99 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Pittsburg, New Hampshire encompasses a range of remote wilderness experiences in the northernmost region of the state, just south of the Canadian border. The area is known locally as "Moose Alley" for its abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. State-managed facilities like Lake Francis State Park and Deer Mountain Campground provide established sites with varying levels of amenities, while private operations such as Buck Rub's Hidden Acres and Mountain View Cabins & Campground offer additional options. The Connecticut Lakes region provides a backdrop for camping, with multiple water bodies supporting fishing, boating, and paddling activities. As one camper noted, "Lake Francis is a nice place to go in the wilderness where it is quiet and no cell phone service at all for miles."
Most campgrounds in the Pittsburg area operate seasonally from mid-May through early November, with state parks typically closing after Columbus Day weekend. Winter conditions arrive early and stay late at this northern latitude. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, while black flies and mosquitoes can be prevalent in June and early July. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout much of the region, with spotty Verizon coverage reported at some private campgrounds. The small general store in town, Treats & Treasures, offers Wi-Fi for those needing to connect. Fire permits are required for campfires, and firewood is available for purchase at most established campgrounds.
The camping options in Pittsburg cater to different preferences, from primitive sites to full-service facilities. Deer Mountain Campground offers a more rustic experience with outhouses and no showers, though campers can use shower facilities at nearby Lake Francis. Sites with ATV trail access are available at several campgrounds, reflecting the popularity of this activity in the region. Fishing opportunities abound in the Connecticut Lakes and rivers, with boat launches available at Lake Francis. Wildlife viewing, particularly moose watching at dawn and dusk, is a popular activity, and the Cohos Trail provides hiking opportunities that extend from the Canadian border south through New Hampshire.
"It is a New Hampshire state campground so the prices are low and the place is very well-kept. They even have a sink with hot running water where you can wash your dishes at the main house."
"Off the beaten path way up north in Coos country and absolutely stunning."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability"One of the furthest north campgrounds in New Hampshire is a great place to stay. If you don't mind the sound of ATVs this place is great. "
"First of all, be careful when following certain gps/google directions…depending where you are coming from, you may end up on dirt roads/ATV trails (common in this region of NH) that could be hazardous"
from $35 - $195 / night
Check Availability"These sites lack amenities, however, the primitive feel really helps you enjoy the beauties of new Hampshire, some of these sites require you to walk about half a mile into them which really adds to the"
"Head to the last town in NH on RT.3 before you hit the Canadian border. Called "Moose Alley" the area of Pittsburg has a very rugged off the grid feel with the border close by."
from $29 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Large campground near the all the outdoor activities in Pittsburg and surrounded by beautiful scenery just outside the grounds."
"Pittsburg, NH is an area popular with those who enjoy riding ATVs, hunting, fishing, and boating and Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground is a nice good place to make your base with easy access to trails"
from $27 - $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $145 / night
Check Availability"I stopped for one night while I was thru-hiking the Cohos Trail in New Hampshire and had a great experience."
"This is a family run campground located on a hillside between Lake Francis and First Connecticut Lake in Pittsburg, NH."
"Absolutely beautiful positioning next to a river. Clean sites - many covered in grass with wildflowers which were stunning."
"While this is close to the road, there is a good buffer of vegetation between the road and the campsites. I've camped here multiple times and never hear the road."
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availability"It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire. The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained."
"Some of the best brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing nearby. Great place for canoe or kayak trips. Make sure you are well provisioned before arriving, there are no supplies nearby."
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"I usually don't camp near other people, but I really like this site. I think every site has a waterfront view."
"We stayed in the Poplar lean-to, which was very private, with a short trail leading down to the lake. Some of the other sites are right on the water, which would have been nice too!"
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability
TravelerPros: We have the p lube nearly to ourselves, thus it was very similar to dispersed camping. Nice little campground with two small ponds (One for fishing, the other for swimming). Nothing very remarkable, though.
Cons: As others have mentioned, if you want flush toilets and pay showers, you have to either stay at the more crowded, larger loop or walk across the highway to get to those amenities.
TravelerHonestly a wonderful place, gorgeous little lake and beach, incredibly helpful and friendly staff. Note though if you’re staying in one of the new RV sites, it is nowhere near the bathrooms or bathhouse - like a 10+ minute walk, and I wouldn’t want to do it at night. The RV section is clearly still very very new, and they’re working out the kinks, so only go here if you’ve got a self-sufficient RV and don’t need bathrooms. There are all 3 hookups, though the sewer hookup was so far back our short hose did not reach. But they do sell extensions at the visitors center, and there is a dump station, though we had to call to have them unlock it. Overall a great place, but be aware if you’re looking for a place with both full RV hookups and bathrooms, this is not it!
