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Best Campgrounds near New Ipswich, NH

593 Reviews

Camping near New Ipswich, New Hampshire encompasses a mix of wooded state parks and family-oriented private campgrounds in the Monadnock region of southern New Hampshire. The area is anchored by Monadnock State Park's Gilson Pond Campground, located at the base of Mount Monadnock, a prominent 3,165-foot peak made famous in writings by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Nearby Greenfield State Park Campground offers lakeside camping opportunities, while Woodmore Family Campground in Rindge provides amenities for both tent and RV campers. The Massachusetts border is just minutes away, giving campers access to additional options like Willard Brook State Forest and Pearl Hill State Park.

Most campgrounds in the New Ipswich area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with peak season running from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holiday periods. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in the more remote campgrounds and hiking areas. Mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months, so insect repellent is essential. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with warm summers (70-85°F), colorful falls, and cold winters that typically close most camping facilities. Fire regulations are strictly enforced, with firewood often available for purchase at campground offices.

State park campgrounds in the region typically offer more natural settings with varying levels of privacy between sites. According to reviews, Gilson Pond Campground features "super private sites" with "friendly rangers" and "incredible hiking" opportunities. The campground is not suitable for large RVs, and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Monadnock State Park. Private campgrounds like Woodmore Family provide more amenities, including full hookups for RVs, camp stores, and organized activities. Many campgrounds in the area feature access to ponds or lakes for swimming and paddling, with boat rentals available at some locations. Hiking trails are abundant throughout the region, with Mount Monadnock offering challenging terrain and spectacular views from its summit.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Ipswich, New Hampshire (127)

    1. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    13 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."

    2. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    14 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!"

    3. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    "As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."

    4. The Pine Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 386-7702

    "Small river/ brook rind behind the campground.   Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites.  No pond or pool for swimming."

    5. Otter River State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Baldwinville, MA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 939-8962

    $17 - $55 / night

    "The camp ground is clean nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking.  The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground.  "

    "Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both). One of my favorites. It's kind of a hidden gem in north central Massachusetts."

    6. Pearl Hill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Townsend, MA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-2850

    $17 - $35 / night

    "We really lucked out with getting one of a few sites left on Memorial Day weekend - after walking the campground, I think we would have chosen the same one again! "

    "It was like walking with fur on the bottom of our shoes. The dog also got needles stuck all over and we had to use our COVID alcohol gel to get the glue off. "

    7. Spacious Skies Minute Man

    28 Reviews
    Ayer, MA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 772-0042

    $39 - $999 / night

    "The pool is huge and clean and there is a ton of seating around. The shop has everything you could need. There are horseshoes, can jam, basketball, and bocce. There’s a playground and a rec room."

    "Easily accessible by car to shopping, groceries, etc. but no hiking or good walking paths from the campground."

    8. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Rindge, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 899-3362

    $42 - $65 / night

    "the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly the owners are wonderful people and super friendly very helpful it's clean they offer a lot of stuff to do right on a lake"

    9. Willard Brook State Forest Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ashby, MA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 597-8802

    $14 - $55 / night

    "Sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines. "

    "This campground is small - but its conveniently located near a larger city if you decide you want to venture back to civilization. The trails in the park are nice and well maintained."

    10. Friendly Beaver Campground

    13 Reviews
    New Boston, NH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 487-5570

    $60 - $130 / night

    "The views outside our camper window is amazing. We’re surrounding be trees and it’s breathtaking when surrounded by freshly fallen snow."

    "I prefer trees, but this wont keep us away from trying out RV sites this year."

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Recent Camping Photos near New Ipswich, NH

372 Photos of 127 New Ipswich Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Ipswich, NH

593 Reviews of 127 New Ipswich Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • gabe N.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    What a gem

    We camped here one night on a pit stop and it exceeded our expectations! We camped on the north shore; sites were big and offered immediate access to and view of the lake. However, there is limited privacy between sites so hope for good neighbors :) also cell service was fine with AT&T.

  • Cassie G.
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Fun laid back place. This campground has a lot of potential. Some info on their website and Facebook isn’t accurate.

    I would like to share my experience this past weekend at Winding River in Exeter NH. My family of 3 Stayed at tent site 523 in the Oak area. We also had family at 553 and 554 and Cabin 2.

    About site 523: I clearly had one of the largest and most private tent sites. It was set back with a long driveway tucked between 522 and 524. It’s a very steep drop into the river making most sites a little nerve wracking with a little one. Online it said water available nearby. Most sites had a hookup but there wasn’t a one on my site. It looked like there may have been one to share on the road, but I didn’t end up needing to figure that out.

    Tent sites 522 and 524: Along with most of the tent sites these sites were very close to each other, much smaller and closer to the road. I wished my family members had gotten 552 and 553 as they blended together nicely if you are tenting in side by side spaces. The ground was very rocky making staking tents down difficult. They were right next to the bathroom which was convenient but loud. Ventilation in the bathroom was not good so the doors were propped open much of the time and loud hand dryers.

