Pillsbury State Park Campground sits in the forested hills of Washington, New Hampshire, where several ponds and wetlands dot the landscape around the campsites. The park is small by state park standards, with most sites either directly on the water or within a short walk of it. A handful of remote sites require a brief hike or paddle to reach, including site 1A, which involves roughly 200 feet of trail before opening onto views of Vickery Pond. The road into the park can be rough, so drivers with low-clearance vehicles should take it slow.
Water access is a defining feature here. Many sites front directly onto May Pond or one of the other small ponds, with a few sharing a beach and kayak launch between neighboring spots. Jessica N. notes that "sites are a little bit close, but feel much more private thanks to the trees," which holds true across most of the waterfront sites. Kayaking and canoeing are popular, and boat rentals are available on site. Anglers will find fishing accessible from shore or by paddle. One reviewer flags that the lake has leeches, so swimming there may not appeal to everyone, though the stream is noted as safe for a dip.
Amenities lean rustic. There are no showers, and restroom facilities are pit toilets located near the water spigots. Cell service is inconsistent, with Verizon users reporting better luck at certain sites. The park connects to the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile trail linking Mount Monadnock to Mount Sunapee, giving hikers direct access to longer routes from camp. One trail in the park is notably steep. Firewood is available for purchase on site, and campfires are permitted.
The campground is open from late May through early October, with nightly rates running $29 to $40. Reservations are available, and payment on site is cash only. Tippicanoe Campground and Sunapee State Park Campground are among the options for those exploring camping areas around Pillsbury State Park. Pets are welcome throughout the park.
Matthew S. sums up the tradeoff well: "Don't expect major accommodations." Campers who come prepared for a primitive experience, with their own water filtration as backup and a boat to explore the ponds, tend to leave wanting more time.
Description
Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north. Canoeing, warm-water fishing, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking are favorite park activities. Rich in history, it was known as logging community of Cherry Valley.
Facility Information:
- Primitive campground and no electricity at office. Cash only at campground.
- Pit toilets/Out houses and water spigots
- Remote sites are walk to or Canoe to sites.
- There is limited to no cell service at this park. Service may vary based on provider.
Pet Policy
Pets are permitted at this park.
For more information on the NH State Parks Pet Policy, or to see where pets are allowed, please visit: https://www.nhstateparks.org/planning/pet-friendly-state-parks
Cancellation & Refund Policy:
There is a new cancellation policy in effect as of 2/1/2024
- Full refund minus transaction fee if you cancel at least 10 + days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- Full refund minus reservation fee plus cost of one night of camping if you cancel 4-9 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- No refund if you cancel 0-3 days from your scheduled arrival date. NH State Parks does not issue refunds due to insects or weather.
If there are any concerns about your reservation, please call the Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757
Any refund requests occurring after the reservation arrival date must be submitted in writing or emailed to State Parks Headquarters within 14 days of departure. Please email requests to nhparks@dncr.nh.gov or mail to: NH State Parks Reservation Office, 172 Pembroke Rd, Concord, NH 03301
Beach Advisories
Please be aware that beach advisories occur unexpectedly during the summer months. Prior to your stay please check for beach advisories posted by the Dept. of Environmental Services by visiting:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/180c28fa3a4c4371a9771d999454e8c4/
Advisories are updated daily. Any cancellations or changes to a reservation need to be done through Reserve America and cancellation fees will apply.
Firewood Notice:
Attention! Please do not bring out-of-state firewood with you. Firewood can carry exotic insects and tree diseases. Safe firewood is available to purchase at the campground for your convenience.
Booking Rules:
The maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance and sites become available at 8am (9am on weekends) exactly 11 months from the anticipated arrival day.
- For Pillsbury youth group reservations please contact 603-271-3556
Site Rules:
No more than 2 tents can occupy a standard (non-group) site at any time. Only 1 trailer, pop-up, or RV (camping unit) per site at any time.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
NH Senior Citizens are given a $5 per night discount to all campgrounds with the exception of Cannon Mountain RV, Ellacoya, and Hampton Beach. NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites with the exception of yurts and cabins. The discount will be provided once verified at the campground. **This bulletin only applies to camping and is not applicable to park hosted events or tours.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPillsbury State Park Campground is located in New Hampshire near Washington
Directions
From I-93: Take I-89 north to Exit 5 onto Route 202/9. Follow Route 9 to Route 31 in Hillsborough, then follow signs to Pillsbury State Park From I-95: Take Route 101 west to Route I-93 North towards Concord. Take I-89 north to Exit 5 onto Route 202/9. Follow Route 9 to Route 31 in Hillsborough, then follow signs to Pillsbury State Park
Address
Off Route 31
Washington, NH 03280
Coordinates
43.23400061 N
72.11600097 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/22/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 55 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 42 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 1 hr 45 min from Worcester, MA
- 2 hrs 22 min from Glens Falls, NY
