Cabin camping near North Stratford, New Hampshire offers accommodations within a region characterized by the northern Connecticut River Valley's diverse ecosystems and elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet. Located in Coös County, this rural area experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures typically ranging 65-80°F in July and August. Most cabin facilities operate seasonally from Memorial Day through early October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: Little Diamond Pond at Coleman State Park Campground offers excellent fishing conditions. "Great pond for fly fishing, eagle watching, etc. ATV traffic can be a little annoying, but otherwise quiet," notes Josh F., who emphasizes the remote location provides good fishing with limited crowds.
Wildlife observation: The area supports diverse wildlife including moose, bears, and loons. A camper at Brighton State Park reports, "Many campsites, some close together, some more remote, all very pleasant and well kept. Ice and fire wood for sale on site." The park features a moose observation platform where visitors have spotted wildlife.
Paddling on remote waterways: Maidstone State Park's clear lake provides memorable paddling experiences. "The lake had to be the most pure and pristine lake in Vermont, the park, trails, lake and community all make this and rememberable trip that'll always have you wanting to come back for more!" explains Kyle B., highlighting the clean water conditions.
What campers like
Disconnected environment: Many cabin locations have limited or no cellular service, allowing for a true retreat. At Maidstone State Park, campers appreciate this feature: "No cell service with either Verizon or AT&T but there is limited WiFi at check in building. Nice hiking trails and babbling brooks," notes Ted D.
Unique accommodation options: The region offers various cabin and shelter styles. Brighton State Park provides both standard cabins and lean-tos. Heather O. comments, "Clean, beautiful state park. Love camping in the lean-tos! My boyfriend & I camp here on a yearly basis with his fam. Love listening to the loons in the morning."
Natural sounds: Multiple campers mention the call of loons as a highlight of their cabin experience. At Brighton State Park Campground, one visitor shared, "We visited just as the foliage season was getting underway, end of September is peak this year," noting how natural sounds enhance the seasonal experience.
What you should know
Access and road conditions: Several campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. Miccal M. describes Maidstone: "The access road into the park is a well-maintained dirt road and about 5 miles long. Look for the bears, and other cutouts creatures in the clearings on the way in."
Limited services and supplies: The remote nature means planning ahead is essential. At Lake Francis State Park Campground, visitors note, "Grocery stores and comprehensive supplies are limited in this rural region. There is a store - Young's General Store less than 3 miles away that says they 'have pretty much everything'," shares Jim O.
Coin-operated showers: Most facilities require quarters for showers. "The laundry and showers are coin-op, which I was unaware of prior to my arrival. Make sure to bring quarters!" advises Timothy M. about Coleman State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks offer swimming areas appropriate for different ages. At Percy Lodge and Campground, Jeff J. reports, "Best place in the area hands down. Owners are the nicest people very clean and plenty of room for outside activities," noting the well-maintained grounds suitable for families.
Kid-friendly cabin layouts: When booking cabins for families, consider sleeping arrangements. Some cabins feature loft sleeping areas that may not be suitable for very young children due to steep stairs.
Rainy day activities: Weather in the region can change quickly. The lean-tos at Brighton State Park provide covered options. "We stayed in the lean-to made our stay much more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise," notes one visitor about the benefits during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer limited or no hookups for RVs. At Big Rock Campground, Aaron K. mentions, "Our site was pretty private. Overall a nice camp area. If you can find a clearing you'll see the Milky Way on a good night," highlighting the benefits of more primitive camping.
Dump station availability: Check whether your chosen campground has dump stations before arrival. Lake Francis State Park provides this service, with a camper noting, "The facilities in the main office were clean," indicating well-maintained infrastructure.
Site selection concerns: Some campgrounds have sites with challenging access or poor design. At Lake Francis, a camper observed, "The only downside to our experience was that our site was directly in front of another site, which required driving through our site to get to the one behind us. Poor design for sure."