187 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Charlestown area in New Hampshire features several established campgrounds nestled between Vermont and New Hampshire, with the Connecticut River creating a natural boundary between the two states. Campgrounds like Tree Farm Campground in Springfield, Vermont and Wilgus State Park along the Connecticut River provide a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through mid-October, with varying levels of amenities. The area offers a mix of state park campgrounds and privately owned camping areas within a 20-mile radius of Charlestown.
Camping seasons in the region follow consistent patterns, with most facilities open from May through mid-October. A visitor commented, "Wilgus State Park is the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day each year." Access to campgrounds is generally straightforward via paved roads, with most sites accommodating both tents and RVs. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and holiday weekends. Hookup availability varies widely, with some state parks like Wilgus offering more primitive camping experiences while private campgrounds like Tree Farm and Caton Place provide full hookups for RVs. Weather considerations include occasional spring flooding along the Connecticut River and cooler fall nights, particularly at higher elevations near Mount Ascutney.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the region, with the Connecticut River providing recreational opportunities. One camper noted, "The best part about camping here is getting out on the water. You can rent kayaks and canoes, and the river moves slowly enough to paddle upstream." Several campgrounds offer boat launches, fishing access, and water-based activities. Campgrounds in the area generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, with Tree Farm Campground frequently praised for its spacious, wooded sites and friendly owners. Quieter options include state parks like Wilgus State Park Campground, which offers a more natural setting despite being relatively close to Route 5. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide clean restrooms and showers, while some feature additional amenities like camp stores, firewood sales, and recreational facilities.
"We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."
"There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."
"A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"For our July trip, we stayed in the Juniper lean-to, which is incredibly quiet and near the overlook hiking trail."
"Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "
"Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."
"Whether it’s a hike or a drive, I highly recommend it! Just note, the road closes after dusk and a barrier goes down."
"Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured."
"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability"This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
"They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."
"There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none. The bathrooms are clean. Where the two rivers intersect is a nice sport to put your feet in the water."
"Nice campground with access to 3 river streams. Bathrooms were clean. Only one shower stall, but hot water. Clean dishwashing station. Dumpster is by the entrance which is at top of a hill."
from $24 - $30 / night
Check Availability"We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."
"Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."
from $47 - $70 / night
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ScoutI wanted to get into camping at a place I knew was going to have a grocery store near by and close to the Comnecticut River. This has all that plus well kept bathrooms and kayak rentals. All very cool and easy accessible.
ScoutExtremely well maintained and managed. We plan to return many more times this year.
TravelerPrivate, large site. This was the first site in the road. We have a low clearance car and it was a bit bumpy. This site was amazing, clean and easy pull in pull out.
ScoutMy family has camped here for three years and we love it. We rent a canoe and paddle all the way down to the furthest campsites. The ability to hike to your spot or canoe makes it a blast, and it is a nice stepping stone to full backpacking if you ever want to get there.
For the past two seasons there was a Loon on the which is always a plus.
The toilets are great and fresh water is available from a well were you park. One of the greatest spots we have found.
TravelerWe had a great time during our stay on Labor Day Weekend. Even on the busier side, it was still quiet and our site was fairly private. Right on a stream and a short walk to the bathrooms and hiking trails. We drove a few minutes up the road to Lake Dennison to kayak and fish.
ScoutClean campground, lots of sites. Lots of activities for the family. No pool, but clean showers. Quiet.. but I was here when it was pretty empty. Close to highways.
TravelerSo peaceful and serene
TravelerI had many sites to choose from. Definitely remote and private.
RangerThe campground is secluded and quiet, lots of trees and the pond is pretty. There is a good hike around the pond (2.5 miles or so) with cool pull offs for wildlife spotting (we saw two loons fishing for their baby).
Site 73 itself had the camp beach access which brought some people in close proximity but they were all respectful. The beach is more of a muddy, rocky, bay but shallow enough for wading.
Fire wood seemed expensive for what we got ($9 per bundle).
Camping spots near Charlestown, New Hampshire range from 10-20 miles from town, offering different camping experiences along the Connecticut River Valley. The region sits at elevations between 400-1000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Weather patterns can change quickly in the White Mountain foothills, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees common in evenings even during summer months.
Hiking at Mount Ascutney: Access trails directly from Mount Ascutney State Park Campground with multiple difficulty levels. "There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails," notes camper Marc D.
River floating and tubing: Bring water gear for gentle floats at Ashuelot River Campground. "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit," shares camper Rae-Ann W.
Wildlife spotting: Paddle upriver to observe local animals. "Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," reports Michael M. at Ashuelot River Campground.
Island exploration: Kayak to small islands in the waterways. Jessica N. describes Pillsbury State Park: "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight."
Private waterfront sites: Pillsbury State Park Campground offers secluded spots by the water. "I recently stayed at site 1A over the Memorial day weekend. After a very quick checkin at the Park office, I headed out to my site. The site features a 200ft(60yd) hike in on a rustic trail. At the end of the trail you are greeted with a nice private site, and an equally spectacular view of the Vickery Pond," says Richard M.
Lean-to options: Winhall Brook Camping Area provides sheltered camping structures as alternatives to tents. "All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water," a camper notes.
Low light pollution: Stargazing opportunities at open field sites. At Ashuelot River Campground, a camper points out, "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night."
Minimal crowds: Several campgrounds maintain smaller, quieter environments. Brandon C. reports about Pillsbury State Park: "This state park is a small and primitive one. It has less sites than a lot of the other ones."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by provider. At Jamaica State Park Campground, Brittany B. notes you'll find "no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close after mid-October. Tree Farm Campground runs "May 10th to Oct 19th" while Jamaica State Park operates "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend."
Primitive facilities: Many parks offer basic amenities only. Richard M. describes Pillsbury: "Amenities are small, as there are a few wells on the campground, though a small hike from this site, as it's very secluded. Also by the well there are a few toilets, which amount to nothing more then fancy outhouses."
Covered bridge restrictions: Pay attention to bridge weight limits when approaching some campgrounds. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," warns John L. about Ashuelot River Campground.
Swimming options: Crown Point Camping Area offers kid-friendly water features. "They have a lagoon for kids, with built in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in. They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground," describes Katie R.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. Bill F. notes Crown Point has "a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
Group recreation areas: Look for campgrounds with open spaces. Melissa L. says about Winhall Brook: "Huge volleyball and sports meadow. Nice pavilion."
Family programming: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities. Katie R. shares that Crown Point has "bonfires, shuffle board and corn hole tournaments and so many options for entertainment."
Site selection: At Tree Farm Campground, avoid certain areas if you want privacy. "Nicest sites are taken by seasonal. Sewer and water hookups. Safari field isn't nice, they crowd you in," advises Melissa R.
Size limitations: Many local campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. Jim B. cautions about Caton Place Campground: "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in state parks. Elizabeth M. notes Tree Farm Campground has "Plenty of room, busy on holiday weekends generally very quiet. Wooded and trees between sites. Fullhook up. Friendly staff."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. About Caton Place, Jim shares: "Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Charlestown, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Charlestown, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 187 campgrounds and RV parks near Charlestown, NH and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Charlestown, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Charlestown, NH is Tree Farm Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Charlestown, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Charlestown, NH.
What parks are near Charlestown, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Charlestown, NH that allow camping, notably Townshend Lake and North Hartland Lake.
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