Northern New Hampshire's camping near Pittsburg sits above 1,500 feet elevation in mountainous terrain close to the Canadian border. The region receives significant snowfall with late spring thaws, resulting in a shorter camping season than southern New Hampshire. Most campgrounds operate from May through early November with limited facilities open after Columbus Day.
What to Do
Kayaking and fishing: Lake Francis State Park Campground provides access to excellent fishing and paddling options. "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 and no cell phone service at all for miles," notes Lisa P. about Lake Francis State Park Campground.
Stargazing: The remote northern location offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities. "Sites at the top of the hill provide a view of peaks in the distance," writes Jean C. about Sunshine Valley RV Park, adding "There is a small pool that should re-open after the coronavirus restrictions are eased."
Wildlife observation: The area is known for moose sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Keep your eyes out for loons and bald eagles on Little Diamond Pond," suggests Josh F. at Coleman State Park Campground. Another camper mentions, "We didn't spend any time on Lake Francis, but I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet (30min east of the campground)."
Hiking: Multiple trail networks connect the region's lakes and mountains. "Amazing fishing was also a short hike away up the Connecticut River up to the River Road covered bridge," reports Justin P. about his experience at Lake Francis. The international border also offers unique hiking opportunities, with one visitor noting they "day hiked over the border into Canada as the campsite is not a far walk to the border crossing."
What Campers Like
Remote wilderness setting: Campers consistently mention the quiet, secluded nature of Pittsburg area campgrounds. "Quiet, remote, serene and clean. I love this campground. It is a New Hampshire state campground so the prices are low and the place is very well-kept," writes a camper about Lake Francis State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Despite the remote location, campgrounds maintain quality facilities. "The bathroom is pretty large. Has running water and flushing toilets. I believe even a shower if I remember correctly," notes Tina D. about Brighton State Park Campground. Another camper adds, "They even have a sink with hot running water where you can wash your dishes at the main house."
Waterfront camping: Several campgrounds offer direct water access from campsites. At Mollidgewock State Park Campground, "The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing," reports Judy. A Brighton State Park camper mentions, "I think every site has a waterfront view. They rake the sites after people leave so everything is neat and tidy."
Lean-to options: Several parks offer lean-to shelters as alternatives to tent camping. "We stayed in the Poplar lean-to, which was very private, with a short trail leading down to the lake," writes Tara S. about Brighton State Park. Another visitor at Deer Mountain mentions "Site 26 is also a brief hike with the tent platform right off a gentle stretch of the stream."
What You Should Know
Limited services: Most campgrounds have minimal amenities. "You'll need to be self-contained, with no bathroom facilities available," notes one visitor to Sunshine Valley RV Park. Another camper at Deer Mountain Campground shares: "Amenities are small as there are just outhouses. No showers or flushed toilets but firewood is available for purchase. You can shower down the road at the Lake Francis campground if you need to."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely. "Also no cell service, so if you live on your phone might not be a good option for you," reports Alicia C. about Deer Mountain. However, this isn't universal as another camper contradicts: "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon."
Weather preparedness: The elevation brings unpredictable conditions. "We weren't expecting a cold spell this late in May, but Mother Nature had her own plans," recounts Alicia B. about Deer Mountain. Similarly, another review mentions, "It was late in the fall season so it wasn't super crowded but there was a bit of noise (fireworks and gunshots) in the vicinity."
Insect activity: Bug populations can be significant in summer months. "We went in July, tons of horse flys and mosquitos, bring spray," advises one camper. Another visitor to Brighton State Park notes, "Plenty of Bug spray will be needed but well worth it."
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for educational programs: Park rangers often offer activities for younger visitors. "My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right," shares Jessica C. about Lake Francis State Park Campground.
Reserve shelters when rain threatens: The region experiences frequent precipitation. "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," advises one Lake Francis visitor.
Bring games for downtime: Limited connectivity means planning alternative entertainment. As Jim O. shares about Lake Francis: "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."
Check campground layouts: Site configurations vary significantly. "Sites 15 and 16 are right along the water but don't have much privacy," notes Justin P. about Deer Mountain, while "Site 28 is walk-in but looked secluded and spectacular with a pond view."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. "Large campground near all the outdoor activities in Pittsburg and surrounded by beautiful scenery just outside the grounds," reports Mir D. about Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground, adding "There are sites in the woods and some on open lawns, all with E/W, picnic table and fire pit."
Water and electric hookups: Most RV parks in Pittsburg, New Hampshire offer basic utilities but not always full hookups. "I had no problem making reservations online; all sites have water and electric and you can select a wooded or open site," shares Jean C. about Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground.
ATV accessibility: Many campgrounds cater to ATV enthusiasts with trail access. "If proximity to the ATV trail is important to you, you may select a site accordingly," advises one Buck Rub's visitor. Similarly, Ron D. notes about Cedar Pond Campground: "We always enjoy staying in this campground, ATV Access is a Big Plus!"
Advance booking essential: Limited RV sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We came in on a Friday afternoon without a reservation. Luckily there were a few sites left including a couple on lake front," shares one Lake Francis camper, suggesting weekend availability can be limited even in less busy periods.
