Winding River Campground

Stayed at winding river campground in Exeter NH this past weekend. Was a little nervous after reading some poor reviews on google recently. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. First some reviews complained the river was muddy and not good for kayaking and it was dusty. The area is in a drought. The campground has no control over that. The roads are dirt - dust should be expected.
The area we stayed in had beautiful slightly wooded sites on the river that seemed to be a good size. (We’ve certainly seen plenty of places with smaller sites.) The tent area did seem to have small cramped sites. Another review said the bath houses were dirty. I did not find this to be the case. They were actively being cleaned and never felt dirty. They are rustic but clean. Some of the seasonal sites looked a little rundown - but we’ve seen worse. Employees were seen frequently making rounds to be sure things were ok.
It’s a family friendly park - noise is to be expected. I understand in the height of summer it could be loud. Again that should be expected at a large campground with lots of families.
Overall we had a great time and would go back - probably not in the height of summer - but that’s a personal preference as we have dogs and prefer to keep things a little calmer for them.

This is our 5th year here. We started coming here when our children were 10, 8 and 3. It quickly became our home away from home.
Prior to coming this summer we were told it was purchased but were hopeful for what we knew to be a beautiful environment with perfect amount of accommodations. Everything you want to have a camping experience without needing to have survival skills in the woods.
With that said the environment is still as beautiful as ever but the staff has made it in to a place that we are sad to say will be the last time we ever come. The advertising of all the accommodations are a joke. They have absolutely nothing available that is listed. Everything is broken or out of service and not one staff member knows anything or cares in the slightest. They advertise family friendly yet they couldn’t be less welcoming. They are irritated at every question or purchase in the store. Their hours are at their convenience and they could care less about the people who have made memories and lives at this campground. There is some staff from before and even they seem sad and mistreated by the newer staff.
They have menus for food taped to the counter and then act like you are dumb when you ask if the kitchen is open because they don’t have a cook.
I’m thankful for the memories we made here but sad they were cut short with the discontent of staff who rather clearly hate people and should not work in the hospitality industry.
I am aware camping is camping but we chose this camp ground because of what it offers. If you are looking for a beautiful view and want to keep to yourself I highly recommend it. If you are looking for a fun experience with children and like to have a good time while not fully roughing it I would check around there are so many in the area!!

I have been coming to Winding River Campground for several years, and every past visit has been wonderful…until this season.

In previous years, there were live entertainment nights and coordinated activities posted well in advance so everyone, including weekend guests, could plan and enjoy them. That’s all gone now.

The store is poorly stocked, alcohol sales have stopped, and the so-called “restaurant” no longer serves decent meals, just fried food. The pool is green and frequently closed. Only one washing machine works, and it’s been this way almost all season.

The few staff members on site are kind and helpful, but they are clearly understaffed. Management has changed multiple times, and communication is nonexistent.

I understand ownership has changed, but I do not understand why the amenities have been reduced so drastically. With a large corporation behind this campground, I expected better, not worse.

As a seasonal camper, I’m now embarrassed to invite friends and family here or to recommend renting a site.

My family absolutely loves this campground! This week we spent our second time here and it DID NOT disappoint!! Activities and the anemones are fantastic. This week was Western themed and there was country line dancing lessons, karaoke for adults and kids, tween time and a Saturday night bonfire. The pool and hot tub are a huge hit with our family and the playground has a really cool bounce cloud pillow that the kids LOVE!! Gem mining is cute and the little “town” buildings for their store, ice cream, game room and restaurant are a cute touch!
The ONLY thing that could make this place better would be a handicapped lift for the pool. We have a grown daughter in a wheelchair and that would be a huge help for us but we always bring things to help us with accommodations like that. Anyway, we plan to return for sure!

We stayed at winding river in early August, Friday and Saturday night. Positives: nice wooded location close to town. Lots to do in the area. Staff was friendly and accommodating. Staff members were working hard to maintain the campground. Negatives: website pictures and map are very misleading. Many long term residents with grown up and cluttered sites. The road through the park is narrow and rough. Many campsites had multiple vehicles parked in the road making it very difficult to maneuver our 43 motor home. Endless stream of noisy traffic through park from morning til late at night, causing a thick cloud of dust. In the midst of this traffic and dust are young unsupervised children running, riding bikes, playing. Area around the pool is crowded with people, traffic, and the pool water is the same shade as the river. The “River” is a shallow creek that would be impossible to kayak in. The charge for our site was more than what we have paid at nice resorts.
I feel this place has potential but seems understaffed. Park rules need to be enforced. It is not safe for children.