A
Amber G.
Scout
ScoutTripoli Road
So much fun!
Went on a weekend and it was still very peaceful! Lots to do on such a beautiful back road. We stayed at two different sites each night we were there and both were equally beautiful and peaceful
Camping near Elkins, NH
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Elkins, New Hampshire range from tent and RV sites with full hookups to primitive sites without showers or electric. Pillsbury State Park Campground offers tent and RV camping with access to ponds and wetlands, while Sandy Beach Campground provides cabin options and glamping experiences. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, including Crow's Nest Campground and Loon Lake Campground, which accommodate various camping styles from traditional tent sites to RV hookups. The region includes both state park facilities and privately operated campgrounds, with most locations situated within a 30-minute drive of Elkins.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from mid-May through mid-October. Winter conditions typically close most facilities, though some areas remain accessible for winter camping with proper equipment. One camper noted, "Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. Most of the campsites are accessible by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite." Road access varies by location, with some campgrounds featuring paved roads while others require navigation on gravel or dirt roads. Cell phone coverage can be limited in more remote areas, particularly at Pillsbury State Park and other locations away from major highways. Advance reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity.
The natural setting draws many visitors to the area's campgrounds. Campers report high satisfaction with sites near lakes and ponds, which provide opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. "Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons," shared one visitor. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to the surrounding natural areas, including connections to longer regional trails like the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Campground amenities vary widely, with some locations offering full hookups, camp stores, and recreational facilities, while others maintain a more rustic experience with basic facilities. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds, beaches, and organized activities, which are more common at the larger established camping areas in the region.
Best Campgrounds near Elkins (216)
1. Pillsbury State Park Campground
"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."
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availability2. Crow's Nest Campground
"Crow’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."
"There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability3. Northstar Campground
"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability4. Spacious Skies French Pond
"I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up."
"Restroom closed to covid, some campgrounds kept them open and just cleaned more. Well no complaint here we’re self contained. Some areas could use some tidying up."
from $24 - $199 / night
Check Availability5. Crows Nest
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability6. Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall
7. Sandy Beach Campground
8. Tippicanoe Campground
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability9. Quechee State Park Campground
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability10. Wilgus State Park Campground
"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."
"A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 44 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 45 min from Worcester, MA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Glens Falls, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Elkins, NH
604 Photos of 216 Elkins Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Elkins, NH
956 Reviews of 216 Elkins Campgrounds
Henry M.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Spent Several Days
We spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
Harley J.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Really Enjoyed
Really 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.
David B.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Always Nice Coming Back
What 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.
Alison S.ScoutShir-Roy Camping Area
Great spot
Where 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!
- KKaSondra S.Scout
Crown Point Camping Area
Disappointed
Very 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.
- MMarie S.Scout
Gunstock Campground
Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion
⭐**Gunstock Campground: Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion**
I don't believe I have**ever** left a negative Google review. I generally think that when something goes wrong, you contact the business, give them an opportunity to make it right, and most businesses are genuinely interested in doing exactly that.
Gunstock Campground has cured me of that quaint notion.
I reserved a full-hookup campsite for two nights. I was unable to make it there the first night, but arrived shortly after 7:00 a.m. the next morning. The camp store, where registration takes place, wasn't open yet, so I headed out for my planned hike— about six miles through the Belknaps, including summiting Rowe twice and Gunstock.
By the time I returned, I was utterly exhausted, starving, and actually feeling weak. My ambitions for the afternoon were modest:**eat something, take a shower, and collapse at the campsite I had paid for.**
The staff at the camp store greeted me warmly, checked me in, and sent me on my way.
I drove to my site. There was already a camper in it. Not merely*parked* there, mind you. They had apparently moved right in. They were hooked up to**my site's water and electric**, with water spraying from their ill-fitting hose connection and forming a rather impressive puddle underneath the camper.
I returned to the camp store to report that someone had apparently activated Gunstock's new**"Choose Any Site You Like"** camping plan. A staff member went down to speak with them and came back to tell me they were "packing up." Excellent! My mistake was assuming" packing up" meant**leaving**. It did not.
Apparently these campers had actually reserved a site**two rows away** that had**no water or electric**. Yet somehow, sometime after arriving the previous night, they had accidentally found themselves two rows over, in my clearly different site, connected to utilities their reservation didn't include.
We've all made mistakes. I've occasionally parked one space away from where I intended. I've never accidentally parked**two rows away, hooked myself up to someone else's electricity and water, and spent the night.**
But perhaps I lack imagination.
After they had now consumed about an hour of my afternoon— which, incidentally, is an hour I normally bill at attorney rates— I went back toward my site expecting to find it finally vacated.
And it was! Because Gunstock had moved these folks to another site**two spaces away from me**, apparently allowing them to pay for the upgrade they had already been test-driving. So the people who knowingly or unknowingly occupied my reserved full-hookup site, used the utilities, and delayed me from getting into the site I paid for were rewarded with...a nearby full-hookup site.
They never walked over to apologize. At that point, I no longer felt comfortable staying. It's difficult to relax at a campground when you've just discovered that site assignments appear to operate somewhat on the honor system— and that when someone helps themselves to your reserved site and utilities, management's solution is apparently to make sure *they* remain comfortably accommodated nearby. So I left. On my way home, I called Gunstock and asked for a refund. Surely, I thought, this would be the easy part. After all, I had paid for two nights, hadn't used the first, couldn't get into my site when I arrived for the second, waited while unauthorized occupants vacated it, and ultimately left because the entire experience had become so unpleasant.
