Camping spots near Charlestown, New Hampshire range from 10-20 miles from town, offering different camping experiences along the Connecticut River Valley. The region sits at elevations between 400-1000 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Weather patterns can change quickly in the White Mountain foothills, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees common in evenings even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Mount Ascutney: Access trails directly from Mount Ascutney State Park Campground with multiple difficulty levels. "There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails," notes camper Marc D.
River floating and tubing: Bring water gear for gentle floats at Ashuelot River Campground. "We took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit," shares camper Rae-Ann W.
Wildlife spotting: Paddle upriver to observe local animals. "Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," reports Michael M. at Ashuelot River Campground.
Island exploration: Kayak to small islands in the waterways. Jessica N. describes Pillsbury State Park: "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Pillsbury State Park Campground offers secluded spots by the water. "I recently stayed at site 1A over the Memorial day weekend. After a very quick checkin at the Park office, I headed out to my site. The site features a 200ft(60yd) hike in on a rustic trail. At the end of the trail you are greeted with a nice private site, and an equally spectacular view of the Vickery Pond," says Richard M.
Lean-to options: Winhall Brook Camping Area provides sheltered camping structures as alternatives to tents. "All sites have a great view of the river, but I won't go so far as to call them waterfront as there is a bank covered with lush foliage between the sites and the water," a camper notes.
Low light pollution: Stargazing opportunities at open field sites. At Ashuelot River Campground, a camper points out, "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night."
Minimal crowds: Several campgrounds maintain smaller, quieter environments. Brandon C. reports about Pillsbury State Park: "This state park is a small and primitive one. It has less sites than a lot of the other ones."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by provider. At Jamaica State Park Campground, Brittany B. notes you'll find "no cell service and a gorgeous back drop is a perfect spot to just unwind from the real world."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close after mid-October. Tree Farm Campground runs "May 10th to Oct 19th" while Jamaica State Park operates "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend."
Primitive facilities: Many parks offer basic amenities only. Richard M. describes Pillsbury: "Amenities are small, as there are a few wells on the campground, though a small hike from this site, as it's very secluded. Also by the well there are a few toilets, which amount to nothing more then fancy outhouses."
Covered bridge restrictions: Pay attention to bridge weight limits when approaching some campgrounds. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits," warns John L. about Ashuelot River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Crown Point Camping Area offers kid-friendly water features. "They have a lagoon for kids, with built in water rafts in the middle for kids to jump in. They have scheduled events that occur including family and adult only fire truck rides around the campground," describes Katie R.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. Bill F. notes Crown Point has "a children's playground. Hiking trails nearby. Canoes for rent."
Group recreation areas: Look for campgrounds with open spaces. Melissa L. says about Winhall Brook: "Huge volleyball and sports meadow. Nice pavilion."
Family programming: Some campgrounds offer scheduled activities. Katie R. shares that Crown Point has "bonfires, shuffle board and corn hole tournaments and so many options for entertainment."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Tree Farm Campground, avoid certain areas if you want privacy. "Nicest sites are taken by seasonal. Sewer and water hookups. Safari field isn't nice, they crowd you in," advises Melissa R.
Size limitations: Many local campgrounds can't accommodate larger rigs. Jim B. cautions about Caton Place Campground: "The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig (with my motorcycle lift)."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in state parks. Elizabeth M. notes Tree Farm Campground has "Plenty of room, busy on holiday weekends generally very quiet. Wooded and trees between sites. Fullhook up. Friendly staff."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment. About Caton Place, Jim shares: "Driving out of the site was just as bad. You have to go down a small hill and bottom out the front and then drag the backend out of the dirt."
