What Should You Know About Camping at Swanzey Lake Camping Area?

Updated

Swanzey Lake Camping Area is a seasonal, family-oriented campground in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, open from May 1 to November 1. It suits tent campers, trailer and RV travelers (up to 35 feet), and groups who want wooded sites near a clear lake with swimming, fishing, and boat rentals on site. If you need a year-round campground or a beach where pets are allowed, this is not the right fit — the season is limited and pets are barred from the beach.

Campsite types and who they fit

The campground has over 100 wooded sites not far from the shore, with several hookup levels:

Site type Hookups Best for
Rustic tent site None Tent campers who don't need power or water
Water and electric Water + electric Smaller trailers, pop-ups, tent campers wanting power
Full four-way hookup Full hookups RVs and trailers needing full service
Group camping area Varies Several RVs or tents camping together in one spot
Seasonal sites Four-way hookups Longer stays; call for availability

RVs up to 35 feet in length can be accommodated. If you're unsure which level you need, the practical question is whether you require onboard water and sewer — if not, a water-and-electric site is usually enough.

What's included and what costs extra

Included amenities listed by the campground:

  • WiFi hotspot
  • Playground, horseshoe pits, basketball hoops
  • Swimming and fishing
  • Hot showers, flushable toilets, bath house, changing rooms
  • Hobby room and pottery painting
  • Laundry area
  • LP gas station
  • Camp store with RV accessories, groceries, snacks, and supplies

Available for an additional fee:

  • Row boats, kayaks, and canoes rented by the hour or the day
  • Moorings for privately owned boats, by the day, week, or season

The site does not publish prices in the material available here, and rates are noted as subject to change — check the rates page or call before you plan your budget.

Booking and season details

  • Season: May 1 to November 1.
  • Seasonal sites: Available, all with four-way hookups; the campground asks that you call for seasonal site inquiries.
  • Rates: Listed on the campground's rates page, with a note that prices may change.
  • Getting there: The campground provides a "Getting Here" page for directions.

Because seasonal site availability is handled by phone, don't assume you can reserve one through a general online booking flow.

Pets, rules, and practical notes

Pets are welcome in designated areas, but not on the beach, and owners are responsible for their pet. If your trip centers on swimming with a dog, plan around the beach restriction.

Other things worth knowing before you arrive:

  • The camp store covers groceries and RV accessories, and there is additional shopping nearby for anything the store doesn't carry.
  • The lodge has wooden rockers and is positioned for sunset views — a low-effort option if you want to relax rather than hike or paddle.
  • Boat owners can keep a boat on the lake via a paid mooring rather than trailering it daily.

A quick way to decide

Choose Swanzey Lake if you want a wooded, lakeside family campground with tent and RV options, on-site boat rentals, and a May–November season. Look elsewhere if you need winter camping, want your dog on the beach, or require confirmed pricing before committing — for the last one, call or check the rates page first.