Green Gate Camping Area & Hall

For those of us in New Hampshire, the appeal of spending time outdoors is undeniable. From our rugged mountains to our beautiful coastline, the Granite State offers a diverse range of natural settings for every kind of adventurer. When it comes to finding a place to park your RV or pitch your tent, a campground that combines convenience with a sense of community can be a real find. Tucked away in the historic town of Exeter, Green Gate Camping Area & Hall offers a unique camping experience, primarily catering to seasonal campers, but also welcoming overnight visitors seeking a quiet base near some of New Hampshire's most popular coastal attractions.

Green Gate Camping Area & Hall presents itself as a community-oriented campground, with a strong emphasis on its seasonal residents. Reviews highlight that "This Campground is mostly seasonal campers, most were very friendly." This creates a welcoming atmosphere where "The owners were also very friendly," fostering a sense of camaraderie that can be a huge draw for those seeking a consistent summer retreat. While the campground has a "long list of policies and rules," visitors generally find them to be "nothing too unreasonable," indicating a structured yet fair environment. Its longevity, having opened in 1964, suggests a long-standing presence in the New Hampshire camping scene. For locals looking for a quiet, established spot with friendly faces and easy access to coastal gems like Portsmouth and Hampton Beach, Green Gate offers a rustic, no-frills option that focuses on community and convenience. However, it's worth noting some reviews mention areas that could benefit from modernization, particularly the bathroom facilities, and the pervasive pine pitch can be an unexpected challenge for campers.

Green Gate Camping Area & Hall is located at 185 Court Street, Exeter, NH 03833, USA. Exeter is a historic and charming town situated in Rockingham County, in the southeastern part of New Hampshire. This location offers a peaceful setting while being remarkably convenient to some of the state's most popular coastal destinations and larger towns.

The accessibility of Green Gate Camping Area & Hall is one of its most significant advantages. Court Street (which is also NH Route 27) provides direct access to the campground. Exeter itself is well-connected by major routes, including NH-101 and NH-Route 111, which link to I-95, the primary north-south interstate along the East Coast. This means that for those of us coming from southern New Hampshire, the greater Boston area, or even Maine, the drive is relatively straightforward and efficient. Reviews highlight its proximity to key attractions, noting it's "close to Portsmouth and Hampton Beach." Portsmouth, a vibrant historic city known for its dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, is just a short drive away (approximately 15-20 minutes). Hampton Beach, one of New Hampshire's most popular sandy beaches, is also easily accessible (typically within a 15-minute drive). The town of Exeter itself offers local amenities, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and a variety of dining options, ensuring campers have everything they need close at hand. This blend of a quiet, rural-adjacent campground setting with quick access to bustling coastal towns makes Green Gate an appealing base for exploring the diverse offerings of southeastern New Hampshire.

Green Gate Camping Area & Hall, while having a more rustic and established feel, provides essential services to its campers, particularly catering to its predominantly seasonal community:

• Campsites: The campground offers sites for both tents and RVs. Reviews indicate that most sites are "under mostly pine trees," providing natural shade.
• Seasonal Camping: A significant portion of the campground is dedicated to seasonal campers, fostering a stable and friendly community environment.
• Restrooms: Bathrooms are available, though reviews suggest they are "old & very outdated," and might have maintenance issues (e.g., loose faucets, broken locks on stalls).
• Coin-Operated Showers: Showers are available, but campers should be aware that they are not free and are "coin-operated," which is a detail to factor into your stay.
• On-Site Owners/Management: The owners are described as "very friendly" and are actively involved in the property, suggesting a hands-on approach to management, even if some facilities require updating.
• Camp Hall/Recreation Area: The "Hall" in the name suggests a community building or recreation area, likely used for gatherings and activities, particularly for seasonal campers.
• Pet-Friendly: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, most New Hampshire campgrounds are pet-friendly, typically with leash rules and clean-up requirements. It is always best to confirm their specific pet policy when booking.
• Rules and Policies: The campground operates with a "long list of policies and rules," which, while extensive, are generally deemed "nothing too unreasonable" by campers, aiming to ensure order and a peaceful environment.

Prospective campers, particularly those planning short-term stays, should manage expectations regarding the age of some facilities based on reviewer comments.

