Best Camping in and near Lake Francis State Park

100% (3 reviews)

Visitors can explore this park by foot, wheels, or oars.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Francis State Park

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Burke Line Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents148 acres · Burke, VT

Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered 7 days a week by appointment. Please call 802-535-7722 to speak with our wrangler. Along with the horses we have sheep and lambs for market and wool. Our land is relatively flat with many trails for riding or walking. A short drive will bring you to Willoughby Lake, Kingdom Trails, and Burke Mt. We will Be Closing for the season on the 14th of November 2024. We had a great season and looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring of 2025.

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(10)

Wandering Pines

4 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Whitefield, NH

Wandering Pines is part of our little slice of magic in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. Our sites are near our Small House on our 5 acres but all have privacy. We have 4 sites; 2 large campsites. "Apple Tree Camp" is a group tent site and comes with a large space for setting up 1-3 tents, a fire ring and table. You will have access to water and electric. "Under the Pines" is our Glamping site. This is a very large campsite with a large Canvas tent that sleeps 3. There is room for 1-2 more tents on this site. You will have a picnic area with a picnic table and fire ring. It also comes with a propane stove top, pots and pans and a propane grill. You will have access to electric for charging phones. All our sites have access a primitive outhouse and handwashing/dishwashing station. Our last 2 sites are very primitive. "Lower Field" is a tent site only. You will have access to water and the outhouse. Fire wood can be ordered and at your site when you arrive. Mountain View is also primitive but has a fire ring, access to water and the outhouse. Fire wood can be ordered and at your site. We have wetlands and overgrown fields so there may be bugs and other animals at any given time. Bug spray is recommended. Although black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding. Please keep your food in your car when you are not at the site and when you are sleeping. The property has views of Mount Martha and the Presidential's. There are trails throughout the property. There is a field to play games, such as soccer, badminton and corn hole. We are within 25 mins of Lancaster, Jefferson, Littleton, and Bethlehem. Small town bars, restaurants, breweries and one of kind views of mountains, lakes, rivers and wildlife. There is hiking galore and more than enough to do for all ages.

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Private field and woods camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Whitefield, NH