Nope. Instead, the staff member **defended the other campers**. I was told they arrived late and "mistakenly" took my site. I was even told they supposedly **hadn't used the utilities**. This was particularly fascinating information for me to receive because **I PERSONALLY SAW THEM HOOKED UP TO THE WATER AND ELECTRIC.** I also took photographs. Including the enormous puddle underneath their camper from the leaking water connection. But apparently my eyewitness account and photographs were no match for the alternative version of events.
For my inconvenience, however, Gunstock did give me a coupon for a **free Bavarian pretzel**. So there is that.
I paid for a full-hookup campsite. Someone else occupied it and used the hookups. I lost roughly an hour waiting to access what I had reserved. The other campers were accommodated with an upgraded site nearby. I left because I no longer felt comfortable staying. And when I asked Gunstock to make the situation right, they refused to refund me and instead argued with me about things **I had personally witnessed and photographed**. The most disappointing part isn't that another camper took my site. Campers can behave badly. Businesses can't control everything their customers do. **What a business CAN control is how it responds when that happens. ** Gunstock had every opportunity to turn this into a mildly annoying story about a camping mix-up. Instead, they turned it into my first negative Google review.
But hey... **I do have that free pretzel coupon.**
Noah P.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Comfortable Stay
Crow’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.
Isaiah D.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Kids Stayed Entertained
We brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
Guide to Elkins
Camping sites near Elkins, New Hampshire include both primitive locations and developed facilities across central New Hampshire's rolling terrain. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,000 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with average rainfall of 3-4 inches monthly during peak camping season.
What to do
Paddle pristine ponds: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple small bodies of water. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for those without their own equipment.
Hiking trail connections: Access the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway directly from several campgrounds. "I recently stayed at site 1A over the Memorial day weekend. The site features a 200ft(60yd) hike in on a rustic trail," writes Richard M. about Pillsbury State Park. The trail system provides options from short nature walks to multi-day treks.
Riverfront recreation: Explore the Sugar River Rail trail by bike when staying at Crow's Nest Campground. "Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant," shares Michele S. The converted rail trail offers 9 miles of relatively flat terrain suitable for family cycling.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Northstar Campground offers direct river access. "My husband and I spent Memorial Day weekend here. It was our first time camping here. We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River," reports Louise L. These riverfront sites typically book 2-3 months in advance during summer.
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple recreation options keep children entertained at Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall. "Between the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use this place is amazing! Activities are scheduled throughout the season," explains a reviewer. The recreation shed includes items that campers can borrow at no additional cost.
Wooded seclusion: Tree coverage provides privacy at many campgrounds. "The sites are a good size, we easily fit 2 tents and 2 cars, you could definitely even fit 3 tents if need be," notes Brandon C. about Pillsbury State Park. Most sites offer natural separation from neighbors through existing vegetation.
What you should know
Primitive facilities: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. At Pillsbury State Park, a reviewer explains, "This state park is a small and primitive one. It has less sites than a lot of the other ones. The sites on the water are really nice." Campers should expect pit toilets rather than flush facilities at more remote locations.
Variable shower availability: Shower facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Showers are $0.25 for 8 minutes" at Crow's Nest Campground according to Brenda H., while others may charge different rates or not offer showers at all.
Seasonal considerations: Sandy Beach Campground experiences specific seasonal issues. "Our biggest issue though was the over-abundance of gypsy moth worms. Crawling over everything and the concern of bringing them home with us to infest our trees," reports one visitor during a June visit. Bug activity peaks from late May through July.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Sandy swimming areas make for kid-friendly water activities. "We spent one night at Site 11. Our site was waterfront and shared a small beach/kayak launch with the neighboring site," writes Jessica N. about Pillsbury State Park. Sites near designated swimming areas typically book 3-4 weeks in advance.
Organized activities: Some campgrounds provide scheduled programming. At Quechee State Park Campground, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares Jen B. These activities typically run on weekend evenings during peak season.
Playground availability: Not all campgrounds offer designated play areas. "Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds, beaches, and organized activities," with Loon Lake featuring "mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Quechee State Park Campground, one RVer notes, "It looks like the state has spread out RCA on the sites, which probably could have been spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended.
Hookup limitations: Electrical and water hookups vary widely between campgrounds. At Spacious Skies French Pond, "The campground is advertised as having full hookups with Wi-fi and cable. Asked about Wi-fi, 'it's not all hooked up yet'. Told them our cable didn't work, 'it's not connected yet'," reports David S. Confirming available hookups during reservation is essential.
Generator regulations: Policies regarding generator use differ by location. One camper mentioned, "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." Many campgrounds restrict generator hours to daytime use only, typically between 8am-8pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elkins, NH?
What camping is available near Elkins, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elkins, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 216 campgrounds and RV parks near Elkins, NH and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Elkins, NH?
Which is the most popular campground near Elkins, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elkins, NH is Pillsbury State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkins, NH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elkins, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Elkins, NH.
What parks are near Elkins, NH?
What parks are near Elkins, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Elkins, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and North Hartland Lake.
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