Ashuelot River Campground in New Hampshire offers a picturesque outdoor experience. Nestled along the serene Ashuelot River, it’s a haven for campers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. The campground features a variety of camping options, from tent sites to RV hookups, catering to different preferences. It’s an ideal spot for activities like fishing, canoeing, and hiking, surrounded by the lush landscapes of New Hampshire. This campground is a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts and families looking for a peaceful retreat.
Ashuelot River Campground Contact Details
- Address: Address: 152 Pine St, Swanzey, NH 03446, United States
- Phone: 603-357-5777
- Website: https://ashuelotrivercampground.com/
Ashuelot River Campground RV Sites and Rates
Number of Sites: The campground has 74 sites available for RVs.
Water, Electric & Sewer (30 or 50 amp) & Riverfront Water & Electric (30 amp only)
- Daily: $54.00
- Weekly: $324.00 (7 nights)
- Monthly: $1,134.00 (28 nights)
Riverfront Water, Electric & Sewer (Premier Riverfront Water & Electric Sites 26, 27, 28, and 29 – 30 amp) and Pull-Thru Sites
- Daily: $59.00
- Weekly: $354.00 (7 nights)
- Monthly: $1,239.00 (28 nights)
Wooded Water & Electric Sites (50 amp, sites 56-68) with “honey wagon” pumping service at $20 per visit
- Daily: $49.00
- Weekly: $294.00 (7 nights)
- Monthly: $1,029.00 (28 nights)
Ashuelot River Campground Map
Ashuelot River Campground Amenities and Recreational Activities
Amenities for RV Camping
- RV Sites: Ashuelot River Campground features 74 full or partial hookup campsites that are big rig friendly and accommodate slide-out RVs.
- Electrical Hookups: Sites with 30 and 50 amp water/electric/sewer (W/E/S) hookups.
- Dump Station and Honey Wagon Service: For convenient waste disposal.
- Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the campground.
- Laundry Room: Facilities for guests to do laundry.
- Clean Bath House with Free Hot Showers: Ensuring comfort and convenience for campers.
- Camp Store: Offers firewood, ice, and other incidentals.
- Riverside Sites: Offering scenic views along the Ashuelot River.
Recreational Activities
Biking and Hiking Opportunities
The campground provides direct access to the Ashuelot Rail Trail, offering guests extensive opportunities for biking and hiking. This scenic trail is ideal for exploring the natural beauty of Southwest New Hampshire.
Water-Based Activities
Boasting 3600 feet of riverfront on the Ashuelot River, the campground is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. It offers excellent conditions for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming, allowing guests to enjoy the tranquility and excitement of river activities.
Outdoor Games and Children’s Playground
A variety of outdoor games like horseshoes, croquet, bocce ball, volleyball, and a baseball diamond are available, catering to guests seeking active recreation. For younger campers, there is a dedicated children’s playground, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Additional Recreational Facilities
The campground also features a game room equipped with a pool table, foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey, providing entertainment options for days when guests prefer to stay indoors.
Nearby Attractions at Ashuelot River Campground
Mount Monadnock: The Gem of Southern New Hampshire
Just under a 40-minute drive from the campground, Mount Monadnock stands as a beacon for hikers. This 3166 ft. high mountain, with its accessible trails, is a perfect day trip for families. Its bald summit offers breathtaking views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Pisgah State Park: New Hampshire’s Largest
A mere 25-minute journey to the west lies Pisgah State Park. Spread across 21 square miles, it’s New Hampshire’s largest park. Here, you can indulge in hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, horseback riding, and fishing. The park’s extensive trails and riddled hills promise an adventure in every visit.
Pack Monadnock: A Hike to Remember
Centered in Miller State Park, Pack Monadnock Mountain offers various hiking experiences. The 2290 ft. high mountain features several 1.5-mile footpaths leading to the summit. For those seeking an easier route, there’s also an auto road to the top.
Swanzey Trails: Nature’s Hidden Gems
Just minutes from the campground, Swanzey’s Open Space Committee has preserved significant natural areas. Trails like Honey Hill and Tippin Rock offer short, yet enriching nature walks, perfect for a quick escape into the wilderness.
Mount Wantastiquet: A Historical Hike
Located 30 minutes from the campground, Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area offers more than just scenic trails. Here, you can hike to the ruins of an old mansion in the Madame Sherri Forest, combining nature with a touch of history.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area: A Scenic Wonderland
About 20 minutes away, this 13-acre area boasts hiking trails along a picturesque gorge. The footpaths here provide stunning scenic views, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Rhododendron State Park: A Floral Paradise
Roughly 30 minutes from the campground, this park is renowned for its 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum. The 0.6-mile-long trail offers an up-close experience of the vibrant pink blossoms. The park, a National Natural Landmark, also has a trail leading to the summit of Little Monadnock Mountain.
Shieling State Forest: A Trail Through Time
Located about 25 minutes away, this 45-acre forest offers a multifaceted walk through a range of sites, including monolithic glacial boulders. The trail, winding through the forest, presents a diverse array of intriguing sites within a compact area.
Crotched Mountain: A Trekker’s Delight
A 25-minute drive will take you to Crotched Mountain’s 1,200 acres of protected forest. Known for its beauty, the area offers trails leading to the summit, wetlands, and fields of wild blueberry and heather. The mountain’s accessible trails are open for everyone to experience nature intimately.
