Springfield, New Hampshire sits near several established campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles. Wilgus State Park Campground, located just across the Vermont border in Springfield, Vermont, offers tent and RV sites with riverside access along the Connecticut River. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles southwest, provides tent and RV camping with hiking trails and mountain views. The region includes a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities like Loon Lake Campground and Crow's Nest Campground, which offer more amenities including cabin rentals and glamping options.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October. Pillsbury State Park Campground, about 20 miles southeast of Springfield, features boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with primitive camping opportunities. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like drinking water, fire pits, and picnic tables, while private facilities typically offer additional services such as electric hookups and shower facilities. Weather conditions can change rapidly in New Hampshire's varied terrain, with cooler temperatures common even in summer. A visitor to Mount Ascutney State Park noted, "The sites are super private, the rangers are friendly, and the mosquitoes are ferocious, but I can't give a campground a bad review because of the mosquitoes."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several developed campgrounds situated along rivers and lakes. Wilgus State Park Campground receives consistently high ratings (4.7/5) for its riverside location and well-maintained facilities. Campers particularly appreciate the privacy between sites at Mount Ascutney State Park, which features wooded surroundings and hiking trails. The area's campgrounds balance natural settings with accessibility, though highway noise can be an issue at some locations closer to major roads. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and paddling. The region's mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities provides options ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks with amenities like camp stores, playgrounds, and organized activities.
$38 / night
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"There is a “campers only” access trail to Quechee Gorge that we took advantage of, which then gave us access to the Dewey Pond trail."
$29 - $40 / night
"Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. "
"Pillsbury resides in a very pretty spot nestled around a lake. There are campsites that are car accesable and remote campsites only accessable by boat. Canoe rentals are available at the park."
"The state park had everything we were looking for: close proximity to mountain bike trails, beautiful hiking trails, available leantos, and less than two hours from our home."
"Whether it’s a hike or a drive, I highly recommend it! Just note, the road closes after dusk and a barrier goes down."
"While staying here I could enjoy some fishing, taking the dog for a nice walk, enjoy the evening with a nice fire, camp side, and go swimming on those hot summer days."
"Our site, was located in the back of the park in a quieter section because it was away from most of the activities and park entrance."
$20 - $30 / night
"Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River. This campground was beautiful and very quiet even though it was full."
"This is a small park, but it's a good spot to stay to explore the area (nearby Mt. Ascutney State Park, Harpoon Brewery, the American Precision Museum, etc.)."
$32 - $37 / night
"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
$32 - $115 / night
"Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."
GuideOur favorite campground in the area is Winhall Brook, but it has been closed for about 3 years since the flooding in VT. Hapgood Pond is a good alternative. It is a little more primitive with pit toilets in most of the campground except the bath house. We appreciate the pond for swimming and the nice easy pond loop trail for hiking. Hapgood is in close proximity to Manchester and near the Appalachian Trail.
ScoutMy family and I stayed in cabin 1 and had a direct view on top of the Pemi river. On site managers were very helpful. Will be back!
ScoutThis is a great campground to be a seasonal at! 1 mile from a beautiful beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. 1 mile from town with cute shops and nice restaurants. Friendly staff. Seasonals are very friendly and welcome new seasonals. Campground is taken care of. It is family owned and they really care. I love the fact it is all seasonal- it has a wonderful community feel.
ScoutHave been here twice, both end of season and beginning of season. The owners/operators are attentive, caring and engaged. Facilities are above par, the location is about the best you can get, highly maintained and they have Goose, probably one of the best dogs ever. Do yourself a favor and stay here... nights around the fire up in the whites in a safe and welcoming place are beyond description.
ScoutWhen camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways. Initially we pulled up to the site "Poplar" after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere. Luckily the (very sweet) staff said they understood that this was an issue and that they do get lots of complaints about that site. They moved us to T02 which was dramatically better. Unfortunately, you can still hear trucks/car honking/ambulances from that site and I assume all other sites. I understand now that people camp here just for AT access, but I would probably not go back due to the sheer volume of the neighboring highways and quieter camping options nearby.
