The northern reaches of New Hampshire feature numerous cabin camping options around Pittsburg, where elevations range from 1,500 to over 2,500 feet. Located at the Canadian border, this region experiences colder temperatures than the rest of New Hampshire, with freezing nighttime temperatures possible even during summer months. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 65-80°F while winter temperatures regularly drop below zero.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Pittsburg area is known as "Moose Alley" with prime viewing times at dawn and dusk. Lake Francis State Park Campground provides convenient water access for spotting wildlife. One visitor noted, "We didn't spend any time on Lake Francis, but I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet (30min east of the campground)" for wildlife sightings.
Water recreation: Lake Francis State Park Campground offers multiple water activities with boat launches for small watercraft. A camper shared: "There is a boat launch to put in a small boat, kayak or canoe. It's just overall a really nice place to go in the wilderness where it is quiet."
Fishing: Little Diamond Pond at Coleman State Park Campground provides excellent fly fishing. A review mentions: "Great pond for fly fishing, eagle watching, etc. ATV traffic can be a little annoying, but otherwise quiet. Not close to shopping."
Hiking options: The Cohos Trail passes through the region with access points near several campgrounds. A visitor at Deer Mountain Campground wrote: "Site 28 is walk-in but looked secluded and spectacular with a pond view. Site 26 is also a brief hike with the tent platform right off a gentle stretch of the stream."
What campers like
Cell service breaks: Many visitors appreciate the lack of connectivity, allowing for a true escape. One Lake Francis camper mentioned: "It's just overall a really nice place to go in the wilderness where it is quiet and no cell phone service at all for miles."
Quieter camping experience: The remote location means fewer crowds than southern New Hampshire parks. A visitor to Deer Mountain Campground shared: "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."
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air provides excellent stargazing conditions. A camper noted: "It's be great if it weren't from the lights shining from the big trailers near the waterfront. Enjoy the dark sky during a new moon."
Loon watching: Several lakes in the region serve as nesting areas for loons. A visitor wrote: "Listen to the Loons call as you hopefully see a Moose in what is known as Moose Alley."
What you should know
Remote location limitations: The northernmost campgrounds have minimal services nearby. A camper at Coleman State Park mentioned: "No hookups. Usually not very busy. Large, well separated sites with room to maneuver. Close to the lake, with some sites on the water. ATV traffic can be a little annoying, but otherwise quiet. Not close to shopping."
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities operate from late May through mid-October with varying open dates. At Umbagog Lake State Park, "I stayed here for the first time in August last year, but returned in October this year to enjoy the autumn colors."
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be significant, even in summer. A camper recalled: "It was bitterly cold overnight (24-27 degrees), so I was grateful for my trailer, but it made for some beautiful, if foggy, mornings and brilliantly clear skies for stargazing."
Reservation processes: Different campgrounds have varying booking systems. A visitor to Mountain View Cabins & Campground noted: "I had to call to make reservations; the reservation link on the website is only for the cabin rentals. No one was in the office when I arrived, but there were directions to my site in the office."
Tips for camping with families
Trivia participation: Some parks offer interactive activities for children. A Lake Francis visitor mentioned: "My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right."
Shelters for rainy days: Covered structures can salvage wet-weather camping. A camper at Lake Francis noted: "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."
Pond-side accommodations: Brighton State Park Campground across the Vermont border offers family-friendly waterfront sites about 45 minutes from Pittsburg. A visitor shared: "Great for Tenters and small campers. Plenty of Bug spray will be needed but well worth it."
Local food options: Several casual dining locations cater to families within driving distance. One camper noted: "If you don't want to cook, the Buck Rub Pub a few miles down the road provides good pub food; it's popular and there can be a wait. For a filling and satisfying breakfast, The Happy Corner Cafe across the street will meet your needs at a reasonable price with good service."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many camping cabins near Pittsburg have basic or no utility connections. At Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground, "All sites have water and electric and you can select a wooded or open site. If proximity to the ATV trail is important to you, you may select a site accordingly. Sites were large and most quite level."
Campground layouts: Site arrangements vary significantly between locations. A visitor to Umbagog Lake State Park observed: "The overall layout of the sites is a little weird as you pull around. I wish that they had more hiking trails accessible from the campground but it's still a nice campground."
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal needs. One camper recommended: "I'd avoid sites 48, 49, and 8 as they are very close to the rv dump station. The campground map shows another dump in front of sites 1 and 2 but it's only the bathhouse no dump."
ATV access considerations: Many campgrounds in the region connect to trail systems. A camper mentioned: "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 and lakes."
