J
Jaliyah M.
Scout
ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Around The Fire
First time camping in this area and we really liked it. The pool kept the kids busy and we spent the evenings around the fire.
Camping near Keene, NH
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The landscape surrounding Keene, New Hampshire encompasses a diverse mix of camping options within the Monadnock region. Several established campgrounds like Ashuelot River Campground in Swanzey and Gilson Pond Area Campground at Monadnock State Park accommodate multiple camping styles. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations. The area's proximity to Mount Monadnock, one of the most frequently hiked mountains in the Northeast, makes it a popular base for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both day hikes and overnight stays.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from May through October, reflecting New Hampshire's distinct seasonal patterns. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season. The camping areas vary from waterfront locations to forest settings with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Campgrounds like Greenfield State Park and Monadnock State Park provide modern amenities including showers and restrooms, while also maintaining a natural setting. Cell service can be limited in more remote locations, particularly in valleys or densely wooded areas. A visitor to Monadnock State Park noted, "This is one of the quietest and most peaceful campgrounds I've ever stayed at. The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious."
Campers consistently highlight the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Keene area features multiple bodies of water, including lakes and rivers that provide swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities near many campgrounds. Campground reviews frequently mention well-maintained facilities and the family-friendly atmosphere at many locations. Several campgrounds offer easy access to hiking trails directly from the campsites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, sites with more privacy and distance from highways tend to receive higher ratings. While some campgrounds like Ashuelot River and Kampfires provide full hookups for RVs, others such as Fort Dummer State Park focus on more rustic camping experiences with fewer amenities. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing completely during the colder months when snow typically blankets the region.
Best Campgrounds near Keene (171)
1. Ashuelot River Campground
"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 Availability2. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park
"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 Availability3. Fort Dummer State Park Campground
"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."
4. Kampfires
"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 Availability5. Greenfield State Park Campground
"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 Availability6. Spacious Skies Seven Maples
"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 $55 - $999 / night
Check Availability7. Brattleboro North KOA
"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."
8. Chapman Acres
"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 Availability9. Swanzey Lake Camping Area
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability10. 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
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Amherst Center, MA
- 1 hr 4 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 13 min from Springfield, MA
- 1 hr 14 min from Worcester, MA
Recent Camping Photos near Keene, NH
392 Photos of 171 Keene Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Ashuelot River Campground
Chapman AcresK
Forest Lake Campgrounds
Brattleboro North KOA
Kampfires
Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park
Fort Dummer State Park Campground
Kenolie Village CampgroundL
Spacious Skies Seven MaplesR
Woodmore Family Campground and RV ParkJ
Maple Ridge Farm
Tentrr Signature Site - Hillside Haven
Recent Reviews near Keene, NH
758 Reviews of 171 Keene Campgrounds
Kirsten F.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Small Campground
Small campground, which we actually really liked. It wasnt crowded or overwhelming and we could just relax at our site.
- BBrooke D.Scout
Crow's Nest Campground
Our Favorite Part
The Sugar River was our favorite part. We spent a good amount of time down by the water and the kids loved cooling off there.
Hollie M.ScoutBerry's Grove Campground
Brought The RV Up
We brought the RV up for a weekend and everything was really easy. Hookups were right there and getting settled took no time at all.
- Jen J.
TravelerShir-Roy Camping Area
Peaceful
Love this place. We were the only ones there during a weekday visit in October. It’s incredibly peaceful with wooded sites and the lake is just gorgeous with the fall foliage. Bonus that they deliver firewood to the campsite. My only wish and I wouldn’t knock a star off because we were literally the only ones there is I wish they didn’t lock the showers. I would have loved to have a shower but the office was closed and I wasn’t able to find anyone to unlock a shower. Just be prepared and bring your dude wipes 🤣 Other than that amazing place.
Senona C.TravelerGeorge D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Little stop for three days as we travel!
Lots of beautiful spots to pick from but be careful some are a bit muddy. We brought our school bus down the dirt road just fine and backed right in. They also have fireplaces which was nice!
- jjeanne A.
GuideGreenwood Lodge & Campsites
Relaxing overnight
Wonderful owners. A variety of sites to choose from in a relaxing setting. No waste hookups here, but they have a dump station. $51 per night with cash.
