Campgrounds near Edward MacDowell Lake in southern New Hampshire range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV parks within a 15-mile radius. Gilson Pond Area Campground at Monadnock State Park provides wooded tent and RV sites with platforms in a secluded setting. Other camping areas include Spacious Skies Seven Maples in Hancock with tent, RV and cabin accommodations, and Ashuelot River Campground in Swanzey featuring glamping options alongside traditional sites. Greenfield State Park Campground and Oxbow Campground round out the mixed-use campgrounds in the region, each offering various hookup options for both tent and RV campers.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from May through October, closing during the winter months. Facilities vary significantly across the region's camping areas, with state parks generally offering basic amenities while private campgrounds provide more services like full hookups and camp stores. Tent platforms at Gilson Pond help campers manage during wet weather, while the terrain throughout the region features wooded settings that provide privacy between sites. Cell service can be limited, particularly in more remote camping areas. According to one visitor at Monadnock State Park, "No cell/data service. I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work. Some reviews listed the service as spotty but had zero bars."
Campgrounds near Mount Monadnock receive consistently positive reviews for their private, spacious sites and access to hiking trails. The Gilson Pond Area Campground earned praise for its immaculate bathrooms and peaceful atmosphere, with one camper noting it was "one of the quietest and most peaceful campgrounds I've ever stayed at." Several visitors mentioned that the sites are well-shaded and private, making them ideal for tent camping. Insect activity can be intense during certain periods, particularly in wooded areas near water. Family-friendly amenities are common at private campgrounds like Seven Maples, where reviewers highlighted the swimming pool with water slides and fishing pond. The region's mix of state park and private campgrounds accommodates various camping preferences from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks.
$35 - $105 / night
"Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."
"Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"
$29 - $45 / night
"Gilson Pond Campground is small— just 37 sites nestled into the woods near a swampy, but beautiful pond in Jaffrey, New Hampshire."
"This was my first time to New Hampshire so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the state parks there. I was not disappointed."
$54 - $999 / night
"The shower worked well and it was nice not to have to walk to the restrooms, though they were close by. Our stay was during the week so it wasn’t very crowded."
"We loved being next to the large field and basketball court where we watched the kids play without having to worry where they disappeared to."
$47 - $70 / night
"We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."
"Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."
$42 - $65 / night
"the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people and super friendly very helpful it's clean they offer a lot of stuff to do right on a lake"
"Lake access with kayaks , some local hiking. Major grocery store nearby along with Walmart."
$60 - $130 / night
"The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."
"I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."
$17 - $35 / night
"The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."
"As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."
$17 - $55 / night
"The camp ground is clean nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking. The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground. "
"Right on a stream and a short walk to the bathrooms and hiking trails. We drove a few minutes up the road to Lake Dennison to kayak and fish."
$30 - $45 / night
"We stayed with our parents in their camper for a couple nights and had such a positive experience there!"
"We stayed right next to a cute pond on site 69. There was a family with several smaller children who were fishing g the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish."
$45 - $60 / night
"Lake access, inground pool, ball field, and lots of activities for the kids makes this a great place to relax with the family."
"Campground is peaceful and quiet; the lake is within close proximity to most sites; I wouldn’t say it’s the best place for swimming but overall a great place to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle about"
ScoutWe wanted somewhere outside the city where we could stay with our RV but still be close enough to drive into Boston for the day. Berry’s Grove worked really well for that. After spending the day sightseeing, it was nice coming back somewhere quiet and relaxing by the lake.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWe wanted to spend a day in Boston but had zero interest in bringing the RV into the city. Berry’s Grove gave us a completely different experience. We could do the sightseeing and crowds during the day and come back somewhere much calmer at night.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutThe location is what made this place for us. Waking up and being able to walk right down to the water was great. We spent most of our stay fishing, sitting outside, and just enjoying the campground. It is not one of those huge campgrounds packed with activities, which was honestly exactly what we wanted. Small, peaceful, and a nice place to enjoy some downtime.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
GuideThe first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Edward MacDowell Lake campsites sit within a forested region of southern New Hampshire where elevation ranges from 700-900 feet above sea level, creating cooler evening temperatures even in summer months. The camping season typically runs from May through October with most facilities closing before the first frost. Weekend occupancy rates often reach 90% during July and August, making advance reservations essential for prime locations.
Hiking beyond Monadnock: There are numerous trails accessible from camping areas that don't require tackling the famous mountain. At Greenfield State Park Campground, visitors can explore the frog pond area. "Frog pond is fun to explore," notes Ali B. The park also connects to other hiking opportunities, as Matt R. points out: "Close by to Miller state park (NHs oldest state park), Garwin falls (beautiful little water falls you can swim in)."
