Camping cabins near Clarksville, New Hampshire provide access to New Hampshire's northernmost region, with elevations ranging between 1,300-2,000 feet in most camping areas. This area experiences significantly colder temperatures than southern parts of the state, with fall nighttime temperatures often dropping below freezing even in early September. Many campgrounds remain open through early November, allowing visitors to experience the region's peak foliage season.
What to do
Lake fishing opportunities: At Lake Francis State Park Campground, visitors can access prime fishing spots directly from lakefront campsites. "I only explored sites 1-21, but all of those sites without hook ups are pretty private. Sites with hook ups are more open. There IS cell service, at least with Verizon," notes camper Jillian.
Wildlife viewing: The region is known as "Moose Alley" for good reason. Deer Mountain Campground offers excellent moose viewing opportunities. "Listen to the Loons call as you hopefully see a Moose in what is known as Moose Alley. Numerous miles of trails and your only 2 miles from hiking the international boundary line by the US Customs Border house," reports Tim K.
ATV trail access: Many cabin rentals connect directly to the extensive regional ATV trail system. "If you enjoy ATV'ing, this is a great area for that as there is a large trail network and there is a large outfitter - Bear Rock Adventures- which rents ATVs less than 4 miles from the campground. Some of the camp sites are accessible by ATVs," explains Jim O. from Lake Francis State Park.
Paddling remote ponds: The Connecticut Lakes region offers excellent canoeing and kayaking opportunities. "If you don't want to cook for yourself, the Buck Rub Pub provides a good menu selection; it's popular and you may need to wait, esp. on a weekend evening. For a quick breakfast or lunch at a fair price, the Happy Corner Cafe will meet your needs," advises Jean C. after staying at Buck Rub's Hidden Acres.
What campers like
Secluded camping options: Several campgrounds offer walk-in or boat-in sites for those seeking true solitude. "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," recommends Elisabeth E. about Deer Mountain Campground.
Clean facilities: Coleman State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite its remote location. "The facilities were cleaned twice a day. Kayak and paddle boat rentals available. Keep your eyes out for loons and bald eagles on Little Diamond Pond," reports Jillian.
Nature sounds: Many campers appreciate the natural soundtrack. "The lake is absolutely stunning! Definitely the highlight of the grounds," writes Timothy M. about Coleman State Park. Another camper, Justin P., notes about Deer Mountain Campground: "I stayed here at the start of my Cohos Trail and at the tail end of the trail. It's perfect for finishing the trail since you can hike onto the final stretch of trail a 5 minute walk away."
Waterfront access: Prime lakefront sites are available at several campgrounds. "We came in on a Friday afternoon without a reservation. Luckily there were a few sites left including a couple on lake front. The view in the morning out of the back of our van was quite satisfying," shares Bigfishdiveclub C. about Lake Francis State Park.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have spotty or no cellular coverage. "This campground is right on the lake with access to boating and fishing. The bathrooms are clean and also nice showers. The overall layout of the sites is a little weird as you pull around," mentions Katy Z. about Base Camp — Umbagog Lake State Park.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid temperature drops after sunset. "It was bitterly cold overnight (24-27 degrees), so I was grateful for my trailer, but it made for some beautiful, if foggy, mornings and brilliantly clear skies for stargazing," reports Jean C. after an October visit to Umbagog Lake State Park.
Limited supplies: Plan ahead for groceries and supplies. "Young's General Store less than 3 miles away says they 'have pretty much everything'. We didn't need anything so we didn't stop in, but it looked like a place that would have what you'd need while camping," writes Jim O. about the area near Lake Francis State Park.
Coin-operated showers: Most state park facilities require quarters for hot showers. "Hot showers are $0.25/3 minutes. I must say that I've never had a shower that felt like I was being power washed. Great water pressure!" notes Jim O.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly cabin options: Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground offers convenient family accommodations. "They have a beautiful pond in the back they have showers or a shower and toilet for those that need it a common room for those that want to cook food play games watch movies," shares Jonathan M.
Wildlife education: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "The staff was great, cheerful and helpful. Like everyone else, they are short staffed this year so they had to cut out the canoe/kayak rentals," mentions Jim O.
Noise considerations: Site selection matters for families needing quiet evenings. "Although 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," explains Alicia B. about her stay at Deer Mountain.
Playground alternatives: While formal playgrounds are limited, natural features provide entertainment. "There is a boat launch to put in a small boat, kayak or canoe. It's just overall a really nice place to go in the wilderness where it is quiet and no cell phone service at all for miles," says Lisa P. about Lake Francis.
Tips for RVers
Hookup availability: Mountain View Cabins & Campground provides water and electric connections at select sites. "There's a public boat launch at Lake Francis and easy access to ATV trails. Sites may be in a field, partially wooded, or wooded," notes Jean C.
Road access considerations: Access roads to remote campgrounds can be challenging. "Remote campground with many amenities! First of all, be careful when following certain gps/google directions…depending where you are coming from, you may end up on dirt roads/ATV trails that could be hazardous in a passenger vehicle during poor conditions," warns Timothy M. about Coleman State Park.
Site selection: Reserve carefully based on RV size. "I'd avoid sites 48, 49, and 8 as they are very close to the rv dump station. The campground map shows another dump in front of sites 1 and 2 but it's only the bathhouse no dump. #42 has the best privacy and water access in my opinion but only if you have a smaller rv," advises Katy Z. about Umbagog Lake State Park.
Dumping stations: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups. "This is a family run campground located on a hillside between Lake Francis and First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg, NH. The area is a favorite for those who enjoy boating or riding ATV/snowmobiles," explains Jean C.
