Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area
00 review585 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States
Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The nightly base site fee covers 2 adults and up to 4 dependent children under 18. Extra adults are $10 per night, and additional children are $5 per night. Discounts are available for NH senior citizens ($5 per night), NH state employees (50% off), excluding yurts and cabins.
About this campground
After more than four decades of anticipation, New Hampshire's newest camping destination has finally arrived. Gilson Pond Campground breaks new ground as the state park system's first campground development since the 1980s, offering 35 thoughtfully designed sites nestled among towering pines and hardwoods. Whether you prefer the convenience of drive-up tent and pop-up sites or seek adventure at one of five secluded hike-to locations, modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. A state-of-the-art bathhouse provides hot showers after your daily adventures, while children discover endless entertainment at the campground playground.
Gilson Pond Campground offers a mix of tent and pop-up sites, remote hike-to sites, and primitive camping. It caters to both individual families and groups, with designated areas for each.
Historical SignificanceGilson Pond Campground stands as a testament to New Hampshire's renewed commitment to outdoor recreation, marking a historic milestone as the first state park campground established in over 40 years. This pioneering development reflects the growing demand for quality camping experiences and represents a new chapter in the state's proud tradition of preserving and sharing its natural treasures with visitors from near and far.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant wildflower blooms of May to the spectacular foliage displays of mid-October, each season paints Gilson Pond in different hues. Summer brings warm days perfect for swimming and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories, while spring and fall offer crisp air and comfortable hiking temperatures. The campground's prime season spans these glorious months when New Hampshire's weather shows its most welcoming face, creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and peaceful nights under star-filled skies.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await documentation, the campground's position within New Hampshire's varied terrain offers campers a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding landscape and its diverse ecosystems.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to breathtaking views of Mount Monadnock reflected in the pristine waters of Gilson Pond, where morning mist dances across the surface and creates picture-perfect moments. The campground serves as your gateway to an extensive trail network that winds through diverse forests and leads to stunning vistas. As one enchanted visitor noted, the view of Mount Monadnock from the pond alone makes the journey worthwhile, offering a constantly changing tableau as light and weather transform the iconic peak throughout the day.
Geological RegionSituated in New Hampshire State Parks' scenic South Region, Gilson Pond Campground occupies a prime location in the shadow of Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world. This remarkable geological setting places campers at the heart of a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces, where ancient bedrock meets thriving forests and crystal-clear waters.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site includes handicap-accessible facilities, including restrooms and designated parking. No additional specific details about accessibility were provided.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as spacious and well-maintained. One user noted, 'Spacious sites,' while another commented that campsites are 'nicely spaced and offer good privacy.'
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are described by multiple reviewers as offering good privacy. One user summarized, 'Nice quiet camp with great proximity,' while another commented, 'Private and shady campsites.'
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose remote sites R1 and R2 for privacy. Sites near trails may be less intimate but still have limited foot traffic.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend R1 and R2 for remote and private camping experiences.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is between 1 PM - 8 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is by 11 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay period specified only as it aligns with the reservation calendar.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- 2adults, up to 4 dependent children
- extra guests allowed for an additional fee.
Groups
Group sites are available, but their specific capacity (e.g., maximum number of people or vehicles) is not detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLayout includes 35 campsites for tents/pop-ups and 5 remote hike-to sites.
Open and Closed SeasonGilson Pond Area open season: May to mid-October. Monadnock Base Headquarters offers walk-in camping during offseason (November to May).
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Reserve America. Contact the call center at 1-877-647-2757.
Walk-in AvailabilityMonadnock Base Headquarters offers walk-in camping during the offseason from November to May.
Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled at least 10+ days before arrival. Refund minus reservation fee and one night's camping cost for cancellations 4-9 days before arrival. No refunds for cancellations 0-3 days before arrival. Refund requests after arrival must be submitted within 14 days.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities. Trails for hiking, a playground, and a pond for scenic views are some of the attractions. It serves as a base for hikers aiming to summit Mount Monadnock or explore other trails. User reviews also highlight specific programs like 'Night Watchers,' which educates campers about local wildlife such as bats.
Hiking
Several trails of varying difficulty levels originate from this campground. Notable among these are the Birchtoft Trail (3.5 miles) leading to Mount Monadnock and the Pond Loop Trail, which is described as 'a nice and small flat trail' with scenic views of Gilson Pond.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife programs like the 'Night Watchers event' provide educational insights about local fauna, including bats. Campers noted the peaceful and natural atmosphere conducive to wildlife viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground organizes educational programs such as the 'Night Watchers event,' which focuses on local wildlife, including bats. No other cultural programs were mentioned.Winter Activities
The campground is open during the off-season (November to May) for walk-in camping. No specific winter activities were highlighted.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire rings with cooking grates, according to user reviews.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 7 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited to no cell service. Loud music complaints from user reviews highlight potential disturbances.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services (Police/Fire/Ambulance) reachable through 911. The nearest park office phone number is 603-532-8862.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay through mid-October is indicated as peak season for Gilson Pond Area.
Trash and recyclingRecycling stations are available within the campground for waste management.
Proximity to water featuresGilson Pond is within walking distance, and trails loop around the pond.
Common complaints"Some guys had loud car subwoofer music playing and it was very annoying," according to one user review.
HostNo specific information about campground hosts is provided.
Campground Map
585 Dublin Rd., Jaffrey, New Hampshire, 03452, United States
Driving directionsFrom Route 3 (Northbound): Take Route 3 north to exit 7 in New Hampshire. Follow Rte. 101A west to Rte. 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-93 (Northbound): Take 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-93 (Southbound): Take 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-95: Follow Rte. 101 west to Peterborough, turn left for 202 west to Jaffrey. Turn right onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park. From I-91: Take Exit 28A, follow MA Rte. 10 to NH Rte. 119 east. Take Rte. 202 east to Jaffrey. Turn left onto 124 west and follow signs to Monadnock State Park.
Driving directions suggest paved roads are accessible, but seasonal closures and terrain challenges are not mentioned explicitly.Nearby places
Jaffrey, NH is the nearest city, but distances or travel times to additional nearby cities are not provided.
Nearby supplies
A campground store provides firewood, fire starters, and basic camping gear. Convenience stores and groceries are available within 10 miles.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is highly rated for its cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to Mount Monadnock. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained sites, clean restrooms, and friendly staff. However, some users noted issues with noise due to lack of ranger patrols.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Spacious and private campsites
- Excellent hiking opportunities
- Educational programs like 'Night Watchers'
- Camp store offering essentials
Common Concerns
- Limited or no cell phone service
- Occasional noise disturbances due to lack of ranger patrols
- Bugs in wooded areas
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring quarters for the showers
- Book sites online early as they fill up quickly
- Purchase firewood at check-in to save money
- Specific remote sites like R1 and R2 are recommended for added...
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Seasonal Insights
During the summer, the campground is praised for its family-friendly environment and hiking opportunities. In the fall, the scenic beauty is highlighted as a major draw. Off-season visitors...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Spacious sites and good showers.'
2. 'Nice quiet camp with great proximity to the long trail to Monadnock.'
3. 'The primitive camping was amazing! There are wooden platforms.'
Site-Specific Reviews
Remote sites R1 and R2 are recommended for their privacy. Other sites near trails are less secluded but still receive positive reviews for maintenance and cleanliness.
Accessibility Features
The campground includes handicap-accessible facilities, such as restrooms and parking, though detailed reviews on their usability are sparse.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed in the park. Visitors with pets are asked to leave upon arrival.
Last updated August 10, 2025