Green Gate Camping Area & Hall offers several features and highlights that contribute to its unique character, particularly for those seeking a quiet and community-focused camping experience:

• Predominantly Seasonal Community: A key highlight is the strong presence of seasonal campers. This creates a stable, friendly, and close-knit community where "most were very friendly," fostering a welcoming environment.
• Friendly Owners and Campers: Consistently praised in reviews, the owners are described as "very friendly," and the overall atmosphere is one of warmth and amiability. This human element is a significant draw.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite being a well-established park, reviewers describe it as a "quiet place." This makes it ideal for campers seeking a tranquil escape from noise and crowds.
• Proximity to Coastal Attractions: Its location is a major advantage, being "close to Portsmouth and Hampton Beach." This offers easy day trips to vibrant downtowns, sandy shores, diverse dining, and cultural sites without long travel times.
• Shaded Sites: Most sites are "under mostly pine trees," providing natural shade, which can be a welcome feature during hot summer days.
• Established History: Having opened in 1964, Green Gate has a long history, offering a sense of tradition and an established presence in the New Hampshire camping scene.
• Value for Location: Despite some facility quirks, its affordability relative to its prime location near popular tourist destinations can be a significant highlight for budget-conscious campers.

It's important to note the mentioned issue of pine pitch dripping from trees onto campers and vehicles, which requires extra care and cleaning, as well as the outdated nature of some bathhouse facilities.

Given that Green Gate Camping Area & Hall is "mostly seasonal campers" and has a long-standing history, their "promotions" or "special offers" are likely to revolve around the value of extended stays rather than short-term discounts. While specific, rapidly changing deals aren't publicly detailed in the provided information, typical offerings for such campgrounds often include:

• Seasonal Rates: The primary "offer" is the availability of seasonal camping. This allows campers to secure a site for the entire camping season (typically May through October), offering significant savings compared to paying nightly rates for an extended period. This provides a consistent base for summer enjoyment.
• Long-Term Value: For many, the long-term affordability and established community that comes with seasonal camping are the main draw. The fact that campers who "moved away" are "now returning" speaks to the perceived long-term value and positive experience.
• Community Activities/Inclusion: While not a monetary discount, the "organizing activities for the campers" provides an added value included in the seasonal rate, fostering social engagement and entertainment within the community.

It is always recommended to contact Green Gate Camping Area & Hall directly via phone to inquire about their current seasonal rates, availability, and any specific terms or conditions. They would be the best source for information on how to become a seasonal camper or inquire about any specific offers for short-term stays, though such opportunities may be limited based on availability for seasonal residents.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Green Gate Camping Area & Hall, you can reach out directly:

• Address: 185 Court St, Exeter, NH 03833, USA
• Phone: (603) 772-2100

It is always advisable to call ahead, especially if you are interested in a seasonal site, as these are in high demand, or to confirm availability for short-term stays. Inquiries about current facilities and policies are also best handled directly with the friendly owners.

For us New Hampshire locals, finding a campground that blends a relaxed atmosphere with convenient access to our beloved coastal attractions is a real asset. Green Gate Camping Area & Hall in Exeter fits this niche perfectly, making it particularly suitable for residents of the Granite State. Its prime location means we’re just a short, easy drive to the bustling streets of Portsmouth, with its fantastic dining and shopping, and the sandy shores of Hampton Beach – ideal for those spontaneous beach days or evening strolls. This accessibility minimizes travel time, allowing us to maximize our relaxation.

The core appeal for locals, however, lies in its strong community feel, predominantly shaped by its seasonal campers. This creates a welcoming environment where "most were very friendly," and the owners are noted for being "very friendly" and organized. For those of us looking for a consistent summer retreat, the opportunity for seasonal camping at Green Gate offers both affordability for extended stays and a chance to truly become part of a close-knit camping family. While some of the facilities might possess a rustic charm (or be a bit outdated), and the pine trees might require a little extra clean-up effort, the trade-off for a quiet, friendly, and conveniently located base to explore our seacoast region is often well worth it. Green Gate Camping Area & Hall provides a no-frills, authentic New Hampshire camping experience, perfect for locals who value community, quiet relaxation, and easy access to our state's coastal gems.

Green Gate Camping Area & Hall

185 Court St, Exeter, NH 03833, USA