Barrington Shores Campground, Barrington, NH

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents seeking the quintessential summer getaway—one that combines the tranquility of nature with resort-style amenities and fun—Barrington Shores Campground in Barrington, NH, stands out as a premier destination. Nestled on the beautiful, clean shores of Swains Lake, this campground offers a true escape from the everyday hustle without requiring a cross-country drive. It caters to a variety of campers, from those traveling in fully equipped RVs to families seeking the comfort of a cabin or the simplicity of a tent site.

Barrington Shores Campground has built a reputation as a vibrant, family-friendly environment. The property seamlessly blends the rugged appeal of traditional camping with modern convenience, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience for all ages. As one enthusiastic first-time visitor noted, the place is "absolutely amazing," highlighting its peaceful atmosphere, attentive staff, and the "spotless and fully stocked" nature of the rental units. The emphasis here is on providing an all-inclusive experience centered around water activities, outdoor sports, and organized social events.

While the vast majority of local feedback points to the dedicated staff—with specific praise for "Breanna and Tim" who "truly care about keeping the campground beautiful and safe"—and the excellent facilities, it is an established community, meaning it hosts many seasonal campers. Newcomers should be aware that, as with any bustling community, the shared space requires mutual respect, particularly regarding community rules like speed limits, to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.

Location and Accessibility

Barrington Shores Campground is strategically located at 7 Barrington Shores Dr, Barrington, NH 03825, USA. This location in Strafford County is a major selling point for New Hampshire locals, offering the feeling of a remote wilderness escape while remaining conveniently close to major roadways and urban amenities.

The campground’s setting on Swains Lake provides an immediate focal point for recreation. Barrington itself is a picturesque town, but its accessibility is key for weekend warriors and vacationing families:

Seacoast Proximity: The campground is easily reachable from major Seacoast towns like Dover, Portsmouth, and Rochester. This makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend trip without the frustration of long-distance traffic.
Convenient Commuting Distance: Even for residents coming from farther regions like Concord or Manchester, the drive is manageable, often taking less than an hour, making it a viable option for extended vacations.
Local Attractions: The central location offers easy access to some of the area’s most popular day trips, including exploring the historic Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, enjoying the thrills of Water Country Waterpark, or visiting the famous Hampton Beach State Park.

The drive itself, leading to the peaceful lake setting, contributes to the feeling of escaping to the New Hampshire wilderness, making the transition from work-life to vacation mode instant and refreshing.

Services Offered

Barrington Shores Campground provides an extensive suite of services designed to simplify the camping experience and enhance visitor comfort, whether you are staying for a weekend or an entire season.

The essential camping services include:

Full RV Hookups: Available sites often feature water, electric (up to 50 Amp service), and cable television hookups, ensuring a comfortable stay for all sizes of recreational vehicles.
On-Site Amenities: The campground provides clean and well-maintained showers and restrooms, a laundry facility, and a convenient dump station for departing RVs.
Convenience Store: A fully stocked store on the grounds carries essential camping supplies, paper goods, frozen treats, and cold beverages, reducing the need for trips off-site.
Propane Refill Station: Essential for RVers and cabin renters, an on-site propane refill station ensures your grill or heating needs are easily met.
Firewood Sales: Recognizing New Hampshire's ban on importing outside firewood to protect local forests, the campground sells local firewood for campers to enjoy safe, crackling campfires.

Beyond the necessities, the campground also provides practical guest services such as an enforced front security gate (magnetic card required for access) and a pet-friendly policy for campsites (with restrictions on breed and location, such as no pets on the beaches or inside rental units).

Features / Highlights

The standout features of Barrington Shores Campground are deeply tied to its stunning lakeside setting and its commitment to family fun, making it a comprehensive vacation destination for the local community.

Key Recreational and Natural Highlights:

Two Sandy Beaches on Swains Lake: Guests have access to not one, but two beautiful, clean sandy beaches on the 350-acre Swains Lake, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation. The lake also features float docks for diving and play.
Water Sports Rentals: To help campers fully enjoy the lake, the campground offers rentals of rowboats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. Boat docks and slips are also available, particularly for seasonal campers.
Diverse Accommodations: The facility offers various lodging options to suit every preference, including RV and tent sites, as well as several types of cabins—from fully equipped, spotless cottages with full kitchenware to more rustic deluxe or simple cabins.
Recreational Hall and Organized Activities: A central Recreational Hall hosts many of the planned, family-friendly events, which can include movie nights, arts & crafts, bingo, poker tournaments, and dances. The annual schedule often features unique events like food events (BBQs, pasta night) and the Swains Lake boat parade on the Fourth of July weekend.
Outdoor Sports and Play: For active campers, the grounds feature volleyball and basketball courts, a dedicated fishing point, and a large playground with swings and slides, ensuring children and adults alike have plenty of ways to stay active outdoors.

Contact Information

For New Hampshire residents planning a visit, booking a site, or inquiring about seasonal rentals, please use the following contact information:

Address: 7 Barrington Shores Dr, Barrington, NH 03825, USA

Phone: (603) 664-9333

For those calling from a mobile device or outside the local area, the number is often listed as: +1 603-664-9333.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, and the staff is available to assist with all booking inquiries and policy questions, including details on deposits and cancellation options.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Barrington Shores Campground is perfectly suited for New Hampshire locals because it delivers a premium, classic New England camping experience without the complexity or expense of traveling far afield. It offers an immediate and accessible retreat that supports the local lifestyle—one that values the tranquility of the lakes, the beauty of the forests, and the warmth of a community. The comprehensive range of amenities, from fully stocked cabins and full RV hookups to the two sandy beaches on Swains Lake, ensures that every family member finds their perfect way to relax or play.

The dedicated, attentive staff and the continuous schedule of family-oriented activities make it easy to see why so many choose to return year after year. The campground’s commitment to providing a safe, clean, and fun environment on the lake solidifies its status as a local favorite. While, like any thriving community, it may require adherence to certain shared rules (such as respecting speed limits for safety, as noted in some feedback), this structure ultimately protects the family-friendly atmosphere that is its greatest asset. For a memorable, convenient, and amenity-rich New Hampshire vacation, Barrington Shores Campground is an outstanding choice that keeps the focus squarely on relaxation and making lifelong family memories.