Wooded campsites with a mix of terrain characterize the camping options near Peterborough, New Hampshire. Located in the Monadnock Region at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,000 feet, the area experiences cool nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees after sunset. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-October when most campgrounds close for winter.
What to do
Kayaking on lakes and rivers: The Ashuelot River offers calm waters ideal for beginners. At Ashuelot River Campground, campers can rent equipment on-site. "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," notes Michael M.
Hiking shorter trails: For those not ready to tackle Mount Monadnock, explore gentler terrain. "There is also a very nice playground—new! Access to trails leading to Mount Monadnock for a healthy 3,600 foot peak, or gentle, shorter pond walks—everyone happy!" explains Patricia E. about Gilson Pond Area Campground.
Exploring rail trails: Several converted rail trails provide flat terrain for biking and walking. "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," shares Carry M. about Ashuelot River Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots. "The campsites are large and wooded; I had a better view of the campsite across the road than the ones next door," says Jean C. about Gilson Pond Area. "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious," adds Tara S.
Swimming options: Lake Dennison Recreation Area provides multiple swimming opportunities. "The lake is clean and the beach is clean and soft(ish)," notes Alan about Lake Dennison. "Swimming pond and beach is clean but can get crowded on a busy weekend. Frog pond is fun to explore," says Ali B. about Greenfield State Park.
Natural soundscapes: Several campsites feature water sounds for sleeping. "Some shots have nice sound of river right behind the sites," Michael V. says about The Pine Campground. "Most of the daily/weekly sites back up to a stream, which is nice. You can hear the water running, especially at night," adds Ian H.
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: While most facilities are clean, quality differs between campgrounds. "The bathhouses at Lake Dennison were In poor shape and not well cleaned. Over the course of our 3 night stay, they just got worse with overflowing toilets and trash," reports Nicole P. Conversely, at Autumn Hills Campground, "The bathhouses are probably the best maintained of any campground I've stayed at. They're cleaned multiple time a day," according to Daniel J.
Seasonal site closures: Many campgrounds close certain areas early in the season. "We visited very early in the season, so the main tent camping loops were blocked off for maintenance," Emma N. notes about Greenfield State Park.
Site spacing considerations: Site privacy varies significantly. "Sites are spaced out enough that you feel like you have privacy, even if you have neighbors," reports Hailey D. about Greenfield State Park. Meanwhile, at Autumn Hills, Taylor H. observes, "Sites are very small, and extremely close together."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Spacious Skies Seven Maples offers multiple water activities. "Pool with slides, arcade, playground, events hall," notes J L. "The super nice owners, Adam & Jennifer are constantly making upgrades and changes and have really created a beautiful, family oriented campground," adds Tracy W.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. "The playground is really big with plenty to do. There's also a fishing pond and short hiking/biking trails," says Erin M. about Seven Maples.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe nature safely. "We went camping with a group of 5 people spread out onto two sites. We arrived after dark and our friends were able to pick up a parking pass for us ahead of time," explains Jade B. about Greenfield State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Some sites have electrical limitations. "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities While my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue," reports Zachary W. about Autumn Hills Campground.
Space for larger rigs: Dog friendly campgrounds near Peterborough often accommodate larger vehicles. "Sites in the woods have water and 50 amp service, no sewer. Most of the open sites have 30/50 amp service with full hook-ups," John C. notes about Ashuelot River Campground. "Sites big enough for our 42' 5th wheel and 2 cars."
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access. "Rt 10 was a little loud, I didn't realize there was busy road on the other side of the river. Don't come in off of rt 10, there's a low covered, one lane bridge that you can't tow thru," cautions Camie S. about navigating to Ashuelot River Campground.
