Lake Francis State Park

Last Frontier Camping — New Hampshire’s Northernmost Lake

Lake Francis State Park sits on the shore of the 2,000-acre Lake Francis in Pittsburg, New Hampshire — the state’s northernmost town, bordering Quebec, Canada. This is New Hampshire’s Great North Woods at its most remote: vast spruce forests, minimal light pollution, and the kind of deep wilderness where moose outnumber people. The famous “Moose Alley” stretch of Route 3 runs nearby — widely considered the best moose-watching drive in all of New England.

The park combines comfortable campground facilities (electric hookups, hot showers, a camp store) with access to a premier coldwater fishing lake and an extensive ATV/OHRV trail network covering over 1,000 miles in Coos County. For anglers chasing landlocked salmon and lake trout, for ATV riders exploring the North Country, or for anyone who wants to camp beneath some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States — Lake Francis delivers a wilderness experience that’s hard to match in New England.

Things to Do

Fishing

Lake Francis is a premier coldwater fishery known for brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, and lake trout. A concrete boat launch provides easy access. The lake’s cold, deep water maintains excellent fish populations year-round. The upper reaches of the Connecticut River are accessible from the lake for additional fishing and paddling. A New Hampshire fishing license is required.

Boating & Paddling

The park’s boat launch serves both motorized and paddle craft. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site. Paddlers can explore the lake’s coves and connect to the upper Connecticut River system. The lake’s size means wind protection is limited — check conditions before crossing open water in small craft.

ATV/OHRV Riding

Lake Francis is a gateway to Coos County’s 1,000+ mile ATV/OHRV trail network. Designated ATV-friendly campsites provide direct trail access from the campground. This makes the park an ideal basecamp for multi-day riding adventures through the Great North Woods.

Moose Watching

The Route 3 “Moose Alley” north of Pittsburg toward the Canadian border is one of the best moose-viewing corridors in New England. Dawn and dusk are prime times. Moose are commonly seen along roadsides, in bogs, and near the lake’s shoreline. Drive slowly and watch carefully — moose-vehicle collisions are a real danger in this area.

Camping

Best Time to Visit

Visitor Tips

• Moose Alley: Drive Route 3 north from Pittsburg toward the Canadian border at dawn or dusk for the best moose-watching in New England. Drive slowly — moose cross roads unpredictably and are extremely dangerous in vehicle collisions.
• Dark sky paradise: With virtually no light pollution, the skies above Lake Francis are among the darkest in the eastern US. Bring binoculars or a telescope for stargazing — the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights.
• ATV base camp: If you’re riding the Coos County trail network, the ATV-designated campsites with direct trail access make this the ideal base. Register your OHRV and carry required permits.
• Remote location: Pittsburg is remote — the nearest significant services (hospitals, large grocery stores) are 45+ minutes south in Colebrook. Cell service is very limited. Come prepared with supplies.
• Firewood: Purchase firewood on-site or locally — do not transport firewood from other areas to prevent invasive insect spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildlife & Nature

Lake Francis State Park — 2,000 acres on Lake Francis in Pittsburg — is the most remote state park campground in New Hampshire, deep in the Connecticut Lakes region near the Canadian border. The 2,051-acre lake — surrounded by boreal forest — is one of the best brook trout and salmon fishing lakes in New England. Moose are seen daily (Pittsburg has more moose than people). Black bears, bobcats, and fishers roam the forest. Common loons nest on the lake. Bald eagles patrol from tall spruce. Boreal chickadees and gray jays inhabit the spruce-fir forest.

Nearby Attractions

Pittsburg — the largest township in New England by area (282 square miles) — has the Connecticut Lakes (First, Second, Third, and Fourth) and the headwaters of the Connecticut River. Route 3 (Moose Alley) is NH’s best moose viewing road. Indian Stream Republic — this area was briefly an independent nation (1832-1835). Canada is 10 miles north.

Last updated: April 2026