Clarksville, New Hampshire sits in the Great North Woods region at approximately 1,100 feet elevation. The area receives significant snowfall between November and April, with summer temperatures reaching the 70s-80s during peak camping season. Northern New Hampshire campgrounds typically experience early frosts starting in September, with cooler nights even during summer months.
What to Do
Paddling opportunities: At Lake Francis State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple water bodies. "Perfect for fishing, hiking, and kayaking. There is a boat launch to put in a small boat, kayak or canoe," notes one camper who enjoyed the quiet environment.
Wildlife viewing: Brighton State Park Campground offers excellent opportunities to spot native species. "Love listening to the loons in the morning," mentions a regular visitor. Another adds, "We saw one [moose], crossing the road right by [the observation platform] when we were about to give up!"
Hiking trails: Mollidgewock State Park Campground provides access to numerous hiking options. "Awesome hikes nearby - we did Dunn Falls in Maine," reports one visitor. The surrounding region contains portions of the Cohos Trail, which extends through northern New Hampshire.
What Campers Like
Privacy levels: Deer Mountain Campground offers sites with varying degrees of seclusion. "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," explains one reviewer who enjoyed the remoteness.
Clean facilities: Riverside Camping & RV Resort maintains high standards for their amenities. "Easily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious," reports one camper who particularly enjoyed the nature trails behind the campground.
Water access: Many campgrounds feature direct water access, with Lake Francis State Park Campground offering prime waterfront locations. "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," notes a camper who appreciated the dishwashing station and clean facilities.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Beyond what's mentioned in the existing description, connectivity varies by location. At Deer Mountain Campground, "you will have no cell phone service at all for miles," according to one visitor who considered this a positive feature of the remote location.
Bathroom facilities: Coleman State Park Campground features well-maintained facilities. "A very nice and well maintained restroom and shower area. There is also a small laundry room with coin operated machines," writes one visitor. However, not all campgrounds offer full amenities.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operational seasons. "This campground was small and quiet with majority of sites for tents only," notes a camper about Mollidgewock State Park in the fall. Campers should verify opening dates when planning trips outside peak summer months.
Tips for Camping with Families
Educational opportunities: Brighton State Park Campground offers activities for children. "My daughter had gotten more candy out of them than she knows what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," shares a parent about the rangers at this family-friendly destination.
Site selection: For families, some campgrounds offer specialized accommodations. "The lean-to made our stay much more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise," mentions a camper at Brighton State Park who appreciated the shelter during rainy weather with children.
Swimming areas: Multiple campgrounds feature kid-friendly water access. "The campsite itself is beautiful. Maintance on campground is very well attended and kept very clean all over. It is on a gorgeous lake to sit by on the beach," notes a visitor to Brighton State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site types and terrain: Coleman State Park Campground has sites suitable for various RV sizes. "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 who noted the campground's layout and amenities.
Hookup availability: Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground provides electric and water at all sites. "All sites have water and electric and you can select a wooded or open site. If proximity to the ATV trail is important to you, you may select a site accordingly," notes a camper who appreciated the size and levelness of sites.
Reservation timing: During popular seasons, secure RV sites near Clarksville, New Hampshire well in advance. "Large campground near all the outdoor activities in Pittsburg and surrounded by beautiful scenery just outside the grounds," mentions a visitor to Buck Rub's who recommended reserving sites with ATV access specifically.
