Several campgrounds near Clarksville, New Hampshire sit at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet in the Connecticut Lakes region. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F with cool evenings in the 50s. Most dog-friendly campgrounds in this area close between Columbus Day and mid-November, reopening in mid-to-late May.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Francis State Park Campground offers easy access to both lake and river fishing. "The fishing was super slow but still fun. And as others have said, the loons are quite vocal during the evening and morning hours," notes one camper who stayed at a waterfront site.
Kayaking options: From Deer Mountain Campground, paddlers can access Second Connecticut Lake. "Site 28 is walk-in but looked secluded and spectacular with a pond view. Site 26 is also a brief hike with the tent platform right off a gentle stretch of the stream," reports a hiker who visited during a Cohos Trail thru-hike.
Moose watching: Brighton State Park Campground provides good moose viewing opportunities. "We stopped in on a Saturday at noon to see if by chance there was a site available for one night. There was a cancellation and we had a beautiful secluded, sunny, grassy site," shares a visitor who appreciated the nearby wildlife viewing areas.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: At Mollidgewock State Park, campers appreciate the river access. "The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing," writes one visitor who stayed in a riverside lean-to site.
Quiet atmosphere: Coleman State Park offers a peaceful setting for those seeking tranquility. "This small little campground (25 sites) is tucked off the main road (Route 16) and dead ends at Little Diamond Pond... Its location makes it a great spot to truly get away including zip, zero, zilch cell phone reception," explains a camper who enjoyed the isolation.
Pet-friendly facilities: At Aziscoos Valley Camping Area, dog owners appreciate the spacious sites. "Though the site was open, the camp sites are spaced far enough apart that we still felt that we were camping privately," notes a visitor who brought their dog to this pet-friendly campground along the Magalloway River.
What you should know
Limited supplies: Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Clarksville have minimal services. "Make sure you are well provisioned before arriving, there are no supplies nearby," advises a visitor to Aziscoos Valley Camping Area, highlighting the remote nature of the region.
Cell service varies: Coleman State Park provides limited connectivity. "ATT and Verizon both provided cell phone service at our site but data service was not useful on either," reports a camper who stayed at Aziscoos Valley.
Bathroom facilities: Expect rustic facilities at most locations. "Bathrooms and showers are fairly new and well maintained. 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!" shares a Lake Francis visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: Coleman State Park offers structures that work well for families with dogs. "We stayed at site 21 which is a nice wooden lean to... it is one of the closest sites to Little Diamond Pond and you can see the pond from the site," writes a camper who appreciated the shelter during rainy weather.
Swimming spots: Aziscoos Valley provides safe water access for kids and pets. "The river is clean with a solid though slightly rocky bottom and a moderate current that is suited for wading if that is your thing and excellent for tubing," explains a camper who spent a week at the campground.
Recreation options: Lake Francis provides family-friendly amenities. "There are a number of nice campsites right on the lake, but even if you don't have a waterfront site, there is a public boat launch. There is a dishwashing station, laundry facilities, showers, and bathrooms, all very clean," mentions a visitor who found the park well-suited for families.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: At Deer Mountain Campground, RV sites require careful planning. "One of the furthest north campgrounds in New Hampshire is a great place to stay. If you don't mind the sound of ATVs this place is great," advises a camper who noted that sites vary in quality and privacy.
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer only basic services. "There are RV compatible sites but there are no hookups and all the camping areas are grass. There is a small 'dumping station' within the campground," explains a visitor to Brighton State Park who found the facilities adequate despite limitations.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. "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 a visitor to Coleman State Park.
Scout