    Shower:

    • This is the smaller of the two bathrooms in the campground. There are 2 showers there. Each with a single insufficient curtain and no hooks on the wall or bench to place things down. Water was hot enough, pressure was ok if you set it to the high power massage-like setting.
    • The showers in other bathroom (near the town center area) had a door and two curtains. Some had hooks (some of which were broken). I almost tripped going in and out of these bathroom stalls because they are raised up but there is no marking on the ground to indicate that.

    Cabin 2: Ac worked well. There was a good sized bed downstairs, smaller beds in two lofts. I was surprised the couch didn’t pull out. Fridge and all dishes were nice and clean. All the cabins seem to have different back porch setups. This porch was smaller than C1. There was a propane grill that smelled rancid with sooo much caked on The burners. The location of the ceiling fan under the other lights in the ceiling gave them a flashing effect that really bothered me.

    Pros:

    • Lower price compared to other campgrounds (but I don’t feel like I got everything advertised on the website)
    • Two playgrounds, both were nice.
    • Water slide was fun
    • We arrived Thursday at the gate and were told how to get to our site, to set up and then come over to the office which was nice.

    Cons:

    • The river is very low and yucky so none of the boating or fishing advertised was possible. likely causing the massive amount of mosquitos.
    • The whole arcade building was was “out of order”
    • The laundry room had two washers (one was broken) and two dryers 2.50 each per load. Not sufficient for a campground this size (especially when people leave their clothes in the machine for 30 mins after they’re done!)
    • Camp store was poorly stocked (multiple empty coolers).
    • Ice $3 per SMALL bag.
    • Wood $10 per bundle and rules say you can’t bring from off-site. I saw people with huge metal bins of wood but was never offered that option when I payed for multiple bundles.
    • Camp store closes at 3 on Sunday and doesn’t open until 11 am during the week (which is also checkout). This made it a little confusing when I wanted to return the golf cart. They have a small area with icecream that is scooped and maybe a kitchen. I never saw it open but I think the sign said open morning to 12 and then again in the evening.
    • The pool was green and cloudy on day 3. I called the office and was told they had just shocked it and that was a result of the copper. I am not informed enough on pool safety so I opted out of swimming on the hottest day of our stay. My son was bummed.
    • Planned activities were only scheduled for Friday and Saturday, when online mentions “daily”. During adult kareoke there were plenty of kids and really poor wifi (wasting so much time between songs).

    And just to add:

    • Staff I encountered was friendly enough, but It would be nice if they wore shirts to identify themselves.
    • Golf cart was great, but cost more than the site per night.
    • Pedal go-carts were available for rent (I didn’t ask a price).
  • Rae Y.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Saddleback Campground

    Uncomfortable feeling for my girls

    I made everyone stay in the trailer every night , we just didn’t feel comfortable with our girls being out after dark. There was def a lot of questionable rif raf that were definitely on something and it was obvious that there were a few girls there that were working.   Always men working on vehicles.  Family will not go back. Don’t want my daughter around that

  • Savanna B.
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Winding River Campground

    Place is nice, can get loud

    It's a nice campground with a pool and hottub. The store is a little overpriced. Most of the staff is okay but there are some that are a little rude. It can get loud at times but it's mostly chill

Guide to New Ipswich

Camping sites near New Ipswich, New Hampshire range from state forests to family-oriented private facilities set against the backdrop of the Wapack Range, with elevations reaching approximately 2,300 feet at nearby Pack Monadnock. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, with summer highs averaging 70-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Tent campers will find pine-dominated campsites throughout the region, creating natural shade but sometimes requiring site preparation due to sticky pine needles.

What to do

Swimming in natural settings: Greenfield State Park Campground offers a swimming pond with a clean beach area, though it can get crowded on busy weekends. The park also features a frog pond that's fun to explore. As one camper notes, "Swimming pond and beach is clean but can get crowded on a busy weekend."

Hiking local trails: Lake Dennison Recreation Area provides excellent hiking opportunities directly from the campsites. According to a reviewer, "Great hiking right from the campsites" and another mentions that "There are ample trails for hiking and kids can ride their bikes."

Water sports: Lake Dennison is described as "perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing" by a visitor. The lake offers a small but serviceable beach area for campers. Another camper points out, "The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish)."

Mountain biking: Willard Brook State Forest provides mountain biking trails throughout its wooded terrain. A visitor mentioned, "The trails in the park are nice and well maintained," making it suitable for both beginner and intermediate riders.

Wildlife observation: Pearl Hill State Park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. The campground includes a "nice big open field too with a few lawn games set up" according to one reviewer, providing spaces to watch for birds and other animals in their natural habitat.

