Visiting Pittsburg, NH: Where to Stay, Eat, Shop, and Play

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Pittsburg, NH is New Hampshire’s northernmost town and sits in the Connecticut Lakes Region. This area makes for the perfect New England escape as it has so much to offer anyone who likes spending time outdoors or simply enjoys the beauty of nature. Whether you visit for a day or a week, be sure to find all the stops that will make it the best visit ever!

Of course, if you can’t fit everything in on your first trip, be sure to save this post for when you visit again! There are endless areas to explore and each season brings a different feeling. I also have a post for adventure lovers about the best activities for outdoor enthusiasts in the Pittsburg, NH area!

Keep reading to learn more about the region and what to check out when you visit Pittsburg, NH:

How to Get to Pittsburg, NH

Since Pittsburg, NH sits so far north in the state, you will likely be driving your own car for this adventure, sharing with a friend, or renting one if you are flying to the area.

From Burlington, VT:

The drive from the Burlington International Airport to Pittsburg, NH is around 3h 15min. You can rent a car from Burlington Airport (BTV) to help you get the most out of this adventure. Mostly you will be driving on smaller state routes with a brief stint on I-91 north.

From Boston, MA: 

Rent a car from Boston Logan (BOS) to support a full New England road trip! Boston seems so much further south, but it takes only 4 hours to drive north to Pittsburg, NH. This is because you’ll take highway I-93 for such a long stretch. Once you’re north of the White Mountains National Forest, you’ll revert to state routes in New Hampshire.

From Portland, ME:

Another 3h 15min drive from the Portland Airport (PWM) to Pittsburg, NH. Rent a car in Portland to explore the city and then take a beautiful drive across the southern part of the state to visit the northernmost region of New Hampshire!

From Manchester, NH: 

Similar to your drive from Boston, you’ll take I-93 to just north of the Whites before transitioning to state roads the rest of the way. A trip from Manchester Airport (MHT) to Pittsburg, NH takes around 3h 15min. Rent a car from MHT to take you north!

From the seascoast of NH:

If you are coming from southeastern NH (Portsmouth, Dover, Hampton, etc.) it will take almost 4 hours to drive to Pittsburg, NH. However, if you make a day of it, you have a couple options. First, you could take Route 16 north and stop at a brewery, do a small hike, or explore the North Conway area. Second, you could take I-93 north and do a small hike, check out North Woodstock or Lincoln, and pass by Cannon Mountain. Both options take a similar amount of time and lend themselves to a great day trip as you make your way north.

And if you’re interested in things to do between the Whites and Pittsburg, NH, check out my post: 7 Things to do in Northern NH in One Weekend. I also have many other New Hampshire posts to browse if you are looking to add more to your trip.

Lodging and Camping in Pittsburg, NH

Once you reach Pittsburg, NH I’m sure you’ll be ready to check in and either relax for the afternoon or drop your stuff and get back out to explore. For all my nature lovers, there are plenty of cabins and campgrounds to rent out in Pittsburg, NH. Many properties even have both which could be a fantastic option if you are traveling with a group and some friends have different preferences. 

Below I’ve linked sections of some of the most popular lodges, homes, cabins, and campgrounds in the area. Some are closer to Pittsburg itself while others are a little more north scattered around the Connecticut Lakes Region.

In the image above: this Kammok Mountain Blanket also acts as a poncho and makeshift sleeping bag. It is seriously one of my absolute favorite camping items to bring with me!

Check out my gear lockers to see my full hammock set up and other favorite products I bring camping and hiking! For car camping, I love using a compatible Honda car tent and inflating an easy-to-use car air mattress inside. We bring pillows, sleeping bags, and cozy blankets like my Kammock Mountain Blanket I mentioned above.

Food and Drink in Pittsburg, NH

The Connecticut Lakes Region isn’t an extremely populated area but that doesn’t stop it from having some amazing food! And luckily, even though some restaurants have closed in the last couple years I’ve been visiting Pittsburg, NH there are new businesses opening up as well!

Buck Rub Pub: A fantastic menu with options for the whole family between Lake Francis and Back Lake! There’s great pizza, pub appetizers, and a full list of drinks to enjoy. We love the atmosphere whenever we visit here and the food always hits the spot!

Rainbow Grille and Tavern: Part of Tall Timber Lodge, this restaurant offers fine dining in a casual environment. While I have not tried both, it appears to be a similar atmosphere to Murphy’s Steakhouse mentioned below. There’s a full bar with craft beer and wine menus as well as a well-rounded food menu including seafood appetizers, surf and turf options, pasta dishes, and a range of dessert options. An amazing choice sitting right at the edge of Back Lake! 

Pittstop Pub: Opened in 2025 on Main Street, this restaurant has extensive bar seating and often live music on the weekends! A great spot to stop and watch some football or hockey accompanied by classic pub foods like burgers, chicken tenders, and wings. I definitely want to try this new restaurant!

1840 Restaurant: On Main Street in the heart of Pittsburg, NH you’ll find 1840 which has a delicious menu with a focus on homemade meals and fresh ingredients. Their wood-fired pizza oven is a staple of the restaurant but there are other options for handhelds and entrées that will have your mouth watering. Check out their Facebook for specials and fun events throughout the year!

