Campgrounds near Claremont, New Hampshire feature a mix of forested landscapes along the Connecticut River Valley, with elevations ranging from 500-1500 feet. The region's camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with average summer temperatures between 65-85°F. Fall camping brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities but requires preparation for nighttime temperatures that can drop below 40°F.
What to do
Swimming in natural waters: At Tree Farm Campground, families can enjoy cooling off in nearby waters. One camper mentioned, "We visited and hiked Mt Ascutney and did some fun stuff at Okemo but highlight was finding then awesome swimming hole at Buttermere falls next to Okemo."
Hike to scenic viewpoints: The hiking trails at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provide multiple overlooks. A visitor reported, "Came here on the last weekend of the season and loved it! The leaves were beautiful and the campsites we're well groomed and fairly secluded. You can hike up to Mount Ascutney from the campground (it's a really gorgeous 360 view)."
Paddling opportunities: Several campgrounds offer water access for canoes and kayaks. At Pillsbury State Park, one camper noted, "Our site was waterfront and shared a small beach/kayak launch with the neighboring site. Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance standards at Quechee State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers. There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed."
Child-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize special events for younger visitors. At Crown Point Camping Area, one visitor shared, "They have 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."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at sites. A visitor to Pillsbury State Park noted, "Sites are a little bit close, but feel much more private thanks to the trees. Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight. Super quiet, considerate campers."
What you should know
Road noise: Some campgrounds have proximity to highways that affects the wilderness experience. A Mount Ascutney visitor explained, "I cannot give this a 5 star rating solely for the fact of road noise. We were in site 27 and it was a beautiful site but the road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud. There is a loop designated for tents only (sites 19-24) where the road noise is considerable less."
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds offer coin-operated showers while others have more basic facilities. At Northstar Campground, a camper reported, "The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground."
Limited mobile service: Cell reception can be spotty at several campgrounds. One Pillsbury State Park visitor noted, "Pit toilets, sites are spacious, cell reception for Verizon isn't great. There's boat rentals, fishing, remote sites."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Several pet-friendly camping areas near Claremont offer water features kids enjoy. A visitor to Crown Point noted, "They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
Ranger-led activities: Some parks offer organized programming. A Wilgus State Park Campground visitor shared, "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. There is a great local pond for swimming that had dive docks, diving boards and lifeguards on duty."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. At Quechee State Park, one camper mentioned, "There's a 'campers only' access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A visitor to Caton Place Campground cautioned, "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. 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."
Hookup options: Various campgrounds offer different levels of service. At Crows Nest Campground, a visitor noted, "This campground has nice, quiet, shaded riverside sites and other sites options as well. Modest camp store. Pallets of firewood are delivered to your site and reasonably priced."
Dump station locations: RVers should note the placement of facilities. A Quechee State Park visitor mentioned, "There are plenty of fresh water spigots and a spacious dump site if needed. There is a 'campers only' access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of."
