Kingston State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Kingston State Park is a 44-acre area within Kingston, NH, city limits on the shore of the local lake called Great Pond. Sitting in the southeastern corner of New Hampshire, the park offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy family fun. Kingston State Park does not allow camping, but several other state parks and private RV campgrounds in the area provide that service. Since Kingston is only 47 miles north of Boston and 27 miles southeast of Manchester, NH, the park serves as a rest stop for travelers moving in either direction.
Spring 23-71 F
Summer 53-82 F
Fall 30-72 F
Winter 19-43 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Kingston State Park
There are many RV parks and state campgrounds that sit close to Kingston State Park. RV camping is one of the favorite means for out-of-area visitors to view the wonders of southeastern New Hampshire and the neighboring Boston, MA, area. If you do not own an RV, you can rent one from RVshare.
Hampton Beach State Park Campground
About 15 miles east of Kingston, on the Atlantic coast of New Hampshire, sits Hampton Beach State Park Campground. This 50-acre park offers sandy beaches with a lifeguarded swimming area and trails that meander through the dunes. All 28 campsites have access to electrical, water, and sewer hookups. If you choose to visit this park, expect to enjoy various activities, including angling, hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and picnicking. The physical amenities include bathhouses, flush toilets, showers, playgrounds, an office, and a camp store.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 20/30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes, but only inside the store and office
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $50 per night
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. from June 1 to October 25. The office is not staffed the rest of the year
Great Bay Camping
Great Bay Camping sits on the tidal Squamscott River 17 miles north of Kingston State Park. It is the only campground in New Hampshire that offers boat launch access to salt-water fishing. There are 95 campsites with various levels of hookups. Along with the campsites, this facility offers several family-oriented amenities, including a volleyball and badminton court, a rec hall, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, flush toilets, Wi-Fi, and warm showers. A concessionaire rents kayaks and canoes for those who wish to enjoy some time on the river.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $40-$45 per night
Office hours: 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. daily May 1 through mid-October
Wakeda Campground
Wakeda Campground is only 12 miles east of Kingston State Park. This campground offers over 400 RV campsites that accommodate nearly every RV type on the road. Every campsite is spacious and is provided with fire rings and picnic tables. A camp store/office, game room, an 18-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, and horseshoe pits are also available to help visitors and their families relax during their stay.
Water Hookup: Yes
Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi Available: Yes
Pet Friendly: Yes
Fee: $45 to $59 per night
Office hours: 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. May 15-October 1
What to Do at
Kingston State Park
Inside Kingston State Park
Kingston State Park does not permit camping; it is a day-use area only. The Great Pond shores offer an incredible array of sandy beaches, some large and others smaller and more secluded. Kids can swim in the pond while lifeguards watch out for their safety. Anglers find excellent fishing in the Great Pond, either from the bank or in a boat, kayak, or canoe. For those without such crafts, a rental concession readily supplies kayaks and canoes. A great playground, volleyball area, badminton court, and horseshoe pits help you and your family work off some of that excess energy built up during an RV trip.
Outside Kingston State Park
Being a state park inside a community like Kingston has advantages. Restaurants, stores, and activities outside the park add to its attraction. While you're staying at Kingston State Park, be sure to check out these spots.
Restaurants
Rick's Food and Spirits
If you have never experienced American "New" cuisine, Rick's Food and Spirits is the place to visit. While offering the traditional American seafood and chicken/beef flavors, they present them in a new format. The menu includes imaginative foods like stuffed chicken thighs and lobster stuffed shells.
Type: American New
Location: 143 Main Street, Kingston, NH 03848
Cornicello
When you develop a taste for Italian cooking, travel seven miles northeast from the park to Exeter and enjoy a meal at the Cornicello. The menu at this restaurant changes seasonally as some fresh ingredients disappear, and others take their place. Expect to find freshly made Italian pasta and soups liberally augmented with local products such as beef, chicken, and seafood.
