How much does camping cost at Lake Francis State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Francis State Park 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 Lake Francis State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Francis State Park 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 Lake Francis State Park before I book?

Yes! Lake Francis State Park has 5 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 Lake Francis State Park?

Lake Francis State Park is open Open annually; specific seasonal dates not provided.. 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 Lake Francis State Park?

Yes, Lake Francis State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Francis State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Francis State Park: Campfires are allowed; out-of-state firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Lake Francis State Park?

Cell phone service at Lake Francis State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lake Francis State Park have?

Lake Francis State Park has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Francis State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Francis State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Francis State Park?

Lake Francis State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lake Francis State Park

4.74

76 reviews

439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States

Top 10% in NHFall

Scenic ViewsFishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping New Hampshire#2 Tent Camping New Hampshire#3 Beach Camping New Hampshire#3 +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,424 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open annually; speci...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,424 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open annually; speci...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Francis State Park

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Reserve America

Provider

6035386965nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States

Lake Francis State Park

439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States

Nearby places

Colebrook is approximately 20 miles away from the campground

Pittsburg is the closest town.

Nearby supplies

A country store is located 5 minutes down the road. Grocery stores are within a 10-mile radius, along with restaurants and other minor supplies.

Driving directionsFor Lake Francis: From I-93: Exit 36 onto Route 3 North. Follow Route 3 to Pittsburg. Follow signs to Lake Francis State Park. From I-95: Take Route 16 west to Route 26 west to Route 3 in Colebrook. On Route 3 follow signs to Lake Francis State Park. For the Watchtower Cabin: Go 4.7 miles beyond the First Connecticut dam and take a right on Magalloway Road. Go 5.3 miles and take a right at the Tower sign. Follow the main road about 2.5 miles and park in the lot off to the side. The trail is clearly marked to the top.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but there is a dirt road approximately 1-1.5 miles that leads into the campsite.

Weather at Lake Francis State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Francis State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions. September and early October bring daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The hardwood and boreal forest color is spectacular along the shoreline. Fish feed actively before winter, making fishing and paddling prime. Crowds thin out. Summer is warm enough for swimming and boating, though the lake stays cool. Winter opens the park to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but expect serious cold and snow.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 10% in NH

Fall described as best season with vivid color and ideal temps for visiting.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open annually; specific seasonal dates not provided.

About Lake Francis State Park

Lake Francis State Park sits along a 2,000-acre lake in New Hampshire's Great North Woods, about as far north as you can camp in the state. The park offers 9 sites ranging from primitive tent spots to RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus hot showers and a camp store. Nightly fees run $5-10. This is a working campground: clean facilities, friendly staff, and direct lake access for paddling and fishing.

Lake Francis State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, from tent camping to RV sites with hookups. Group sites and primitive camping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. September and early October bring daytime temperatures in the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The hardwood and boreal forest color is spectacular along the shoreline. Fish feed actively before winter, making fishing and paddling prime. Crowds thin out. Summer is warm enough for swimming and boating, though the lake stays cool. Winter opens the park to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, but expect serious cold and snow.

ElevationPerched at the characteristic elevation of the Great North Woods region, the campground offers that perfect North Country climate where cool mountain air mingles with the gentle breezes off the lake, creating ideal conditions for both active adventures and peaceful relaxation.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies shoreline along Lake Francis at 1,424 feet elevation, where dense boreal forests meet open water. The Connecticut River flows nearby, adding to the network of paddling routes. Glacial history shows in the lake's shape and the surrounding ridges. Fall brings vivid color to the northern hardwoods and boreal mix. Dark skies here are exceptional. Wildlife is active: moose, eagles, loons calling across the water at dawn. The Great North Woods Management Area stretches in all directions, creating a sense of true backcountry scale rare in New England.

Geological RegionSituated within the vast Great North Woods Management Area, Lake Francis State Park showcases the stunning geological diversity of the Connecticut Lakes region. This unique landscape, carved by ancient glaciers and shaped by centuries of natural forces, creates an extraordinary camping environment where sprawling lake waters meet dense boreal forests, offering visitors a true taste of New Hampshire's last frontier.

