Monadnock Hq

5.00

6 reviews

169 Poole Road, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States

Great Hiking

Featured in:Fall Camping New Hampshire

Quick Facts

3,165 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,165 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

36 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Monadnock Hq

$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 charged $10 per night, and additional children...

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

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Reserve America

Provider

6035328862nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

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What Campers Say

5.00

Top-Rated

Based on 6 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

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cell service

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Campground Map

169 Poole Road, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States

Monadnock Hq

169 Poole Road, 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.

The roads leading to Monadnock State Park are primarily paved and accessible year-round; however, there is no snowplowing during winter, requiring campers to pack in their gear. Routes include Rte. 101A, Rte. 101, Rte. 202, and Rte. 124, which are well-marked with signs.

Nearby places

Peterborough (approximately 10 miles), Jaffrey (less than 5 miles), Keene (approximately 20 miles), Nashua (approximately 35 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries are available within 10 miles, and restaurants are located greater than one mile from the campground. Supplies such as firewood are available for purchase within the campground, adhering to the firewood policy.

Best Time to Camp at Monadnock Hq

Four distinct seasons paint Mount Monadnock in ever-changing colors. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with light snowfall dusting the peaks and crisp, freezing air that makes every breath visible. As spring arrives, the mountain sheds its white coat for the vibrant greens of new growth. Late spring through summer brings those perfect camping days—clear blue skies, gentle breezes, and temperatures that make both hiking and stargazing equally inviting. Even the moderate rainfall of warmer months adds to the magic, filling the air with the sweet scent of pine and earth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Full-season access and prime hiking conditions make summer appealing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 9% in NH

New England fall foliage plus summit views make it a top leaf-peeping destination.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring brings changing colors and trail access but can be wet/muddy; no seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but no snowplowing; winter camping/hiking requires full gear and effort.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round; winter campers must pack in gear due to no snowplowing.

About Monadnock Hq

Perched on the slopes of New Hampshire's most climbed mountain, Monadnock HQ welcomes adventurers to a pristine wilderness camping experience. This year-round haven within Monadnock State Park offers primitive, tent-only sites that put you at the doorstep of the iconic 3,165-foot Mount Monadnock—a National Natural Landmark that has inspired writers and nature lovers for centuries. Whether you're planning a group expedition or a youth camping adventure, you'll find yourself immersed in the raw beauty of New England's highlands.

Monadnock HQ offers a variety of camping setups, including standard group sites, youth group-only areas, and winter-specific tent-only camping. The absence of RV hookups or glamping accommodations emphasizes its focus on a more traditional camping experience.

Historical SignificanceMount Monadnock holds the distinguished honor of being designated a National Natural Landmark, a testament to its extraordinary ecological and geological significance. This storied peak has captured imaginations for generations, earning its place not just in the natural heritage of New England, but in the hearts of countless adventurers who have answered its call. The mountain's unique position in both natural history and human culture makes every camping trip here a connection to something greater.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Mount Monadnock in ever-changing colors. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with light snowfall dusting the peaks and crisp, freezing air that makes every breath visible. As spring arrives, the mountain sheds its white coat for the vibrant greens of new growth. Late spring through summer brings those perfect camping days—clear blue skies, gentle breezes, and temperatures that make both hiking and stargazing equally inviting. Even the moderate rainfall of warmer months adds to the magic, filling the air with the sweet scent of pine and earth.

ElevationAt 3,165 feet above sea level, the campground offers a true highland escape where the air is noticeably cooler and cleaner than the valleys below. This elevation gifts campers with refreshing mountain breezes and spectacular vantage points that stretch across southern New Hampshire. Here, you'll wake to misty mornings that gradually reveal panoramic views, and fall asleep under star-filled skies that seem close enough to touch.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by protected highlands that preserve the wild character of southern New Hampshire, the campground immerses you in a landscape of dramatic contrasts. Dense forests of maple, birch, and evergreen create a living cathedral around your campsite, while breaks in the canopy reveal stunning overlooks that showcase the rolling hills beyond. Rocky outcroppings and mountain streams add texture to the terrain, creating a natural playground that changes with every turn of the trail.

Geological RegionMount Monadnock stands as a geological marvel—a massive monadnock (an isolated mountain that rises abruptly from surrounding plains) that gives its name to similar formations worldwide. This 3,165-foot giant, crowned with National Natural Landmark status, anchors a diverse ecological system within its protected highlands. The mountain's exposed granite summit and forested slopes tell a story millions of years in the making, while the surrounding parkland preserves a rich tapestry of New England ecosystems from hardwood forests to alpine zones.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1PM

Check-out

11 AM

Stay Limit

Maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 10 guests for individual group sites
youth group sites allow up to 30 guests.

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 30 people. There are also youth group-only sites with varying capacities of up to 50 individuals.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup and youth group sites arranged within loops; tent-only setups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are strongly recommended during peak camping seasons.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled 10+ days prior to arrival. Refund minus reservation fee plus one night camping cost for cancellations 4-9 days before arrival. No refund for cancellations 0-3 days prior to arrival.

AccessibilityThe campground includes handicap-accessible features, though details on specific accessibility options are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate equipment lengths of up to 59 feet, depending on the specific site.

PrivacyPrivacy levels across campsites are not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites36 campsites

Recommended SitesYouth group sites accommodate larger groups, up to 30 guests. Group sites allow for trailers with specific length limits.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a robust set of recreational opportunities centered around the scenic Mount Monadnock and its surroundings. Activities include hiking and wildlife viewing, with extensive trails that connect campers to the natural beauty of the park. Other listed amenities and nearby features suggest the potential for picnicking and general exploration.

HikingHiking is a highlight of this park. Mount Monadnock is surrounded by thousands of acres of protected highlands, and the park's hiking trails provide access to its 3,165-foot summit. Reviews emphasize the variety of trails available for different skill levels, though no specific details on difficulty or trail length are provided.

Wildlife viewingThe park's protected highlands and natural surroundings suggest opportunities for wildlife viewing, though there are no specific details about species or viewing spots.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service; emergency calls must be made via a pay phone located at the park office. Winter conditions may pose challenges due to the lack of snowplowing.

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

Fire PolicyFirewood must be purchased on-site to prevent the spread of tree diseases.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services (Police/Fire/Ambulance) can be reached by dialing 911. There is a pay phone for emergency calls located in the park office. The nearest hospitals and medical clinics are more than one mile away.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling station is available within the facility, but there is no information on whether trash pickup schedules are offered.