Monadnock State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Monadnock State Park covers 1,017 acres of 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock in southwestern New Hampshire. The mountain gained fame through the writings of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson for its expansive natural habitats. Today, the park enjoys National Natural Landscape status. There are 28 campsites for pop-up trailers and tents where pets are not allowed, so leave your furry friends at home or camp outside the park while you explore the area. Access to the location comes through Jaffrey, NH, which is 47 miles southwest of Concord and 75 miles northwest of Boston. Those traveling in RVs and camping in large trailers should look elsewhere for campsites as the area is restricted to smaller sized vehicles.
Spring 22-66 F
Summer 52-79 F
Fall 28-69 F
Winter 11-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Monadnock State Park
Several RV parks and campgrounds sit close to Monadnock State Park. Staying in one of these parks provides a comfortable spot to venture into the wilds of the park and surrounding area. If you do not own an RV, find one on RVshare.
Woodmore Campground and RV Park
Woodmore Campground and RV Park is a 23-acre facility that offers 125 campsites for tents and RVs. This campground is the closest to Monadnock State Park that provides for RV camping. Woodmore is a family-oriented campground with picnic tables and fire rings at every campsite. Located on Lake Contoocook's shores, the campground is a great spot for anglers, boaters, and swimmers. A horseshoe pit is available for those who wish to stay in camp, and there is a baseball diamond, volleyball court, arcade, and playground. Hiking and biking paths wander through the dense forest that covers the park. A well-stocked camp store means your cupboard is maintained. Restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities round out Woodmore’s amenities.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $58-$75 per night
Office hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday; 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday. Woodmore is open from Mother’s Day weekend to mid-October.
Ashuelot River Campground
Ashuelot River Campground sits 21 miles west of Monadnock State Park. The 50-acre campground sits alongside the Ashuelot River and offers 74 campsites capable of handling RVs. About 27 of those campsites provide full hookups. Along with the campsites, this facility offers several exceptional amenities, including canoe and kayak rentals, a volleyball and badminton court, a game room, Wi-Fi, and on-site storage. Anglers are free to rent boats to work their magic up and down the river. Others who seek a less-intense cruise often rent boats or kayaks to float along the river’s peaceful shores. The store supplies plenty of firewood, propane, and information about where to go for the best hikes in Monadnock State Park.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $47-$57 per night
Office hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily from May 1 through mid-October
Seven Maples Campground
Seven Maples Campground is only 12 miles north of Monadnock State Park. The campground offers 41 RV campsites. Twelve of those campsites provide full hookups that include sewer access. This 54-acre campground is meticulously maintained and comes with a swimming pool, a game room, bathhouses, restrooms, showers, a laundry facility, and a kayak rental service. It's located alongside Moose Brook, and kayakers have access to the legendary fishing at Norway Pond. A private trout fishing pond adds angling opportunities where kids learn the excitement of fishing. A camp store provides all those essentials that campers suddenly discover while venturing away from home.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: 30/50 amp
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Fee: $49 to $58 per night
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. May 1 through mid-October
What to Do at
Monadnock State Park
Inside Monadnock State Park
Monadnock State Park is not designed as a campsite. The park's attractions are its natural beauty, its hiking trails, and its opportunity to commune with nature in a secluded environment. Several trails guide visitors to different destinations. Some hikers seek the top of Mount Monadnock whereas others choose a less-strenuous path to Gilson Pond. Regardless of your intentions, always be aware of your limitations as some trails are arduous.
Outside Monadnock State Park
The communities outside Monadnock State Park share in the beauty that the mountain brings to those who visit. Due to its fame, the small villages surrounding the mountain have developed restaurants, stores, and activities that provide as much attraction value as the mountain itself.
Restaurants
Thorndike’s Restaurant
While visiting the park, don’t miss the fine dining experience at Thorndike’s Restaurant. The restaurant sits inside the elegant Monadnock Inn and offers a menu that resembles New England's old-style cuisines. Expect to find substantial helpings in meals, including such delicacies as veal parmesan and beef tenderloin.
