Deer Mountain Campground, near Pittsburg, New Hampshire, is a fantastic choice for those seeking a rustic camping experience surrounded by nature. With its spacious sites and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s perfect for unwinding and enjoying the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its beautiful river and lake views, making it a favorite among visitors. Many campers have praised the cleanliness of the facilities and the helpfulness of the hosts. As one reviewer noted, “Just beautiful, love the river and lake, super clean, nice hosts.” 

For outdoor enthusiasts, Deer Mountain offers easy access to hiking trails, including the nearby Cohos Trail, which is just a short walk away. Fishing opportunities abound in the area, and the rugged terrain adds to the charm of this off-the-grid location. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, you can even hike over the border into Canada.

While the campground keeps things simple with no electric hookups or showers, the lack of distractions allows for a truly immersive experience in nature. Campers have enjoyed the starry nights and the tranquility that comes from being unplugged. Just remember to bring your bug spray during the summer months, as the local wildlife can be a bit pesky.

Located in Connecticut Lakes State Forest, adjacent to the Connecticut River between Second and Third Connecticut Lakes, Deer Mountain Campground is just five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg, referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. The 25-site primitive campground with 24 sites available by reservation and one for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space.   
Deer Mountain Campground provides a great base for organized youth groups that want to explore the north country. Reservations for youth group camping are required and be made by callilng 603-271-3556 ext 402.

## Park Information
- NO hook up sites available at this campground. 
- There is a maximum of two vehicles per campsite, excluding group sites. 
- Check-in time is between 1pm and 8pm and check out time is before 11am.
- Quiet hours are between the hours of 10pm and 7am.
- Generators may only be run from 9 am to 12 noon and 5 pm to 8 pm. 
- All visitors are required to register and pay the day-use fee at the campground office. Campers shall not have any day-use visitors at their campsite between the hours of 10pm and 7am. 

There is limited to no cell service at this park. Service may vary based on provider. For emergency calls, use pay phone located at the park office/store.

- Emergency Police/Fire/Ambulance....911
- Park office phone number - 603-538-6965  

## Pet Policy:
 **Pets are not permitted in the cabin facilities at this park. Anyone found staying in a cabin with a pet will be asked to leave.**   
 For more information on the NH State Parks Pet Policy, or to see where pets are allowed, please visit: https://www.nhstateparks.org/planning/pet-friendly-state-parks 
## **Cancellation & Refund Policy:**

**There is a new cancellation policy in effect as of 2/1/2024**

- Full refund minus transaction fee if you cancel at least 10 + days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- Full refund minus reservation fee plus cost of one night of camping if you cancel 4-9 days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
- No refund if you cancel 0-3 days from your scheduled arrival date.

If there are any concerns about your reservation, please call the Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757

Any refund requests occurring after the reservation arrival date must be submitted in writing or emailed to State Parks Headquarters within 14 days of departure. Please email requests to nhparks@dncr.nh.gov or mail to: NH State Parks Reservation Office, 172 Pembroke Rd, Concord, NH 03301

## **Firewood Notice:**

**Attention!** Please do not bring out-of-state firewood with you. Firewood can carry exotic insects and tree diseases. Safe firewood is available to purchase at the campground for your convenience.

## Booking Rules:

The maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance and sites become available at 8am (9am on weekends) exactly 11 months from the anticipated arrival day.

## **Fee Information:** 
- The nightly base site fee pays for 2 adults only and up to 4 dependent children under 18. You must be 18 to register for a campsite. 
- Extra adults are $10 per night. Additional children are $5 per night
- NH Senior Citizens are given a $5 per night discount to all campgrounds with the exception of Cannon Mountain RV, Ellacoya, and Hampton Beach. 
- NH Seniors must bring their NH photo ID for discount verification. 
- NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites with the exception of yurts and cabins.
- NH State Employees must bring their State ID or current paystub for discount to be applied. 
  
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## **Site Rules:** 

No more than 2 tents can occupy a standard (non-group) site at any time. Only 1 trailer, pop-up, or RV (camping unit) per site at any time.