ScoutThe staff was friendly. Don't forget the flashlight. There is very little lighting to find your way around the winding roads of the campground which adds to the charm.
GuideThis is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.
TravelerClean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip
GuideFairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.
Camping options near Springfield, New Hampshire range from basic tent sites to full-service facilities with various amenities. The Sugar River flows through this region, providing waterfront camping opportunities at several locations. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for cooler nights that can drop below 40°F.
Paddling access: Pillsbury State Park Campground offers excellent paddling on multiple ponds. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N., who appreciated the waterfront sites with small beach areas for launching kayaks.
Hiking variety: Trails at Mount Ascutney State Park Campground range from easy nature walks to challenging summit routes. "There are four different trails up the mountain of varying levels of difficulty. You can also drive right to the top and hike around on the summit trails," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the fire tower views.
Swimming options: The Sugar River at Crow's Nest Campground provides a natural swimming spot. Michele S. reports, "There's nice little swimming area on the river for kids," though she notes most sites don't have much privacy despite the campground being "very quiet and clean."
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention site size as a plus at Quechee State Park Campground. Jan B. notes, "The sites are large. If you stay in the back it's quieter," and adds that "the staff and volunteers are very helpful."
River access: The Connecticut River frontage at Wilgus State Park Campground draws many positive comments. "Wilgus state park has amazing campsites, very friendly staff, and great access to the Connecticut River," writes Kaileigh K., who appreciated that "the grounds and facilities are immaculate."
Family activities: Scheduled events keep children entertained at many campgrounds. At Quechee State Park, Jen B. reports, "Rangers also run fun programs for children—my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)."
Limited facilities: Many state parks offer basic amenities only. At Pillsbury State Park, Lisa P. advises, "They have no electricity so you have to be willing to rough it. It is a great campground to get away from the city. Be prepared to not have much cell phone service either."
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At Mount Ascutney State Park, Dana M. cautions, "I cannot give this a 5 star rating solely for the fact of road noise. We were in site 27 and it was a beautiful site but the road noise from interstate 91 was extremely loud."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October. Many require advance booking for summer weekends, when sites fill quickly. Some locations offer fall camping with spectacular foliage viewing opportunities but expect cooler temperatures, especially at night.
Kid-friendly water access: Look for campsites with gentle river or pond entry points. At Quechee/Pine Valley KOA, Dawn S. appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere, noting, "This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc."
Book lean-tos for weather protection: Several state parks offer three-sided shelters that provide security from rain. Kaileigh K. says of Wilgus State Park, "Lean-tos also have ample space for tents and the cabin sites are perfect," making them ideal for family groups concerned about weather changes.
Check ranger program schedules: State parks often offer educational activities. Chris A. from Quechee State Park reports, "Hosts sponsor activities that are fun for all, like a balloon launch, cook outs, etc."
Limited hookup availability: Most state parks have minimal or no hookups. For full services, private campgrounds are your best option. Chris A. notes at Quechee State Park, "No Electric or hookups" and mentions, "We have seen all shapes and sizes come and go, as well as tent campers."
Dump station locations: Plan your water usage based on dump station availability. At Pillsbury State Park, campers report that facilities are primitive, so arrive with fresh water and empty holding tanks.
Site selection for large rigs: Private campgrounds typically accommodate larger RVs more easily than state parks. Nancy W. shares about Quechee/Pine Valley KOA: "The park is a large park that is terraced since it is in a pretty hilly area. There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Springfield, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Springfield, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 209 campgrounds and RV parks near Springfield, NH and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Springfield, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Springfield, NH is Quechee State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Springfield, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Springfield, NH.
What parks are near Springfield, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Springfield, NH that allow camping, notably North Hartland Lake and Union Village Dam.
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