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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."
"Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay."
"There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $132 / night
Check Availability"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
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ScoutWe spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
GuideThe first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
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 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Charlestown, NH and 21 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 21 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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