Paugus Bay Campground

- 96 Hilliard Rd site #82, Laconia, NH 03246

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents, the Lakes Region is synonymous with summer, and finding the right place to call home during a vacation here is key to a successful getaway. Paugus Bay Campground, nestled along the serene shoreline of its namesake bay in Laconia, offers the quintessential family camping experience. This cherished, family-owned and operated destination strikes a rare balance: it provides the peace and quiet desired by those looking to relax by the water, while being remarkably close to the lively attractions of Weirs Beach.

Paugus Bay Campground is celebrated by its long-time patrons for its welcoming staff, who are noted for being "very friendly, accommodating and welcoming as always." The atmosphere is deliberately family-focused, cultivating a respectful community that stands in contrast to the "loud and rowdy party campground" reputation of some other local spots. This commitment to a tranquil environment makes it the go-to spot for those seeking "peace and quiet" on the lake.

With a mix of seasonal and transient sites, Paugus Bay Campground caters primarily to RV and camping enthusiasts, offering direct access to the water and essential amenities. Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the grounds, particularly the "always clean" bathrooms and shower houses. For an affordable, friendly, and well-maintained retreat that puts the best of Lake Winnipesaukee within easy reach, Paugus Bay Campground proves its enduring suitability for local families.

Location and Accessibility

Paugus Bay Campground is conveniently located at 96 Hilliard Rd, Laconia, NH 03246, USA. This location is paramount to its appeal, as it provides a desirable lakeside setting while offering unparalleled pedestrian access to a major Lakes Region hub.

The campground sits directly on Paugus Bay, a protected cove of Lake Winnipesaukee, offering beautiful waterfront views and a quiet place for swimming and fishing. Its accessibility is a major highlight, as a dedicated walking path leads campers directly to the famous Weirs Beach sign and all the corresponding attractions—the boardwalk, arcades, restaurants, and the M/S Mount Washington cruise ship—without needing to use a car. This is a tremendous benefit for New Hampshire locals who know how challenging Weirs Beach traffic and parking can be, especially during Laconia Motorcycle Week or other peak weekends.

For road access, the campground is situated just off Route 3, the main thoroughfare into the area, making it a straightforward drive for visitors arriving from all points of New Hampshire. Furthermore, its central location in Laconia makes it a short drive to other key regional destinations like Gunstock Mountain Resort for summer adventures, the Bank of NH Pavilion for concerts, and the charming town of Meredith.

Services Offered

Paugus Bay Campground provides comprehensive services aimed at maximizing guest comfort and minimizing hassle for both short-term and extended stays.

• Site Hookups: Offers a variety of sites, including water and electric hookups on all transient sites, with select full hookup sites (water, electric, and sewer) available.
• Sanitary Facilities: Provides modern, well-maintained restrooms and "always clean" shower houses, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
• Laundry Facilities: An on-site laundry room is available, adding significant convenience, particularly for families on longer vacations.
• Watercraft Access: Offers boat and jet ski docking slips for a daily fee, catering directly to guests who want to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee with their own equipment (with boat size restrictions).
• Watercraft Rentals: Kayak, paddleboat, and canoe rentals are available, providing an easy way for guests to explore Paugus Bay without bringing their own gear.
• Waste Management: Includes a convenient dumping station on-site, as well as an available "honey wagon" service for pumping tanks, simplifying RV maintenance.
• Staff Support: Known for a highly friendly, accommodating, and welcoming staff who provide hands-on service and emergency assistance.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features and highlights of Paugus Bay Campground are deeply tied to its location and commitment to a quiet, family-friendly environment.

• Private Sandy Beach: Features its own sandy beach on Paugus Bay, which is reportedly "always cleaned up daily," offering a safe, well-maintained space for swimming and sunbathing.
• Walk-to-Weirs Beach Path: Offers a unique, wooded walking path that connects the campground directly to the Weirs Beach attractions, allowing for easy, car-free entertainment access.
• Family Recreation: Includes a children's Playground and a Pavilion area, providing dedicated spaces for young campers and community gatherings.
• On-Site Activities: Hosts a variety of scheduled "events going on for everyone of all ages," fostering a strong sense of community and fun.
• Water-Based Fun: Exceptional opportunities for Fishing right from the shore or docks, alongside access to boating and other water sports in the quiet bay.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Highly praised by guests for being a "Family campground, not a loud and rowdy party campground," specifically catering to those seeking a peaceful vacation.
• Pet Friendly: Welcomes well-behaved dogs, with a limit of two per campsite (though dogs are not permitted on the beach area).

Contact Information

Address: 96 Hilliard Rd site #82, Laconia, NH 03246, USA

Phone: (603) 366-4757

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Paugus Bay Campground is an exceptional fit for New Hampshire residents, primarily because it delivers on the core promise of a relaxed, yet fully accessible Lakes Region vacation. For locals who value their time and budget, this campground offers an "affordable" gateway to Lake Winnipesaukee, eliminating the major headaches associated with visiting the area's hotspots. The ability to "walk straight up to the Weirs Beach sign" via a private path is a priceless advantage, allowing families to enjoy arcades and dining without ever moving their car.

Moreover, the family-owned management ensures a consistently high standard of cleanliness and a friendly atmosphere—a reliability that locals trust and appreciate. By being known as a "peace and quiet" destination, Paugus Bay caters to the specific local desire for an escape where the primary focus is on quality family time, fishing, and relaxing by the private beach, rather than noise or rowdiness. It is more than just a place to park an RV; it is a long-established, community-focused haven that embodies the best of the New Hampshire summer experience, making it a perfect, predictable, and beloved choice for any local looking to enjoy the great lake.

Paugus Bay Campground

96 Hilliard Rd site #82, Laconia, NH 03246, USA