Pillsbury State Park

Star4.57
47 reviews
Off Route 31, Washington, New Hampshire, 03280, United States
Peace & QuietGreat HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,663 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens NH State Parks site

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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...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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
6038632860nhparks@dncr.nh.gov
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 47 reviews

219 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Pillsbury State Park

Experience nature's grand seasonal theater at Pillsbury, where each season paints the landscape with its own vibrant palette. Summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for launching your canoe at dawn or discovering hidden swimming holes along forest trails. As autumn approaches, the canopy explodes into a kaleidoscope of crimson and gold. Winter transforms the park into a snow-laden wonderland, where hiking trails become exhilarating sledding runs and the frozen landscape offers a serene beauty all its own. Spring awakens the wetlands with a symphony of returning birds and blooming wildflowers.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 20% in NH

Summer noted for warm days, canoeing and hiking; reviewers favor summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Park described as ideal for fall camping; scenic foliage and tranquility highlighted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring and early summer noted for nature emergence; conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round with snowmobiling and winter hikes, but harsh conditions may deter many.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Effective year-round with activities mentioned for summer and winter camping.
  • Current Alerts: Beach advisories may occur unexpectedly during summer months. Advisories updated daily online.

About Pillsbury State Park

Hidden away from the crowds, Pillsbury State Park beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This tranquil haven of pristine ponds and whispering wetlands serves as a vital connector along the legendary Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway. Here, rustic campsites nestle beneath towering canopies where the haunting call of loons echoes across still waters and majestic moose emerge from morning mists. Whether you're paddling silent waterways, casting a line into mirror-like ponds, or exploring miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, this unspoiled sanctuary offers a rare glimpse into New Hampshire's wild heart.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
8:00 AM
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Maximum reservation window is 11 months in advance.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store

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.
HikingThe park hosts multiple hiking trails, including the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile trail connecting Mount Monadnock and Mount Sunapee. Trails vary in difficulty, with some requiring climbing and offering scenic views such as Lucias Lookout.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Pillsbury State Park, with opportunities for catching sunfish and trout. Some reviewers noted disappointing catches, suggesting variability in fish availability.
SwimmingWhile Pillsbury lacks traditional beach areas, there are swimming spots along the pond's sandy shorelines. These areas are accessible by canoe or walking.
BikingMountain biking trails are available. Reviews note occasional stream crossings that may require caution.
BoatingBoating is restricted to trolling speeds only. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental, with dedicated launch points at certain campsites like #36.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as loons, moose, bullfrogs, songbirds, and turtles are commonly observed. Reviews describe tranquil mornings filled with sounds of wildlife.
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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.
Active AlertsBeach advisories may occur unexpectedly during summer months. Advisories updated daily online.

Weather at Pillsbury State Park

Reviews

4.6
47 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Pillsbury State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 47 reviews

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...
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Based on 47 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...
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Based on 47 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....
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Based on 47 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...
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Based on 47 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...
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Based on 47 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #36 and #37 are highly recommended for their isolation and proximity to North Pond. Site #40 is noted for privacy. Site #11 offers scenic views and wildlife proximity. Site #30 was described as...
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Based on 47 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 47 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 47 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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