What campers like

Private wooded sites: Monadnock State Park receives high marks for its secluded campsites. One camper reports, "This is one of the quietest and most peaceful campgrounds I've ever stayed at. The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly." Another visitor notes, "The campsites are large and wooded; I had a better view of the campsite across the road than the ones next door."

Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities at campgrounds in the area. A visitor to Willard Brook State Forest commented, "This small state forest campground in north/central Massachusetts is just up the hill from Damon Pond...sites are largely level, around a small, bisected loop with towering pines."

Natural water features: Otter River State Forest has a small pond that draws positive reviews. A camper shared, "This campground is clean and well kept. Lots of families here. Swimming in a pond or a short drive to a bigger lake (camping pass covers both)."

Accessible hiking: The proximity to Mount Monadnock is a major draw. One reviewer wrote about Monadnock State Park, "Just a 2 mile drive to the Mt. Monadnock HQ & visitor center, and the $25 per night campsite fee includes a parking place to hike Monadnock."

What you should know

Site types and sizes: At Pearl Hill State Park, "There are some wonderful sites in this campground, but not all of them have privacy." For RVs, options are limited at many state parks: "You can get in here with a smaller RV, but the campground isn't built for larger units with the turns and curves."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. At Greenfield State Park, even during off-peak times, "We arrived after dark and our friends were able to pick up a parking pass for us ahead of time."

Water quality concerns: Water access can be affected by seasonal conditions. One camper noted, "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."

Insect preparation: Beyond mosquitoes, other insects can be an issue. A visitor to Pearl Hill warned, "Bring sandals for the shower as you may get tetanus," while another mentioned "deer flies are killer but a little smokey fire takes care of them."

Tips for camping with families

Activity options: Friendly Beaver Campground offers extensive amenities for children. A family camper shared, "They have 3 outdoor pools (sports, toddler, regular) plus an indoor pool for rainy or chilly days. They have a few animals the kids can feed. They also have crafts, hayrides and games, playground and other events."

Swimming alternatives: Lake Dennison Recreation Area provides family-friendly swimming. A visitor observed, "This is a gorgeous campground with clean facilities and responsive rangers...The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing."

Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas. At Monadnock State Park, a camper noted, "There is a large playground for kids <12 and a wide open day use area for picnicking. It would be a great place to run around and play games."

Site selection for families: Choose sites away from main roads for safety. At Greenfield State Park, a visitor recommended, "Sites are nice and the campground is nice and clean," but cautioned that some sites have better privacy than others.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: The Pine Campground accommodates smaller RVs but has limitations. A camper with a 25' travel trailer noted, "Staff assisted to guide us into our space. 25' travel trailer, full hookups. Lot 6, backs onto a little creek."

Hookup availability: Most state parks offer limited hookups. At Monadnock State Park, "Only 7 sites are suitable for a trailer/RV, 4 of them with electric hookups (add $10 to the site rate), but none with water."

Site leveling: State park campgrounds typically require some site preparation. An RVer at Lake Dennison mentioned, "Sites are wooded and shady and not RIGHT on top of each other, but pretty close together. The fire ring grill is NOT adjustable."

Cell service: Connectivity varies significantly. At Pearl Hill, a camper reported, "I lost cell coverage (Verizon) as I approached the campground, so you may want to ensure you have maps downloaded for offline use if you'll be out exploring. Once I got up the hill to the campground, however, I had decent coverage."

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or dispersed camping areas near New Ipswich?

While New Ipswich itself has limited free camping options, nearby areas offer some alternatives. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston, MA is just across the Massachusetts border and provides affordable camping with some primitive sites. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire offers more remote camping experiences at reasonable rates. True dispersed camping is limited in this region due to land regulations, but budget-conscious campers can find walk-in tent sites at several state parks that offer more seclusion and lower fees than developed campgrounds. Always check with the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands for current regulations before attempting dispersed camping.

What are the best hiking trails near camping areas in New Ipswich?

The New Ipswich area offers excellent hiking opportunities near several campgrounds. Monadnock State Park with the Gilson Pond Campground provides access to Mount Monadnock's network of trails, including the popular White Dot and White Cross trails that lead to spectacular summit views. The 3,165-foot mountain is one of the most climbed in the world. Another great option is Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, featuring diverse trails that wind through forests, around ponds, and up to a fire tower with panoramic views. The Boulder Field Trail is popular for rock scrambling enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of trail difficulties suitable for families, casual hikers, and experienced trekkers alike.

What camping options are available in New Ipswich, NH?

New Ipswich and the surrounding area offer several camping options. Woodmore Family Campground and RV Park is a family-friendly option with amenities and activities for all ages. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and has friendly staff. For those seeking a state park experience, Pillsbury State Park Campground is within driving distance, offering primitive camping without electric hookups. Most sites are accessible by car with lakefront options available. Other nearby options include Greenfield State Park and several private campgrounds that accommodate both tent campers and RVs. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer seasons.

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