Camping options near Colebrook, New Hampshire range from primitive tent sites to upscale outdoor accommodations in New Hampshire's northernmost region. Located in Coos County at approximately 1,050 feet elevation, this area experiences cooler temperatures than southern parts of the state, with summer highs typically in the 70s. Most campgrounds open from Memorial Day through early October, with some sites remaining accessible for winter camping near ATV and snowmobile trails.
What to do
Fishing for brook trout: Little Diamond Pond at Coleman State Park Campground offers dedicated fishing areas. "Great pond for fly fishing, eagle watching, etc. ATV traffic can be a little annoying, but otherwise quiet. Not close to shopping," notes Josh F.
River paddling: Explore the Androscoggin River from Mollidgewock State Park Campground. "The river was super calm so we were able to take our paddle board out and explore the waters," writes Katy Z. Another visitor mentioned, "They rent kayaks/canoes on the property which was fun (saw a bald eagle)."
Hiking at East Inlet: Located 30 minutes east of Lake Francis, this trail system offers less crowded options. "We didn't spend any time on Lake Francis, but I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet," suggests Jillian from a Lake Francis review.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lake Francis State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "There is a dishwashing station, laundry facilities, showers, and bathrooms, all very clean. Perfect for fishing, hiking, and kayaking," reports Carolyn M. Another camper added, "The amenities here are great and extremely clean. We are on a 2 week road trip so it is very nice to do some laundry!!"
Remote setting without cell service: Many campers value the disconnected environment. "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," writes Lisa P. about Lake Francis. For those needing connectivity, some sites have limited service: "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon."
Wildlife viewing: Maidstone State Park offers excellent opportunities to spot loons. "The lake is clear and beautiful. The loons are amazing," writes Emma B. Another camper notes, "The loons are all night singing as well."
What you should know
Tent site selection: At Mollidgewock State Park, location matters. "I would definitely recommend a campsite further in (avoid sites #1-5 ish that are directly next to the road - car lights will shine in your tent at night as cars drive in)," advises Ellie L.
Limited supplies nearby: Aziscoos Valley Camping Area has few nearby services. "Make sure you are well provisioned before arriving, there are no supplies nearby," warns Kevin W. Similarly, Maidstone State Park is "remote and it's about 45 min. to the nearest town. There is no cell service, even with a booster."
Variable shower conditions: Shower facilities range from free to coin-operated. At Lake Francis, Jim O. warns, "I must say that I've never had a shower that felt like I was being power washed ;-) Great water pressure!" At other parks, remember quarters: "The laundry and showers are coin-op, which I was unaware of prior to my arrival. Make sure to bring quarters!"
Tips for camping with families
Alternatives to traditional glamping: For families seeking glamping close to Colebrook, New Hampshire without premium prices, consider Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground. "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," notes Jonathan M.
Lean-to options: Shelters provide protection during inclement weather. "We stayed in site 21 which is a nice wooden lean to. We decided to stay in the site for two reasons. First of all, it is one of the closest sites to Little Diamond Pond and you can see the pond from the site. Secondly, it was forecasted to rain over half the time we were there," explains Sarah C. about Coleman State Park.
Trivia opportunities: Lake Francis offers family engagement activities. "My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," shares Jessica C. These daily questions provide educational entertainment for children during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Percy Lodge and Campground, space is limited but manageable. "Plenty of room for outside activities," notes Jeff J., though it's not considered big-rig friendly.
Consider river sites for cooling: At Aziscoos Valley, "Our site was in an open grassy area that was visible from the road with great views of the river. Though the site was open, the camp sites are spaced far enough apart that we still felt that we were camping privately," reports Ernie Y.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer electric but not full hookups. "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 Sarah C. about Coleman State Park.