Are you the owner for this storage? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Calef Lake Campground
Overview
Calef Lake Campground offers a classic New England outdoor experience tucked away in the woods of Auburn. This family-owned destination centers around a private, spring-fed lake, providing a serene backdrop for both seasonal residents and weekend travelers. It is widely recognized for its well-maintained grounds and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature and family during their stay.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the scenic Merrimack Valley region, the park is conveniently located just a short drive from Manchester. The campground is surrounded by dense forests and the tranquil waters of Calef Lake, offering a peaceful retreat that feels remote despite its proximity to urban conveniences. The natural landscape provides ample shade and a sense of privacy, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quiet woodland setting in southern New Hampshire.
Amenities & Park Features
The heart of the campground is its sandy swimming beach, where families gather for lake activities. The park features full-hookup sites designed to accommodate various RV sizes, alongside several communal facilities:
- Kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the water
- Clean bathhouses and modern laundry facilities
- A playground and horseshoe pits for family fun
- A well-stocked camp store for essentials and treats
Guests also enjoy communal fire pits and organized themed weekends that build a strong sense of community throughout the season.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park, visitors can explore the extensive trail systems at Massabesic Lake for hiking and biking. For a change of pace, the city of Manchester offers a variety of attractions just fifteen minutes away:
- The Currier Museum of Art
- The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire
- Local breweries and diverse dining options
The Seacoast and the White Mountains are also accessible within an hour's drive for those seeking longer day trips from the campground.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is a perfect fit for families with children who enjoy traditional camping activities like fishing and swimming. It is also an excellent choice for RVers looking for a long-term seasonal home or a relaxing weekend getaway near the city. If you appreciate a community-focused environment with a mix of quiet lakeside views and social recreation, this campground provides the balanced atmosphere you are looking for.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Tyler James
U would never know how close you are to the city super nice staff nice deep swimming area clean bathrooms and portapottys all over place so even when in tent area u are still close to a place to go to the bathroom
Arielle Garcia
Yeah I would of LOVED to know ahead of time that G1 is a site next to the boat rentals. Payed $311 for a view of littered kayaks and strangers constantly coming past my site. The map just says it's G2- another site, but that's clearly not the case. The leaf blowing neighbor has been a great touch. "No fishing" and "No swimming" says the signs. Can't imagine what I'm going to do here now. I came really far from the other side of the country to visit family for this. Extremely disappointed.
Charlie Peck
I've been going here since I was 16 and now married to a woman I met there. A great family place to be at and my siblings and their children and their children are Still going there! :) A lot of memories and even though it's changed hands a few times now it Still a pleasure to visit! ❤️
Boston Dan
Not a bad campground! Alot of seasonals but tent sites are scattered thru out. Cash is king. Wood is decently priced at their store. Didn't get to swim, maybe next time
Denise Wilson
The sites are very easy to back into and they do have pull thru sites as well. There are cabin rentals available, beach sand raked and clean at the swimming area. The lake has rafts and a float to swim to. Check in smooth and kind staff. My pups were welcome and yours are too just not on the beach.
paul P
We have stayed in campgrounds across the United States. Most are adequate for our needs. Sometimes, we find ourselves in a campground like Calef Lake. Clean, quiet, and run by the nicest people. They went out of their way to accommodate our unique needs. Would recommend this campground to anyone who may be looking for a place to stay while in this area. Outstanding work, and thank you for a pleasant experience.
Victoria Pope
Very clean and friendly campground. Always activities for the kiddos. Playground, very clean beach for swimming. Fishing ability, boat rentals. Store has everything you need if you forget something. Trash pick up at site multiple times a day.
Jennifer Maitland
This campground was close to Canobie, which is why we chose it. It is very wooded and rustic. It has so much potential, but it looks terrible because of their seasonal campers. Most of the seasonal sites looked terrible. Some were kept very nice, but not most of them. The transient sites were nice. The staff and seasonal campers we met were very nice. Wood was good and a fair price. I would love to stay here again, but they really need to have their seasonals clean up their sites.
Jody Bates
This is my opinion and should be taken as such. This was a pleasant trip for us. We stayed on site R11. If you choose this site, be sure to be skilled at backing in, and also have a 28 foot and under. The road is super tight. There are tree ls lining the whole route of the campground. The staff was kind. We met some nice seasonal couples. This place seems to be 90 percent seasonal.
Nicki Bonds
We stayed here in late August in our RV. Had full hookups. The staff was friendly and the bathrooms/showers were always clean. Was very ROWDY on Saturday night: live band and lots of fireworks, so if you like that, then this campground is for you. Most of the campground is seasonal campers that have been in place for a while. The owners should have the seasonal campers maintain their sites better imo.