Wellington Camping Park

- 93 Lee Hook Rd, Lee, NH 03861

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire locals who treasure the perfect blend of scenic nature and convenient access to regional attractions, Wellington Camping Park in Lee, NH, stands out as a genuine Seacoast-area gem. Established in the summer of 1962 by Avis and Eliot Wellington, this family campground has offered generations of residents a peaceful "home away from home" on the shores of the wild and scenic Lamprey River. The park spans over 180 acres and boasts an impressive 2,500 feet of river frontage, ensuring a tranquil and expansive environment for every visitor.

Wellington Camping Park is not a fleeting commercial venture; it is a well-established, family-run institution, currently operated by the second generation of Wellingtons. This deep-rooted presence contributes to its reputation for maintaining high standards of cleanliness, providing genuinely friendly service, and upholding a strong, family-oriented community spirit. Campers consistently praise the impeccably clean campsites and bathrooms, and the staff's super friendly, helpful demeanor. The park masterfully balances the desire for a rustic, natural camping experience—with secluded, wooded sites—with the necessity of modern convenience, offering full hookups for RVs. This makes it a highly recommended choice for local New Hampshirites, whether they are looking for a weekend escape or a seasonal site to anchor their summer adventures. The operational season typically runs from mid-May through the end of September.

Furthermore, the park maintains a commitment to preserving a quality camping atmosphere, with strict, yet fair, rules against the visual clutter of "tacky ramshackle camps," ensuring the natural beauty of the area remains the primary focus for all who visit. This dedication to quality and community makes it a favored retreat within the region.

Location and Accessibility

Wellington Camping Park is ideally situated at 93 Lee Hook Rd, Lee, NH 03861, positioning it at a highly convenient nexus of Southern New Hampshire. The town of Lee provides a quintessential New England setting—peaceful and surrounded by natural beauty—while being incredibly accessible to major economic and recreational centers.

The campground’s strategic location is one of its greatest assets for local users. It is perfectly positioned for easy touring: the vibrant cultural and historic sites of Portsmouth and the stunning New Hampshire beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are just a comfortable half-hour drive away. For those who crave mountain air, the majestic White Mountains are only an hour and a half to the north, making a day trip easily feasible. Closer still is the University of New Hampshire in the neighboring town of Durham, providing quick access to cultural events and resources. In terms of local necessities, the reviews confirm that nearby shopping, groceries, hardware stores, and dining options are just a short drive to the Lee traffic circle, Epping, or the Dover/Durham areas. This means campers can fully enjoy the feeling of being unplugged in nature while knowing modern conveniences are mere minutes away, ensuring a stress-free and practical getaway. Access is typically controlled by a gate system, enhancing security and tranquility for registered guests.

Services Offered

Wellington Camping Park is designed to be fully accommodating, offering comprehensive services that support everything from simple tent camping to long-term RV seasonal residency.

• Campsite Hookups: Provides a mix of sites, including full setup for RVs with water, power (30/50 Amp available), and sewer connections, alongside traditional tent sites.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: Centralized, impeccably clean restroom and shower buildings are maintained for easy and comfortable access by all campers.
• Onsite Office/Shop: The main office includes a small shop that sells essential amenities, wood, and ice for convenience.
• Laundry Facilities: Provides essential onsite laundry services, a key convenience for seasonal campers and longer stays.
• Pet Services: A rare and welcome feature is a small, somewhat secluded beach specifically designated for dogs, ensuring pet-owning campers and their animals can enjoy the water.
• Waste Management: A sanitary dump station is available for RVers, located near the entrance.
• Seasonal Stays: Offers seasonal camping agreements with full hookups, allowing local residents to establish a summer base camp on the Lamprey River.
• Staff Support: Friendly and visible staff often patrol on golf carts, offering assistance, maintaining the grounds, and greeting campers.

Features / Highlights

The park's highlights are deeply tied to its natural environment and its dedication to a strong, family-oriented community atmosphere.

• Lamprey River Access: Boasts 2,500 feet of frontage on the scenic Lamprey River, which is ideal for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The river is noted as shallow enough to cross in many spots by simply walking.
• Complimentary Paddling: Free canoes and kayaks are often available for guests’ use, encouraging exploration of the river.
• Recreation Hall: A recreation hall is provided for a cozy retreat and activities during rainy days.
• Outdoor Activities: Features designated outdoor play areas including horseshoes, volleyball, badminton, and tetherball.
• Community Events: The park staff organizes engaging social events, such as potlucks and themed weekends (e.g., a "Mexican fiesta"), fostering a strong sense of community.
• Communal Fire Pit: A large, communal fire pit near the main office often serves as a central social hub where campers can gather and relax.
• Spacious, Private Sites: Campsites are generous in size, allowing plenty of room for setup, vehicles, picnic tables, and fire pits, while being nestled in the woods for privacy and tranquility.
• Strict Quality Standards: The rules are strictly enforced to prevent sites from becoming visually degraded, maintaining a high-quality, neat, and appealing aesthetic throughout the park.

Contact Information

For booking, inquiries about seasonal openings, or current rates, New Hampshire residents can use the following direct contact details for Wellington Camping Park:

Address: 93 Lee Hook Rd, Lee, NH 03861, USA

Phone: (603) 659-5051

Mobile Phone: +1 603-659-5051

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wellington Camping Park is exceptionally well-suited for New Hampshire locals because it offers a truly accessible, high-quality, and community-focused camping experience right in the heart of the Seacoast region. It is a place where you can quickly "unplug" by immersing yourself in over 180 acres of nature along the peaceful Lamprey River, complete with walking trails and scenic meadows, yet remain closely connected to necessary amenities and major attractions. The park’s key suitability lies in its legacy as a family-run business that prioritizes cleanliness, safety, and a friendly atmosphere, fostering a welcoming environment for both weekend visitors and seasonal residents. The robust set of amenities—full hookups, clean facilities, a dog-friendly beach, and organized activities—removes the stress often associated with camping. For a local resident, Wellington Camping Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a trusted, established summer haven that offers consistent quality and a true sense of belonging, making it the perfect, practical getaway without having to travel far from home.

Wellington Camping Park

93 Lee Hook Rd, Lee, NH 03861, USA