- AAndie M.Traveler
Country Aire Campgrounds
Repeat guest here!
Laundry is clean, bathrooms are clean and showers are hot. Pool, dishwashing station, sometimes quite sometimes very active. Love this place! Wish it was open year round!
Tara S.
LegendCoolidge State Park Campground Vermont
Very private with gorgeous views
This is a quiet campground in a quiet part of the state. The terrain is mountainous, and all of the sites are private. There are two loops, one for tents/RVs and one for lean-tos. We stayed in the Willow lean-to, and while our site didn't have a view, it was one of the most private sites we've stayed in and just a short walk to the bathhouse.
The campground was created by the CCC in the 1930s, and from what I've heard, it hasn't changed much since that time. While we were here, we visited the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (very cool), Long Trail Brewing, and the town of Woodstock. Great trip!
Guide to Keene
Cabin camping serves as a popular option among the camping spots near Keene, New Hampshire. The region sits within the Monadnock Highlands at elevations ranging from 400 to 1000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Most cabins in the area require advance booking, with availability typically limited on summer weekends when temperatures average 75-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Paddle the Ashuelot River: Campers at Ashuelot River Campground can access the waterway directly from their sites. "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," notes Michael M. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service available.
Hike Monadnock via less crowded trails: The Birchtoff trail leaves directly from Gilson Pond Area Campground and provides a longer but less congested route to the summit. "There's also the longer hike to the mountain from the campground if you don't mind the extra ~1-1/2 miles each way, though it seems those miles are relatively flat," explains one visitor.
Explore local swimming holes: At Pillsbury State Park, campers can enjoy water activities on multiple ponds. "Our site was waterfront and shared a small beach/kayak launch with the neighboring site. Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," shares Jessica N. Note that some visitors mention leeches in certain water bodies, so swimming in streams may be preferable.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campsites in the region offer substantial privacy. At Gilson Pond Area Campground, "The sites are super private, with trees for separation," while at Greenfield State Park, "Large campground with lots of woods to block you from other campers."
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "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," says one camper about Monadnock State Park facilities.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife. "Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," reports a visitor to Ashuelot River Campground. At Pillsbury State Park, the diversity of habitats "makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Fort Dummer State Park has limited sites and requires advance planning. "Sites are large and well maintained. Plenty of space between sites. It is a state park so there are not many services," notes Jessica S.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. At Fort Dummer, "Since it's so close to the highway, you can hear traffic all night," mentions Lilia W. Sites deeper in campgrounds typically offer more buffer from road noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds near Keene, NH?
What are the best campgrounds near Keene, NH?
The Keene area offers excellent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park is a top choice with 37 wooded sites near a scenic pond, providing direct access to hiking on Mount Monadnock. Kampfires is another standout facility featuring comprehensive amenities including an ice cream shop, mini golf, amphitheater for summer entertainment, and various recreational activities like basketball and shuffleboard. Other notable options within driving distance include Greenfield State Park Campground, Pillsbury State Park for a more primitive experience, and Ashuelot River Campground in nearby Swanzey for those seeking a waterfront setting.
How much does camping cost in the Keene, NH area?
How much does camping cost in the Keene, NH area?
Camping costs around Keene vary based on amenities and park management. At Greenfield State Park Campground, sites are reasonably priced with standard state park rates. For more budget-friendly options, Pillsbury State Park Campground offers primitive camping without electrical hookups or showers, keeping costs lower. Private campgrounds like Woodmore Family Campground typically charge higher rates but include additional amenities and activities. Expect to pay anywhere from $20-30 per night for basic state park sites, while private RV parks and resorts may range from $35-60+ depending on hookups and facilities. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-season camping, and state parks often have different rates for residents vs. non-residents.
Is tent camping available near Keene, NH?
Is tent camping available near Keene, NH?
Yes, numerous tent camping options exist near Keene. Tully Lake Recreation Area offers prime tent sites with direct lake access just across the Massachusetts border. Many sites are paddle-in or walk-in, creating a more immersive nature experience. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park welcomes tent campers with clean facilities and friendly management. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Swanzey Lake Camping Area provides tent sites in a wooded setting. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tents with designated areas away from RVs, and many state parks feature spacious tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. Reservation recommendations vary by season, with summer weekends typically requiring advance booking.
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