GuideThis is a first- come- first- serve area. There are only 4 fire pits and tables, and turnover seems pretty steady. Some areas fit small tents with no fire rings.
ScoutI've stayed on and off for 20 years, love the atmosphere, hospitality, pools, water slides. Laundry room and clean showers.
ScoutAll sites are at the top of the hill. Very walkable. Lots of seasonal campers with RVs and ATVs. Owners are very accommodating. Water is available though you have to fill up your own tanks via a community tank and ATV. Quiet and people are nice and helpful.
TravelerI was passing through this area in early June. I was looking for a place to spend the night. Knowing that there was a state park nearby, I headed that way. As usual, I found this beautiful large State Park. I did not use the restrooms or any of those amenities, but they look to be relatively new. The park ranger I met was wonderful, helpful, and we had a wonderful gab session while he told me all about the park and the area. The sites were very private and well taken care of. I had a wonderful sleep in a very quiet beautiful setting.
TravelerI loved this base camp and the camp store! Everyone was very nice and loved it there.
ScoutI've camped here several times (June, July, August, September, and October) over the last couple years--usually at no-hookup sites. Most of the sites get enough sun to keep batteries charged and most of the sites are free of Starlink obstructions. I usually stay there mid-week and it's very quiet.
It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire.
The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained. The staff is great, and I've met some fabulous people camping there.
It's Maine so the blackflies and mosquitoes can be a challenge early in the season. And toward the end of the season, you'll want a vacuum cleaner to deal with the Asian lady beetles that have invaded all of northern New England.
TravelerEasily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.
Campgrounds in Pittsburg, NH sit at elevations between 1,300-1,900 feet in New Hampshire's northernmost region, where summer temperatures typically average 70-75°F during the day and 50-55°F at night. The camping season runs shorter than southern New Hampshire due to the region's latitude and elevation, with many sites closing after the first significant snowfall in October. Overnight temperatures can drop below freezing well into June.
Fishing in remote ponds: The area offers excellent brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing in multiple bodies of water. "The fishing was super slow but still fun. And as others have said, the loons are quite vocal during the evening and morning hours," notes a visitor to Brighton State Park Campground.
Paddle the local waterways: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the Connecticut Lakes and nearby rivers. "I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet (30min east of the campground)," shares a camper who stayed at Lake Francis. Another visitor mentions, "Amazing fishing was also a short hike away up the Connecticut River up to the River Road covered bridge."
ATV trail riding: Many campgrounds provide direct ATV trail access. "If you are into ATV'ing, this is a great area for that as there is a large trail network and there is a large outfitter - Bear Rock Adventures- which rents ATVs less than 4 miles from the campground," explains a visitor to Lake Francis State Park Campground.
Bird watching: The region provides habitats for diverse bird species. "I was shocked to find Deer Mountain mostly empty in the middle of summer. It doesn't have the amenities of some state parks, but nearby Lake Francis SP is available for showers, etc. This is a great location for those who want to get away from the crowds and noise. There's a wide variety of birds for those who are interested," according to a visitor at Deer Mountain Campground.
Riverside camping: Many sites offer direct water access. "The river was super calm so we were able to take our paddle board out and explore the waters," shares a visitor to Mollidgewock State Park Campground. Another camper notes, "The river is clean with a solid though slightly rocky bottom and a moderate current that is suited for wading if that is your thing and excellent for tubing."
Wildlife viewing: The region provides numerous opportunities to observe wildlife in natural settings. "We've stayed here twice. It's a very well maintained rustic campground on the Magalloway river. Some of the best brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing nearby," reports a camper at Aziscoos Valley Camping Area.
Dark skies for stargazing: Limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "What you make up for in sparsely wooded sites, is an expansive star-studded sky. Combined with the music of the nearby rapids and the backdrop of Errol's alluring wilderness, you'll be lulled into a deep relaxation," writes a visitor to Mollidgewock State Park.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. "The amenities here are great and extremely clean. We are on a 2 week road trip so it is very nice to do some laundry!! Staff was very helpful and friendly!!" shares a Lake Francis visitor. Another camper notes, "The grounds were extremely well kept and the showers and main restrooms were the cleanest I have seen."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon," notes a Lake Francis visitor, contrary to some expectations. However, at Coleman State Park, a camper reports it's "a great place to truly get away including zip, zero, zilch cell phone reception!"
