Lake Francis State Park
00 review439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States
Quick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open annually; speci...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$5 - $10/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
9 campsites
Season
Open annually; speci...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsLake 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...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Reserve America
Provider6035386965nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 0 reviews
243 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsquietcleanshowers
Some mention
noisesmall
"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."
Fees & Passes at Lake Francis State Park
$5 - $10/night
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: Maximum stay limits are 14 days.
Cancellation: Full refund minus transaction fee for cancellation 10+ days prior to arrival. Full refund minus rese...
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official NH State Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Lake Francis State Park
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Country, where warm summer days invite endless hours of swimming and boating on crystal-clear waters, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. As winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience for those brave enough to embrace the cold.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open annually; specific seasonal dates not provided.
About Lake Francis State Park
Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire's Great North Woods, Lake Francis State Park beckons adventurers to its pristine 2,000-acre lake where morning mist dances across the water and loons call in the distance. This outdoor paradise seamlessly blends rugged wilderness with modern comforts, offering waterfront campsites that put you steps away from world-class fishing and paddling adventures. Whether you're launching your kayak at dawn, exploring scenic trails that wind through ancient forests, or arriving via ATV to set up camp, you'll find everything you need including spotless facilities with coin-operated hot showers and a well-stocked country store for those forgotten essentials.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this area may be recent, the land itself tells ancient stories through its untouched forests and pristine waters that have sustained wildlife and welcomed outdoor enthusiasts for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Country, where warm summer days invite endless hours of swimming and boating on crystal-clear waters, while autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons. As winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the park transforms into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts, offering a completely different but equally enchanting camping experience for those brave enough to embrace the cold.
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 SceneryImagine waking to the gentle lapping of waves against the shore of the magnificent 2,000-acre Lake Francis, where dense woodlands create a natural amphitheater around your campsite. The nearby Connecticut River adds another dimension to the water landscape, while overhead, some of the darkest skies in New England reveal a breathtaking tapestry of stars that city dwellers can only dream about. This is a place where eagles soar overhead, moose wade through marshy coves, and every sunset paints the lake in shades of gold and purple.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityInformation specific to accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not detailed in the sources.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'large' or 'standard,' but some reviews mention small sites and lack of privacy.
Sites PrivacyMany reviews note that sites lack privacy, with some sites being very close together, creating a clustered feel.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose waterfront sites for scenic views but note that these may lack 30 Amp service for RVs.
Best Campsites
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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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes seven waterfront sites and two additional sites with hookups.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen annually; specific seasonal dates not provided.
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.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
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
Hiking opportunities are available, with trails described as peaceful and scenic. Specific trail details, such as difficulty levels, are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight, with 'epic' opportunities mentioned. Trout fishing upstream is specifically noted.Swimming
No designated beach areas are available for swimming, but access is possible via the boat launch or rocky areas.Biking
Mountain biking trails are available within the park.Boating
Activities like kayaking and canoeing are popular. There is a boat launch on-site.Wildlife viewing
Common sightings include moose and eagles. The park's natural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter activities are provided.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular among visitors.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed; out-of-state firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase.
- Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited cell service; fallen trees on trails for firewood collection.
Weather at Lake Francis State Park
18
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Emergency calls can be made from a pay phone located on the park office wall. The closest medical clinic is greater than 10 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available throughout the campground. Recycling facilities are not specifically mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresWater features include Lake Francis and the Connecticut River. Activities such as fishing, kayaking, and canoeing are popular.
Common complaintsSome sites lack privacy as they are close to each other. Occasional noise from neighboring sites, such as radios, is mentioned. Some users complain about the small size of the sites and flooding during heavy rains.
HostFriendly and accommodating staff are frequently mentioned in user reviews. Rangers enforce quiet hours and safety regulations.
Campground Map
439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States
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.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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
0 reviews
Lake Francis State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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....
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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.
Accessibility Features
No specific feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviewers have not noted any issues related to pet policies or pet-friendly facilities.
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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