A
Amber G.
Scout
ScoutTripoli Road
So much fun!
Went on a weekend and it was still very peaceful! Lots to do on such a beautiful back road. We stayed at two different sites each night we were there and both were equally beautiful and peaceful
Camping near North Sutton, NH
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The North Sutton area in New Hampshire features multiple campgrounds offering diverse accommodations, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks. Pillsbury State Park Campground provides a more rustic experience with no electric hookups or showers, while privately-owned establishments like Sandy Beach Campground and Crow's Nest Campground offer cabin rentals, RV sites with full hookups, and tent camping options. Most campgrounds in this region are situated near water features, with several providing direct access to ponds, lakes, or the Sugar River for fishing, swimming, and boating activities.
Camping season in the North Sutton region typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closing for the winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Many campgrounds offer firewood for purchase on-site, and most allow pets with proper supervision. Weather conditions can change rapidly in New Hampshire, with summer temperatures ranging from warm days to cool nights. Cell phone reception varies throughout the area, with limited coverage in more remote locations. A camper observed, "Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. Most of the campsites are accessible by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite."
Waterfront sites at campgrounds like Pillsbury State Park and Crow's Nest receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and recreation access. Several visitors mention the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly at the more rustic state park facilities. Private campgrounds generally offer more amenities including swimming pools, recreation halls, and organized activities. Sites with full hookups appeal to RV campers seeking convenience, while the more primitive locations attract those looking for a nature-focused experience. Campground bathrooms and shower facilities vary in quality and availability across the region, with some locations offering only pit toilets or portable facilities. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly appreciate locations that offer kayak and canoe rentals for exploring local waterways, with one visitor noting that Pillsbury State Park has "great little ponds for exploring by kayak or canoe."
Best Campgrounds near North Sutton (213)
1. 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
Check Availability2. Crow's Nest Campground
"Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay."
"There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability3. Northstar Campground
"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availability4. Spacious Skies French Pond
"I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak. The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up."
"Restroom closed to covid, some campgrounds kept them open and just cleaned more. Well no complaint here we’re self contained. Some areas could use some tidying up."
from $24 - $199 / night
Check Availability5. Sandy Beach Campground
6. Crows Nest
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability7. Tippicanoe Campground
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability8. Keyser Pond Campground
9. Oxbow Campground
"We stayed with our parents in their camper for a couple nights and had such a positive experience there!"
"We stayed right next to a cute pond on site 69. There was a family with several smaller children who were fishing g the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish."
from $30 - $45 / night
Check Availability10. Loon Lake Campground & Function Hall
Drive Time
- 37 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 24 min from Boston, MA
- 1 hr 38 min from Worcester, MA
- 2 hrs from Amherst Center, MA
Recent Camping Photos near North Sutton, NH
565 Photos of 213 North Sutton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near North Sutton, NH
936 Reviews of 213 North Sutton Campgrounds
Henry M.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Spent Several Days
We spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
Harley J.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Really Enjoyed
Really enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
David B.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Always Nice Coming Back
What we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
Alison S.ScoutShir-Roy Camping Area
Great spot
Where does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
- KKaSondra S.Scout
Crown Point Camping Area
Disappointed
Very Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
- MMarie S.Scout
Gunstock Campground
Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion
⭐**Gunstock Campground: Apparently Your Reserved Site Is More of a Suggestion**
I don't believe I have**ever** left a negative Google review. I generally think that when something goes wrong, you contact the business, give them an opportunity to make it right, and most businesses are genuinely interested in doing exactly that.
Gunstock Campground has cured me of that quaint notion.
I reserved a full-hookup campsite for two nights. I was unable to make it there the first night, but arrived shortly after 7:00 a.m. the next morning. The camp store, where registration takes place, wasn't open yet, so I headed out for my planned hike— about six miles through the Belknaps, including summiting Rowe twice and Gunstock.
By the time I returned, I was utterly exhausted, starving, and actually feeling weak. My ambitions for the afternoon were modest:**eat something, take a shower, and collapse at the campsite I had paid for.**
The staff at the camp store greeted me warmly, checked me in, and sent me on my way.
