Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages

- 497 Washington St, Barrington, NH 03825

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents who cherish a peaceful, rustic, and profoundly natural camping experience, Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages in Barrington offers a cherished sanctuary. This family-owned and operated campground has carved out a distinct niche in the Seacoast region, specifically appealing to those looking to truly unplug and reconnect with the serene beauty of the Granite State's lakes and woodlands. Nestled on 18 secluded acres of forests, fields, and stunning shorefront on the western end of Ayers Lake, the atmosphere here is purposefully quiet and family-focused—a true escape from the clamor of modern life, with "no bright lights or noisy recreation hall."

The sentiment from long-time patrons is overwhelmingly positive, speaking to a deep, multi-generational connection with the property. As one loyal visitor attested after more than 30 trips over 25 years, Ayers Lake is the "Best camp site in all of the USA," praising both the established charm and the quality of the current ownership. The campground masterfully combines comfortable accommodations—including full-hookup RV sites, unique tent areas, and fully furnished cottages—with the essential elements of an authentic outdoor vacation: swimming, fishing, and simple lakeside enjoyment.

Feedback from recent visitors highlights the exceptional quality of the individual campsites. One camper noted the "perfect" spacing of Campsite 48, providing a sense of privacy while still offering essential amenities like water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a grill. This commitment to maintaining private, well-equipped sites, even while being a short distance from clean bathhouse facilities, is central to the Ayers Lake Farm experience. The focus here is not on flashy resort amenities, but on the quiet, crystal-clear water of Ayers Lake, known for its excellent bass fishing and the peaceful calls of nesting loons and soaring bald eagles.

Location and Accessibility

Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages is conveniently located at 497 Washington St, Barrington, NH 03825, USA. This central position in Strafford County makes it an easily accessible destination for residents across the state and the Seacoast region, fulfilling the local desire for a quick, impactful getaway.

The campground is situated just off Route 202, a vital artery that makes the journey uncomplicated. While the atmosphere feels secluded and tranquil, the reality is a high degree of accessibility:

• Seacoast Proximity: The town of Barrington sits within a short driving distance of major Seacoast population centers like Rochester, Dover, and Portsmouth. This location allows New Hampshire families to transition from city- or town-life to lakeside tranquility in under an hour for many.
• Regional Hubs: Even for those traveling from farther afield, such as Manchester or the Lakes Region, the location is highly manageable, often being less than a 90-minute drive from metro areas like Boston, making it ideal for weekend escapes.
• Local Convenience: While the campground itself is rustic, local town conveniences are close at hand. The property is only a short drive from local dining, antique shops in Northwood, and the charming Calef's Country Store in Barrington, allowing campers to quickly pick up forgotten supplies or enjoy a meal out. The proximity to Route 16 (the Spaulding Turnpike) ensures smooth travel to and from the site.

This ideal balance of seclusion and convenience is a significant reason why Ayers Lake Farm is a preferred destination for New Hampshire locals who want the woods and water without a lengthy expedition.

Services Offered

Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages offers a practical and comprehensive set of services focused on providing comfort without distracting from the natural environment. The amenities cater primarily to essential needs, ensuring a smooth, self-contained camping experience.

Core Services for Campers and Guests:

• Full and Partial Hookup Sites: The campground features 51 total sites, many of which are designated for RVs and trailers and come equipped with water, electric (30/50-amp), and sewer hookups. Partial hookup and rustic tent sites are also available.
• Bathhouse and Laundry Facilities: An updated bathhouse with clean restrooms and hot showers is provided for all campers. Additionally, a coin-operated washer and dryer are available on the premises.
• Essential Supply Sales: The office, located in the charming old New England farmhouse, sells necessary camping items such as wood and ice, helping campers comply with the local mandate not to transport outside firewood.
• Sanitary Station: A dump station is provided for registered guests, adding convenience for RV and trailer owners.
• Watercraft Access: The campground features a boat ramp and is welcoming to campers who bring their own kayaks, canoes, or small boats. The lake is clean and safe for these non-motorized and small motorized watercraft.
• Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi is available across the campground, offering a necessary connection point while still encouraging guests to enjoy the peaceful, screen-free atmosphere of the lake.

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Ayers Lake Farm are centered around its natural environment and the variety of accommodations it provides to suit different camping styles, all unified by the peaceful waters of Ayers Lake.

Distinguished Features and Activities:

• Unique Lakeside Location: The campground is spread across 18 acres with sites nestled in waterfront, waterview, and secluded pine grove locations, many offering fine views of the lake and the picturesque New Hampshire stone walls.
• Diverse Accommodations: Guests can choose from RV sites with full hookups, various rustic tent sites (including the large, wooded Island Family Tent site with private waterfront access), and fully furnished cabins/cottages, which are available for extended rentals (two-week minimum or seasonal).
• Lake Activities: The clean, cool water of Ayers Lake is perfect for swimming, featuring a sunny beach area and a shallow waterfront that gets progressively deeper. It is particularly well-regarded for its excellent bass fishing, with loons and bald eagles frequently sighted.
• Water Sports: The calm lake is ideal for paddling, with availability for guests to bring their own canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards, or inquire about on-site rentals.
• Passive Recreation: The campground is designed for quiet activities. In addition to lakeside relaxing, guests can enjoy a small playground for young children, trails for hiking and biking on nearby country roads, and traditional outdoor fun like horseshoes and basketball.

Contact Information

For New Hampshire residents ready to book a peaceful getaway or inquire about seasonal stays, please use the contact information below:

Address: 497 Washington St, Barrington, NH 03825, USA

Phone: (603) 335-1110

Mobile Phone: +1 603-335-1110

The office, located in the historic farmhouse, handles all reservations and inquiries. Prospective guests are advised to call ahead to confirm availability, especially for the popular full-hookup RV sites and the limited number of cottages.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages is an ideal retreat for New Hampshire locals precisely because it delivers a genuine, no-frills, nature-focused camping experience right in their backyard. For residents of the Granite State, the appeal lies in its reliable quiet hours (10 pm to 8 am), its dedication to keeping the environment natural and rustic, and the quality of the lake itself—a clean, beautiful body of water perfect for fishing and swimming.

The campground’s identity as a quiet, family-oriented destination, with a focus on activities like canoeing, paddle boarding, and relaxing on a secluded beach, matches the core values of New England outdoor living. Whether you are a multi-decade loyalist seeking the perfect bass spot or a family looking for a private tent site with a fire pit and grill away from the noise, Ayers Lake Farm offers a setting that feels both comfortably familiar and genuinely restorative. It’s a place where the simplicity of a lakeside campfire and the sight of a bald eagle provide the entertainment, making it the quintessential, convenient, and unforgettable New Hampshire family escape.

Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages

497 Washington St, Barrington, NH 03825, USA