Best Campgrounds near West Swanzey, NH

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. 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.

Best Camping Sites Near West Swanzey, New Hampshire (152)

    1. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (603) 357-5777

    $47 - $70 / night

    "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."

    2. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 532-2416

    $29 - $35 / night

    "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."

    3. Fort Dummer State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brattleboro, VT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2610

    "There are 3 nice and short trails, 2 with a great view and the other that is quite steep down to a swimming hole."

    "We had site 30, which looked to be one of the best sites available (and the lean-tos next to site 30 also looked great). Most sites on this side of the loop were private, forested, and spacious."

    4. Kampfires

    8 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-2098

    $30 - $50 / night

    "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."

    5. Swanzey Lake Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 352-9880

    $35 - $42 / night

    "Nice beach, but need to cross public road to get there - short walk. Relaxing evenings along side fire pit."

    6. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    9 Reviews
    Royalston, MA
    16 miles
    +1 (978) 249-9150

    $40 / night

    "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."

    7. Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground

    14 Reviews
    Foster Lake, OR
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (978) 297-1609

    $17 - $35 / 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."

    8. Brattleboro North KOA

    4 Reviews
    West Chesterfield, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 254-5908

    "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."

    9. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 547-3497

    $29 - $87 / night

    "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!"

    10. Forest Lake Campgrounds

    3 Reviews
    Winchester, NH
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 239-4267

    $33 - $35 / night

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Recent Reviews near West Swanzey, NH

650 Reviews of 152 West Swanzey Campgrounds


  • Carroll K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    It was quite and peaceful

    We enjoyed our stay with Gus very much. With the email to confirm our stay, there were excellent directions to get there. It is behind his home by a lake with creek nearby. There is also a hiking trail. We had no problems. If we are in the area again, we would camp here again.  Thanks

  • Lin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Spacious Skies French Pond

    Best Camp in the area

    I am enjoying this camp still, even after 6 months. Management is wonderful and attentive. They take great care of the whole camp and us campers. Fun events are scheduled on the regular!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice ‘n Easy campground

    We stayed for 3 days off season so not busy. Sites located along the river are wooded, field sites are very open great for seeing the stars at night. Sites have fire rings with excellent airflow for good burning with low smoke. Hook ups are in great condition for power, water, sewer. Showers and bath house on site. Laundry and game room at office area. Office staff was very helpful and they’re open later into the day til 7 PM. Good firewood and large bundle delivered for $15 to your site. We passed over this site on our first trip to the area but are glad we came here and we’re planning to return. Follow the website directions to get here as there are covered bridges in the area with low Clearance and low weight limits.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Branch Pond on National Forest Hwy

    Amazing camping spots with fire pits!

    Tons of different styles of camping spots (if you get there while its still sunlight you can pick a spot by a flowing stream/river). No public bathrooms, no hookups, I personally didn’t have service.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    NF 83 - riverside

    NF83

    Great camping site. The road into the site was pretty rough.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Another great trip to Ashuelot River Campground

    We spent another great weekend at the Ashuelot River Campground. We recently purchased a new-to-us camper and wanted to get in a trip or two before putting it away for the winter. This was our 2nd visit to Ashuelot.

    We were in site 59, a pull-through with water and 30/50 amp service. The site was level and easy to get into and park. We were in a fully wooded area on the left side of the campground, which we prefer. They have sites located in fully open areas, as well as some that are partially wooded and have river access. There is a nice mix.

    Having good weather, we took a lazy tube ride from one side of the campground to the other. It has been quite dry in the area, so they are experiencing a drought. However, a little rain in the week got the river moving a bit. We were able to enjoy a nice, slow drift around the campground.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time again and will definitely be back.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Statton Pond Camp on Forest Road 71

    Amazing Numerous Free Dispersed Camping!

    Easy to get to, had service the whole time, fire pits for every spot. I did see a huge blackbear. I didn’t see any bathrooms.

  • Rachael K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Gus's Gardens Camping

    Nice weekend getaway

    This place was really nice. Easy to pull our 20ft camper in. Two minutes drive to the very cute town of Wilmington. Good places to eat there. The campsite was really private. Had a picnic table and fire pit. The pond was sweet and the Deerfield Valley Trail is right off the campsite. We would definitely like to stay there again.


Guide to West Swanzey

Camping near West Swanzey, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Monadnock State Park Campground. “The campsite is big and away from another site. You can easily access hiking trails,” said one happy camper.
  • Kayaking: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, you can easily launch your kayak. A reviewer mentioned, “Lots of great spots on the water, easy to put a kayak in from.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Bear Brook State Park Campground. One visitor noted, “The campground has a beach, a playground, a ball field, and a store.”

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the large, private sites at Greenfield State Park Campground. One long-time visitor said, “If you like large sites in a wooded setting with many private ones, this is the place.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. A reviewer from Mt. Greylock Campsite Park mentioned, “The campground has great amenities and a great feel to it.”
  • Friendly Staff: The welcoming atmosphere at Spacious Skies Minute Man is a highlight. One camper shared, “The staff was nice. The store seemed to be lacking some stuff, but I would stay there again.”

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Be prepared for limited connectivity at Monadnock State Park Campground. A camper noted, “No cell/data service. I wish this were clearer on their website.”
  • Ticks: If you're hiking, watch out for ticks, especially at Greenfield State Park Campground. One visitor warned, “Our dog got covered in ticks, so watch for that.”
  • No Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Bear Brook State Park Campground, do not offer electric or water hookups. A camper mentioned, “There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Jamaica State Park Campground. A parent shared, “Great playground and fun playing in the river.”
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with large sites for kids to play. A reviewer at Woodford State Park Campground said, “Our site was pretty well surrounded with trees, so it feels very private and secluded.”
  • Activities: Check for ranger-led programs. One camper at Jamaica State Park Campground noted, “Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Dump Stations: Make sure the campground has a dump station, like Mt. Greylock Campsite Park. A reviewer mentioned, “They dump for you on the way out, no extra charge.”
  • Space for Big Rigs: Look for campgrounds that are big rig friendly, such as Camping On The Battenkill. A camper shared, “The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well.”
  • Amenities: Check for amenities like showers and laundry facilities. A visitor at Woodford State Park Campground said, “The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet.”

Camping near West Swanzey, New Hampshire, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

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 152 campgrounds and RV parks near West Swanzey, NH and 17 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 17 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.