How much does camping cost at Pillsbury State Park?

Camping fees at Pillsbury State Park range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pillsbury State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Pillsbury 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 Pillsbury State Park before I book?

Yes! Pillsbury State Park 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 Pillsbury State Park?

Pillsbury State Park is open Effective year-round with activities mentioned for summer and winter camping.. 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 Pillsbury State Park?

Pillsbury State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Pillsbury State Park?

Fire policies at Pillsbury State Park: Campfires permitted but must be extinguished by 11 PM.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Pillsbury State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Pillsbury 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 Pillsbury State Park?

Pillsbury State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pillsbury State Park?

Popular activities at Pillsbury State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pillsbury State Park

4.48

63 reviews

Off Route 31, Washington, New Hampshire, 03280, United States

Top 22% in NHWinter

Pet FriendlyRomantic GetawaySummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Hampshire#3 Boating Camping New Hampshire Primitive Camping New Hampshire +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,663 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 7% in state

RV Friendly

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,663 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 7% in state

RV Friendly

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Pillsbury State Park

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The park charges approximately $30 per night for camping, according to user reviews. Walk-in reservations are subject to site availability. Refund...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6038632860nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Pillsbury State Park

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Campground Map

Off Route 31, Washington, New Hampshire, 03280, United States

Pillsbury State Park

Off Route 31, Washington, New Hampshire, 03280, United States

Nearby places

Hillsborough (~10 miles) and Newport (~12 miles).

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: grocery stores, ATMs. Firewood and basic camping supplies can be purchased from the ranger station on-site.

Driving directionsFrom I-93: Take I-89 north to Exit 5 onto Route 202/9. Follow Route 9 to Route 31 in Hillsborough, then follow signs to Pillsbury State Park. From I-95: Take Route 101 west to Route I-93 North towards Concord. Take I-89 north to Exit 5 onto Route 202/9. Follow Route 9 to Route 31 in Hillsborough, then follow signs to Pillsbury State Park.

The park is accessible via paved roads with clear signage near Hillsborough, Route 31. Roads leading to the park are remote with limited cell service, and some user reviews highlight the secluded nature as a positive aspect.

Weather at Pillsbury State Park

Current alert: Beach advisories may occur unexpectedly during summer months. Advisories updated daily online.

Best Time to Camp at Pillsbury State Park

Fall is the prime season. Daytime highs run 45–65°F, nights drop into the 30s–40s. The combination of peak foliage, comfortable hiking weather, and lower crowds makes autumn ideal for paddling, photography, and trail hiking. Summer offers warm conditions for swimming and canoeing. Winter turns trails into sledding runs. Be aware of hunting seasons in fall. Flies can be heavy during warmer months.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm-water ponds, paddling, hiking and wildlife viewing make summer very good.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Effective year-round with activities mentioned for summer and winter camping.

About Pillsbury State Park

Pillsbury State Park sits along the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway at 1,663 feet, offering primitive camping on spacious sites scattered across ponds and wetlands. The park has tent, RV, primitive, and group sites at $30/night. Cell service is limited to nonexistent. Visitors come for loon calls at dawn, moose sightings, and the kind of seclusion that's increasingly hard to find in New Hampshire.

Pillsbury State Park caters to primitive campers and is ideal for tent camping, group camping, and primitive RV camping without hookups. Remote sites are available for those seeking seclusion.

Historical Significance

Old logging roads from the former community of Cherry Valley now serve as park trails. The area has a logging heritage, though the forest has reclaimed most evidence of the mills and timber operations that once worked these hills.

Weather and SeasonsFall is the prime season. Daytime highs run 45–65°F, nights drop into the 30s–40s. The combination of peak foliage, comfortable hiking weather, and lower crowds makes autumn ideal for paddling, photography, and trail hiking. Summer offers warm conditions for swimming and canoeing. Winter turns trails into sledding runs. Be aware of hunting seasons in fall. Flies can be heavy during warmer months.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's landscape is defined by glacially-carved ponds, sprawling wetlands, and dense forest. Hemlocks and white pines provide heavy canopy cover. Loons call across the water. Moose wade through the shallows, especially at dawn. Marshlands buzz with dragonflies and bullfrogs. The ponds are calm enough for paddling and reflect the surrounding ridgelines. Fall foliage transforms the wetlands and trails into brilliant reds and golds.

Geological RegionNestled in New Hampshire's scenic Central Region, Pillsbury State Park stands as a crucial wilderness bridge in the celebrated Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. This protected corridor links two of the state's most iconic peaks—Mount Monadnock and Mount Sunapee—creating an ecological highway through diverse landscapes. The park's unique position showcases the region's characteristic blend of dense woodlands, glacially-carved ponds, and sprawling wetlands, offering visitors a concentrated taste of New Hampshire's varied natural heritage within its peaceful boundaries.

Scenic ViewsWaterfront sites provide scenic views of North Pond and surrounding forests, with user reviews frequently praising the tranquil and intimate nature of these spots.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations; it is strictly for camping enthusiasts seeking primitive experiences.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park does not offer cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites can accommodate up to two tents or one trailer/pop-up/RV per site.

