Best Campgrounds near Washington, NH

State parks and forests near Washington, New Hampshire feature a range of camping experiences from primitive sites to developed facilities. Pillsbury State Park Campground, located directly in Washington, offers a more rustic camping experience with sites accessible by car, foot, or boat. Many campsites sit along the lake, providing water access for paddling and fishing. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can find additional options like Greenfield State Park Campground, Spacious Skies Seven Maples in Hancock, and Oxbow Campground in Deering. These campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort. The region's wooded terrain creates natural privacy between many sites.

Camping seasons in this part of New Hampshire typically run from mid-May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when waterfront sites fill quickly. As one camper noted about Pillsbury State Park, "It's called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. Most campsites are accessible by car with space to park a car or two. Many campsites are on the lake." Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds reporting spotty service. Mosquitoes can be abundant, particularly in early summer, making insect repellent essential equipment. Weather conditions remain relatively mild during the camping season, though nights can be cool even in summer.

The heavily wooded setting of campgrounds in the Washington area provides natural shade and privacy between sites. Campers frequently mention the quiet atmosphere and access to water activities as highlights of their stays. At Pillsbury State Park, wildlife viewing opportunities include moose and loons in the wetland areas. The park serves as an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail connecting Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with varying levels of bathroom facilities. Dog policies differ between parks, with some restricting pets during peak season. Visitors particularly appreciate the family-friendly nature of many campgrounds, with several offering hiking trails, swimming areas, and boat rentals directly from the campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near Washington, New Hampshire (181)

    1. Pillsbury State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Washington, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-2860

    $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."

    2. Greenfield State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Bennington, NH
    19 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!"

    3. Spacious Skies Seven Maples

    11 Reviews
    Hancock, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 525-3321

    $54 - $999 / night

    "The shower worked well and it was nice not to have to walk to the restrooms, though they were close by. Our stay was during the week so it wasn’t very crowded."

    "We loved being next to the large field and basketball court where we watched the kids play without having to worry where they disappeared to."

    4. Oxbow Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hillsborough, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 464-5952

    $30 - $45 / night

    "We stayed with our parents in their camper for a couple nights and had such a positive experience there!"

    "We stayed right next to a cute pond on site 69. There was a family with several smaller children who were fishing g the pond. It was so cute to hear them squeal with glee when they caught a fish."

    5. Northstar Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-4001

    $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."

    6. Gilson Pond Area Campground — Monadnock State Park

    19 Reviews
    Jaffrey, NH
    23 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."

    7. Spacious Skies French Pond

    8 Reviews
    Henniker, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 428-7616

    $24 - $149 / night

    "I had a view of the beautiful pond, which is really a lake, and wished I had more time to rent a kayak.  The bathrooms were clean and easy to access, since I do not have sewer in my small pop-up."

    "Restroom closed to covid, some campgrounds kept them open and just cleaned more. Well no complaint here we’re self contained. Some areas could use some tidying up."

    8. Crows Nest

    3 Reviews
    Newport, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 863-6170

    $32 - $115 / night

    9. Ashuelot River Campground

    18 Reviews
    West Swanzey, NH
    24 miles
    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."

    10. Tippicanoe Campground

    1 Review
    Goshen, NH
    9 miles
    Website

    $35 - $45 / night

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Recent Reviews near Washington, NH

741 Reviews of 181 Washington Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Storrs Pond Recreation Area

    Okay

    Stayed here on a Sunday night in late September. It was very quiet and peaceful. Tent sites were hilly/uneven and extremely far from the toilets and bathhouse. Bathhouse is old and run down. The shower curtains were covered in mildew so we decided not to shower. We were just here overnight and did not make use of the other recreation facilities.


Guide to Washington

Camping near Washington, New Hampshire offers diverse options beyond established campgrounds. The region sits within the Monadnock Highlands at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet, creating distinct microclimates that extend the camping season through mid-autumn. Many sites provide direct water access, with several campgrounds offering boat rentals for non-motorized exploration of local ponds and lakes.