I drove to my site. There was already a camper in it. Not merely*parked* there, mind you. They had apparently moved right in. They were hooked up to**my site's water and electric**, with water spraying from their ill-fitting hose connection and forming a rather impressive puddle underneath the camper.
I returned to the camp store to report that someone had apparently activated Gunstock's new**"Choose Any Site You Like"** camping plan. A staff member went down to speak with them and came back to tell me they were "packing up." Excellent! My mistake was assuming" packing up" meant**leaving**. It did not.
Apparently these campers had actually reserved a site**two rows away** that had**no water or electric**. Yet somehow, sometime after arriving the previous night, they had accidentally found themselves two rows over, in my clearly different site, connected to utilities their reservation didn't include.
We've all made mistakes. I've occasionally parked one space away from where I intended. I've never accidentally parked**two rows away, hooked myself up to someone else's electricity and water, and spent the night.**
But perhaps I lack imagination.
After they had now consumed about an hour of my afternoon— which, incidentally, is an hour I normally bill at attorney rates— I went back toward my site expecting to find it finally vacated.
And it was! Because Gunstock had moved these folks to another site**two spaces away from me**, apparently allowing them to pay for the upgrade they had already been test-driving. So the people who knowingly or unknowingly occupied my reserved full-hookup site, used the utilities, and delayed me from getting into the site I paid for were rewarded with...a nearby full-hookup site.
They never walked over to apologize. At that point, I no longer felt comfortable staying. It's difficult to relax at a campground when you've just discovered that site assignments appear to operate somewhat on the honor system— and that when someone helps themselves to your reserved site and utilities, management's solution is apparently to make sure *they* remain comfortably accommodated nearby. So I left. On my way home, I called Gunstock and asked for a refund. Surely, I thought, this would be the easy part. After all, I had paid for two nights, hadn't used the first, couldn't get into my site when I arrived for the second, waited while unauthorized occupants vacated it, and ultimately left because the entire experience had become so unpleasant.
Nope. Instead, the staff member **defended the other campers**. I was told they arrived late and "mistakenly" took my site. I was even told they supposedly **hadn't used the utilities**. This was particularly fascinating information for me to receive because **I PERSONALLY SAW THEM HOOKED UP TO THE WATER AND ELECTRIC.** I also took photographs. Including the enormous puddle underneath their camper from the leaking water connection. But apparently my eyewitness account and photographs were no match for the alternative version of events.
For my inconvenience, however, Gunstock did give me a coupon for a **free Bavarian pretzel**. So there is that.
I paid for a full-hookup campsite. Someone else occupied it and used the hookups. I lost roughly an hour waiting to access what I had reserved. The other campers were accommodated with an upgraded site nearby. I left because I no longer felt comfortable staying. And when I asked Gunstock to make the situation right, they refused to refund me and instead argued with me about things **I had personally witnessed and photographed**. The most disappointing part isn't that another camper took my site. Campers can behave badly. Businesses can't control everything their customers do. **What a business CAN control is how it responds when that happens. ** Gunstock had every opportunity to turn this into a mildly annoying story about a camping mix-up. Instead, they turned it into my first negative Google review.
But hey... **I do have that free pretzel coupon.**
Roberta S.
GuideLake Dennison Recreation Area Campground
Stayed twice
The first time we stayed here, we were in a different site. It was fine, but not near the water. This time, we chose a site near the water, but it's literally surrounded by three other sites. It's not shown like that on the map. We had to drive through someone else's setup to get to our site. There's no privacy as there was in our previous site. This is one of the few state parks in Massachusetts with a dump station
Noah P.ScoutCrow's Nest Campground
Comfortable Stay
Crow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
Guide to North Sutton
The North Sutton camping area sits within central New Hampshire's rolling hills and woodlands, about 1,200 feet above sea level. This region experiences dramatic seasonal transitions, with spring camping often requiring thermal sleeping bags for overnight temperatures that can dip below 40°F even in May. Many campsites near North Sutton remain operational from late May through early October, though specific facilities and water access points may close earlier depending on seasonal conditions.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple interconnected ponds. A camper noted, "The park has great little ponds for exploring by kayak or canoe" with options for boat rentals available directly at the park office. Many paddlers report quiet mornings as the best wildlife viewing time.
