163 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
West Swanzey, New Hampshire and the surrounding area feature several campgrounds with a variety of camping accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Ashuelot River Campground offers riverside sites with full hookups, tent areas, and cabin options. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from May through October, with Swanzey Lake Camping Area open from April 15 to November 1. Both privately owned campgrounds and state parks like Monadnock State Park's Gilson Pond Area provide mixed-use options for different camping styles, from primitive tent sites to developed RV areas with electric and water hookups.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping in the West Swanzey region, with most facilities closed during winter months. "Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low clearance and low weight limits," one camper advised regarding Ashuelot River Campground. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer season. The terrain varies from riverside locations to lakefront properties, offering different experiences depending on site selection. Cell service is generally available but varies by carrier, with reviewers noting adequate coverage at most established campgrounds. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall, requiring appropriate preparation for temperature fluctuations.
Waterfront camping opportunities represent a distinctive feature of the West Swanzey area, with both river and lake access available at several campgrounds near West Swanzey. Ashuelot River Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its river access and peaceful atmosphere. As one visitor noted, "We stayed in a grassy site up against a wooded area. The sites along the river were more private and wooded." Campgrounds in this region typically offer a mix of open field sites and more secluded wooded locations. Amenities vary widely, with most developed campgrounds providing shower facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common, with one camper reporting seeing a bald eagle while paddling on the Ashuelot River. Local attractions include hiking at nearby state parks, fishing, and water activities on rivers and lakes.
"We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river. Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful."
"Large, open campground surrounded by the Ashuelot River. Friendly owners who go around delivering wood and ice to guests given the pandemic right now."
from $47 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Gilson Pond Campground is small— just 37 sites nestled into the woods near a swampy, but beautiful pond in Jaffrey, New Hampshire."
"This was my first time to New Hampshire so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the state parks there. I was not disappointed."
from $29 - $45 / night
Check Availability"This campground is pretty centrally located with easy access to grocery stores, gas, and the highway. It is down a quiet road far enough that you do not hear any traffic noise."
"There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."
"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."
"Even though it is off season, there are several units throughout but dispersed so no one was right next to us. The site was somewhat level with a gravel base. FHU at each site made hook up easy."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."
"Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside."
from $40 / night
"The loop closer to the entrance has a lot of private sites. Although if you have one closer to the main road, it is quite noisy with road sounds. But many of the sites in the middle are more quiet."
"As a caveat, waterfront in this instance was more of a water view as the lake was on the other side of the campground road and a large open area with trees."
from $17 - $35 / night
Check Availability"It was only like 40 mins away from us. Just to get away. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of the area . They had activities for kids and adults. They had a rec."
"The pool was sparkling clean and the best part, not a bunch of screaming kids running around. There's a market next door with fresh fruit and veggies for sale. The store is large and well stocked."
"Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud."
"Nice views of the lake, swimming, wide open sites, not too over crowded! I'd definitely go back!"
from $35 - $105 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability"The camp ground is clean nice with lots of trails for hiking and biking. The bathrooms were clean and water was easy close to the camp ground. "
"Right on a stream and a short walk to the bathrooms and hiking trails. We drove a few minutes up the road to Lake Dennison to kayak and fish."
from $17 - $55 / night
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TravelerThis is a good spot if you don’t mind being social. The main camping area is a large grassy opening where multiple people park and camp together, and there is a bathroom, but there isn’t much privacy between sites. If you continue farther down the forest road, there are several smaller pull-offs with much more private dispersed camping spots. I’d recommend checking those out if you’re looking for a quieter experience.
ScoutWe wanted somewhere outside the city where we could stay with our RV but still be close enough to drive into Boston for the day. Berry’s Grove worked really well for that. After spending the day sightseeing, it was nice coming back somewhere quiet and relaxing by the lake.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWe wanted to spend a day in Boston but had zero interest in bringing the RV into the city. Berry’s Grove gave us a completely different experience. We could do the sightseeing and crowds during the day and come back somewhere much calmer at night.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutThe location is what made this place for us. Waking up and being able to walk right down to the water was great. We spent most of our stay fishing, sitting outside, and just enjoying the campground. It is not one of those huge campgrounds packed with activities, which was honestly exactly what we wanted. Small, peaceful, and a nice place to enjoy some downtime.
ScoutDyrt done messed up! So far, very disappointed in this app. Difficult to use! We reserved this spot through Dyrt. The directions to the campground are way off. The host was not notified that we were coming. Don’t trust Dyrt; contact the campground asap after you reserve through Dyrt to confirm the reservation directly and confirm the address and directions.
ScoutWhere does one even begin to explain how great this campground is?! There’s truly a little bit of something for everyone here!
