Lake Francis State Park

Star4.68
59 reviews
439 River Road, Pittsburg, New Hampshire, 03592, United States
StargazingFishingSummer Destination

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website
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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...
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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

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Provider
6035386965nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 59 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."

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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

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm days on the lake support boating, paddling and swimming; summertime is busier/crowded.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn foliage and quieter conditions make fall especially scenic and appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildlife and fishing opportunities, though specifics on spring conditions are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Park open annually but no detailed winter recreation info; likely limited facilities in winter.

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.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits are 14 days.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, with trails described as peaceful and scenic. Specific trail details, such as difficulty levels, are not provided.
FishingFishing is a highlight, with 'epic' opportunities mentioned. Trout fishing upstream is specifically noted.
SwimmingNo designated beach areas are available for swimming, but access is possible via the boat launch or rocky areas.
BikingMountain biking trails are available within the park.
BoatingActivities like kayaking and canoeing are popular. There is a boat launch on-site.
Wildlife viewingCommon sightings include moose and eagles. The park's natural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Lake Francis State Park

Reviews

4.7
59 reviews
Top-Rated
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 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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...
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Based on 59 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 59 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....
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Based on 59 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 59 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback from users with disabilities is available.
Based on 59 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and reviewers have not noted any issues related to pet policies or pet-friendly facilities.
Based on 59 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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