Hiking connections: Pillsbury State Park Campground serves as an access point to the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. "There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway (a 48 mile trail connecting two of NHs beautiful mountains)," explains one visitor. The main trail is well-marked with white blazes.
Fishing spots: Sandy Beach Campground provides access to stocked fishing waters. According to a camper, "Playground is on the beach. They don't allow sparklers so that was a bummer on the 4th, but still got to see fireworks." Local waters typically contain bass and trout, with fishing licenses required for anyone 16 and older.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Sites along rivers and ponds rank consistently high in reviews. At Crow's Nest Campground, visitors appreciate "nice, quiet, shaded riverside sites." Another reviewer mentions, "The sites near the river were nice and quiet." These waterfront locations typically book first, often 3-4 months in advance.
Clean facilities: While amenities vary widely across camping options near North Sutton, cleanliness receives frequent mention. At Keyser Pond Campground, a visitor reports, "The bathroom was clean, but pretty cramped." Some campgrounds charge for showers ($0.25 for 5-8 minutes is standard).
Activity options: Family-friendly recreation opportunities exist at several locations. One camper at Loon Lake Campground noted, "Between the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use this place is amazing!" Most organized activities run on weekends, with fewer scheduled events midweek.
What you should know
Site privacy concerns: Many campgrounds in the region feature closely spaced sites. At Northstar Campground, a reviewer mentioned they "think we should have been shifted over 1-2 sites to achieve what we asked for, but it was still a fun time down on the river." Sites along water features typically have less screening vegetation.
Toilet facilities vary: Bathroom quality differs significantly across campgrounds. One camper at Crow's Nest reported, "The biggest reason for 3 stars not 5 the outhouse was awful and non functional. If they do nothing else they need to address this." Several locations use pit toilets or portable facilities rather than flush toilets.
Seasonal population: Many campgrounds have a high percentage of seasonal residents. At Keyser Pond Campground, a visitor observed, "It seems like the majority of the sites are seasonals. The tent sites are wicked small, packed together and so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet." Weekend noise levels typically exceed midweek periods.
Tips for camping with families
Pond swimming considerations: When camping with children, check water conditions beforehand. At Spacious Skies French Pond, one camper noted, "The sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy." Another mentioned, "Swimming is available at sunapee unless you like leaches." Water temperatures typically remain cool until late June.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas, but quality varies. "The campground has a gravel area at the sites where the fire ring and picnic tables are. Where we parked our trailer was some gravel sand and dirt," reported a visitor at French Pond, adding that there was "a beach, playground, pool" available.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly campgrounds may have unexpected noise issues. A visitor to Keyser Pond Campground warned, "The tent sites are wicked small, packed together and so close to the highway you don't get an ounce of quiet." Sites further from main roads or recreation areas typically offer quieter environments.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should bring leveling blocks to most camping sites near North Sutton. A visitor at Sandy Beach Campground noted, "Small but well organized campground. TT members will find all the comforts of home." Some campgrounds offer gravel pads while others have mixed surfaces of "gravel, sand and dirt."
Dump station access: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds. One RVer commented about Northstar Campground, "Dump stations not in great locations though." Some locations charge fees for non-campers using dump facilities, with costs up to $40 at certain campgrounds.
Hookup reliability: Electrical service quality varies by location. At French Pond, a camper mentioned being "disappointed" when "asked about receiving compensation for services that we are paying for but aren't being provided" including cable and WiFi that weren't operational. Most sites offer 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near North Sutton, NH?
What camping is available near North Sutton, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, North Sutton, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 213 campgrounds and RV parks near North Sutton, NH and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near North Sutton, NH?
Which is the most popular campground near North Sutton, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Sutton, NH is Pillsbury State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Sutton, NH?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Sutton, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near North Sutton, NH.
What parks are near North Sutton, NH?
What parks are near North Sutton, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near North Sutton, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and North Hartland Lake.
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