7 Things to do in Pittsburg NH for Outdoor Enthusiasts in 2024

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There are so many things to do in Pittburg, NH for outdoor adventure lovers! Pittsburg is the northernmost town in New Hampshire and sits in the heart of beautiful lakes, rivers, and forests. This wilderness gives you space to enjoy your favorite water sports and is perfect for hiking, fly fishing, and sightseeing.

This post shares 7 of the best things to do in Pittsburg, NH for those that love the outdoors. You can bring your passion with you or find a new hobby to try. And don’t forget to check out the area’s restaurants and other activities to complete your trip!

If you want to find more posts like this, feel free to browse my New Hampshire posts.

Things to Do in Pittsburg, NH to Relax

1. Camping

Pittsburg and Coӧs County in general is a great area to visit if you love camping. There are many wonderful campgrounds that let you enjoy nature and hang out for an evening or two. If you’re trying to explore all the things to do in Pittsburg, NH, camping is a must in my opinion!

Standard Camping

Camping is a perfect option for those that love the outdoors. You are able to embrace whatever level of camping makes you most comfortable. In terms of light, minimal gear, you can bring your backcountry items and quickly set up your tent (or hammock depending on the style of your campsite).

I purchased the NEMO Hornet OSMO 2 recently for a backpacking trip and absolutely fell in love with it. However, my hammock set up is tried and true as well.

With a Vehicle

Many campgrounds in the area will allow RVs and towed campers on their lots as well. Luckily, these options make it easy for families and couples to have everything they need. People love being able to stay packed up ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Cabins

My favorite campground in Pittsburg is Ramblewood Cabins and Campground. They have a beautiful spot overlooking First Connecticut Lake. There is no pet fee, there are hot showers, and in addition to all the wonderful campground amenities, there are even a couple cabins at Ramblewood that can be booked for those that want to enjoy the area but not deal with any hassles of camping.

Other popular campgrounds and cabin rentals in the area include:

• Lopstick
• Mountain View Cabins and Campground
• Tall Timber Lodge
• Robie’s Cabins
• Rudy’s Cabins and Campground
• Lake Francis State Park
• Deer Mountain Campground
• Hidden Acres Cabins and Campground

2. Sightseeing

River Road and Happy Corner Covered Bridge are outside town for those that love finding the covered bridges around NH! These are beautiful, historical stops to rest at or bring your fishing gear to and sit by the river.

Of course, any of the picnic areas by the lakes can be lovely to rest at. Lake Frances, the Connecticut Lakes, Back Lake, and the side roads that help you reach the rivers all provide different options for sightseeing.

Things to Do in Pittsburg, NH by the Water

3. Fly Fishing

While I am not well-versed in fly fishing (though I do enjoy fishing), my fiancé has been loving improving his skills at this hobby. Everything I see in the Pittsburg area points to what an amazing spot it is to fly fish in. The lakes and rivers are full of lake and brook trout as well as landlocked salmon.

Whenever you are driving around Pittsburg, you’ll see people with their lines along the river and walking down the road. It is such a peaceful area to spend quiet time in the wilderness so I understand why this is one of the most popular things to do in Pittsburg, NH.

I won’t share many specific spots since I know that’s part of fishing and everyone has certain spots they like. That said, I recommend picking up a New Hampshire Atlas to browse where fish are and what you can reach.

Local Spots

There is quite a bit of parking by the dam just south of the First Connecticut Lake Picnic Area for those looking for an easy to reach spot. The trail goes down the river so there’s many options for those looking to explore without going too far. Be sure to have your fishing license and read about local regulations before exploring the area and be mindful of fly fishing only areas!

A beginner’s fly fishing set can be purchased from LL Bean, or Cabela’s before heading to Pittsburg. Local to the area are a couple great fishing shops to grab more flies or gear though. Lopstick Outfitters had a lot of great Orvis gear and North Country Fly Shop has a great selection as well. Both offer a variety of guide services.

4. Boating

You won’t get bored of things to do in Pittsburg, NH if you can explore by water as well as land! Be sure to double check regulations wherever you may be looking to put in your boat. 

5. Swimming

For many visitors, you might be looking to cool off on a hot day without actually going onto the lake. The First Connecticut Lake Picnic Area is just past the boat launch and has lots of spaces where you can take a dip and swim for a bit.

There are picnic tables, grills, and lawn areas to play games on or rest on a towel. I love the XL Jacquard Beach Towels from Target since their extra length is perfect for laying out in spaces like this. Dogs are welcome here as well so don’t forget to help your furry friend cool off! 

There is a small swimming area at Lake Francis State Park as well. This park is fantastic for day use or camping and has activities available to visitors year round. Note there are day use fees of:

• $4 for adults
• $2 for children 6-11
• Free for children under 6
• Free for NH residents 65 and older

Grab some of the best affordable, no-slip sunglasses for your adventures and find the perfect goodr for you!

Things to Do in Pittsburg, NH on the Trails

6. Hiking

Of course I can’t write a post about the best things to do in Pittsburg, NH without mentioning hiking! Further, if you want ideas of food to bring check out My Favorite Hiking Snacks. For your gear, here is a list of My Hiking Must-Haves.

Magalloway Mountain is on the NH 52 With a View list. This is a very quick hike up to an awesome fire tower. You can see northern Vermont, Mount Washington, and over towards Quebec City on a clear day! The trail is just over 2 miles and only takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

Hiking at Ramblewood

If you do camp at Ramblewood, there are a variety of hiking trails on the property I recommend checking out. They are perfect for a morning walk away from other guests. Additionally, they are great to bring your dog for a little break from the rest of the campsite.

7. ATV and Snowmobiling

Thank you for reading!