Vermont's Ascutney Mountains and New Hampshire's Sugar River region provide a diverse landscape for campers near Charlestown, with elevations ranging from 300 to over 3,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through mid-October with average summer temperatures in the 70s. Area campgrounds offer various water access points, from river-based activities to pond swimming, with leech-free options available at certain locations.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Ascutney: Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides trail access directly from camp areas. "The hiking trails are also pleasant--there is a sweet little nature loop in the campground with signs identifying different trees. There are also other trails that lead to the summit of Mt. Ascutney," notes Tara S. The campground serves as an important connection to the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile trail system.
River tubing: Ashuelot River Campground offers easy water access. "Having good weather, 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 Rae-Ann W. The campground provides canoes, kayaks, and a shuttle service for water sports.
Swimming options: For families concerned about water quality, Jamaica State Park Campground offers clean swimming areas. "You can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools," mentions Jackie G. Some local ponds have leeches, so campers should research swimming spots. As J L. warns about Pillsbury State Park, "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!"
What campers like
Privacy levels: Many pet-friendly campgrounds near Charlestown offer varying degrees of privacy. At Jamaica State Park, "The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and the tent and lean-to sites were all kept very clean. Our tent site was very spacious," notes Chris D. Some sites provide better seclusion than others, so research site maps before booking.
Clean facilities: Winhall Brook Camping Area maintains high cleanliness standards. "Beautifully maintained grounds with some separation/privacy. Nice rocky beachesque swimming area on the river on the grounds," according to Meredith N. As an Army Corps of Engineers facility, Winhall Brook features "Super clean facilities and grounds," per Mike C.
Quiet atmosphere: For those seeking peace with pets, Pillsbury State Park Campground provides a serene setting. "A jewel! Quiet, beautiful small lake/pond great for paddling," shares Kathy S. Jessica N. confirms: "Super quiet, considerate campers. Primitive camping, no hook ups; Water spigots and pit toilets available."
What you should know
Site configurations: Site sizes and layouts vary significantly between campgrounds. At Tree Farm Campground, "Field and pavilion sits below main campground, but great to rent for groups or events," notes Elizabeth M. Research individual sites before booking, especially for groups or multiple tents.
Bathroom facilities: Facility quality ranges widely across dog-friendly campgrounds near Charlestown. At Crown Point Camping Area, showers are "free too which is nice, no need to worry about quarters," reports Katie R. However, at Northstar Campground, "The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground," warns Julie R.
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and holidays see higher occupancy rates. At Jamaica State Park, weekend spots fill quickly but staff are accommodating: "Drove in on a whim and were pleasantly surprised by how well the staff accommodated us. We managed to get a prime leanto site right on the river," shares M.A.D. P. Off-season camping offers more availability and tranquility.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Wilgus State Park Campground offers excellent water access for families with pets. "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. We loved walking the trail behind the campsites along the river to the beautiful vista views with a group with young kids, rented kayaks and fished from the boat launch," shares Kaileigh K.
Playground access: Several pet-friendly campgrounds feature playground areas. Crown Point Camping Area includes "a lagoon for kids, with built in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in... They have a playground with a large tent for parents to sit under with picnic tables," according to Katie R. This provides entertainment for children while pet owners supervise their dogs.
Family-oriented events: Scheduled activities enhance the camping experience. Crown Point Camping Area offers "scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground. There are bonfires, shuffle board and corn hole tournaments and so many options for entertainment," notes Katie R. Check activity schedules when booking.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Charlestown have limitations for larger rigs. At Caton Place Campground, one camper reports: "Upon arrival the owner made me go with them to the site and leave the motorhome blocking the entrance into the 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," warns Jim B.
Hookup availability: Electric and water service varies widely. Ashuelot River Campground offers "sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access," according to Rae-Ann W., who stayed at "site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service." Research specific sites and utility options when bringing pets in RVs.
Navigation issues: Watch for covered bridges and low clearance areas. For Ashuelot River Campground, visitors should note: "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," advises Mallory P. Pet owners traveling with larger vehicles should plan routes carefully.