Lake Francis State Park

Tucked into the remote northern reaches of Coös County, Lake Francis State Park offers something increasingly rare in New England: genuine solitude. At just 38 acres, the park itself is compact, but it sits on the shores of Lake Francis, a 2,051-acre reservoir fed by the Connecticut River that feels worlds away from the crowded lakes further south.

This is prime territory for paddlers. The lake’s size and relatively light boat traffic make it ideal for canoeing and kayaking, with long stretches of undeveloped shoreline backed by dense boreal forest. Anglers come for landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass — the cold, deep water keeps fishing productive well into summer. A boat launch provides easy access to the water.

The park’s campground is small and rustic, with sites nestled among birch and spruce trees near the lakeshore. Don’t expect hookups or modern amenities — this is a place for campers who prefer campfire smoke over Wi-Fi signals. The relative isolation means dark skies and quiet nights, with loons calling across the water at dusk.

Hiking options within the park are limited, but the surrounding North Country offers access to trails in nearby Pittsburg, New Hampshire’s largest township by area and a gateway to the Connecticut Lakes region.

Visit between late June and early September for the warmest weather and best paddling conditions. Fall brings spectacular foliage but shorter days and cooler temperatures. Come here when you want to disconnect — Lake Francis rewards those willing to venture north.

Explore Nearby

• Columbia Bridge — Covered Bridge in New Hampshire
• Columbia Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Maxfield Point Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire