Camping options near Spofford, New Hampshire range from basic tent sites to full-service facilities across southern New Hampshire and neighboring Vermont. Located in Cheshire County at approximately 738 feet elevation, the region features rolling woodlands, small lakes, and the Ashuelot River watershed. Fall temperatures average between 40-65°F, while summer months typically see 65-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking Mount Olga trail: The 1.7-mile trail at Molly Stark State Park Campground connects to additional trails in the Hogback Mountain Conservation area. "You can continue on the hiking trail to a cute brewery/pizza place or even a distillery. If hiking is not for you it's a 3 minute car ride away," notes a camper.
Kayaking the Ashuelot River: Paddle the gentle river current from Ashuelot River Campground. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" mentions one visitor. The river features relatively flat water, making it suitable for beginners.
Swimming in Emerald Lake: The turquoise waters at Emerald Lake State Park Campground provide summer relief. "Swimmers can swim out to a small island in the middle of the lake," notes a camper. The lake includes a small, sandy beach with changing facilities nearby.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Woodford State Park Campground offers secluded camping areas. "The sites are nice and private. The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful," reports one reviewer. Sites in the outer loops provide the most seclusion from neighboring campers.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. At Otter River State Forest, "bathrooms are clean, hot showers for a small price," notes a visitor. Most campgrounds in the region maintain daily bathroom cleaning schedules.
Family activities: Many campgrounds cater to families with children. "Perfect for families! There are tons of different types of campsites with either tent spots, lean-tos, and a few (hard to get) cabins," explains a camper about Woodford State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the region operate from Memorial Day through mid-October. "This past holiday weekend we went to the campground," notes a camper about Caton Place Campground, which runs from Memorial Day to November 1st.
Road noise: Some campgrounds have proximity to highways. At Emerald Lake State Park, "there is some road noise from the campground at night, but overall this is a pretty fantastic camping experience."
Reservation requirements: Advanced booking is essential for popular sites. "This is a popular campground so reserve as early as 11 months before arrival," advises one Emerald Lake camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lakes and ponds provide safe recreation. At Woodford State Park, "there's a small reservoir with a little beach that you can swim or kayak/canoe in. There's a bunch of fish and other little creatures so it's fun to explore."
Lean-to options: For weather protection with children, consider lean-tos. "Leantos at this state park give you protection from the elements," mentions one Emerald Lake camper. "The kids also enjoyed the view from the top of the leanto."
Campsite selection: For families with young children, site location matters. "If you have little ones, check out the map before you reserve a site and find one on the opposite side of the ledge," advises a visitor about Emerald Lake's terrain.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits," cautions an RVer about Ashuelot River Campground.
Site leveling: Check site descriptions carefully before booking. "The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig," notes a visitor to Caton Place Campground.
Hookup availability: RV hookups vary across campgrounds. Ashuelot River Campground offers "hook ups in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area."
