Woodsville camping sites access the White Mountain National Forest and nearby Vermont state parks, offering riverside settings with elevation changes of 500-1500 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F, with cooler 55-65°F nighttime temperatures making sleeping bags necessary even in July. Most campsites require reservations 3-6 months in advance during peak summer season.
What to do
River activities at site: Access the Connecticut River directly from River Meadow Campground RV Park where "you can access the CT river" and they have "kayaks and canoes to rent." One camper noted, "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in."
Hiking nearby trails: Start at established trailheads within a 15-mile drive of most Woodsville campgrounds. At White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground, campers appreciate its strategic location as "another well-maintained WMNF campground" that's "convenient for heading up to Mt Moosilauke or up the Kinsman Ridge." Many sites note it's "only a few miles from the AT."
Explore swimming spots: Find natural water access at several campgrounds, though water levels vary seasonally. At Pleasant Valley Campground, visitors enjoy "a fun large pond big enough for a nesting pair of loons," which is "nice for an afternoon paddle with no wake."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many Woodsville area campgrounds offer wooded separation. At Lost River Valley Campground, "Every site is surrounded by trees, most near a creek too," with one camper noting the "Wooded sites but close to your neighbors." Another camper mentioned they "absolutely love the area! Close to many attractions campsite on the river."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. Fransted Family Campground offers "immaculate" bathrooms with one camper reporting, "The campground is well maintained. Shower stall condition is great. It is bit pricy, but we'll worth it."
Outdoor cooking setups: Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables. At Hancock Campground, each site comes with "a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box," which one camper found particularly useful since "we couldn't keep anything in our car."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. Pleasant Valley Campground gets "3 stars for lack of cell service and no WiFi" though the same reviewer would "definitely stay again." At Moose Hillock, campers report "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds from nearby highways. At Lafayette Place Campground, one camper noted, "It is right next to I-93 which certainly echoes. The traffic noise was a little distracting and took away from the peacefulness of being outside."
Seasonal insects: Bees and other insects can be prevalent at certain times. At Hancock Campground, campers reported sites "completely swarmed with bees" where "they were unbearable and we had a couple stings, so we rushed to pack up and left early."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Choose campgrounds with swimming facilities for hot summer days. Moose Hillock Camping Resort stands out for its "AMAZING pool!!!!!" with "a huge pool and water slides." One family noted it had "plenty to do with the kids. They love the ship wreck pool!"
Playground options: Check for on-site play areas when traveling with younger children. Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment, with Fransted Family Campground offering "a big grass area and playground and activities for the children and families."
Pet-friendly considerations: Confirm dog policies before booking, as rules vary. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Woodsville like Littleton/Franconia Notch KOA Holiday are "very dog friendly if your pup is well behaved" with "plenty of riverside sites" where "could hear the water every night."
Tips from RVers
Site sizes and layouts: Many campgrounds accommodate various RV lengths with different hookup options. Fransted Family Campground offers "Good sites for both large and small campers" with one reviewer noting their "site was an easy pull through, wooded site, close to bath house."
Hookup availability: Check specific utility options when booking. At Littleton/Franconia Notch KOA Holiday, reviewers note that while there are "very friendly and helpful staff and beautiful views of the river," some found "only a few sites with sewer hookup." However, they mentioned "the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem."
Terrain challenges: Consider campground topography when driving larger rigs. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, "The campground is very hilly" which can make navigation challenging, especially since golf carts available for rent have "no power steering."