Kayaking and paddling: Several Edward MacDowell Lake campsites offer water access for non-motorized boats. At Oxbow Campground, "They have 3 separate ponds-one for fishing, one for boating & the larger one is for swimming," according to Sara D. Free paddle boats are also available at Oxbow. Near Spacious Skies Seven Maples, Richard W. notes: "We were right on the pond, so the kids could fish whenever. Lots of hiking trails (the dogs loved it). Can't wait to come back next year and explore the lake along the hike."
Biking and road trips: The region offers both on-site biking opportunities and access to scenic drives. The Ashuelot Rail Trail can be accessed directly from some campgrounds. Michael M. from Ashuelot River Campground describes: "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground." Local attractions are within short drives, as Alison S. mentions: "Highly suggest checking out Tenney Farm nearby for fresh produce and treats."
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers highlight the peaceful environment at certain campgrounds. Jean C. describes Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park as "one of the quietest and most peaceful campgrounds I've ever stayed at." The wooded settings contribute to this tranquility, with sites often separated by natural barriers. At Lake Dennison, Rachael K. noted: "Sites 1 through 5 on the first loop are pretty quiet and peaceful. We stayed at site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness is frequently praised in reviews. At The Pine Campground, Ian H. reports: "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night." Oxbow Campground maintains "clean & up-to-date bathrooms with hot showers," according to Sara D. Jess G. notes that at Gilson Pond, "The bathrooms are immaculate. The showers take coins but the facilities are some of the best I've seen while camping on State Park grounds."
Waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer sites adjacent to water features. At Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground, Juliet P. comments: "It is so convenient to camp right on the lake. We can drop our paddle boards in any time and explore the lake." Gabe N. adds: "We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake." At Ashuelot River Campground, sites located along the river are particularly popular for direct water access.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds and even between sites within the same facility. At Lake Dennison, Gabe N. reports: "Cell service was fine with AT&T." However, at Otter River State Forest, Jamal C. notes: "Verizon cell service was pretty good," suggesting carrier differences impact service. Plan accordingly if you require consistent connectivity.
Site privacy considerations: Site selection significantly impacts privacy levels. Rachael K. cautions about Lake Dennison: "The sites with higher numbers by the lake are all on top of each other with little to no trees or shrubs between sites, and you can't really decipher where one site ends and the next begins." At Greenfield State Park, Erin R. notes: "Very large campground with lots of woods to block you from other campers."
Weather impacts: The area experiences significant seasonal changes that affect camping conditions. At Greenfield State Park Campground, Hailey D. mentions: "When we went (July 2025) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms, hence the 1 star deduction. We are grateful that they are honest about it, but it is disappointing to not be able to swim at the campers beach." Emma N. adds: "Just don't forget to bring some bug-spray for those New Hampshire mosquitos!"
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools that are particularly appealing for families with children. At Spacious Skies Seven Maples, Alison S. notes: "Our son liked the playground and it was unfortunately too cold for the pool but it looked fun! It has a big slide and what looks like a splash pad." The campground also features "a recreational hall with a pool table & video games," according to Sara D.
Playground access: Many campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. Kate C. reports that Friendly Beaver Campground has "3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events." At Oxbow Campground, Kelly W. says: "The fishing pond was perfect. I will be returning soon. I highly recommend this place if you have a family."
Site selection for families: Choose sites strategically based on your family's needs. Joe D. from The Pine Campground explains: "Our site was across from the playground, and backed up to a stream. Playground was a bit older but it was maintained well, and the kids had fun." At Lake Dennison, Bonnie B. advises: "This is a gorgeous campground with clean facilities and responsive rangers. The sites on the North side are spacious & quiet. The other side of the campground (east) has a lot of noise pollution from the nearby road."
Site sizes and accessibility: RV site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Ashuelot River Campground, John O. reports: "The sites we good sized (had water and 30amp) and the campground was very clean and well kept." Wayne B. adds: "Huge sites and a very helpful owner." John L. notes that "Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer."
Electrical capacity issues: Some campgrounds may have limitations with power delivery. Zachary W. reports from Seven Maples: "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities While my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue." Check with campground management about electrical capacity before arrival.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have access limitations for larger rigs. At Ashuelot River Campground, John L. advises: "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits." At Gilson Pond Campground, Jean C. cautions: "When choosing a site, note that the tent only sites often have small parking areas with 1-2 platforms and are not suitable for an RV/trailer. Only 7 sites are suitable for a trailer/RV, 4 of them with electric hookups."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Edward MacDowell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Edward MacDowell Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Edward MacDowell Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Edward MacDowell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Edward MacDowell Lake is Greenfield State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Edward MacDowell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Edward MacDowell Lake.
What parks are near Edward MacDowell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Edward MacDowell Lake that allow camping, notably Tully Lake and Hopkinton-Everett Lake.
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