Best Campgrounds near Clarksville, NH

AVOID MAIDSTONE STATE PARK

Being thrown out of Maidstone because Tom thinks he can make up the ADA, threatened to call the police over nothing and threw us out.

We have been in the state parks this summer since the 9th of may missed 7 days and us and our dogs have had zero issues until Maidstone

Great a transphobic park manager targeted us over service dogs and harassed a teenager who has major medical issues, purposely not going to the sight leader and harassing a disabled teenager when isolated from the rest of our site.

Maybe I’ll post the videos here, it’s unhinged.

Our lives are worth so much more then some unhinged manager trying to make up his own version of the ADA

Throw on transphobia was the motivation, awards Maidstone as the worst state park in the system so far.

My ex wife’s 3 sisters all worked for him at basin harbor club in there younger years and he was unhinged and problematic then, I remember how elated they were to see him move on to the state parks and out of the community.

Maidstone state park horrific transphobic and disability based discrimination was the most surprising, according to Maidstone one of our service dogs is not allowed in the state parks system. Yet Kathy up in the Ilands who runs that campground with an iron fist didn’t have any problems in the 46 days I spent there to open the season………

The documentation I have is shocking, way yo cut our time short by 2 weeks and have to panic pack and flee



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It’s also alarming how the manager and the staff are excited attendance it’s down 30%, 3 of the 5 employees stating they don’t want it busy and the collective goal of the campground was low attendance for less work.

What a disgusting audited to have. I’m way over qualified to run Maidstone state park, 1/3 of side A is closed, soon side B as soon as that bath house gives out.

It’s a small place, it should be packed with Vermonters, as a businesswoman it would be ridiculously easy to pack that campground week in and week out, quickly justifying new facilities and oping back up the loop

2 years at the helm, I’d be planing a summer of renovations at Maidstone

Instead it’s going to fizzle and fail under its current management.

May Camping Weekend Recap – Moose Alley Magic (Even in a Cold Snap!) ❄️🏕️

We weren’t expecting a cold spell this late in May, but Mother Nature had her own plans! Even with the surprise chill, we had such a wonderful time at our campsite nestled along Moose Alley. While it’s near a road, don’t worry—it’s not a main highway, just a quiet local path that adds to the peaceful vibe of the area.

Though the moose kept their distance, we did spot some fresh footprints—which made the search feel extra magical! The surrounding views of the mountains and water were breathtaking, and there were plenty of short and long hikes to explore for all experience levels.

We brought my Grandma and Service Dog along, and both were welcomed with kindness. The folks who braved the cold weather like us were so sweet, and the community feel at the campground made the chilly temps totally worth it. Huge shoutout to the park rangers—they’re around, approachable, and truly there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask them anything you need.

Pro tip: Buy those fire starters! They’re a lifesaver in cold, damp weather and made our fires easy and cozy every night.

All in all, cold weather or not, it was a heartwarming weekend surrounded by nature, lovely people, and good vibes. Moose Alley—we’ll definitely be back (hopefully next time with a moose sighting too)!

#CampingInMay #MooseAlley #ColdSnapAdventure #CampfireVibes #NatureLovers #MountainViews #FamilyCamping #AccessibleAdventures #ServiceDogFriendly #CampgroundCommunity #MemorialWeekend

I was shocked to find Deer Mountain mostly empty in the middle of summer.  It doesn’t have the amenities of some state parks, but nearby Lake Francis SP is available for showers, etc.  This is a great location for those who want to get away from the crowds and noise.  There’s a wide variety of birds for those who are interested.

Site 28 is worth the short hike to get there.  Don’t be put off if you don’t have backpacking gear:  there is a wagon to help haul stuff to the site and back.  

A few things to know, though:  the trees have grown and the view from the tent platform no longer looks like the photos on ReserveAmerica.  It’s a much more limited water view, but still gorgeous.  There are no trees suitable for hammock camping with a view.  And much of the site and surrounding area is a giant Canada Goose latrine.  (Imagine a dog park where no one has ever cleaned up after their pets.)

We had a great stay at coos canyon campground! Didn't have too much interaction with staff, but when we did they were very friendly. We had site 7. Sites are good size, and not super close to neighbors. Wifi only works at the camp store, there are extenders throughout the camp, and it worked at our site the first day but didn't after that. The office was surprised it worked for us on day 1 and said they couldn't fix it because it wasn't supposed to work. There isnt any activities like some other campgrounds we've been to, just a small playground, but the canyon and the river give you lots of outdoor things to do. Rent a pan or sluice from the coos canyon rock and gem shop a 3 min walk from the office and pan for gold in the river right from the campground! Fishing, hiking, cliff jumping, and swimming can all be done with a quick walk all while staying in the campground. The camp store has some bare necessities, but did not have any bug swatters (the horse flys can get crazy here) but a spatula from the camp store worked OK. We will definetly be back for some more gold prospecting!