North of the White Mountains near the Canadian border, West Stewartstown sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in New Hampshire's rugged Connecticut River Valley. This remote area experiences significant seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs averaging 75-80°F and winter lows frequently dipping below zero. The region's remoteness creates exceptional conditions for stargazing and wildlife viewing while camping.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little Diamond Pond at Coleman State Park Campground offers peaceful waters for beginners. "If you enjoy exploring the woods, fishing and being in the wild this is a good clean option," notes one camper who appreciated the pond's tranquil setting.
Fly fishing: The Magalloway River provides exceptional angling for experienced fishers. According to a visitor at Aziscoos Valley Camping Area: "It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire." Some rivers enforce catch-and-release or fly-fishing-only regulations.
ATV trails: The region has extensive ATV networks connecting multiple campgrounds. "If you don't mind the sound of ATVs this place is great," mentions one Coleman State Park visitor. Trail maps are available at most campgrounds, with several offering direct trail access from campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk provide optimal moose-spotting conditions on forest roads. Loons are commonly heard calling across the region's ponds. "Keep your eyes out for loons and bald eagles on Little Diamond Pond," advises a Coleman State Park reviewer.
What campers like
Remote quietness: The area's distance from major cities creates unusually peaceful camping experiences. One camper at Lake Francis State Park Campground describes it as "Quiet, remote, serene and clean. It is a New Hampshire state campground so the prices are low and the place is very well-kept."
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer direct pond or river access. "There are a number of nice campsites right on the lake, but even if you don't have a waterfront site, there is a public boat launch," notes a Lake Francis visitor. Waterfront sites typically book 3-4 months in advance during peak season.
Excellent facilities: Despite the remote location, many campgrounds maintain surprisingly good amenities. "The facilities are new, with nice gendered bathrooms, a non-gendered single bathroom, coin-op showers and a dish pit," explains a camper at Maidstone State Park.
Yurt camping options: West Stewartstown and nearby areas offer several yurt accommodation options for campers seeking more comfort. These structured canvas dwellings provide a midpoint between tent camping and cabin rentals, with most featuring wooden floors and basic furnishings.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. "It's just overall a really nice place to go in the wilderness where it is quiet and no cell phone service at all for miles," reports a Lake Francis camper. Some campgrounds have limited WiFi at registration buildings only.
Remote location preparation: Stock up on supplies before arrival. "Make sure you are well provisioned before arriving, there are no supplies nearby," advises a visitor to Aziscoos Valley. Young's General Store, mentioned by reviewers, is one of few nearby options for forgotten essentials.
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds have coin-operated showers while others have none. At Mollidgewock State Park Campground, "There is a small campground office staffed with a friendly host who is attentive and more than happy to chat. There are several pit toilets, all well maintained during the season."
Weather preparedness: The area experiences significant temperature drops overnight even in summer. Pack additional layers, rain gear, and insect repellent, particularly for black flies in late spring.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer family-friendly programming. At Lake Francis, one family noted: "We go the same week each year with a hoard of kids and they remember us each year. My daughter had gotten more candy out of them then she know what to do with answering the daily trivia question right."
Kid-friendly water access: Shallow pond entry points provide safer swimming for younger children. Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas with gradual entries. "The lake was incredibly low so it was a good thing we weren't trying to launch a boat," mentioned one Lake Francis visitor.
Protected shelter options: Some campgrounds offer structures that shield from rain. "Some sites have new shelters, which are nice when you camp and it's calling for rain. Easily pitch a couple four person tents or a tent and table area, off the groups and well protected in the protected deck shelter," explains a Lake Francis visitor.
Yurt camping alternative: West Stewartstown yurt camping options provide families an easier camping experience with the benefits of both tent and cabin camping. These structures stand up better to inclement weather while maintaining the camping atmosphere.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in this region. At Ladd Pond Cabins And Campground, they "do have multiple tent sites, RV sites and cabins available" but capacity is limited to 24 total sites.
Site size considerations: Many campgrounds in this region were designed before larger RVs became common. "Sites with hook ups are more open," notes a Lake Francis camper, indicating the tradeoff between privacy and services.
Water and sewer access: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon. We didn't spend any time on Lake Francis, but I highly recommend paddling at East Inlet (30min east of the campground)," advises another visitor.