Groups

Group camping is available. Individual reviews suggest spacious sites that can accommodate multiple tents or large groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites spread across loops and remote areas. Sites are spacious enough for two large tents, though a few are too small for larger setups. Remote sites require carrying gear on foot or by canoe. Spacing between sites is generous, especially in the backcountry areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed via Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757 or NH State Parks official website.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome non-reservable sites are available for walk-up booking, subject to availability.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds available subject to NH State Parks policy: Full refund minus transaction fees for cancellations 10+ days prior. Cancellation 4-9 days before arrival incurs one-night camping fee. No refunds within 0-3 days before arrival.

AccessibilityThe park is described as handicap accessible, though detailed accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeUsers reported that campsites are spacious, capable of accommodating up to two large tents.

PrivacyMultiple reviews highlight the privacy of campsites, particularly the remote ones. Site #40 and sites #36 and #37 were specifically noted for their isolation and seclusion.

Recommended SitesFor waterfront views and privacy, choose sites like 36, 37, or 40. Larger group setups are recommended around Sites 10-20.

Best CampsitesSites 36 and 37 are secluded and waterfront. Site 40 offers strong privacy and isolation. Remote sites require walking in with gear but deliver the best seclusion. Some sites are accessible only by paddling.

Need help booking Pillsbury State Park?

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ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Pillsbury State Park offers a primitive camping experience characterized by limited amenities, catering to those seeking a more rustic and tranquil setting. The park lacks electricity at campsites and the office operates on a generator. Available amenities include boating, primitive camping, fire rings, pit toilets, handicap access, drinking water, picnicking areas, a playground, a ranger station, hiking trails, and recycling facilities. Reviewers have noted clean pit toilets and shared drinking water taps, emphasizing the need to filter water at remote sites. The park has a camp store providing firewood and basic gear for emergencies.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Pillsbury State Park provides a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The park's network of trails and warm-water ponds make it ideal for nature enthusiasts and physical activities like paddling and hiking.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited cell service at the park. Wildlife such as bears and moose may pose encounters. Hidden rocks in the pond make powerboats inadvisable.

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).

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted but must be extinguished by 11 PM.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours begin at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services available within greater than 1 mile include Police/Fire/Ambulance at 911. Hospital and medical clinics are greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling facilities are available at the campground. Trash facilities are not explicitly described but are likely managed on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is surrounded by ponds and wetlands, including North Pond for canoeing and kayaking.

Camp HostRanger staff is highly praised in user reviews for going above and beyond to help visitors, including towing assistance and equipment transportation.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited to nonexistent in most areas of the park, although some campers reported sporadic service at their campsites.

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

4.5

63 reviews

Recommended

Pillsbury State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Pillsbury State Park as a hidden gem for primitive camping, nature immersion, and tranquility. Visitors appreciate the park's seclusion, spacious campsites, and wildlife presence. Some reviewers noted the lack of amenities like showers and electricity while recommending it for a true camping experience.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 63 reviews.

Site #40Loved
Site #40 is noted for privacy.
Site #11Loved
Site #11 offers scenic views and wildlife proximity.
Site #36Mentioned
Site #36 and #37 are highly recommended for their isolation and proximity to North Pond.
Site #30Mentioned
Site #30 was described as too small for larger camping setups.

What Campers Love

The park's seclusion, wildlife, spacious campsites, peaceful setting, and helpful staff are frequently praised. Specific highlights include the tranquility of remote sites like #36 and #37, and...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include limited amenities such as showers, occasional noise from neighboring campers, and rare unhelpful behavior by staff. One reviewer mentioned persistent noise from nearby wind...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for purchasing firewood. Consider bringing a shower tent, as there are no on-site facilities. Remote sites are recommended for privacy, but gear should be packed light for long walks....

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is described as ideal for summer and fall camping. Winter activities like sledding and hiking are available, but harsh conditions may deter some campers. Spring and early summer are noted...

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is what a park should be. A beautiful setting, tons of wildlife and no distractions." - Corey. "Perhaps the best NH state park camping and kayaking/canoeing!" - Lee R. "Fishing and kayaking in...

Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention handicap access but do not elaborate on specific features. The park's primitive amenities may pose challenges for some visitors.

Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and visitors frequently note the park is dog-friendly. "Such a great park and campground! Tons to do and dog friendly." - Constance Richardson.

Based on 63 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Paddlers and wildlife-watchers will get the most out of it. Sites #36 and #37 sit right on North Pond with canoe launch access, and fall mornings here with the foliage reflecting off calm water are hard to beat anywhere in New Hampshire.

Skip if

No showers, no hookups, spotty to zero cell service, and at least one reviewer mentions persistent wind turbine noise. Campers who need connectivity, a hot rinse, or sites big enough for a large trailer setup should look elsewhere in the state park system.

Nearby Campgrounds

86 Beach access Rd, Newbury, New Hampshire, 03255, United States

Sunapee State Park sits on Mount Sunapee's wooded slopes, offering 12 rustic sites (lean-tos and tent platforms) at $5-10 per night. The campground trades amenities for quiet: vault toilets, fire rings, potable water, and no cell service. Your camping fee includes access to the state beach two miles away.