Best Campgrounds near Gilsum, NH

Camping near Gilsum, New Hampshire encompasses wooded state parks and established campgrounds within the Monadnock Region of southwestern New Hampshire. The area features several camping options including tent sites, RV parks with hookups, and glamping accommodations. Notable locations include Gilson Pond Campground at Monadnock State Park, where campers can access hiking trails to Mount Monadnock, and Ashuelot River Campground in nearby Swanzey. Pillsbury State Park, located north of Gilsum, provides more primitive camping experiences with lakeside sites and boat-in access options. Most campgrounds in the region are situated within forested settings that offer privacy between sites and access to water features.

Most camping facilities in the Gilsum area operate seasonally from May through October, closing during the winter months due to harsh New England weather conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when campgrounds reach capacity. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds reporting limited or spotty coverage. Mosquitoes can be abundant during summer months, so insect repellent is essential equipment. Coin-operated showers are common at state park facilities, and campers should bring quarters for hot water. Fire regulations are strictly enforced, with firewood typically available for purchase at campground offices.

The camping experience varies considerably between facilities. State park campgrounds like Greenfield and Monadnock offer more natural settings with fewer amenities but greater access to hiking trails and water recreation. According to reviews, "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the hiking is incredible." Private campgrounds such as Spacious Skies Seven Maples provide more amenities including playgrounds, pools, and organized activities. Many campgrounds feature water access for kayaking and fishing, with some offering equipment rentals. Dog policies vary by location, with some state parks prohibiting pets entirely, so checking regulations before arrival is essential for those traveling with animals.

Best Camping Sites Near Gilsum, New Hampshire (167)

    1. Ashuelot River Campground

    16 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $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."

    2. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $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."

    3. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    15 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."

    4. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $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!"

    5. Spacious Skies Seven Maples

    11 Reviews
    Hancock, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 525-3321

    $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."

    6. Chapman Acres

    1 Review
    Sullivan, NH
    2 miles
    +1 (603) 852-4527

    $50 - $90 / night

    "A hidden path nearby brings you to a canopy covered swing that overlooks the pond. Another path leads you to the canoe access. FREE firewood and rubbish removal at both sites."

    7. Kampfires

    8 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, VT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2098

    $30 - $50 / night

    "They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer."

    "Even though it is off season, there are several units throughout but dispersed so no one was right next to us. The site was somewhat level with a gravel base. FHU at each site made hook up easy."

    8. Jamaica State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Jamaica, VT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 874-4600

    $20 - $42 / night

    "For our July trip, we stayed in the Juniper lean-to, which is incredibly quiet and near the overlook hiking trail."

    "Great spot near the river with a flat trail and a waterfall near by."

    9. Tree Farm Campground

    7 Reviews
    Springfield, VT
    19 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."

    10. Brattleboro North KOA

    4 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-5908

    "It was only like 40 mins away from us. Just to get away. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area . They had activities for kids and adults. They had a rec."

    "The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around. There's a market next door with fresh fruit and veggies for sale. The store is large and well stocked."

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Recent Reviews near Gilsum, NH

686 Reviews of 167 Gilsum 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.

  • Utshob A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bear Brook State Park Campground

    Convenient and fun

    The park was easy to get to, only about half an hour from Manchester. It has kayak rentals and a very well stocked camp store, that was close to the camp sites. Our campsite was only about a hundred feet away from the camp store but still felt private.

    Our campsite also had a fire pit and a picnic table which were great.

    The size of the sites varies quite a bit though as well as their isolation, some were out in the open.

    For cell service: ATT seems to have pretty decent coverage but not Verizon.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    Really pretty and chill

    This campground is pretty and offers many private site options. We didn't use the bathrooms so can't speak on that. But overall it's a clean campground.

    There are two loops. 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. The sites by the lake are really pretty, but there's not much privacy. All of the sites are good size and the fire pits are placed well.

    The other loop farther away from the entrance has a lot more lakeside sites. But there's very little privacy. 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. We would not stay on that loop if we visited again. Unless it was site 101 which seemed more private for that loop.

    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. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious , peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh. That was absolutely beautiful.

    We will definitely stay here again.


Guide to Gilsum

Camping near Gilsum, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "So many lovely waterfront sites, clean facilities, camp store and beach are great." This park has trails leading to scenic views and a fire tower.
  • Kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, provide easy access to water activities. A visitor noted, "The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store."
  • Exploring Historic Sites: If you're near Spacious Skies Minute Man, you can visit nearby towns with rich history. One camper shared, "Concord is only a 30-minute drive away with two full days of revolutionary historic sites."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. One long-time visitor said, "If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Mt. Greylock Campsite Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "The staff, Pat in particular, were warm and friendly."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Jamaica State Park Campground are great for families. One parent noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads, sites were large and well spaced out."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Monadnock State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "I wish this were clearer on their website as we needed service to do some work."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the warmer months. A visitor at Monadnock State Park Campground warned, "The bugs… holy hell, the bugs."
  • No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Woodford State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Be prepared for no hook-ups but there is a dump station for self-contained toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer playgrounds and organized activities. At Jamaica State Park Campground, one reviewer said, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day."
  • Pack for Water Fun: If you're near water, bring swim gear and water toys. A camper at Bear Brook State Park Campground enjoyed the beach area, stating, "This site is close to the lake/beach area."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy on weekends. A visitor at Greenfield State Park Campground noted, "Mid-week, the park was at maybe 20% capacity, and it was amazing."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, "The camp sites were well shaded and spacious."
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with amenities like dump stations and clean bathrooms. One camper at Woodford State Park Campground praised the "beautiful bathrooms" and "clean, well-stocked" facilities.
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Minute Man Campground shared, "The rec hall had no games in it like the website showed."

Camping near Gilsum, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gilsum, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gilsum, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 167 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilsum, NH and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gilsum, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gilsum, NH is Ashuelot River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilsum, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Gilsum, NH.

What parks are near Gilsum, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Gilsum, NH that allow camping, notably Edward MacDowell Lake and Townshend Lake.