Type: Fine Dining
Location: 379 Main Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452
The Grove at the Woodbound Inn
Travel 6 miles south of the park to enjoy a meal at The Grove at the Woodbound Inn. The cuisine at this restaurant is a new version of the traditional American menu. Foods like seared branzino and salmon piccata please any palate.
Type: American
Location: 247 Woodbound Road, Rindge, NH 03461
Jaffrey Pizza Barn
Sometimes, a good pizza is the only thing that will satisfy a deep hunger. Visit the Jaffrey Pizza Barn for the best pizza in the area. Other items besides pizza that you can get at this restaurant are grinders, calzones, and pasta.
Type: Pizza
Location: 6 Blake Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Shopping
New England Everyday Goods
New England Everyday Goods features authentic New England products. New Hampshire maple syrup, homemade cookies, and locally grown seasonal produce grace the shelves. Keepsakes like artisan pottery, handmade soaps, and exotic candles are available as take-home reminders of a great trip.
Location: 16 Colls Farm Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Terrapin Glassblowing Studio
Learn something new while shopping at the Terrapin Glassblowing Studio. Watch the ladies at this all-female glassblowing factory produce these products. If you are interested, you can sign yourself or your children up for glassblowing lessons. The products include ornaments, cups, delicate birds, and animal structures that make excellent additions for any home décor.
Location: 79 Hadley Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Pelletier’s Sport Shop
Anglers and hunters visiting the park always need fresh bait, lures, flies, or ammo. Stop at Pelletier’s Sport Shop to replenish your supplies. This business is a great spot to get information about the best fishing methods and hunting grounds from locals.
Location: 105 Peterborough Street Route 202, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Sightseeing
New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra
While you are in the area, drive 50 miles to the east to visit the New Hampshire Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra produces sounds that can’t be repeated in recordings.
Location: 44 Geremonty Drive, Salem, NH 03079
Silver Ranch Stables
Make sure to take the time to visit the Silver Ranch Stables. Horseback riding, sleigh riding, and riding lessons await you and your family in a safe environment. Let your kids discover the thrill of riding a horse, and watch their grins grow.
Location: 183 Turnpike Road, Jaffrey, NH 03452
Peterborough Players
After a hard day of hiking the mountain, take some time to absorb some culture by attending a show at the Peterborough Players. This theater is producing some of the finest on-stage performances in the New England region. Whether you are looking for comedy, drama, Shakespeare, or a set of one-act plays, you will find them here, only 8 miles from the mountain.
Location: 55 Hadley Road, Peterborough, NH 03458
How to Get to
Monadnock State Park
The most direct approach to Monadnock State Park is through Jaffrey, NH. To reach the park from Jaffrey, take New Hampshire Highway 124 West for 7 miles. The road ends at the entrance to the park.
To get to Jaffrey from Boston, take Massachusetts Highway 2 out of Boston. Travel approximately 70 miles until you reach exit 248. Turn toward Massachusetts Highway 140 North, and drive 14 miles to reach U.S. Route 202. Route 202 runs through Jaffrey.
To get to Jaffrey from Concord, NH, take Interstate 89 North to exit 5. Turn left toward U.S. 202, and continue driving to Jaffrey.
Entering Monadnock State Park
Each vehicle that enters Monadnock State Park is subject to a fee. The park is open year-round.
Monadnock State Park Entry fee per vehicle : $15.0
You’ll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Monadnock State Park. If you don’t have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Monadnock State Park
Although the park headquarters is staffed year-round and trailheads are always open unless posted, some facilities are only staffed from mid-April to mid-November. The Gilson Pond Campground is open from late May to mid-October.
At Monadnock State Park, you can expect hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Be prepared for heavy showers and thunder in the summer. Snowfall may occur from November until May.
The Gilson Pond Campground in Monadnock State Park has five sites designated for trailers and RVs. Three of these can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Reservations are required when the campground is open, which is from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. RV camping with an electrical hookup is $35 per night in the park.
Pets are not permitted at any time of the year in Monadnock State Park. This includes all the trails, campgrounds, and the entire area of Mount Monadnock. However, service animals are permitted.