What to do

Kayaking on local ponds: At Pillsbury State Park Campground, visitors can explore multiple small ponds. "Kayaking on May Pond and discovering little islands and coves was a highlight," notes Jessica N. The park rents canoes and kayaks for those without their own equipment.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies in the region are stocked with fish. "The lake would really be nice for kayaking if you have one," mentions Brandon C. about Pillsbury State Park. For dedicated anglers, "Swimming is available at sunapee unless you like leaches. Fishing friendly and quiet campground," adds J L.

Hiking the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway: The 51-mile trail connecting Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee passes through several camping areas. "There are great hikes that you can get to right from your campsite, connecting to the Monadnock-Sunapee greenway," explains Matthew S. The trail offers moderate day hiking options through woodland terrain.

What campers like

Secluded woodland sites: Greenfield State Park Campground offers privacy through natural landscaping. "Very large campground with lots of woods to block you from other campers," says Erin R. Similarly, Jade B. mentions, "We went camping with a group of 5 people spread out onto two sites. It was easy to find the campground and our site."

Waterfront camping spots: Direct lake access ranks high among camper preferences. "Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake," explains a camper about Pillsbury State Park. At Ashuelot River Campground, "Some site on the river, some in the woods and some in a field," notes Michael M., providing options for different preferences.

Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain clean amenities. "The bathrooms were clean but if I remember correctly you had to pay for showers," says one camper about Greenfield State Park. Another notes, "Clean bath houses, laundry, dump station gameroom, and camp store. One of the best in the area!"

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from May through mid-October. "We stayed late in the season during a chilly damp weekend and had the best time," reports Richard W. about Spacious Skies Seven Maples. Fall camping offers spectacular foliage but requires warmer sleeping gear.

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. "Be prepared to not have much cell phone service either if you need things while you're camping. If you have Verizon and you're at campsite 34 you can get a little service," advises Lisa P. about Pillsbury State Park. Another camper confirms, "Cell reception for Verizon isn't great."

Bathroom facilities vary: Many campgrounds feature rustic facilities. "Pit toilets, sites are spacious," notes one camper. At another location, "Modest camp store. Pallets of firewood are delivered to your site and reasonably priced. Nice pool. Port-a potty by the river needs to be replaced," reports Brenda H.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly swimming areas: Crows Nest and other campgrounds offer designated swimming zones. "Nice campground on a beautiful lake," reports one visitor. However, water quality can change seasonally. "When we went (July) the water was closed due to Cyanobacteria Blooms, hence the 1 star deduction," notes Hailey D. about a different location.

Playgrounds and recreation: Many campgrounds include play areas. "The playground is really big with plenty to do. There's also a fishing pond and short hiking/biking trails," shares one family. Another camper adds, "The kids could fish whenever. Lots of hiking trails (the dogs loved it)."

Rental options for non-tent campers: Families without camping gear can still enjoy the outdoors. "We stayed in the cabin with a kitchenette and bathroom. The shower worked well and it was nice not to have to walk to the restrooms, though they were close by," reports Alison S. Cabins often book quickly during summer weekends.

Tips from RVers

Site access considerations: Northstar Campground and other facilities have varying RV accommodations. "My husband and I spent Memorial Day weekend here. We had a spacious site w/water and electric next to the Sugar River," reports Louise L. Some campgrounds have size restrictions, as one camper notes, "Don't bring a large RV - the sites are not meant for big rigs."

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections are common, but not universal. "Had issues with 30 amp service at site was not providing enough power, could not run all my campers amenities," warns Zachary W. Most campgrounds offer a dump station rather than full sewer hookups at each site.

Seasonal site options: Many campgrounds offer longer-term options. "Rental tent and rv sites mixed with seasonal sites," observes one camper. This creates a community atmosphere but can limit availability for short-term visitors during peak seasons when reservations should be made well in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Washington, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Washington, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 181 campgrounds and RV parks near Washington, NH and 13 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Washington, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington, NH is Pillsbury State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Washington, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Washington, NH.

What parks are near Washington, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Washington, NH that allow camping, notably Hopkinton-Everett Lake and Edward MacDowell Lake.