North of the White Mountains, West Stewartstown sits at the intersection of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Quebec. Winter temperatures frequently drop below -20°F, while summer days rarely exceed 85°F. Camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after the first heavy snowfall in autumn.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake Francis State Park Campground, anglers find success casting from shore. "Caught about a dozen small rainbows anchored at the head of the rapids," reports a camper at Mollidgewock State Park Campground. The Androscoggin River provides additional fishing spots along the eastern edge of the region.
Wildlife viewing: Northern New Hampshire offers excellent moose spotting chances. "Mollidgewock State Park, overlooking the Androscoggin River, is embedded in the beautiful and tranquil scenery that makes up what I would call, the moose capital of NH," writes one visitor. Early morning and dusk provide best viewing times along Route 16.
Stargazing: Away from light pollution, campgrounds offer exceptional night sky viewing. "Sites at the top of the hill provide a view of peaks in the distance," notes a camper about Sunshine Valley RV Park. For unobstructed views, choose open sites rather than wooded ones.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campers value separation between sites. "The sites were large and most quite level. There are some seasonal campers," writes a reviewer about Buck Rub's Hidden Acres Campground. Sites vary considerably across campgrounds, with some offering more seclusion than others.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained amenities receive consistent praise. At Brighton State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "the campsite itself is beautiful. Maintance on campground is very well attended and kept very clean all over." Most parks clean bathrooms daily during peak season.
Water access: Proximity to water ranks high for campers. "The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing," notes one Mollidgewock State Park visitor. Some sites offer direct waterfront access while others require short walks to reach shorelines.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: The camping season has distinct boundaries. According to Coleman State Park Campground information, the park operates "Memorial Day to Columbus Day," reflecting the standard season for most campgrounds in the region. After mid-October, facilities close rapidly.
Cell service variations: Connectivity changes dramatically based on location. "There IS cell service, at least with Verizon," reports one Lake Francis State Park Campground visitor, while others note complete dead zones, particularly in valley areas. Download maps and information before arrival.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings can be extreme. "I was here in October and it was COLD, so be prepared for all kinds of weather," writes a camper about their experience at Mollidgewock. Night temperatures can drop below freezing even in summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Family activities: Sugar Ridge RV Village offers diverse recreation options. "Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better," mentions one reviewer. Activities vary widely between campgrounds, with some offering organized programs during peak season.
Swimming options: Water recreation provides cooling options. At Brighton State Park Campground, "It is on a gorgeous lake to sit by on the beach and watch the stars at night." Most swimming areas lack lifeguards; supervision remains parents' responsibility.
Budget considerations: Costs vary significantly between private and public campgrounds. State parks typically charge $25-35 per night for basic sites, while private RV parks near West Stewartstown might cost $40-60 for full hookups. Additional fees often apply for firewood, showers, or boat rentals.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Power options differ between campgrounds. At Cedar Pond Campground, visitors note it's "a great place for full service RV sites." Most private campgrounds offer electric, water and sometimes sewer, while state parks provide more limited connections.
Site sizing: RV length restrictions matter when booking. "There are RV compatible sites but there are no hookups and all the camping areas are grass," explains a Brighton State Park camper. Always confirm your specific RV length against site limitations before booking.
Road conditions: Getting to campgrounds can present challenges. "Be careful when following certain gps/google directions…depending where you are coming from, you may end up on dirt roads/ATV trails that could be hazardous in a passenger vehicle during poor conditions," warns one Mollidgewock camper. Larger rigs should research routes carefully, especially during spring mud season.