We are right in the middle of the White Mountains, in Whitefield NH surrounded by endless rivers, lakes, hiking trails, dining, breweries and attractions. The Heritage trail is accessible nearby. Whitefield is the approximate halfway point for the Cross NH Adventure Trail. For more information check out the XNHAT website: https://www.xnhat.org/ On clear nights, the view of the stars and the milky way here is magnificent. We intentionally leave the majority of the field unmowed which attracts monarch butterflies and other wildlife. The campsite is private, yet close to the conveniences of downtown Whitefield and nearby Littleton, Bethlehem and Lancaster. We are conveniently located on the edge of town, there is a small grocery store close by as well as Sunny's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Dollar General, Grandma's Kitchen, 2 gas/convenience stores, multiple thrift stores, and a record shop. Please see the aerial photo in this listing for an idea of the layout of the land and surrounding roads, houses etc. IMPORTANT HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING. ***Field and woods campsites are first come first serve****arrive early for best pick of site****we rent to a maximum of two separate groups per night****check in begins at 2:00 p.m. ***Chances are you will be sharing the field with another camping group. If you want the whole place to yourself we recommend booking BOTH SITES if they are available*** THIS IS A RUSTIC CAMPSITE with no amenities. If you are expecting the KOA, please do not book this site. The campsite is located in rural northern New Hampshire, in an undeveloped field next to the forest where many animals live such as bears, moose, deer, raccoons, fox, skunks, porcupines, coyotes, etc. Mosquitoes and other bugs are present in the summer. Please be mindful of the surrounding wildlife. Please come PREPARED for rustic backwoods camping and observe bear safety at all times (SEE BEAR SAFETY INFO BELOW) RV INFO: We do not have hookups of any kind (NO electricity, NO water or sewer). We are currently only set up for self-contained units (dry-camping or boondocking as some call it). We can accommodate small travel trailers <24ft, campervans, truck campers, small camper busses. NO 5th Wheels or RV's >24 ft please. 4-wheel drive is recommended, but not required. FIRE: A small campfire pit is available (dependent on local fire danger warnings of course). Please observe local fire danger warnings. Bring your own firewood and please do not light the large bonfire in the middle of the field. Please do not cut down trees or branches. NO PETS: Because we are a working farm with chickens, farm dogs and surrounding wildlife guests are not permitted to bring dogs or pets of any kind. If you love animals and enjoy a little "dog/chicken therapy" this is the place for you. Please do not book this site if you don't like animals. TRASH: A small trashcan and recycle bin for empty cans and bottles are located next to the outhouse. Please PACK OUT excessive amounts of trash. We have NO BATHROOM, kitchen or shower facilities and there is no potable water on site. An OUTHOUSE composting toilet is available. Bring your own toilet paper, and please do not put anything down the hatch other than plain toilet paper (absolutely no wet wipes please--these can be put in the trash can) NO DUMPING of grey or black water anywhere on the property. ARRIVAL: We strongly suggest arriving before sundown as there are no street lights or any kind of lighting in the field or the access road to the field. If you do plan on arriving after dark definitely bring headlamps and or flashlights. WEATHER/ROAD ACCESS: Due to unpredictable New England weather, especially this spring as we have received unprecedented amounts of precipitation, there may be times when the field access road is not passable due to excessive mud etc Please know that this is a rustic undeveloped field and we have no control over the weather. In the event of impassable road conditions, you may park at the bottom of the field access road. We have garden carts available to haul your gear to the camping area which is only a short walk. We have a few different alternative campsite locations for RVs as well. If you have questions about road conditions prior to your arrival please send us a message. ABOUT THE PROPERTY: Our folk victorian farmhouse has been owned by the same family for seven generations since it was built in the 1850s. Once a 20-acre working dairy farm, much of the land was subdivided throughout the years, leaving five acres with the original barn, farmhouse, large field, and wooded area. We are a small family farm offering farm-fresh eggs and seasonal vegetables. We are honored to be stewards of this property and want to share it with others. BEAR SAFETY & FOOD STORAGE REQUIREMENTS Following safe food storage practices protects both you and the bears: Never leave food or coolers unattended. All food, food particles, trash, and coolers need to be secured in a vehicle or trailer. Always keep a clean picnic area, campsite, or other area where you may be spending time. Don’t leave any food (including condiments), food particles, trash, and coolers out when not in use. Store food in bear-resistant units, hard-shelled vehicles or car trunks. Never store food in your tent. Keep sleeping areas, tents, and sleeping bags free of food and odor (like toothpaste or deodorant). Don’t sleep in clothes you cooked or handled fish or game in. Never bury or burn food waste. Place sleeping tents at least 100 yards away from food storage and cooking areas. Never leave your backpack unattended.

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Old Stone House Museum VT

3 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Brownington, VT

Learn more about this land: African American Alexander Lucius Twilight built the Old Stone House at the heart of our 60+ acre historic village in pastoral Brownington, Vermont. Our grounds include gorgeous Prospect Hill and Observatory Tower, a Heritage Apple Orchard, Giving Gardens and a one+ mile Twilight Educational Trail you can hike, ski or snowshoe. We have a designated spot for anyone camping with car(s) and tents. The nine historic buildings which comprise our grounds are all accessible by car or truck. No campfires allowed at this time.

