The Alstead area sits at elevations ranging from 550 to 1,650 feet in southwestern New Hampshire, creating diverse camping environments from riverside sites to elevated woodland settings. Seasonal conditions vary dramatically, with campground availability typically spanning May through October when temperatures average 45-80°F. Winter camping options are limited due to harsh conditions and facility closures.
What to Do
Kayak the Ashuelot River: The Ashuelot River offers flat-water paddling with equipment rentals available at Ashuelot River Campground. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" notes Wayne B. The campground provides canoe and kayak rentals plus shuttle service for water activities.
Rail Trail Access: Several campgrounds connect directly to local rail trails. "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground. They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking," explains Carry M. The trail system offers flat, scenic cycling routes through woodland and riverside terrain.
Fishing Opportunities: Multiple sites offer direct fishing access from campsites or nearby waterways. According to Michael M., "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground." Fish species include trout, bass, and various panfish depending on the water body.
What Campers Like
Riverside Campsites: Sites along waterways provide natural cooling and recreational access. "We stayed in a grassy site up against a wooded area. The sites along the river were more private and wooded," mentions one visitor at Crow's Nest Campground. Riverside sites typically cost $5-10 more than standard sites but offer direct water access.
Private Wooded Sites: Many campgrounds feature secluded options away from main areas. Brandon C. notes, "We stayed at the wooded tent area. The river sites are pretty close together with little privacy." Site placement varies significantly across campgrounds, with corner sites typically offering more seclusion.
Clean Facilities: Regular maintenance receives consistent praise at area campgrounds. "Very clean, well kept campground. Friendly staff" reports John C., who adds "Clean bath houses, laundry, dump station, gameroom, and camp store. One of the best in the area!" Most facilities feature coin-operated showers requiring quarters.
What You Should Know
Seasonal Operation: Most glamping close to Alstead, New Hampshire operates from May through October. According to the Quechee State Park Campground information, their season runs "May 19 to October 16," which aligns with most regional operations due to weather constraints.
Reservation Requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. "This is a popular camp ground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises Ming R. regarding waterfront sites and specialty accommodations like lean-tos and cabins.
Site Variations: Terrain and amenities vary widely between campgrounds and within individual properties. "Sites are on top of each other but some are more spacious and away from the others," notes one camper. Sites near water bodies or with hookups typically cost $5-15 more than standard sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-Friendly Swimming: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "There's a nice little swimming area on the river for kids," notes Michele S. about Woodford State Park Campground, which features a small reservoir with a beach area suitable for young swimmers.
Ranger Programs: Several parks offer educational activities. One visitor reports, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)." Programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground Access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for children. Regarding Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall, J L. mentions, "Between the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use this place is amazing!" Most amenities are included with site fees, though mini-golf sometimes carries a small charge.
Tips from RVers
Site Length Considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Jim B. cautions, "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)... This campground is not big rig friendly." Always confirm maximum accommodated length when booking.
Hookup Availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. At Ashuelot River Campground, "Sites in the woods have water and 50 amp service, no sewer. Most of the open sites have 30/50 amp service with full hook-ups," explains John C., helping RVers understand options for different site types.
Accessibility Challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads or challenging terrain. One camper reports, "Shortly after arrival, Chuck stopped by to ensure we were settling in and if we needed anything. Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross- we discovered this the hard way." Larger rigs should verify access routes before arrival.
