Mt. Monadnock, New Hampshire
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Rural New Hampshire is one of those great places that feel way out in the middle of nowhere. The towns nearby are all small and embrace that lovely nature that is everywhere around you. Part of that nature—one of the most prominent parts of southern New Hampshire, in fact—is Mt. Monadnock.
Mt. Monadnock stands high in southern New Hampshire, but more than that. It’s been a core part of New Hampshire history, as well as the literary world: both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau have written about it. Around it, the virgin red spruce trees stretch on and on until you see the peak jut up, and it’s clearly a majestic piece of land that’s ripe for exploration.
Hiking is popular all over New Hampshire, and it’s no different in Mt. Monadnock. There are three primary trailheads in Mt. Monadnock, but dozens of more trails break off. This allows you to choose exactly the trail you’re after. The trails range from four miles round trip to about seven miles, and the times to complete them range between three and six hours.
If you’re planning to hike to the top of Mt. Monadnock (and why wouldn’t you?), you should choose the Monadnock HQ trailhead, and take the White Dot trail. There are trails that stay closer to the bottom of the mountain that are easier going, so if you’re not feeling a serious hike, there are options for you. However, all trails leading to the summit are rocky and will take quite a bit of effort, so pack a good pair of hiking boots.
There are several dedicated picnicking spots around Mt. Monadnock. While there aren’t any proper dining opportunities inside Mt. Monadnock, you’re traveling in an RV. That means you’ve got a full kitchen—with a pantry and refrigerator—where you can store and pack food. Pack something up and take it with you in a backpack.
It should go without saying, but pack out whatever you pack in. There are black bears in the area (though interactions with them are rare), but they’re known to love human food. A nice picnic also goes hand in hand with a hearty hike, so pack something filling and delicious, and work off all those calories on your way up to or back from the summit.
Mt. Monadnock is popular in the winter months as well, so if you’re planning a vacation in the off months, you won’t be disappointed. In particular, snowshoeing are both great recreational ways to enjoy yourselves. If you don’t plan to bring your own with you, you’ll find places to rent them nearby.
You can snowshoe on all of the same hiking trails as you would hike during the summer. Those three trailheads listed above, with various other trails connecting them for longer hikes, are great opportunities for nice, long snowshoe trips.
Another fun winter activity is cross country skiing. Like snowshoeing, you can use the same trails as hiking, plus find other fun routes in between that you can explore. Also like snowshoes, if you’re not traveling with your own skis, you’ll find opportunities to rent them nearby.
If you go cross country skiing (or snowshoeing for that matter) come prepared for the weather. The temperatures can vary clearly from the base of the mountain to the summit. Dress in layers and consider a backpack, and don’t forget a few emergency things like a flare gun, space blanket, and first aid kit.
There’s a lovely campground next to Gilson Pond. If you’re a fisherperson, this is an ideal spot for you. Wake up, go fishing, and stay there all day. You won’t be able to stay there in your RV, but you’ll be able to set up and enjoy the weather and wet a few lines.
You’ll be able to catch largemouth bass, lake trout, and rainbow trout at Gilson Pond. If you venture out to the other small ponds and rivers around the base of Mt. Monadnock, you’ll find other great, quiet spots where you can catch fish. No matter where, though, you’ll need a New Hampshire fishing license to legally fish.
Traveling with a family with younger kids? Friendly Beaver Campground is a welcoming spot for you. There are plenty of amenities to keep them busy so they don’t start yelling about being bored, and there are also plenty of spots with full utility hookups (including cable TV) so you can enjoy your rental RV to the fullest. Other amenities include three (yes, three) outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, two intricate playgrounds, a petting farm, and two rec halls—one for the kiddos, one for the adults.
Looking for something as water-front as you can get in southern New Hampshire? Sandy Beach RV and Camping Resort has you covered. Tucked among the pines and on a spring-fed pond, you’re perfectly away from it all and free to enjoy the stately New Hampshire nature. There’s a marina and a dock to allow for some great fishing, as well as sports courts and wifi for the rainier days. And of course, full hookups are available.
Want a hideaway? Field and Stream RV Park is a hideaway. Tucked away from everything in a vast pine forest and on the bank of a stream, this is the spot you want for peace and quiet. It’s still near enough to several small towns with good shopping, but the real draw of this site is the solitude. There’s wifi, a fishing pond, and sites with full hookups—including cable TV. What more could you want?
Since 1965, Seven Maples has welcomed families to its campground to spend as much time as they want to enjoy the beautiful area surrounding them. Located on 54 acres of farmland, Seven Maples is rustic, clean, and quiet—everything you should be looking for in your RV vacation. It’s an all-in-one stop, with all kinds of RV supplies available right on site. There’s also a pool with a water slide, kayak rentals, and a rec hall with video games. Plus, there are sites with water and electric hookups, plus full hookups at other sites.
Don’t write off a simple campsite—sometimes, they’re the best. Ashuelot River Campground is clean, comfortable, and spacious, allowing you plenty of room to stretch out. There are full hookups available, plus a camp store and laundry service available. Their experts can help you plan a hiking or boating trip, and there’s also a shuttle available for river excursions. If you want peace, quiet, and a comfortable getaway, look no further than Ashuelot River.
There’s definitely no dining available inside Mt. Monadnock. It’s about as rural as it gets, which is perfect for what you’re after. That said, there are plenty of places where you can picnic. So it’s a great idea to pack up a hearty lunch in your RV and enjoy it while you’re out. If you do, remember to pack out everything that you pack in.
Even outside of Mt. Monadnock, you’ll still have some trouble finding restaurants. There aren’t any major roads that run through the area, but there are several towns. The towns of Keene and Jaffrey both have several small spots. A taproom, seafood, country-style cafes, diners, and more are all around in these small towns. You’ll also find classic ethnic foods, like Italian, Thai, and Mexican.
You may have to drive out some backroads to find these small towns, but that’s part of what an American road trip is about, isn’t it? As you’re rolling out of Mt. Monadnock, find a place that’s right for you. Even if you’re traveling with a crew of picky eaters, you’ll find things like fried chicken and pizza as well.