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Camp Streife

1 site · Tent17 acres · Rumford, ME

Streife translated from Norwegian means roam. The right to roam, also called the right of access, or everyman's right(“allemannsretten”) is a traditional right from ancient times, and since 1957 has also been a part of the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act. It ensures that everybody gets to experience nature, even on larger privately owned areas. In our travels to Norway, we learned of this law and loved the concept so much we brought it back with us to America. Yet we had no land to offer. So, we searched...and searched....and searched some more. Then we found what would become camp Streife. 20 acres of uncut timber growth forest, tucked in the hills of Rumford Maine. With a nearby brook, pond and within 20 minutes of some of our favorite ski locations it was just right. The rules of this law are simple. Be considerate and thoughtful. Don't damage nature and other surroundings. Leave the landscape as you would want to find it. Leave no trace. You may put up a tent, or sleep under the stars, for the night anywhere in the countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you keep at least 500 feet away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. This rule of 500 feet distance also applies to camping cars and caravans. If you want to stay for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or very remote areas. Well, we've taken care of all those Allemannsretten rules for you. We invite you to our small part of the world and encourage you to exercise your right to roam. Learn more about this land: Situated on 20 acres in the Woods of Rumford, ME come enjoy a forested campsite with access to nearby stream and pond. Fish, kayak, snowshoe, hike or just relax. 20 minutes from Sunday River Ski area, 25 Minutes from Black Mtn. Ski area and even closer to Rumford's White Cap Mtn. for nice backcountry ski lines. There is nearby access to the Androscoggin River, Grafton Notch State Park, and all the amenities that come with it. Come enjoy all that the Woods of Maine has to offer.

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Magical Mountain River retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Rumford, ME

Scars in the polished granite streambed tell the story of saw mills from the 19th century. Not far from the foundation of one of the more established farmsteads of the era, this campsite is tucked away from the road down by the rushing Bull Branch of the Sunday River. Whether you bake on the rocks after dipping, or toss a fly in a quiet pool, the river will soothe your soul. Explore endless mountains streams, trails to the Appalachian Trail, and remote dirt roads in the heart of the Mahoosucs from your secluded walk-in low impact tent site with privy. Deep swimming holes and trout fishing beckon. There are three sites: #1: Riverside (more secluded),#2:Hillside(closest to the parking), and #3: Fireside. The hillside and fireside sites can combine for a group although are at a short distance from each other. If weather conditions permit, all campers can share the fire circle and table. The Riverside has its own table.

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Village Camping Corner

3 sites · Lodging, RVs2 acres · Brownington, VT

Located in the heart of Brownington Village, and about 15 miles from the Canadian border, our property allows for easy access to many scenic locations. Enjoy all that Vermont's Northeast Kingdom has to offer including many beautiful lakes and hiking trails. The Old Stone House museum, located a short walk up the road, is open May-October and is a rich source of local history. Willoughby Lake, flanked by Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor is a 15 minute drive from our place. The cabin sleeps 3 and has electricity but no water. There are about a dozen homes in the village and you will hear traffic going by, including horses and buggies carrying our Amish neighbors.

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(32)

Woods and Water Willoughby Campsite

4 sites · Lodging, Tents30 acres · Brownington, VT

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. This memorable destination, just minutes from the stunningly gorgeous Lake Willoughby, comes with 30 acres of land to explore. On the land you will have access to nearly a mile of Willoughby River Frontage, a large stone labyrinth and beautiful fields of wildflowers. Come experience the true nature of Vermont through a connection with nature. Multiple camp sites are available for tent or RV camping. Electricity is available at most sites. There are many sites to choose from. Most likely you will be out of sight of other guests who may also be camping. There is a shared bathhouse for guest use, which will be cleaned daily throughout your stay. There is also tables and chairs provided, as well as a fire ring and a starter pile of firewood. Please note that there is not potable water available. Guests will need to bring their own tent and sleeping arrangements. All Pets must be kept on a leash during a guests stay.

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Ladd Pond Cabins and Campground

31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents187 acres · NH

Our property has 187 acres to explore and hiking trails. There is an 8-acre pond for fishing (catch and release), paddleboats, kayaks and Jon boats. There is no charge to use our paddleboats, kayaks, or Jon boats. In Stewartstown and the surrounding area, guests have so many natural attractions to visit, including Beaver Brook Falls and Lake Francis, both within 15 miles of the Ladd Pond. The Washburn Family Forest nearby is the perfect place to go for a hike through nature and spot local wildlife. For an action experience, guests can try the ATV trails or the exciting snowmobile trails in winter. Close to ATV trails and direct access to Snowmobile trails.

