Best Campgrounds near Cornish, NH

The Connecticut River Valley provides a diverse range of camping opportunities near Cornish, New Hampshire, with several established campgrounds spread across both New Hampshire and Vermont. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground in Windsor, Vermont and Wilgus State Park Campground in Springfield, Vermont are within easy driving distance, offering tent and RV sites with varying amenities. Mixed-use campgrounds in the region typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to trails. Private options like Quechee-Pine Valley KOA and Good Night Moon Vintage provide alternative accommodation including cabins and glamping opportunities for those seeking additional comforts.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, closing during the colder months. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes Columbus Day weekend, with hiking trails that connect directly to the mountain summit. According to one visitor, "Vermont parks are just some the most lush you've ever seen," though several reviews note road noise from Interstate 91 as the primary drawback at some sites. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Campgrounds with river access often book well in advance due to popularity among paddlers and anglers, with many sites offering kayak and canoe rentals.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at Wilgus State Park along the Connecticut River. The park offers easy access for boating with both tent sites and lean-tos available. Several visitors highlighted the quality of mountain biking trails at Mount Ascutney, with one mentioning "the mountain biking trails are awesome and the hiking is fantastic!" Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with hot showers and well-spaced sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, and several state parks offer interpretive programs during peak season. Campers seeking more privacy should request sites further from main roads, as some reviewers mentioned traffic noise being noticeable at certain locations. The region's camping season peaks in early October when fall foliage creates spectacular scenic views across the Connecticut River Valley.

Best Camping Sites Near Cornish, New Hampshire (203)

    1. Quechee State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    "There is a “campers only” access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."

    "The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall. "

    2. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-2060

    "The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."

    "Whether it’s a hike or a drive, I highly recommend it! Just note, the road closes after dusk and a barrier goes down."

    3. Wilgus State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 674-5422

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."

    "This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area (nearby Mt. Ascutney State Park, Harpoon Brewery, the American Precision Museum, etc.)."

    4. Quechee-Pine Valley KOA

    11 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 296-6711

    "While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."

    "Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."

    5. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 885-2889

    $26 - $36 / night

    "We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."

    "There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi."

    6. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-2860

    $29 - $40 / night

    "Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. 

    There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "

    "Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."

    7. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"

    "Nice place to get away from it all. Very wooded and private sites. Many have lean-tos and brick ovens."

    8. Good Night Moon Vintage

    2 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    11 miles
    +1 (626) 808-2923

    $59 - $99 / night

    9. Crown Point Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Ascutney, VT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 263-5555

    "This is a great campground set in a thick pine forest near a large pond. They have a lagoon for swimming and a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."

    "They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground."

    10. Crows Nest

    3 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-6170

    $32 - $115 / night

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Recent Reviews near Cornish, NH

807 Reviews of 203 Cornish Campgrounds


  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Grout Pond Loop

    Camping Grout Pond Loop is truly nice after Labor Day (Sept 5-7). Campsites 15 & 16 offer pull-out space to turn around truck campers --we lucked out w/ 4 wheel camper pop-up). Over hanging trees would make it difficult for larger equipment, plus saw posting that excludes trailers from certain roads. We reserved well in advance; however many fellow campers were trying to find first come sites and ended up hiking in to camp around pond sites. Sites are in eye-site of each other but you don't feel crowded. Temps during day around 65-70 F. Nights dipped to 45-55F.
    We saw deer & turkeys driving the surrounding woods after short hikes.
    We love chatting w locals and learned of a special shrine that was faithfully built from stone to resemble original in modern day Turkey. What a special & serene place.

  • Andy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Large Area with Fire Pit in the middle

    This was a great site.  I couldn't believe that the site was not being used at all, especially the just a couple of days before Fourth of July weekend.  Many other sites further south on 71 were filled and some were just TTs holding the space for the upcoming weekend.

    The site was very flat and could accommodate several small campers.  It was quiet during our overnight stay other than a car or two on Stratton-Arlington Rd.  There weren't many mosquitoes either.  Hiking trail to Stratton Pond close by.

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Kenneth P.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    Not So Bad

    We spent one night at site #20 and enjoyed our stay.  It was rather peaceful other than the hum of I-91. The staff was friendly and helpful. The sites were generally wooded, pretty level, and fairly spread apart from one another.  I saw no signs of the problems identified in the June 2025 review.  Yes, I must agree that the restrooms are old, but they were clean.  The other problems might happen anywhere and were obviously brought under control.  Clearly, the writer of the June 2025 post knew way more than any weekend camper would be aware of and this shows that is more to their story that should have been revealed in their post.

