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Pillsbury State Park Campground welcomes dogs throughout all camping areas, making it a top choice for primitive camping with dogs near Sunapee. The park offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with tent and RV sites available from May through early October. Crow's Nest Campground provides riverside pet-friendly sites with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options including yurts. Both campgrounds maintain pet-on-leash policies in common areas, though pets can be off-leash at individual campsites when supervised. The riverside sites at Crow's Nest are particularly popular with dog owners despite offering little privacy between neighbors. Northstar Campground and Tippicanoe Campground also accommodate pets with water and electric hookups.
Dogs enjoy access to the water at multiple locations, with Pillsbury State Park providing excellent swimming and paddling opportunities on its lake, though some visitors note leech presence in certain areas. Designated pet waste stations are positioned near most campground facilities. Campers should be mindful of wildlife encounters, as moose sightings are common in the Pillsbury area. The Sugar River Rail Trail near Crow's Nest offers dog-friendly hiking and biking options. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 11:00 PM, with management occasionally addressing barking concerns. Campground offices sell dog-appropriate firewood bundles, eliminating the need to forage potentially harmful materials. Multiple small ponds and wetlands throughout Pillsbury create diverse habitats and water access points for pets to cool off during summer camping trips.
"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 State Park is a great place to get away from it all."
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availability"We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back."
from $32 - $37 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $32 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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.)."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Clean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Close to the Sugar River Rail trail for biking. Definitely not a wilderness experience, but pleasant."
from $32 - $115 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles; a dog park with toys included; and fabulous hiking trails with lots to see, including a pond, waterfalls, and streams."
"We are a family of five with a pop up pull behind and the Glamping lifestyle is a little bit easier on us these days ."
from $26 - $36 / night
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GuideAdorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.
RangerThis place is pretty awesome. They have 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. RV Spots, tent camping spots, a dog park, badminton, basketball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, the works. The bathrooms are beautifully redone and clean. The laundry room is pretty good too. Its close to Brattleboro and Putney and just across the border to New Hampshire. I'd most definitely stay again when I'm in the area. The other guest were very nice and we could also have packages delivered.
TravelerPillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups.
Most of the campsites are accessable by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite. 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.
There is at least one handicap accessible site, which I have used, near the toilet facilities. It provides a good sized very level area to set up a tent and park your car. There may be other handicap sites. I have only used this one and never checked for others.
Note: Not all New Hampshire State Parks are dog friendly. If you have a dog check which parks are as part of your trip planning.
This web page says this about Pillsbury.
Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north.
Pillsbury State Park
100 Pillsbury State Park Rd
Washington, Nh 03280
Phone: 603-863-2860
ScoutPros- very clean, bathrooms kept up with regularly. Staff is very nice. They offer boat rentals, canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. Store on site and they do activities during the week. Definitely more kids friendly I think. They do have a pool, park, dog park, lake and food trucks visits at times. They have community fires and dances. Pet friendly. Wood available on site.
Cons- loud cars going all night, some lights in your face. Some people tend to fly down the road on golf carts. You can also hear the main road from the open style campsite. No privacy. People will walk threw your tent site. They will talk during the night while doing this, smoking seems to be allowed at pool. No fires between 9am-5pm.
Overall we had a good time.
GuideTucked away in what feels like the middle of nowhere New Hampshire is it's largest state park. Bear Brook is full of trails, ponds and a fairly large campground. This extremely family-friendly campground comes equip with trails, play structures, camp store, beach, and even a small baseball diamond. The sites are fairly large and if you need some privacy, reserve site 12. There is a great trail that is around Beaver Pond, roughly 2-3 miles with plenty of opportunities for dogs to swim, yeah for dog friendly! This campground is beautiful, quiet in places and has everything you need for a great weekend away!
TravelerLarge campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
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.
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
Camping near Sunapee offers primitive camping options with several state parks scattered throughout New Hampshire's western region. The area sits at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. May through mid-October marks the typical camping season when temperatures range from 45°F nights to 80°F days.
Paddling opportunities: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the interconnected ponds. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N., who appreciated the peaceful paddling environment.
Hiking connections: Campers can access longer trail systems directly from campsites. "There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway (a 48 mile trail connecting two of NH's beautiful mountains)," explains Matthew S.
Mountain biking: Mount Ascutney State Park maintains its own beginner-friendly mountain biking trail accessible from the campground. "The state park maintains its own mountain biking trail loop, which accessible directly from the campground. It is a 3 mile beginner friendly loop, with some nice rollers and moderate terrain," according to Rita M.
Remote experiences: Many campsites offer genuine seclusion despite being within driving distance of conveniences. "I recently stayed at site 1A over the Memorial day weekend. After a very quick checkin at the Park office, I headed out to my site. The site features a 200ft(60yd) hike in on a rustic trail. At the end of the trail you are greeted with a nice private site, and an equally spectacular view of the Vickery Pond," shares Richard M.
Water-adjacent sites: Northstar Campground offers riverside camping with good fishing opportunities. "We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River. We enjoyed our time here and will definitely go back," writes Louise L.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, most campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Tree Farm Campground, visitors consistently note the upkeep. "This campground is clean and quiet, with sites that are spacious and private. The wifi is pretty darn good. There's a cozy lounge room to hang out in with games, books, crayons, and puzzles," reports Lee A.
Cash-only operations: Several campgrounds require cash payment for onsite purchases. "Everything is cash here, no cards accepted except when reserving a site online," Brandon C. notes about Pillsbury State Park.
Seasonal water issues: Ponds may develop leeches during summer months. "Swimming in the stream is safe but the lake is loaded with leeches!" warns J L.
Limited amenities: Most state parks have basic facilities only. "Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups," explains Dog S.
Road noise concerns: Wilgus State Park and other campgrounds near highways experience traffic noise. "A tad close to Rte 5, but it quiets down in the evening. Sites are also a bit small but well spaced from others," notes Jamie D.
Swimming alternatives: When lake swimming isn't ideal, seek nearby streams or designated swimming areas. "There is a great local pond for swimming that had dive docks, diving boards and lifeguards on duty that was less than 10 minutes away," suggests Kaileigh K.
Scheduled activities: Quechee State Park offers ranger-led programs for children. "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)," shares Jen B.
Recreation options: Some campgrounds provide extensive recreation equipment. At Loon Lake Campground, visitors find "the beach, the mini golf, playground, and an entire shed of recreation items available to use," according to J L.
Limited hookup availability: State parks typically don't offer electrical connections. "There are spots for campers but smaller ones, and there are a few outhouses but no bathhouse," Matthew S. reports about Pillsbury.
Seasonal site considerations: At Crow's Nest Campground, long-term campers occupy many premium spots. "Mostly seasonals and RVs but there are some nice spots by the river. Most sites do not have much privacy, but the campground itself is very quiet and clean," observes Michele S.
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds have inconveniently placed facilities. "Dump stations not in great locations though," notes Camie S. about Northstar Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sunapee, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sunapee, NH is Pillsbury State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sunapee, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 148 dog-friendly camping locations near Sunapee, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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