Deer Mountain Campground

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Pittsburg. Pittsburg is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Pittsburg, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Pittsburg

The Best Camping Near Pittsburg, New Hampshire

I was searching for something remote that also had a good deal of hiking in the area. Deer Mtn is a no frills campground. But if you want a perfect campsite book #28. You need to carry in/out in the 1/2 mile walk to the site. But you have a secluded open site sitting on the 2nd CT Lake. Listen to the Loons call as you hopefully see a Moose in what is known as Moose Alley. Numerous miles of trails and your only 2 miles from hiking the international boundary line by the US Customs Border house 

Site #28 please

These sites lack amenities, however, the primitive feel really helps you enjoy  the beauties of new Hampshire, some of these sites require you to walk about half a mile into them which really adds to the privacy, I will surely be back for another stay

Primitive and peaceful 

Head to the last town in NH on RT.3 before you hit the Canadian border. Called "Moose Alley" the area of Pittsburg has a very rugged off the grid feel with the border close by. Deer Mountain campground has 30 sites all neatly spaced out. We camped at site 10 &amp; 21\. Amenities are small as there are just outhouses. No showers or flushed toilets but firewood is available for purchase. You can shower down the road at the Lake Francis campground if you need to. The campground has access to hiking trails and fishing. The area has the four Connecticut lakes that offer plenty of recreation. The hiking is incredible as you have the Cohos Trail which stretches down to Massachusetts. We also day hiked over the border into Canada as the campsite is not a far walk to the border crossing. An hour out from the site you will have no cell service so if you are a cell addict this won't be the place for you. There is a small general store called Treats &amp; Treasures not far from the site to go and get wifi so you can make a call or check in with folks.

Unplug off the grid 

Was a nice campground, very private sites and can’t beat the price. I didn’t like the rock mixture were you were to put your tent up on. All sites are different though, some have grass and others have platforms. There is one spot to get water which is next to the road,when you first come in. Bathrooms were pretty clean for non flush toilets.  The worker was very nice and helpful to us. Tons of stars to see, since there is no electricity, worth it though. Also no cell service, so if you live on your phone might not be a good option for you. We went in July, tons of horse flys and mosquitos, bring spray. 

Very Nice.

I stayed here at the start of my Cohos Trail (before getting a shuttle to the southern start) and at the tail end of the trail. It's perfect for finishing the trail since you can hike onto the final stretch of trail a 5 minute walk away.

  

Site 28 is walk-in but looked secluded and spectacular with a pond view. Site 26 is also a brief hike with the tent platform right off a gentle stretch of the stream. 

  

Sites 15 and 16 are right along the water but don't have much privacy. This campsite was pretty quiet mid-week so that wasn't an issue.

Great primitive camping for the Cohos Trail

Just beautiful, love the river and lake, super clean, nice hosts. 6 miles from Canada and trails. 

NH trip

I was shocked to find Deer Mountain mostly empty in the middle of summer.  It doesn’t have the amenities of some state parks, but nearby Lake Francis SP is available for showers, etc.  This is a great location for those who want to get away from the crowds and noise.  There’s a wide variety of birds for those who are interested.

  

Site 28 is worth the short hike to get there.  Don’t be put off if you don’t have backpacking gear:  there is a wagon to help haul stuff to the site and back.  

  

A few things to know, though:  the trees have grown and the view from the tent platform no longer looks like the photos on ReserveAmerica.  It’s a much more limited water view, but still gorgeous.  There are no trees suitable for hammock camping with a view.  And much of the site and surrounding area is a giant Canada Goose latrine.  (Imagine a dog park where no one has ever cleaned up after their pets.)

Great for Birding

May Camping Weekend Recap – Moose Alley Magic (Even in a Cold Snap!) ❄️🏕️

We weren’t expecting a cold spell this late in May, but Mother Nature had her own plans! Even with the surprise chill, we had such a wonderful time at our campsite nestled along Moose Alley. While it’s near a road, don’t worry—it’s not a main highway, just a quiet local path that adds to the peaceful vibe of the area.

Though the moose kept their distance, we did spot some fresh footprints—which made the search feel extra magical! The surrounding views of the mountains and water were breathtaking, and there were plenty of short and long hikes to explore for all experience levels.

We brought my Grandma and Service Dog along, and both were welcomed with kindness. The folks who braved the cold weather like us were so sweet, and the community feel at the campground made the chilly temps totally worth it. Huge shoutout to the park rangers—they’re around, approachable, and truly there to help, so don’t hesitate to ask them anything you need.

Pro tip: Buy those fire starters! They’re a lifesaver in cold, damp weather and made our fires easy and cozy every night.

All in all, cold weather or not, it was a heartwarming weekend surrounded by nature, lovely people, and good vibes. Moose Alley—we’ll definitely be back (hopefully next time with a moose sighting too)!

#CampingInMay #MooseAlley #ColdSnapAdventure #CampfireVibes #NatureLovers #MountainViews #FamilyCamping #AccessibleAdventures #ServiceDogFriendly #CampgroundCommunity #MemorialWeekend

Photos of Deer Mountain Campground

Real photos from real campers