How much does camping cost at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Camping fees at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area before I book?

Yes! Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area is open May through mid-October is indicated as peak season for Gilson Pond Area.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Yes, Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area have?

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Pets are not allowed at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Popular activities at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area?

Fire policies at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area: Campfires allowed in designated fire rings with cooking grates, according to user reviews.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.47

45 reviews

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

Top 10% in NHFall

Scenic Views

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on NH State Parks 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...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

6035322416nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

Best Time to Camp at Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

Fall delivers the campground's most dramatic scenery. Peak foliage typically arrives in mid-October, with vivid maples and oaks reflected in the pond. Daytime highs reach 45-60°F, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. The crisp air and clear visibility make this the best time for summit hikes. Summer brings warm days suitable for swimming and cool evenings. Spring wildflowers arrive in May. Weekends during peak color draw the largest crowds, so weekday visits or early arrivals help secure sites.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 10% in NH

Peak foliage mid-October, dramatic scenery and sites fill quickly during foliage season.

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).

About Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area

Gilson Pond Campground sits at the base of Mount Monadnock, offering 40 sites ranging from drive-up tent spots to primitive hike-to locations. The campground opened as New Hampshire's first new state park camping area in over four decades. Fees run $5-10 per night, and sites fill quickly during peak foliage season.

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the campground's most dramatic scenery. Peak foliage typically arrives in mid-October, with vivid maples and oaks reflected in the pond. Daytime highs reach 45-60°F, while nights drop into the 30s and 40s. The crisp air and clear visibility make this the best time for summit hikes. Summer brings warm days suitable for swimming and cool evenings. Spring wildflowers arrive in May. Weekends during peak color draw the largest crowds, so weekday visits or early arrivals help secure sites.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain at 1,427 feet elevation, where towering pines and hardwoods frame views of Mount Monadnock and Gilson Pond. Morning mist often drifts across the water, reflecting the mountain's profile. The surrounding landscape transitions from dense forest to exposed bedrock as trails climb toward Monadnock's summit, one of the most frequently hiked peaks in the world. Reviewers consistently mention the pond's reflections and the mountain's changing appearance 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.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of Mount Monadnock available from Gilson Pond and surrounding trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground organizes educational programs such as the 'Night Watchers event,' which focuses on local wildlife, including bats. No other cultural programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layoutThe 40-site layout includes 35 drive-up tent and pop-up spots plus five hike-to sites. Reviewers describe the spacing as generous, with good privacy between sites and ample shade from the pine and hardwood canopy.

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.

Best CampsitesRemote sites R1 and R2 get consistent recommendations from reviewers seeking added privacy and quiet. These hike-to locations require more effort to reach but put distance between campers and potential noise issues.

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Amenities available

The Gilson Pond Campground within Monadnock State Park offers an array of amenities catered to family and group campers. Amenities include camping areas for tents and pop-ups, a bathhouse with showers, a playground, and fire rings. Drinking water is available on-site, as well as restrooms (flush and vault toilets) and a recycling station. There is a camp store offering firewood, fire starters, camping essentials, and occasionally ice cream. However, the store does not sell perishables. Cell service is explicitly noted as limited or absent, dependent on the provider.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

45 reviews

Recommended

Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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

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

Accessibility Features

The campground includes handicap-accessible facilities, such as restrooms and parking, though detailed reviews on their usability are sparse.

Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed in the park. Visitors with pets are asked to leave upon arrival.

Based on 45 reviews

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Go if

Hikers aiming for Monadnock's summit get the best deal here: the Birchtoft Trail leaves right from camp, sites run $5-10/night, and fall weekdays with crisp 40s nights are the sweet spot. Grab remote sites R1 or R2 for serious quiet.

Skip if

No pets allowed, full stop. Also, no cell service is real here, and ranger patrols are sparse enough that a neighbor with loud car speakers can ruin a night with no easy fix. Bring quarters for the showers.

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Greenfield State Park

973 Forest Road, Greenfield, New Hampshire, 03047, United States

Greenfield State Park sits on 400 acres in New Hampshire's southwest corner, where dense forest meets Otter Lake and a network of ponds and peat bogs. The campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with modern amenities including hot showers, flush toilets, and a camp store. Fees run $5-10 per night, and cell service is reliable across major carriers.