Camping options in northeastern New Hampshire include primitive campgrounds, state parks, and river access sites between elevations of 1,000-1,300 feet. The Connecticut River forms a natural boundary between New Hampshire and Vermont, with heavily forested land throughout the region. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, so most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through mid-October.
What to do
**Fishing access: Near Mollidgewock State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "Caught about a dozen small rainbows anchored at the head of the rapids," reports Gre C. The Androscoggin River provides good trout fishing throughout summer.
**Paddling routes: The Connecticut River Paddlers Trail offers multiple camping options. "There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading," notes Sarah C. about Maine Railroad Trestle. Sites require a short paddle between access points, with minimal portaging.
**Wildlife viewing: The Northeast Kingdom region contains significant wildlife habitats. "The Nulhegan section of the Silvia O. Conte wildlife refuge is a short drive away with a lot of hiking options," explains one visitor to Nulhegan Confluence Hut. Early morning provides optimal moose and loon viewing opportunities.
What campers like
**Remote camping: Many campers value the isolation of sites near North Stratford. At Maidstone State Park, Kate S. notes it's "Very remote. Nearest town about 45 minutes away... No cell service. Loved it... pretty far away though." This remoteness means fewer crowds even during peak season.
**Swimming spots: River and lake swimming options exist throughout the region. The Scott C. Devlin Memorial site has "a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend" according to Sarah C., while Lyman Falls offers deeper, calmer water. Always check water conditions before entering.
**Night skies: The limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "If you can find a clearing you'll see the Milky Way on a good night," notes Aaron K. about Big Rock Campground. Clear autumn nights offer optimal viewing conditions.
What you should know
**Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. Ted D. reports at Maidstone that there is "No cellular with either Verizon or AT&T but there is limited WiFi at check in building." Download maps and information before arrival.
**Tick awareness: Ticks remain active throughout camping season. "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around," notes a visitor to Scott C. Devlin Memorial. Check thoroughly after hiking, especially in grassy areas.
**Limited supplies: Stock up before reaching remote camping areas. Sarah C. warns, "This campground is remote and it's about 45 min. to the nearest town." The general store in Bloomfield, Vermont provides basic items but has limited hours and inventory.
Tips for camping with families
**Dog friendly campgrounds near North Stratford: Brighton State Park Campground receives high marks for pet accommodations. "Campsites are private and the place is often not busy affording extra privacy," notes Jordan S. Sites have adequate space for dogs and tents without crowding.
**Bathroom facilities: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. Justina C. reports Brighton has the "Cleanest showers I've seen at any campsite so far," while primitive sites offer only basic facilities. Consider this when planning with young children.
**Wildlife experiences: Families can enjoy natural encounters, particularly bird watching. "The loons are amazing," writes Emma B. about Maidstone. Morning and evening hours provide best opportunities for hearing loon calls across the lakes.
Tips from RVers
**Site accessibility: Many campgrounds have limited options for larger RVs. Ronald C. cautions at Lakeside Camping that "If you have anything over 30 feet find somewhere else." Check specific site dimensions when booking.
**Hookup availability: Electric connections are inconsistent throughout the region. Sites with hookups often fill quickly, especially at Big Rock Campground which Angelica H. describes as having "not much privacy" but does offer amenities RVers need.
**Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds close by mid-October. The combination of unpaved access roads and seasonal closures means planning ahead is essential. Early May openings often coincide with muddy conditions that can challenge larger vehicles.
Scout
