Munsonville sits in southwestern New Hampshire at approximately 1,300 feet elevation where wooded terrain meets numerous lakes and ponds. The camping season typically runs May through mid-October with July temperatures averaging between 55-80°F. The area's mix of forests and waterways creates habitat for diverse wildlife including deer, moose, and bald eagles.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on the Ashuelot River: Campers at Ashuelot River Campground can access the river directly for water recreation. "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."
Rail trail hiking: The rail trail system provides accessible hiking directly from several campgrounds. "You can pick up the Ashuelot Rail Trail at the campground. They have canoes and kayaks on site, plus a shuttle service for water sports or biking," reports Carry M. This makes it easy to explore the forested areas without needing transportation.
Fishing at multiple ponds: The area features several ponds suitable for fishing, each with different characteristics. At Oxbow Campground, one camper observed, "The fishing pond was perfect. I highly recommend this place if you have a family or simply need a place to clear your mind." Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older.
What campers like
Spacious, varied campsites: Ashuelot River Campground offers a mix of site types to accommodate different preferences. "Some site on the river, some in the woods and some in a field," explains Michael M. Another camper, John L., notes, "Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their bathroom and shower facilities. At Sandy Beach Campground, a visitor mentioned, "I really loved the weekend we spent there lots to do clean bathrooms and the store on site was so convenient definitely would go back." Similarly, campers appreciate the attention to cleanliness at other locations.
Helpful staff: Campground hosts often make a significant difference in the camping experience. Wayne B. shared about his stay, "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" Staff assistance extends to deliveries and local information, enhancing the outdoor experience.
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites while others have closer quarters. A visitor to Friendly Beaver Campground reported, "The campsites have VERY little to no privacy, we had to hang up tarps in between us and our neighbor or else we would practically be looking straight at each other if we both had a camp fire at the same time."
Weather considerations: The region can experience significant drought conditions that affect water activities. One camper noted, "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. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground."
Reservation timing: For glamping close to Munsonville, New Hampshire, booking well in advance is essential, especially for premium sites. A camper advised, "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits." This prevents navigation issues when arriving with larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple swimming options: Families appreciate having swimming areas designed for different ages. At Cold Springs Camp Resort, a visitor highlighted, "Very family centric, 7 pools which (include 2 hot tubs, a small 2x2 pool for kiddos, 1 adult only pool and 3 family pools)." This variety allows family members to enjoy water recreation at their comfort level.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer playground equipment for younger campers. "There's a playground, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances," notes a camper at Autumn Hills. These amenities help keep children entertained throughout their stay.
Scheduled activities: Family-oriented campgrounds often organize events for children. "We went for halloween weekend in August and their haunted house was incredible for a campground!" shared Kara C. These structured activities provide entertainment and opportunities for children to interact with other young campers.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: RV campers should prepare for varied site conditions. At Autumn Hills Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Sites are very small, and extremely close together. My 28 foot travel trailer barely fit into the site." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended at several campgrounds in the region.
Hookup positioning: The placement of hookups can require extra equipment. A camper noted, "We stayed at site 14 needed a very long sewer hose." RVers should check with the campground about specific site dimensions and hookup locations before arrival.
Seasonal camper presence: Many campgrounds in the region have a high percentage of seasonal occupants. At Sandy Beach Campground, a visitor observed, "The campground is very friendly... a lot of seasonal folks. We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine." This creates a community atmosphere but can limit availability for short-term stays, especially for luxury glamping near Munsonville.