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Carter's XC Ski Center

4 sites · Lodging200 acres · Bethel, ME

Carter's Cross Country Ski Center and Shop has been a family-owned business since 1984. The land on which the trails have been built on has been in the Carter family since the late 1700's. The first Carter who came to Bethel was the first doctor in the area that helped Mollyocket, a Native American medicine woman. All the different generations that came along after were either farmers or loggers or both. Carter's XC Ski Center is located on the banks of the Big Androscoggin River. Our private established skiing/walking trails meander through the Maine woods all the way up to Farwell Mountain, overlooking Sunday River Ski, the Presidential and Mahoosuc Mountain Ranges and Mt. Washington. Nearby is Middle Intervale Farm, owned by John Carter, who produces his own vegetables and meat. He has a small, self-serve farm stand right on Intervale Road, next to Carter's. Guests can enjoy the property's views and amenities, such as hiking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, bird watching, and relaxing. Enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility in one of our three cabins in the Maine woods.

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Mount Cabot Maple

2 sites · Lodging300 acres · Lancaster, NH

Nestled on the shoulder of Mount Cabot (4180'), this land has a stunning vista of the Connecticut River Valley, with Mt. Lafayette to the south and the Green Mountains to the west. Relax by the firepit as the sun blazes across the horizon, and return to our centerpole canvas tents on the hillside or orchard for a spacious night among the stars. You are welcome to wander along old logging roads through our sugarbush, and along trails throughout the remainder of the property (300+ ac. total) where there are numerous springs and creeks, mystical softwoods, expansive grassy fields, and a wild apple orchard. Moose, deer, and bear tracks are common, but animal encounters are not. Arrange a tour and syrup tasting at the Mount Cabot Maple saphouse to learn how we make unrivaled deliciousness from the forest around you. Campsites come equipped with a picnic table, solar lights, cooking grate and cast iron, 5 gallon jug of fresh mountain water, and a generous supply of firewood.

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Dirt Church Brewing Company

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · East Haven, VT

Camp behind an 1876 Church next to an amazing Vermont Craft Brewery with food and great beers. Ride bikes at Kingdom Trails, kayak and fish near streams with all the amenities of a craft brewpub next door. Easily accessible in the Northeast Kingdom surrounded by woods, mountain ranges, streams and rivers and Burke Mountain. There is an outdoor shower available attached to the brewery for $10 and comes with a beer. $5 without a beer. Open only during taproom operational hours. See bartender for info. Outdoor Porta Potty available 24hr beside church.

The best camping near Lake Francis State Park guide

Overview

About

Lying on the shore of the placid, 2,000-acre Lake Francis, near the Great North Woods’ Connecticut Lakes, this state park is home to lush forests and rolling hills that provide the perfect setting for a range of activities. You can canoe, kayak, and fish on the lake or take an ATV out for a spin on the park's trails, which connect with the 1,000 miles of trails for OHV riding in Coos County. Lake Francis Campground has 45 sites including nine sites with water/electric hook-ups and nine sites for ATV camping, from where riders can head directly out on the trails.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All sites are offered by reservation but first-come, first-served camping may be available if all sites have not been reserved.
Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
Double-check your booking: Fees are steep for cancellations made within six days of scheduled arrival, and come on top of a non-refundable reservation fee.

When to go

Lake Francis State Park is open year-round but the campground is typically only open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend. As the main draw is the park’s lake, summer is the busiest season, however, ATVing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all excellent in the off season. Note that the park is typically not staffed in the off season, so you’ll need to bring your own equipment.

Know before you go

Canoe rentals are available in the park.
There are several grocery stores within a 10-minute drive.
Pets are permitted but must be leashed and supervised at all times and are not permitted on the beaches.