Scenic ViewsSeven waterfront sites offer direct views of the river and lake. Many campers highlight the scenic views and natural beauty as a major attraction.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground mentions availability for the Magalloway Watchman Tower Cabin, but details must be verified on a separate site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are detailed in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limits are 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 tents per site
only 1 trailer, pop-up, or RV per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven sites sit directly on the water. Two additional sites offer electric and water hookups. Overall spacing is tight in places. Privacy varies: some sites feel clustered, others have better tree separation. Sites range from large to small. Heavy rain can flood low-lying spots.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve America by calling 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; sites may fill up quickly during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee for cancellation 10+ days prior to arrival. Full refund minus reservation fee and one night's stay for cancellation 4-9 days prior. No refund for cancellations within 0-3 days. Refund requests after arrival date must be submitted in writing within 14 days of departure.

AccessibilityInformation specific to accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not detailed in the sources.

Site SizeCampsites are described as 'large' or 'standard,' but some reviews mention small sites and lack of privacy.

PrivacyMany reviews note that sites lack privacy, with some sites being very close together, creating a clustered feel.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites for scenic views but note that these may lack 30 Amp service for RVs.

Best CampsitesSite 15 gets consistent praise for space and a quieter feel. Seven waterfront sites put you steps from the lake, though some are close together. The two sites with electric and water hookups are popular with RVers. Several reviewers mention specific sites flooding during heavy rain, so check conditions if storms are forecast.

Need help booking Lake Francis State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Lake Francis State Park provides a range of amenities catering to both tent and RV campers. The park includes basic utilities like clean and well-maintained flush toilets and coin-operated showers that have been praised for their cleanliness and water pressure. Vault toilets are also available. A dump station is on-site for RVs, and there are water and electric hookups at some sites. Additional amenities include a camp store offering essentials, a dishwashing station, and firewood for purchase to prevent the spread of invasive insects. Limited cell phone service is available, and emergency calls can be made via a payphone on-site.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Francis State Park offers numerous outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and ATV riding. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are also popular due to the park's remote location.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service; fallen trees on trails for firewood collection.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; out-of-state firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency calls can be made from a pay phone located on the park office wall. The closest medical clinic is greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.

Water FeaturesWater features include Lake Francis and the Connecticut River. Activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular.

Camp HostFriendly and accommodating staff are frequently mentioned in user reviews. Rangers enforce quiet hours and safety regulations.

Cell CoverageCell reception is limited and varies by provider, with an on-site payphone available for emergencies.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

76 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Francis State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Lake Francis State Park receives positive reviews for its cleanliness, scenic beauty, and friendly staff. Some concerns about crowded sites and limited amenities like swimming areas are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive attributes include clean facilities, friendly and accommodating staff, excellent showers, and scenic views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Many reviewers appreciate the peace and...

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the clustered layout of campsites, lack of privacy, and small site sizes. Some reviewers also noted the absence of designated swimming areas and issues with small bundles of...

Based on 76 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Waterfront sites like 15 are highly recommended for their scenic views and proximity to the lake. Some reviews highlight sites with electric hookups near the lake as particularly desirable.

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing an ax for gathering fallen firewood, visiting nearby attractions like Grampys, and booking waterfront or electric hookup sites for the best experience. One user advised...

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is quieter mid-week and during off-season periods. Summer months are busier, with some reviewers noting issues like crowded sites and noise from other campers.

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Showers are coin-operated with impressive water pressure!' - Samantha D. - 'Sites aren't super private or enclosed with trees but weren't really an issue.' - Ashley F. - 'Fishing is epic....

Based on 76 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviewers have not noted any issues related to pet policies or pet-friendly facilities.

Based on 76 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Fall foliage chasers and trout fishermen get the best of it here. Site 15 and the other waterfront spots put you on the lake at a price that undercuts almost anything comparable in New England. Bring a kayak or canoe and use the on-site boat launch.

Skip if

Privacy matters to you: most sites sit close together and reviewers consistently flag the clustered layout. There's no real swimming beach either, just a boat launch and rocky shoreline, so families expecting a sandy waterfront will be disappointed.

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