We absolutely loved our campsite. It had plenty of room, a good amount of privacy, and great tree coverage. Even when it rained, our fire pit somehow stayed pretty dang dry, which was a huge plus!
The rec hall was awesome and had so many cool arcade games to check out. They also offer kayak and canoe rentals for the pond, which has surprisingly clear, beautiful water.
One thing that REALLY stood out to us was how incredibly clean the bathrooms and showers were. They were well maintained and practically bug-free, which is almost unheard of at a campground!
On top of all that, everyone we came across—from the staff to the other campers—was super friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth. It just had an all-around great atmosphere.
Seriously, don’t skip over this campground. If you’re on the fence, just book it. You won’t regret it! We’ll definitely be back!
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
The West Swanzey camping region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation in southwestern New Hampshire's Monadnock Region. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity levels than neighboring mountain areas. Unlike the riverside campgrounds emphasized in existing resources, numerous camping spots near West Swanzey offer distinct inland forest experiences with varying levels of amenities and access to recreational activities.
Paddling adventures: Ashuelot River provides ideal conditions for kayaking and tubing directly from several campsites. "We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other...We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground," according to a reviewer at Ashuelot River Campground.
Mountain hiking: The West Swanzey region offers access to notable peaks within a 30-minute drive. At Monadnock State Park, one camper shared, "The White Dot Trail starts off flat, but that's very short-lived. The trail begins to climb steeply pretty early on. The second half of the trail is very steep with lots of rock scrambles. You definitely have to watch your footing most of the hike."
Swimming options: Many local campgrounds provide lake access with designated swimming areas. "The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are ample trails for hiking and kids can ride their bikes," noted a visitor at Lake Dennison Recreation Area about this family-friendly option just 25 minutes northeast of West Swanzey.
Private wooded sites: Campers frequently mention site privacy as a key factor in their positive experiences. "The sites are large and wooded; I had a better view of the campsite across the road than the ones next door," wrote a camper at Monadnock State Park's Gilson Pond Campground, highlighting the natural separation between sites.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. A visitor to Fort Dummer State Park noted, "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."
Helpful staff: Campground hosts receive praise for their knowledge and assistance. At Kampfires (formerly Hidden Acres), a camper shared, "The store and ice cream are cute, prices are very reasonable. Staff is fantastic and friendly." Another mentioned, "This place is pretty awesome. They have an ice cream shop attached to their office/store, mini golf just outside of it too."
Weight restrictions on bridges: Local covered bridges have strict weight and height restrictions that affect RV access. One reviewer at Ashuelot River Campground advised, "Highly suggest reading the directions on the campgrounds website about the covered bridge you're not allowed to cross- we discovered this the hard way."
Variable cell service: Mobile coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and carriers. A camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area noted, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive."
Limited hookups at state parks: Many state parks in the region offer limited or no hookups. For example, Monadnock State Park's Gilson Pond Campground has only 4 sites with electric hookups and none with water, according to reviewer information.
Look for dedicated play areas: Some campgrounds offer structured play options for children. A visitor at Greenfield State Park noted, "There's a shower and nice lake with rentals," while another mentioned "Swimming pond and beach is clean but can get crowded on a busy weekend. Frog pond is fun to explore."
Choose campgrounds with recreational rentals: Many sites offer equipment rentals that eliminate the need to transport bulky items. "Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance," reported a camper at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Consider noise levels when selecting sites: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds and specific sites. A reviewer at Swanzey Lake Camping Area observed, "All tent sites are in the way back of the campground... Showers and flush toilets nearest to the tent sites are brand new... Would consider coming again in the off season so that it isn't so crowded."
Verify site dimensions before booking: Many campgrounds in the region have size limitations. At Hinsdale Campground, a reviewer mentioned it's "Mostly seasonal with a back row for short term campers. Used by a lot of offroad bikes on weekends. All sites are full hookups with several primitive tent sites."
Seek dedicated RV areas with level sites: Finding level ground can be challenging in this hilly region. A camper at Swanzey Lake Camping Area noted, "Site 12 a little tight for 21 ft travel trailer. Large tree canopy. Lots of seasonal sites make up a majority of sites. No WiFi, AT&T is 2 bars without booster."
Check shower facilities: Coin-operated showers are common at state parks. At Fort Dummer State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms/showers are very clean. No electric hookups and if you're on solar power as we were, choose a site with fewer trees."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near West Swanzey, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, West Swanzey, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near West Swanzey, NH and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near West Swanzey, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Swanzey, NH is Ashuelot River Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Swanzey, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near West Swanzey, NH.
What parks are near West Swanzey, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near West Swanzey, NH that allow camping, notably Tully Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.
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