Cathedral of the Pines: A Sanctuary in Nature
Situated on a hilltop with views of the Grand Monadnock, this open-air cathedral is about 25 minutes from the campground. It’s a serene space for events, meditation, and exploring outdoor chapels and gardens. The grounds, open from May 1 to October 31, offer a peaceful retreat for visitors.
Monadnock Music Festival: A Summer of Melodies
Held in July and August, the Monadnock Music Festival is where music lovers gather to celebrate a shared passion. The festival features over thirty concerts, half of which are free. It takes place in the meetinghouses and churches scattered across the region. Peterborough, the central town, hosts ticketed events ranging from recitals to orchestral concerts and even opera.
Pickle Festival in Winchester: A Crunchy Celebration
In September, Winchester transforms into a bustling fairground for the Pickle Festival. Main Street comes alive with a parade, featuring pickle-themed floats, costumes, and marching bands. Visitors can enjoy craftsmen stalls, food booths, and a pickle cooking competition, with free pickles and live music all day.
Fitzwilliam Strawberry Festival: A Berry Special Event
The last Saturday in June sees the historic town common in Fitzwilliam hosting the Strawberry Festival. This fundraiser event by the Fitzwilliam Historical Society features strawberries, whipped cream, biscuits, and homemade lemonade, complemented by music and free guided museum tours.
Hillsboro Summer Festival: A Spectacular New England Celebration
In July, Grimes Field in Hillsborough, NH, hosts the Hillsboro Summer Festival. Known for its stunning Saturday night fireworks, the festival offers a carnival, parade, 5k race, car and truck show, food, live entertainment, and fun for everyone.
Cheshire Fair in Swanzey: A Family Delight
Spanning from the end of July to early August, the Cheshire Fair in Swanzey is a blend of excitement and tradition. It offers a variety of attractions including horse pulling, country music, carnival rides, and a demolition derby, catering to all family members.
Keene Music Festival: A Rhythmic Getaway
The Keene Music Festival, starting in 2001, takes place on the last Saturday in August or the first Saturday in September. It’s an outdoor event celebrating local musicians with a variety of performances, adding a musical flair to the end of summer.
Outdoor Adventures and Leisure Near Ashuelot River Campground
Mountain Biking Thrills
- Pisgah State Park: Known for some of the best mountain biking in New Hampshire, it offers trails up to 20 miles, featuring dirt roads and single tracks.
- Drummer Hill: Located in Keene, it’s a hotspot for intermediate and expert bikers with challenging single tracks. More trail information is available on AllTrails.com.
Canoe, Kayak & Bike Rentals at the Campground
Ashuelot River Campground enhances your outdoor experience with canoe, kayak, and bike rentals. Offering shuttle services for upriver adventures, it’s perfect for a day on the river or exploring the rail trails and country roads. Discover the historic covered bridges from both land and water. Rental agreements are available for those 18 and older.
Swimming Holes for Family Fun
The area boasts several swimming spots within a half-hour radius. Otter Brook State Park, Surrey Mountain Lake, and Spofford Lake feature lovely beaches, while a unique rocky river swimming hole awaits in Gilsum. For a more secluded experience, Killburn Pond in Pisgah State Park is just 3/4 of a mile off the road.
Fishing Enthusiasts’ Haven
The Monadnock Region is rich in fishing spots such as Spofford Lake, Swanzey Lake, Pisgah Reservoir, and Meetinghouse Pond. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, these spots offer a diverse fishing experience.
Speed Thrills: Auto Racing & Motocross
Just 15 minutes from the campground are MONADNOCK SPEEDWAY and WINCHESTER SPEEDPARK, providing high-octane entertainment for racing and motocross fans.
Golfing Near the Campground
- Several golf courses are just minutes away, offering diverse experiences for golf enthusiasts:
- Bretwood Golf Course (18 holes) in Keene
- Hooper Golf Club (9 holes) in Walpole
- Northfield Golf Course (9 holes) in Northfield, MA
- Pine Grove Springs Country Club in Spofford
- Shattuck Golf Club (18 holes) in Jaffrey
- Woodbound Inn Golf Course (9 holes) in Rindge
Local Wineries: A Taste of the Region
Within a 30-minute drive, three local wineries offer tastings and tours.
- Summit Winery: Approximately 20 minutes away, it provides free tastings on weekends.
- Poocham Hill Winery: Also about 20 minutes from the campground, it’s known for its selection of wines made from local and imported grapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make reservations at Ashuelot River Campground?
To make reservations at Ashuelot River Campground, you can contact them directly by phone at (603) 357-5777 or visit their website to book your stay. They offer a variety of camping options, including RV sites and cabins.
Can I bring pets to Ashuelot River Campground?
Yes, Ashuelot River Campground is pet-friendly. You can bring your pets along, ensuring they are well-behaved and leashed for the comfort and safety of all guests at the campground.
What are the reviews for Ashuelot River Campground?
Ashuelot River Campground generally receives positive reviews. Campers appreciate its beautiful setting along the Ashuelot River, well-maintained amenities, and the helpfulness of the hosts. Many reviews highlight the variety of activities available, such as kayaking, biking, and hiking. While the sites offer a mix of privacy levels, they are noted for being spacious and clean. Some reviews mention the presence of traffic noise from a nearby road but overall, the campground is considered a great spot for a relaxing and active outdoor experience.