Campground options near Colebrook, New Hampshire span into Vermont, creating a tri-state recreational area where New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine meet. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 feet, with several camping locations positioned on the Connecticut River watershed. Water temperatures remain cool even during summer months, rarely exceeding 70°F at most lake and pond locations.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little Diamond Pond at Coleman State Park Campground offers an intimate setting for paddlers with boat rentals available on-site. "I stopped by the cabins a little down the road but sites can be reserved online easily... The pond is wonderful, the sounds of loons - Magical," notes a camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Wildlife viewing: The northeast corner provides exceptional viewing with dedicated observation areas. "Errol is a small community... You'll want to keep in mind that many places are closed Sundays and Mondays. Make sure you plan ahead!" shared a visitor who stayed at Mollidgewock State Park Campground, adding that the region is "the moose capital of NH."
Fly fishing: River and pond fishing options require different approaches depending on water levels. A visitor to Mollidgewock noted, "I spent three days camped by the river with my little 12 ft pack boat. Caught about a dozen small rainbows anchored at the head of the rapids." Some locations permit fishing directly from campsites without needing to travel.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many campgrounds maintain high standards. A visitor to Brighton State Park Campground reported, "Cleanest showers I've seen at any campsite so far," while another noted the entire facility is "very well attended and kept very clean all over."
Limited connectivity: The absence of cell coverage provides a true disconnect. A Mollidgewock camper mentioned, "No t-mobile reception in the campground but a short drive will get you to a signal." This varies by carrier, as one Lake Francis visitor clarified: "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon."
Dishwashing stations: Several campgrounds feature dedicated areas for cleaning cookware. At Lake Francis State Park Campground, "They even have a sink with hot running water where you can wash your dishes at the main house," which campers find particularly helpful during extended stays.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most facilities operate from Memorial Day through early October. A visitor to Nulhegan Confluence Hut noted winter access changes: "It's a short walk from a roadside parking area (though a little longer in the winter due to the parking being moved across the road)."
Limited supplies: Small general stores serve basic needs but selection is restricted. "The camp store had very limited supplies, but did have ice, firewood, t-shirts, sweatshirts and candy bars," a Lake Francis visitor reported, while another mentioned, "There is a store - Young's General Store less than 3 miles away that says they 'have pretty much everything'."
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant even in summer. "I was here in October and it was COLD, so be prepared for all kinds of weather," advised a Mollidgewock visitor, underlining the importance of packing appropriate gear regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Daily activities: Some parks organize programming specifically for younger visitors. A Lake Francis camper shared, "My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," highlighting the staff's engagement with children.
Beach access: Swimming areas vary widely in development and water clarity. Brighton State Park visitors appreciate that "It is on a gorgeous lake to sit by on the beach and watch the stars at night," making it suitable for families wanting water recreation without needing boats.
Site selection: Families should research specific site locations before booking. At Maidstone State Park, "The sites are very close together, no privacy whatsoever, but the lake is beautiful. Every site by the lake is sandy and great," indicating waterfront sites may offer better experiences for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds include unpaved sections. "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," cautions a visitor to Ladd Pond Cabins and Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited and concentrated at specific campgrounds. At Coleman State Park, visitors noted 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."
Site size accuracy: Online reservation systems may underestimate actual site capacity. A Coleman State Park visitor observed, "Many of the sites will fit much larger vehicles than what is stated on Reserve America, especially if you have a trailer and can unhook," suggesting RVers might have more options than initially apparent.
