Dispersed camping near Troy, New Hampshire offers diverse terrain options in the Monadnock Region, where elevations range from 800 to over 3,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, dropping into the 50s at night, while spring and fall camping requires additional cold-weather gear as overnight temperatures can dip below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking and river tubing: At Ashuelot River Campground, the wide river provides excellent water recreation options. "Great riverfront location. Huge sites and a very helpful owner. What more could you want?" notes Wayne B. The campground offers canoe rentals and shuttle service for water activities, with one camper mentioning they "saw a bald eagle this past weekend while paddling up past the campground."
Hiking forest trails: The trail networks around Tully Lake Recreation Area connect to waterfalls and woodland paths. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area," explains Nancy R. The area features trails of varying difficulty, making it suitable for different skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple small lakes and ponds within 30 minutes of Troy provide good fishing spots. Campers report catching various species, though one camper at Swanzey Lake noted, "The lake is very pretty and we had a nice time out on the water in our raft. We didn't catch any fish but there's always next time." Several campgrounds have fishing ponds directly on their property.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Greenfield State Park Campground offers secluded camping with natural buffers between sites. "Large park. Good sized sites with plenty of shade and decent privacy. Bathrooms are sufficient and there are enough to cover the wide expanse of the park," shares Ali B. The park's layout helps create a sense of solitude even when the campground is full.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower areas. At Fort Dummer State Park Campground, "Bathrooms/showers were very clean. No electric hookups and if you're on solar power as we were, choose a site (#26 is a good choice) with fewer trees," advises one camper. Most campgrounds offer coin-operated showers with hot water.
Lake access: Water features are common at dog-friendly campgrounds near Troy. "We stayed in site 4 and we think that it was one of the best sites in the campground. We didn't have neighbors on either side of us. We only had neighbors across from us. The site was spacious, peaceful and pretty. There was a little trail from our site that went down to a marsh," shares Megan G. about her experience at Tully Lake.
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. At Fort Dummer State Park, "You're surrounded by beauty here, but you may also be surrounded with neighbors. The sites offer little privacy even though they're spaced well," notes Audrey R. Another camper mentioned, "Since it's so close to the highway, you can hear traffic all night."
Site selection strategy: At Lake Dennison, "The sites on the North side are spacious & quiet. The other side of the campground (east) has a lot of noise pollution from the nearby road which is used by logging trucks," explains Bonnie B. Research specific site numbers when booking to ensure the best experience based on your priorities.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have spotty or non-existent cell coverage. "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," advises Jean C. about Tully Lake. Most campgrounds have better reception at their entrance areas.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Lake Dennison Recreation Area Campground provides excellent swimming options. "The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. There are ample trails for hiking and kids can ride their bikes," explains Bonnie B. The lake has designated swimming areas with gradually sloping bottoms, making it safer for children.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Troy offer play structures. "The playground is really big with plenty to do. There's also a fishing pond and short hiking/biking trails," shares Erin M. about her experience camping with kids. Recreation fields for group games are common at larger campgrounds.
Kid-friendly trails: Short hiking options under 2 miles accommodate younger hikers. "From the main entrance, collect a cart, load your gear, and following the appropriate divergent path from the parking lot or bath house (they are color coded)," advises Jean C. about the well-marked trails at Tully Lake, which are manageable for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Spacious Skies Seven Maples accommodates larger rigs in specific areas. "We have a 25 foot trailer and stayed in the Grove area. Our site 19 was spacious and wooded," notes Erin M. However, she cautions that "The Safari Field and more central full hook-up sites were pretty crammed." Always check site specifications before booking.
Power considerations: Electrical hookups vary widely between campgrounds. One RVer reported having "issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my camper's amenities while my 20 amp designated outlet at home runs my entire camper with no issue." Bring a voltage meter to monitor electrical supply.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations. "Dump station and additional swimming/water activities are a little farther down the road at Lake Dennison," notes Jean C. about camping at Otter River State Forest. Plan your waste management accordingly, especially for longer stays.
Ranger