  • S
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Cold Springs Camp Resort

    All Around Exceptional

    This place is just great! They have clean, flat sites, easy to navigate and get our fifth wheel in. The facilities are spotless. There are numerous pools and hot tubs, activities and the people that work there are just the nicest! Our kids were never scolded for being loud and neither were the adults. We have booked our return trip already and can't wait to go back!

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • licia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Somerset Airfield

    No Wifi, Resevoir Beautiful

    Enjoyed the stunning babbling brook and resevoir- saw happy people swimming, kayaking, and camping. It's been quiet and peaceful and sometimes generators running all night. I arrived after the 4th of July and a neighbor said it was rowdy during the holiday with illegal fireworks set off every night over the dry forest. These pics are from a weekday morning. It's great to see families camping. There are pit toilets. AT.T service at bridge prior to camp- short walk. SOS only in camp. Another camper told me Starlink works here.


Guide to Cornish

Camping near Cornish, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Quechee State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There’s a hiking trail beside of 37 and it’s steep going down and up but well worth it." The trails lead to stunning views and natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, visitors enjoy the lake for kayaking and fishing. A camper noted, "The lake would really be nice for kayaking if you have one."
  • Local Attractions: Check out nearby attractions like the Harpoon Brewery and the American Precision Museum. One visitor at Wilgus State Park Campground said, "Kayaking on the river is the big draw, which is a great place to be on a hot day."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers. A review for Gifford Woods State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were frequently cleaned and the park was meticulously maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. One camper at Jamaica State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites were large and well spaced out from each other."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Coolidge State Park Campground said, "Above all else, the staff here was phenomenal."

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Be prepared for no hook-ups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."
  • Seasonal Reservations: Some campgrounds require two-night reservations during peak seasons. A visitor at Wilgus State Park Campground mentioned, "I had to book two nights because of the seasonal policy."
  • Road Noise: Campgrounds near highways, like Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, may have road noise. One camper said, "The road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and safe biking areas. A reviewer at Jamaica State Park Campground said, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Quechee State Park Campground noted, "The tent sites are so spacious and clean."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring snacks and plan meals ahead of time. One camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground recommended, "Make sure you reserve a table at the public house because they don’t allow walk-ins after a certain hour."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Look for campgrounds that accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Quechee-Pine Valley KOA mentioned, "Sites are level and a good size."
  • Check Amenities: Ensure the campground has the amenities you need, like water hookups and dump stations. A reviewer at Baker River Campground said, "The facilities were very clean, thanks to regular cleaning."
  • Quiet Sections: Seek out quieter areas within campgrounds. A camper at Gifford Woods State Park Campground noted, "The sites are semi-secluded and through hikers on the AT/LT can find rest and shelter at this park."

Camping near Cornish, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best RV campgrounds near Cornish, Maine?

For RV camping near Cornish, Maine, Kampfires is a standout option with extensive amenities including an ice cream shop, mini golf, and an amphitheater for summer concerts and shows. They offer dedicated RV spots along with recreational facilities like badminton, basketball, horseshoes, and shuffleboard. Another excellent choice is Goose Hollow Camp and RV Park, which is conveniently located and offers full hookup sites for RVs. Both campgrounds provide good access to the Cornish area and are equipped to accommodate larger vehicles.

What are the best camping spots in Cornish, NH?

The Pastures Campground is an excellent choice in the Cornish, NH area. This charming campground features spacious sites with tables and fire rings, clean bathroom facilities, showers, a laundry room, and even a library. It's uniquely positioned with Vermont visible across the river on the north side of the property. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Pillsbury State Park Campground offers primitive camping with no electric hookups or showers. Many sites are accessible by car and situated on or near a lake, providing beautiful waterfront camping opportunities.

Is camping allowed at Cornish Fair?

Camping is not typically allowed at the Cornish Fair grounds for general attendees. The Cornish Fair is primarily a day event where visitors come to enjoy agricultural exhibits, entertainment, and fair activities but return to other accommodations at night. For overnight stays during fair season, consider nearby options like Lost River Valley Campground, which offers clean, comfortable accommodations including tent sites and one-room cabins with friendly staff and well-maintained facilities. Alternatively, Mount Ascutney State Park Campground provides a convenient base for fair attendees with its scenic wooded sites. Always check the official Cornish Fair website for any policy updates before planning your trip.