acres of lush, wooded terrain, this family-owned and operated facility offers a quintessential New England camping experience. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway just 20 minutes from Manchester or a long-term seasonal home, Calef Lake provides a welcoming atmosphere where memories are made by the water and under the stars.

The campground is nestled between two beautiful bodies of water, offering direct access to the crystal-clear Calef Lake. It is a place where legacy runs deep; many local residents recall visiting as children and now bring their own families to enjoy the same sandy beaches and wooded trails. While the management has evolved over the years, the core mission remains the same: providing a clean, safe, and secure environment for guests to relax. From the hand-raked beaches to the meticulously organized weekly activities, every detail is designed to foster a sense of community among campers, whether they are transient visitors or long-term seasonal residents.

Location and accessibility are among the top reasons New Hampshire locals choose Calef Lake. Situated at 593 Chester Road (Route 121), the campground is easily reachable via I-93 and Route 101, making it a convenient destination for those coming from the Seacoast, the Merrimack Valley, or even Northern Massachusetts. Its south-central location puts it within an hour's drive of major regional attractions like Hampton Beach, the White Mountains, and the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. For guests with mobility considerations, the park is committed to inclusivity, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom facilities to ensure every member of the family can join in the fun.

The services offered at Calef Lake Campground are comprehensive, catering to a wide spectrum of camping preferences. With over 150 sites, the park accommodates everything from rustic tenting in secluded, rural spots to premium "Big Rig" sites that can handle RVs up to 45 feet in length. For those who prefer the comforts of a building, the resort offers a lakeside vacation house, rustic cabins, and even luxury glamping tents on raised platforms. The onsite store, recently remodeled to better serve guests, is stocked with essentials including ice, firewood, propane, and a large selection of ice cream—a local favorite on hot summer afternoons.

• Full-service RV camping with three-way hookups including water, sewer, and 30/50 amp electric service.
• Luxury rental units including a lakeside house, cabins, and glamping tents that sleep 4 to 7 guests.
• On-site boat rentals featuring canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats, and pedal boats for lake exploration.
• Modern facilities including two bathhouses with private showers, laundry services, and a dump station.
• A well-stocked campground store providing groceries, camping gear, fishing tackle, and LP gas.
• Multiple payment options accepted, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Enhanced connectivity with WiFi access available throughout the park and being expanded annually.

The features and highlights of Calef Lake Campground make it a true standout in Southern New Hampshire. The crown jewel is undoubtedly the private, sandy beach with a safe, shallow bottom that is perfect for young swimmers. For those who enjoy an active vacation, the park offers a range of sports and recreational facilities, from a pirate-themed playground to basketball and volleyball courts. The community spirit is further bolstered by themed weekends and events, such as Fourth of July fireworks, live bands on holiday weekends, and even a "watergun hayride" that has become a legend among the younger campers.

• Large private beach on Calef Lake with a floating raft and a lake trampoline for added excitement.
• Two separate lakes providing "terrific fishing" opportunities for anglers of all ages.
• A dedicated dog park and a unique "dog pond" where your furry family members can swim and play.
• Weekly organized activities including crafts, cornhole tournaments, and beach dances.
• Outdoor picnic areas and an open-air pavilion on the beach for community gatherings.
• Kid-friendly features like two playgrounds, a jungle gym, and dedicated kid-friendly activities.
• Strictly enforced quiet hours ensuring a peaceful night's rest for all families and neighbors.

For those looking to secure a spot for the upcoming season, contacting the office directly or using their online interactive map is highly recommended. The staff is known for being friendly and helpful, especially when it comes to navigating the park's diverse site options and seasonal regulations.

Address: 593 Chester Rd, Auburn, NH 03032, USA

Phone: (603) 483-8282

Mobile Phone: +1 603-483-8282

What is worth choosing about Calef Lake Campground is the authentic and unpretentious camping experience it delivers. While it offers modern amenities like 50-amp service and WiFi, it retains the soul of a classic New Hampshire lakeside retreat. It is an ideal choice for families who value safety and activities; parents can relax on the beach knowing the swimming area is well-maintained and children have plenty of space to roam and play. The variety of accommodation types—from the "rough it" tent sites along a quiet stream to the "glamping" tents with electric and water—means you can tailor your stay to your specific level of comfort.

Furthermore, the campground's proximity to Manchester and the Seacoast makes it a rare find for those who want a nature-filled vacation without a grueling drive. Choosing Calef Lake means choosing a site where the owners are on-site and invested in your experience. While some areas of the park are dedicated to a vibrant seasonal community, transient guests are welcomed with open arms and often find themselves returning year after year. Whether you're there to catch "the big one" in the lake, participate in a beach dance under the stars, or simply enjoy a quiet fire at your site, Calef Lake Campground offers a reliable and charming New Hampshire experience that is definitely worth the visit.