Calef Lake Campground, Auburn, NH

Introduction / Overview: Your Southern New Hampshire Family Getaway

For New Hampshire locals looking for a convenient, amenity-rich, and genuinely friendly camping destination in the southern part of the state, Calef Lake Campground in Auburn is a name you need to know. Nestled on over 40 wooded acres and boasting direct access to the scenic Calef Lake, this family-oriented campground is focused on creating clean, safe, and enjoyable vacation memories for its guests. Located just 20 minutes southeast of Manchester, it offers the perfect blend of easy accessibility and secluded natural escape.

Calef Lake Campground caters to a wide range of camping styles. Whether you prefer the comfort of a fully furnished rental house or cabin, the trendy experience of a luxury glamping tent, or bringing your own equipment to one of the many RV or tent sites, there is a space here for nearly every family. This is a place where the staff is often praised for going "out of their way to accommodate" and where cleanliness is a noted priority. While some sites, such as G1 near the boat rentals, may experience more foot traffic and noise due to their proximity to high-activity areas, the campground offers over 150 sites, including large, private, and secluded rural tent sites and full-hookup RV sites, ensuring quieter options are also available.

The core appeal of Calef Lake Campground lies in its lakeside setting and the wealth of on-site recreational activities, making it an excellent all-in-one family vacation spot close to home.

Location and Accessibility: Easily Reached from Major NH Hubs

Calef Lake Campground boasts an incredibly convenient location in Auburn, New Hampshire, placing it firmly in the heart of Southern NH’s recreational landscape while remaining easily accessible from the state's major population centers. The official address is: 593 Chester Rd, Auburn, NH 03032, USA.

Accessibility is a major advantage for local residents. It is situated approximately seven miles southeast of Manchester, making it a simple drive for anyone coming from the city or points further south via major routes. For those utilizing the interstate system, the campground is easily reached by taking Interstate 93 to Route 101 East, followed by Exit 2, and then traveling south on Route 121 for about five miles. This proximity makes Calef Lake an ideal spot for weekend trips where travel time needs to be minimized, allowing more time for relaxation and recreation.

The campground itself is situated between two beautiful lakes. While the roads within the park can be tight and winding in certain sections—a common trait in older New England campgrounds—they are manageable, and the staff is often available to assist with navigating larger RVs. The facility offers a gated entrance, contributing to a secure environment for all guests.

Services Offered

Calef Lake Campground provides a comprehensive range of modern services and facilities designed to enhance the comfort of a family camping vacation. These services go well beyond the basics, catering especially to RV users and those seeking hassle-free stays.

Full Hookup RV Sites: Most RV sites offer 3-way hookups (Water, Sewer, Electric) with options for 30-amp and 50-amp service.
Variety of Rental Accommodations: Options include fully furnished rental houses, cabins, a waterfront rental trailer, and luxury glamping tents (some with electric/water or solar power).
Bathhouses and Laundry: Two bathhouses are available, featuring private showers, toilets, and laundry facilities for guest convenience.
Camp Store: A well-stocked store provides essentials, ice, firewood, and LP gas for purchase.
WiFi Access: Connectivity is available across the campground, with continuous expansion to improve service.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed, though restrictions and rules apply, and their control and waste management are strictly enforced.
Propane: LP gas is available for metered sale on-site.
Dump Station: A facility is available for the use of campers without full hookups.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Calef Lake is its outstanding recreational features centered around the water and family fun. The numerous activities ensure that guests of all ages will find something to enjoy.

Direct Lake Access and Beach: The campground features a private, sandy beach and a designated swimming area with clean water, a sandy bottom, and fun additions like a floating raft and trampoline.
Boat Rentals: A wide array of boat rentals is offered, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, row boats, and paddle boats, perfect for exploring Calef Lake.
Excellent Fishing: Both lakes on the property offer "terrific fishing" opportunities, with species like Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, and Bluegill, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Organized Activities and Events: The campground schedules weekly activities for both adults and children, including beach dances, painting events, and live entertainment on holiday weekends, often hosted at the open-air pavilion near the beach.
On-Site Recreation Facilities: Additional amenities include a large communal outdoor fire pit, two playgrounds (often with a pirate or themed structure), and courts for basketball and volleyball.
Proximity to Attractions: Its location is excellent for exploring Southern NH and beyond, with attractions like Canobie Lake Park, Hampton Beach, and the Merrimack Premium Outlets just a short drive away.

Contact Information

For reservations, questions about specific sites (like checking the exact location of G1 or other popular areas), or current rates, direct contact with the friendly management is recommended.

P Calef Lake Campground

P 593 Chester Rd

P Auburn, NH 03032, USA

P Phone: (603) 483-8282

P Mobile Phone: +1 603-483-8282

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Calef Lake Campground is an exceptionally suitable option for New Hampshire locals, particularly families, who desire a high-value, full-service camping experience without the long drive up to the mountains. Its location in Auburn is a massive benefit, allowing residents from Manchester, Nashua, and the Seacoast to transition from their work week to a lakeside vacation in under an hour.

For the local family, this campground minimizes the logistical effort of camping. The availability of full hookups, on-site laundry, rental accommodations, and a camp store means you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying. The focus on family activities, the safe, clean swimming beach, and the immediate access to lake recreation ensure that every member of the family is entertained. While one recent review noted a specific site (G1) with high traffic and a view of boat rentals, the vast majority of sites offer the privacy and clean, quiet atmosphere that keeps locals returning year after year. Calef Lake Campground delivers a complete, hassle-free family vacation package right in your own backyard, making it an outstanding local resource for outdoor fun.