The best camping near Lake Francis State Park

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.

1. All sites are offered by reservation but first-come, first-served camping may be available if all sites have not been reserved.
2. Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
3. 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.

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. 

• 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.