Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

4.66

45 reviews

585 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States

Scenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Fall Camping New Hampshire#1 Family-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire#3 Tent Camping New Hampshire +8 more

Quick Facts

1,427 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Gilson Pond Area ope...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,427 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Gilson Pond Area ope...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly base site fee covers 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children under 18. Extra adults are $10 per night, and additional children are $5 per...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

6035322416nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 45 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwell-maintained

"The campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to Mount Monadnock. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained sites, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. However, some users noted issues with noise due to lack of ranger patrols."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

585 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

585 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States

Driving directionsFrom Route 3 (Northbound): Take Route 3 north to exit 7 in New Hampshire. Follow Rte. 101A west to Rte. 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-93 (Northbound): Take 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-93 (Southbound): Take 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-95: Follow Rte. 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-91: Take Exit 28A, follow MA Rte. 10 to NH Rte. 119 east. Take Rte. 202 east to Jaffrey. Turn left onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park.

Driving directions suggest paved roads are accessible, but seasonal closures and terrain challenges are not mentioned explicitly.

Nearby places

Jaffrey, NH is the nearest city, but distances or travel times to additional nearby cities are not provided.

Nearby supplies

A campground store provides firewood, fire starters, and basic camping gear. Convenience stores and groceries are available within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

From the vibrant wildflower blooms of May to the spectacular foliage displays of mid-October, each season paints Gilson Pond in different hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories, while spring and fall offer crisp air and comfortable hiking temperatures. The campground's prime season spans these glorious months when New Hampshire's weather shows its most welcoming face, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and peaceful nights under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer praised for family activities, swimming and hiking; high visitor satisfaction in season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 9% in NH

Spectacular foliage displays and scenic beauty in mid-October are highlighted as a major draw.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 11% in NH

May wildflower blooms and campground opening make spring attractive though season is brief.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Gilson Pond area closed November–May; no winter camping at this area.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May through mid-October is indicated as peak season for Gilson Pond Area.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Gilson Pond Area open season: May to mid-October. Monadnock Base Headquarters offers walk-in camping during offseason (November to May).
Current Alerts: No active alerts are mentioned.

About Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

After more than four decades of anticipation, New Hampshire's newest camping destination has finally arrived. Gilson Pond Campground breaks new ground as the state park system's first campground development since the 1980s, offering 35 thoughtfully designed sites nestled among towering pines and hardwoods. Whether you prefer the convenience of drive-up tent and pop-up sites or seek adventure at one of five secluded hike-to locations, modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. A state-of-the-art bathhouse provides hot showers after your daily adventures, while children discover endless entertainment at the campground playground.

Gilson Pond Campground offers a mix of tent and pop-up sites, remote hike-to sites, and primitive camping. It caters to both individual families and groups, with designated areas for each.

Historical SignificanceGilson Pond Campground stands as a testament to New Hampshire's renewed commitment to outdoor recreation, marking a historic milestone as the first state park campground established in over 40 years. This pioneering development reflects the growing demand for quality camping experiences and represents a new chapter in the state's proud tradition of preserving and sharing its natural treasures with visitors from near and far.

Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant wildflower blooms of May to the spectacular foliage displays of mid-October, each season paints Gilson Pond in different hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories, while spring and fall offer crisp air and comfortable hiking temperatures. The campground's prime season spans these glorious months when New Hampshire's weather shows its most welcoming face, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and peaceful nights under star-filled skies.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await documentation, the campground's position within New Hampshire's varied terrain offers campers a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding landscape and its diverse ecosystems.

Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock reflected in the pristine waters of Gilson Pond, where morning mist dances across the surface and creates picture-perfect moments. The campground serves as your gateway to an extensive trail network that winds through diverse forests and leads to stunning vistas. As one enchanted visitor noted, the view of Mount Monadnock from the pond alone makes the journey worthwhile, offering a constantly changing tableau as light and weather transform the iconic peak throughout the day.

Geological RegionSituated in New Hampshire State Parks' scenic South Region, Gilson Pond Campground occupies a prime location in the shadow of Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. This remarkable geological setting places campers at the heart of a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces, where ancient bedrock meets thriving forests and crystal-clear waters.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is between 1 PM - 8 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is by 11 AM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay period specified only as it aligns with the reservation calendar.

Guests Allowed Per Site

2adults, up to 4 dependent children
extra guests allowed for an additional fee.

Groups

Group sites are available, but their specific capacity (e.g., maximum number of people or vehicles) is not detailed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLayout includes 35 campsites for tents/pop-ups and 5 remote hike-to sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Reserve America. Contact the call center at 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityMonadnock Base Headquarters offers walk-in camping during the offseason from November to May.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled at least 10+ days before arrival. Refund minus reservation fee and one night's camping cost for cancellations 4-9 days before arrival. No refunds for cancellations 0-3 days before arrival. Refund requests after arrival must be submitted within 14 days.

AccessibilityThe site includes handicap-accessible facilities, including restrooms and designated parking. No additional specific details about accessibility were provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious and well-maintained. One user noted, 'Spacious sites,' while another commented that campsites are 'nicely spaced and offer good privacy.

PrivacyThe campsites are described by multiple reviewers as offering good privacy. One user summarized, 'Nice quiet camp with great proximity,' while another commented, 'Private and shady campsites.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose remote sites R1 and R2 for privacy. Sites near trails may be less intimate but still have limited foot traffic.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails for hiking, a playground, and a pond for scenic views are some of the attractions. It serves as a base for hikers aiming to summit Mount Monadnock or explore other trails. User reviews also highlight specific programs like 'Night Watchers,' which educates campers about local wildlife such as bats.

HikingSeveral trails of varying difficulty levels originate from this campground. Notable among these are the Birchtoft Trail (3.5 miles) leading to Mount Monadnock and the Pond Loop Trail, which is described as 'a nice and small flat trail' with scenic views of Gilson Pond.

Wildlife viewingWildlife programs like the 'Night Watchers event' provide educational insights about local fauna, including bats. Campers noted the peaceful and natural atmosphere conducive to wildlife viewing.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground organizes educational programs such as the 'Night Watchers event,' which focuses on local wildlife, including bats. No other cultural programs were mentioned.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited to no cell service. Loud music complaints from user reviews highlight potential disturbances.

Active AlertsNo active alerts are mentioned.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire rings with cooking grates, according to user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services (Police/Fire/Ambulance) reachable through 911. The nearest park office phone number is 603-532-8862.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling stations are available within the campground for waste management.

Water FeaturesGilson Pond is within walking distance, and trails loop around the pond.

Camp HostNo specific information about campground hosts is provided.

Weather at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

Reviews

4.7

45 reviews

Top-Rated

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to Mount Monadnock. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained sites, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. However, some users noted issues with noise due to lack of ranger patrols.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained facilities - Spacious and private campsites - Excellent hiking opportunities - Educational programs like 'Night Watchers' - Camp store offering essentials

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited or no cell phone service - Occasional noise disturbances due to lack of ranger patrols - Bugs in wooded areas

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring quarters for the showers - Book sites online early as they fill up quickly - Purchase firewood at check-in to save money - Specific remote sites like R1 and R2 are recommended for added...

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer, the campground is praised for its family-friendly environment and hiking opportunities. In the fall, the scenic beauty is highlighted as a major draw. Off-season visitors...

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Spacious sites and good showers.' 2. 'Nice quiet camp with great proximity to the long trail to Monadnock.' 3. 'The primitive camping was amazing! There are wooden platforms.'

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Remote sites R1 and R2 are recommended for their privacy. Other sites near trails are less secluded but still receive positive reviews for maintenance and cleanliness.

Based on 45 reviews