🌤 Weather at Pillsbury State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–66 °F | 54–79 °F | 29–70 °F | 13–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Mount Sunapee, 7 mi away, elevation 1,275 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pillsbury State Park is a public state park in New Hampshire near Washington in Sullivan County. Spanning 4,456 acres and established in 1920, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | New Hampshire |
| Nearest City | Washington |
| County | Sullivan |
| Park Size | 4,456 acres |
| Established | 1920 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Pillsbury State Park is located near Washington, New Hampshire. The park’s coordinates are 43.2308, -72.0997.
Things to Do
New Hampshire state parks capture the rugged essence of New England, featuring the towering peaks of the White Mountains, pristine glacial lakes, and a brief but beautiful stretch of Atlantic coastline. Visitors can hike some of the most challenging and rewarding trails in the Northeast, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, swim in crystal-clear mountain lakes or ocean surf, camp in deep forest settings, fly fish for trout in fast-moving streams, and rock climb dramatic granite notches. The parks also encompass historic sites, including grand resort-era estates and early American settlements.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (late September to mid-October) is the most famous time to visit, drawing “leaf peepers” from around the world to witness the spectacular autumn colors in the White Mountains. Summer (July–August) is peak season for lakes and coastal beaches, offering warm days and cool nights. Winter turns the mountain parks into destinations for downhill and cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and snowmobiling. Spring (May–June) brings black flies (“bug season”) and muddy trails at higher elevations, though it’s excellent for waterfall viewing.
Visitor Tips
New Hampshire state parks charge day-use admission fees, typically $4-$5 per adult and $2 for children, though coastal beaches charge parking fees instead. Advanced day-use reservations are strongly recommended (and sometimes required) for popular parks like Franconia Notch (Flume Gorge) and Monadnock, especially on summer and fall weekends, as parking lots fill early. Weather in the White Mountains is notoriously unpredictable and can change rapidly — always carry layers and check the Mount Washington Observatory forecast before hiking at elevation.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Pillsbury State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New Hampshire. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Hampshire guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Pillsbury State Park — 8,000+ acres in Washington — is one of NH’s most remote and primitive state parks, with backcountry camping, miles of hiking trails, and nine ponds and wetlands. The park — with no electrical hookups and limited road access — offers a true wilderness camping experience. Moose wade in the beaver ponds. Common loons nest on the larger ponds. Black bears, fishers, and bobcats roam the forest. Beaver are abundant — their dams create much of the park’s wetland habitat.
Nearby Attractions
Washington — adjacent — is one of NH’s most rural towns. Hillsborough — 10 miles east — has the Franklin Pierce Homestead. Mount Sunapee State Park — 15 miles north — has skiing and Lake Sunapee beach. Keene — 25 miles south.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Sunapee State Park is a short drive away, and Bradford Pines Natural Area is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Pillsbury State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 41 sites — 41 primitive sites, no hookups, $29/night; RVs 20-38 ft fit on standard back-in sites; 11 of the 41 sites are remote walk-in or canoe-to sites reached on foot along trails or by canoe across the ponds; pit toilets, comfort stations open during the staffed season only. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Book via ReserveAmerica online or call the park office at 603-863-2860 (or ReserveAmerica 1-877-647-2757); up to 11 months in advance; $7 non-refundable online reservation fee; cancellation: 10+ days before arrival = full refund minus transaction fee, 4-9 days = full refund minus reservation fee plus one night's cost, 0-3 days = no refund; youth group camping reservations by phone only, not online. |
| Special sites | Canoe and kayak rentals available; the park sits on the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile trail linking Mt. Monadnock and Mt. Sunapee; drone takeoff/landing prohibited within park boundaries; comfort stations close in the off-season. |
| Season notes | 2026 season: May 8 - October 24, with fall primitive camping October 12-24; 2027 season: May 27 - October 10; park unstaffed and comfort stations closed outside the regular season. |
Camping questions about Pillsbury State Park
Can you camp at Pillsbury State Park?
Yes. Pillsbury State Park has 41 campsites. 41 primitive sites, no hookups, $29/night; RVs 20-38 ft fit on standard back-in sites; 11 of the 41 sites are remote walk-in or canoe-to sites reached on foot along trails or by canoe across the ponds; pit toilets, comfort stations open during the staffed season only.
How do you reserve a campsite at Pillsbury State Park?
Book via ReserveAmerica online or call the park office at 603-863-2860 (or ReserveAmerica 1-877-647-2757); up to 11 months in advance; $7 non-refundable online reservation fee; cancellation: 10+ days before arrival = full refund minus transaction fee, 4-9 days = full refund minus reservation fee plus one night's cost, 0-3 days = no refund; youth group camping reservations by phone only, not online.
Source: nhstateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pillsbury State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Pillsbury State Park?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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