Supply limitations: Stock up before arrival as local options are limited. "Make sure you are well provisioned before arriving, there are no supplies nearby," advises a visitor to Aziscoos Valley Camping Area. Another camper notes, "Errol does not have much in the way of grocery stores and there are apparently two restaurants but we didn't check those out."
Shower facilities: Availability varies between parks. "Bathrooms and showers are fairly new and well maintained. Hot showers are $0.25/3 minutes. I must say that I've never had a shower that felt like I was being power washed," reports a Lake Francis camper. At Coleman State Park, "The showers are very clean and nice, as well as reasonably priced in my opinion."
Insects: Be prepared for seasonal bug activity. "We went in July, tons of horse flys and mosquitos, bring spray," warns a Deer Mountain visitor. Early summer typically sees the highest insect populations, with numbers diminishing by August.
Activities for children: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly programming. "Super friendly staff. We go the same week each year with a hoard of kids and they remember us each year. My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," shares a Lake Francis visitor.
Water safety: Most waterfront sites have variable currents and depths. "The pond is wonderful, the sounds of loons - Magical," reports a visitor to Coleman State Park. Life jackets are recommended for all water activities, especially for children.
Sheltered options: Consider lean-tos during unpredictable weather. "Some sites have new shelters, which are nice when you camp and it's calling for rain. Easily pitch a couple four person tents or a tent and table area, off the groups and well protected in the protected deck shelter," notes a Lake Francis camper.
Wildlife education: Prepare children for wildlife encounters with proper guidelines. "Mollidgewock State Park, overlooking the Androscoggin River, is embedded in the beautiful and tranquil scenery that makes up what I would call, the moose capital of NH. My visit proved incredible as I got to experience my very first moose sighting!"
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "Large campground near the all the outdoor activities in Pittsburg and surrounded by beautiful scenery just outside the grounds. There are sites in the woods and some on open lawns, all with E/W, picnic table and fire pit," reports a visitor to Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies by campground. "Sites 40-42 are parallel to the road, but site 39 was off the end and I was able to back in with my trailer," notes a visitor to Mountain View Cabins & Campground. Another camper mentions, "There are RV compatible sites but there are no hookups and all the camping areas are grass."
Road conditions: Some access routes may challenge larger rigs. "Be careful when following certain gps/google directions…depending where you are coming from, you may end up on dirt roads/ATV trails (common in this region of NH) that could be hazardous in a passenger vehicle during poor conditions," warns a Coleman State Park visitor.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for sanitation needs. "There is a small 'dumping station' within the campground," notes a Coleman State Park visitor. Not all area campgrounds provide this service, so confirm availability before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in Pittsburg, NH?
Pittsburg, NH offers diverse camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Deer Mountain Campground provides 30 well-spaced primitive sites with a true off-grid feel near the Canadian border in an area known as 'Moose Alley.' Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground offers both wooded and open lawn sites with electricity/water hookups, picnic tables, and fire pits. Other options include Private Field and Woods Camping for secluded nature lovers, Rudy's Cabins and Campground with RV facilities, and Lake Francis State Park Campground featuring clean, affordable sites with hot water facilities. For those seeking more remote experiences, Coleman State Park provides quieter camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the region cater to outdoor activities like ATV riding, hunting, fishing, and boating that Pittsburg is known for.
What is the best time of year to go camping in Pittsburg, NH?
Summer through early fall (June to September) offers the best camping conditions in Pittsburg, NH. The weather is mild with comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. September provides a quieter experience after peak season with stunning fall foliage beginning to emerge. Lake Francis State Park Campground remains serene and clean during these months, while Coleman State Park Campground tends to be quieter after Labor Day. Winter camping is possible for experienced adventurers, but facilities are limited and many campgrounds close seasonally. For the best combination of good weather, accessibility, and natural beauty, aim for a late summer visit when you can enjoy water activities and hiking without the peak crowds.
Is Hidden Acres Campground in Pittsburg, NH good for tent camping?
While Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground primarily caters to RVs with electric/water hookups, it does accommodate tent camping. The campground offers sites in both wooded areas and open lawns, each equipped with a picnic table and fire pit. Tent campers will appreciate the plumbed bathrooms that are illuminated for nighttime use, though they are described as rustic. The campground's location is ideal, surrounded by beautiful scenery and close to Pittsburg's outdoor activities. For those seeking a more primitive tent camping experience, Private Field and Woods Camping offers a more secluded, nature-immersive option nearby. Hidden Acres works well for tent campers who prefer some amenities while still enjoying the natural surroundings of New Hampshire's northernmost region.
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