177 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $47 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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!"
from $35 - $105 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $54 - $999 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $42 / night
Check Availability"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
"There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."
"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."
from $26 - $36 / night
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ScoutWe 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.
TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
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.
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.
TravelerDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
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.
TravelerGreat little dispersed camping area off Forest Road 71 in West Dover, Vermont. Once you get onto the forest service road, everything is gravel/dirt, with several small pull-offs and primitive campsites scattered along the road. Some sites are only a few feet from the road, while others are tucked back around 100 feet and offer a little more privacy.
The individual pull-offs can be a little more challenging to reach. Most involve some combination of hills, rocks, ruts, and mud, although nothing was too crazy. Some spots are definitely easier to get into than others, so having a vehicle with decent ground clearance is helpful.
There was a decent amount of traffic passing through the area while we were there, but nothing too crazy or disruptive. The campsite we stayed at had a fire pit, but there was no running water at our site, and I don’t believe the other dispersed sites have running water either.
Overall, a pretty good option if you’re looking for a primitive, low-key camping spot with multiple sites to choose from. Just don’t expect complete solitude, especially during busier times.
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
Camping spots near Gilsum, New Hampshire range from primitive woodland sites to full-service campgrounds within the Monadnock Region. The area sits at approximately 800-1,100 feet in elevation, with distinct seasonal changes that bring colorful fall foliage from mid-September through October and warm summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Winter closures typically begin by late October as nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
Kayaking at Ashuelot River: The Ashuelot River provides excellent flat-water paddling opportunities. At Ashuelot River Campground, campers can rent canoes and kayaks on-site or bring their own. "We brought our kayaks and had no problem kayaking on the flat surface river," notes Karen O., while Michael M. mentions "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground."
Hiking trail access: Several campgrounds offer direct trail connections to larger networks. Gilson Pond Area Campground provides access to Mount Monadnock via the Birchtoff Trail which leaves directly from the campground. For those seeking less strenuous options, the pond loop trail offers an easier walk. According to Jean C., "You can hike the path to the mountain trailhead or drive over and park for the day."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds and waterways around Gilsum offer fishing. Chapman Acres provides access to a secluded pond with canoe access. Kathleen W. shares that "A hidden path nearby brings you to a canopy covered swing that overlooks the pond. Another path leads you to the canoe access." While Pillsbury State Park features several interconnected ponds ideal for fishing, with Brandon C. noting "The lake would really be nice for kayaking if you have one."
Privacy between sites: Many campers highlight the separation between camping spots as a key benefit. At Pillsbury State Park Campground, Jessica N. explains, "Sites are a little bit close, but feel much more private thanks to the trees." Similarly at Greenfield State Park, Ali B. appreciates the "Good sized sites with plenty of shade and decent privacy."
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks highly among camper preferences. Richard M. describes his site at Pillsbury: "At the end of the trail you are greeted with a nice private site, and an equally spectacular view of the Vickery Pond." At Ashuelot River Campground, Wayne B. simply states, "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?"
Clean facilities: Greenfield State Park Campground earns praise for maintenance. Jade B. notes, "Restrooms are easy to reach throughout the campground and there is a shower house near the entrance to the campground (no quarters necessary)." At Jamaica State Park, Chris D. appreciated that "Bathrooms and showers were also kept nice and clean which is always a plus."
Cash only at some parks: Several campgrounds require cash payment for on-site services. Pillsbury State Park accepts only cash for firewood and other purchases, with Brandon C. explaining, "Everything is cash here, no cards accepted except when reserving a site online."
Water quality issues: Some swimming areas face seasonal closures. Hailey D. reports at Greenfield State Park: "When we went (July) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms... it is disappointing to not be able to swim at the campers beach."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Jamaica State Park Campground, Brittany B. considers it a positive: "no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world." At Pillsbury State Park, Brandon C. notes "Campsites have cell service" but signal strength varies by provider.
Trail conditions: Seasonal weather affects trail accessibility. Jean C. experienced challenging conditions at Monadnock State Park: "Because of the puddles and muck I encountered when trying to find the remote sites, I decided against hiking the Birchtoff trail."
Playground facilities: Spacious Skies Seven Maples offers extensive recreation for children. Erin M. shares, "The pool is amazing for kids of all ages with water slides and a splash area... The playground is really big with plenty to do." Similarly, Fransheska A. notes Jamaica State Park has a "Fun playground and nature area for kids. Very family friendly place."
Kid-friendly water features: Several locations provide safe swimming options for various ages. Camie S. warns about Pillsbury State Park: "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!" While Matt R. recommends near Greenfield State Park: "Close by to Garwin falls (beautiful little water falls you can swim in)."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Families can enjoy animal sightings around several campgrounds. At Pillsbury, a reviewer notes the "diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons," while Monadnock region offers numerous bird watching opportunities.
Site accessibility: Tree Farm Campground receives high marks for level sites. John C. appreciated the "Nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts." However, at Seven Maples, Zachary W. cautions about power limitations: "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities."
Hookup availability: Ashuelot River Campground offers various hookup options. John C. details, "Sites in the woods have water and 50 amp service, no sewer. Most of the open sites have 30/50 amp service with full hook-ups." At Brattleboro North KOA, Rebecca S. recommends the "Small and quiet" atmosphere with full hookups.
Site selection advice: Large RVs should avoid certain campgrounds. Tara S. warns about Monadnock State Park: "don't bring a large RV- the sites are not meant for big rigs." Similarly, at Ashuelot River Campground, Camie S. cautions about access: "Don't come in off of rt 10, there's a low covered, one lane bridge that you can't tow thru."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gilsum, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gilsum, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Gilsum, NH and 18 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 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gilsum, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 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.
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