Type: Italian
Location: 11 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
Carriage Towne Bar and Grill
When pizza is the only thing that will satisfy a deep hunger, take a little trip to the Carriage Towne Bar and Grill. This restaurant produces its pizza crust every morning to guarantee the best flavors for its customers. Besides its pizza specialty, the restaurant also offers burgers, calzones, seafood, and pasta.
Type: Pizza, American Traditional
Location: 53 Church Street, Kingston, NH 03848
Shopping
The Mall at Rockingham Park
When you have a variety of needs that require several different types of stores, visit The Mall at Rockingham Park. The mall is located in Salem, NH, about 15 miles east of Kingston. Stores you find in the mall include famous franchises like Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, and Macy's.
Location: 99 Rockingham Boulevard, Salem, NH 03079
Log Cabin Antiques and Gifts
There are only a few shops with the character of Log Cabin Antiques and Gifts left in the U.S. While other antique shops have remodeled or "glitzed up," this shop has maintained its modest appearance. The gifts you find here are real antiques that come from estates or are discovered in old barns.
Location: 21 Bartlett Street, Kingston, NH 03848
Water Street Bookstore
While you and your family are exploring the area, stop at the Water Street Bookstore. This bookstore offers a variety of books that appeal to every member of the family. Whether you are looking for children's books, young adult, documentary, biographical, or fiction, they are all here.
Location: 125 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
Sightseeing
Cider Hill Farm
Families that travel 10 miles to the southeast of Kingston and cross the border into Massachusetts can visit Cider Hill Farm. Once there, you can experience a small portion of farm life. Animals, farm tools, and chores are a few of the items children handle. Adults find wines and beers locally brewed on the farm's store shelves along with the ever-present fresh produce that graces every meal.
Location: 45 Fern Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913
High 5 Ballooning
For an unforgettable adventure that gives your family a new perspective, take a hot air balloon ride at High 5 Ballooning. These balloons take passengers high into the air above the busy highways. Located only 17 miles southwest of Kingston, this is an experience kids will remember for a lifetime.
Location: 4 Joseph St, Derry, NH 03038
NH1 Motorplex
Just 11 miles to the east lies some of the most fun you and your family will have while visiting Kingston State Park. The NH1 Motorplex is the only electric go-kart racing facility in New Hampshire. The quarter-mile racetrack comes with long straightaways and thrilling curves. Watch your kids as their grins grow while driving the course. Laughter is infectious. Climb into one of the go-karts yourself and join the fun.
Location: 270 Lafayette Road, Seabrook, NH 03874
How to Get to
Kingston State Park
The park is easy to find in Kingston. The trick is getting to Kingston in the first place. You can approach the community from many directions, but most visitors come from Manchester, NH, or Boston.
To get to Kingston from Boston, take Interstate 93 North (I-93 N) out of Boston to exit 44A. Merge onto Interstate 495 North (I-495 N) for 12 miles and take exit 518 toward Massachusetts State Route 125 North (MA-125 N). Follow MA-125 N into Kingston.
To get to Kingston from Manchester, NH, take New Hampshire State Route 107 East (NH 107 E) for six miles. Merge onto New Hampshire State Route 101 West (NH 101 W) and follow the highway for 20 miles until you reach Kingston.
Entering Kingston State Park
Kingston State Park is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Kingston State Park Per adult ages 12 and older : $4.0
Kingston State Park Per child ages 6 through 11 : $2.0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Kingston State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kingston State Park
Kingston State Park opens around the third week of May, is open only on weekends the two weeks after Labor Day, and closes mid-September. Although the park may be accessible when it is closed, facilities may be closed or limited.
Kingston State Park has a distinct summer that is warm and humid and a distinct winter that is cold and snowy. The transition seasons of spring and autumn are crisp and refreshing, but they do not last very long.
There is no camping permitted in Kingston State Park. However, there are campgrounds for RV camping available in the town of Kingston and the nearby towns of Newton, South Hampton, and Sandown.
Although many New Hampshire state parks permit pets year-round, no pets are ever permitted at Kingston State Park. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are always permitted.
Yes, in addition to reserved parking and wheelchair ramps, the park has a beach wheelchair that is available when the park is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Inquire at the part office or toll booth.