The Spofford area sits at approximately 738 feet above sea level in southwestern New Hampshire's Cheshire County. Located near the Connecticut River Valley, camping sites near Spofford offer access to diverse terrain ranging from forested hills to river valleys. Winter temperatures can drop below 0°F while summer highs reach the 80s, with camping season typically running May through October at most locations.
What to do
Hiking Mount Olga: The trail system at Molly Stark State Park connects to Hogback Mountain Conservation area, creating miles of exploration options without driving. "There is a fire tower at the top, which provides awesome views of the Green Mountains. It's also fun to explore the relics of the old Hogback Ski Resort. They are rested remnants of the ski lifts and warming huts, and they are slowing crumbling back to the earth," notes a visitor to Molly Stark State Park Campground.
River activities: Ashuelot River provides opportunities for paddling and floating directly from Ashuelot River Campground. "Beautiful river to float down or paddle up. Saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground," writes Michael M. The campground offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for water sports.
Rail trail access: For cycling enthusiasts, the Ashuelot Rail Trail can be accessed directly from Ashuelot River Campground. "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," according to Carry M.
Swimming spots: Hamilton Falls at Jamaica State Park Campground offers natural swimming opportunities. "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls," writes Chris D., adding, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Gilson Pond Campground at Monadnock State Park offers peaceful camping with secluded sites. A visitor to Gilson Pond Area Campground notes, "This is one of the quietest and most peaceful campgrounds I've ever stayed at. The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the region maintain high standards of cleanliness. At Molly Stark State Park, Beck P. observed, "THE BATHROOM was the best I've seen camping very clean and updated and honestly gorgeous. Everyone else there was super nice and quiet. Quiet hours start at 10 but it was silent after about 9."
Spacious sites: Fort Dummer State Park offers well-spaced camping areas. "Sites are large and well maintained. Plenty of space between sites. It is a state park so there are not many services, but there is a great hike to a swimming hole and it is very close to Brattleboro, VT," reports Jessica S. from Fort Dummer State Park Campground.
Waterfront options: Campsites along waterways are popular choices. Michael M. from Ashuelot River Campground shares, "Some site on the river, some in the woods and some in a field." At Jamaica State Park, a reviewer notes, "Book your site early to get a lean-to or a site near the river...it's stunning in the morning with the mountain mist rolling through!"
What you should know
Site selection matters: Privacy varies significantly between sites. At Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres), Michael K. advises, "Get a site as far in the back as possible to get away from the noise" due to "the neighbor blares really terrible music at obnoxious volume for about 16 hours a day."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from late spring to mid-fall. Fort Dummer State Park operates "Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend," while Jamaica State Park runs from "May 12 to Columbus Day weekend."
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity occurs in the region. Ralph L. at Kampfires reports, "When I went to hook up the water, a pile of fresh bear scat was right there! They did say there was wildlife in the area!"
Pay showers: State park facilities typically require quarters for hot showers. At Gilson Pond Campground, one camper mentioned, "There's a decent bathhouse with pay showers."
Pet restrictions: Dogs are not permitted at all parks. A visitor to Monadnock State Park warns, "Dogs aren't allowed anywhere in Monadnock State Park, and while we were sad to leave our goodest boy at home, he would have hated the hike up the mountain anyway- too many rock scrambles."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hinsdale Campground offers family-friendly amenities. Nick Z. recommends, "You want an easy family camping trip? Go here. They took us last minute, and for 40$ it was everything we needed. Showers, bathrooms, on site water connections, and there's plenty of seclusion on their tent sites for some easy camping. There's ATV trails, activities, and for what you get it's absolutely worth it."
Swimming options: For hot summer days, look for campgrounds with water recreation. "Great swimming pool! Spent a week plus there and had no problems with the dirt bikes and loved the pool," notes Bill F. about Hinsdale Campground.
Recreation variety: Jamaica State Park offers diverse activities. One visitor shares, "If you're into kayaking book early for the annual dam release event (September)...the river becomes a great spot for some rapids! Hike the scenic trail and take a right upward to Hamilton Falls, a gorgeous waterfall!"
Campground entertainment: Some private campgrounds offer additional recreation. Kampfires provides "an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too. There is an amphitheater for concerts and shows throughout the summer," according to Sammii D.
Tips from RVers
Access routes: Pay attention to bridge restrictions near campgrounds. Camie S. from Ashuelot River Campground cautions, "Don't come in off of rt 10, there's a low covered, one lane bridge that you can't tow thru. Some of the turns aren't so friendly either, we weren't going to be able to make the right into pine st so it took a bit to find an area to turn around."
Site sizes: Campgrounds have varying capacity for larger rigs. John C. notes that Ashuelot River Campground has "Sites big enough for our 42' 5th wheel and 2 cars. 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."
Hookup availability: RV hookups vary significantly between private and state campgrounds. At Swanzey Lake Camping Area, mike B. reports, "Spectrum cable available at the site, but TV service is very poor." Most state parks offer more limited or no hookup options.
Site terrain: Consider the leveling requirements at different campgrounds. Mike B. found "Site 12 a little tight for 21 ft travel trailer" at Swanzey Lake Camping Area, while at Ashuelot River Campground, different areas offer different experiences: "Sites along the river, pull thrus in the field, shaded along the edge of the field, completely wooded area towards the end of the campground."
Scout