Murphy’s Steakhouse: Partnered with At Bear Tree lodging near First Connecticut Lake, this steakhouse is closer to fine dining but you are still in a fairly casual and comfortable setting. A great option, especially if you are staying at the inn, for an evening meal. The rustic charm and patio are wonderful to enjoy and the menu has an impressive selection of seafood, steak, and other treats. Be sure to check the website or call for operating hours.

Grampy’s Drive-In: Between Back Lake and First Connecticut Lake, you don’t want to miss the home cooking at this spot! From burgers and fries to lobster rolls to fried dough to giant breakfast plates, there’s certainly something for everyone. Pull up and enjoy indoor or outdoor seating while you take in the unique handwritten notes that cover the building. This is a very casual restaurant but perfect for grabbing a satisfying bite to eat.

Fat Belly Diner: Another great diner in the area! On Main Street in Pittsburg, NH and in the same building as the Main Street Trading Post. Enjoy your favorite classic diner dishes to start your day or on your way into or out of town.

Moose Alley Cones: For everyone’s favorite summer treat, check out this ice cream shop on a sunny day! It can certainly get busy, but nothing quite hits the spot like a delicious ice cream cone.

Shopping in Pittsburg, NH

You will find a few great local shops in and around Pittsburg, NH. No giant retailers or shopping centers, but everything you need to enjoy your time spent in northern NH as well as some places to pick up gifts and goodies to bring home.

Points North Outfitters: A wonderful stop for anyone coming to the region to fly fish! This shop is an Orvis endorsed outfitter so there’s not only a great selection of gear to browse through, but you can also sign up for a guided fly fishing experience for all different skill levels! Their website shares further information on gear rentals and additional outdoor lessons and tours such as navigation, archery, and canoeing. 

Main Street Trading Post: A convenience store and gas station on Main Street in Pittsburg, NH. Perfect to hit on your way north as you are driving to your campground or cabin rental. Snacks, gifts, and all sorts of outdoor and camping gear. 

Great North Woods Gallery: Beautiful items made by local artists! Photographs, cards, woodworking pieces, signs, art, jewelry, apparel, and more! A must-stop for unique and special items if you are looking to do some shopping in Pittsburg, NH.

Young’s Store: A general store/convenience store between Back Lake and First Connecticut Lake with anything you might need for camping, quick grocery runs, and miscellaneous apparel. We always end up stopping here once or twice during our camping weekend to pick up some necessity we forgot. Additionally functions as a gas station so you’ll be fueled up for your adventures in every sense of the word!

Exploring Pittsburg, NH

Even though Pittsburg, NH looks so far north in New Hampshire, don’t let that trick you into thinking there’s nothing to do up there! I already go into detail on all the fun outdoor activities in the area in my post 7 Things to do in Pittsburg, NH for Outdoor Enthusiasts. These include camping, sightseeing, hiking, boating, swimming, ATVs and snowmobiling, and fly fishing.

If you are looking for even more things to do, here are a few more recommendations of popular sites, visits off the beaten path, and things to do on a rainy day.

Lake Francis State Park: You can never go wrong with a state park visit! Lake Francis in Pittsburg, NH has both camping and day use availability (check the website for on and off season dates). There’s boating, fishing, swimming, picnic areas, walking trails, and more. 

Bear Rock Adventures: For all your snowmobile and ATV rental needs! Bear Rock will help you find the best option for your weekend adventure guaranteed with hourly or multi-day options. Their company also sells outdoor gear and apparel and has a few camping and lodging options for when you are finished exploring for the day.

The Pitt at Buck Rub Pub: This is a summer venue at Buck Rub Pub for awesome outdoor entertainment! Bands on the weekends as well as a variety of lawn games (including cornhole tournaments), karaoke, and some other fun special events throughout the summer. It’s a great place to stop by for some fun on a nice evening and enjoy a cold drink and some comfort food.

Trailside Rentals: Another option for ATV and snowmobile rentals in Pittsburg, NH. You’ll get to explore the vast network of trails in the area at half or full day prices. Give them a call if you’re looking for multi-day rates!

Pittsburg-Clarksville Covered Bridge: This historic covered bridge is off of Route 3 right before you enter the Main Street of Pittsburg, NH. The bridge is along Bacon Road and crosses the Connecticut River- you can walk along it but it is not open to cars anymore! You’ll have amazing views of the river and a small waterfall at this peaceful stop.

The leash pictured above is from Wilderdog. We absolutely love all of Wilderdog’s gear and have acquired quite the collection! I recommend checking them out for harnesses, leashes, bags, jackets, camping gear, home goods, and more.

First Connecticut Lake Picnic Area and Boat Launch: A lovely spot to hang out and spend the afternoon! Picnic tables and large grass areas for laying out picnic blankets right at the side of the lake! You can go swimming, play some lawn games, or use one of the grills for a lakeside lunch. Of course the boat launch is accessible as well if you’re looking to get out on the water!

Pittsburg Historical Society: This nonprofit shares Pittsburg’s history with any interested visitors. There’s a small museum and a collection of research you can access to learn more about the community and early families. Check out their website for any yearly events they are holding such as Genealogy 101 and Bridges and Brushstrokes- an event featuring local artists, Pittsburg and covered bridge inspired art, and even a silent auction.

I truly hope you enjoy everything Pittsburg, NH has to offer. If there’s anything you think I should add to this list, please reach out by commenting below or visiting my Contact page and share the details! I’d love to find more spots for my own weekend vacations up north as well as share them with others.