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Best Tent Camping near Auburn, NH

720 Reviews

Tent camping opportunities near Auburn, New Hampshire include several established sites within a 30-mile radius. The Lost Boys Hideout offers tent sites with amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, while Military Park New Boston Air Force Station Recreation Area provides year-round tent camping in a more primitive setting. The rural landscape surrounding Auburn gives campers access to both developed campgrounds and more secluded options throughout southern New Hampshire.

Most tent sites in the Auburn area feature basic dirt or gravel pads surrounded by wooded terrain. Campgrounds like Cape Ann Camp Site, located about an hour southeast, offer more developed facilities with showers and toilets, though many closer options have limited amenities. A recent review noted that "sites are clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites" at some of the more established campgrounds in the region. Campers should verify drinking water availability before arrival, as several sites require bringing your own supply or filtering from natural sources. Summer and early fall provide the most reliable weather conditions, though some areas remain open year-round.

The backcountry tent camping experience varies significantly across sites near Auburn. Areas with walk-in access like Lost Boys Hideout generally provide more seclusion than drive-in campgrounds. "Simplicity at its best," mentioned one camper about the more primitive options available. Tent-only camping areas typically offer greater privacy compared to mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate RVs. The region features diverse terrain from relatively flat sites to more rugged settings with natural forest surroundings. Morning fog is common in low-lying areas near water sources, creating scenic conditions but potentially challenging tent setup. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during dry summer months, requiring campers to check current regulations before planning cooking arrangements.

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Best Tent Sites Near Auburn, New Hampshire (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Auburn, NH

23 Photos of 16 Auburn Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Auburn, NH

720 Reviews of 16 Auburn Campgrounds

  • Emma N.
    May. 24, 2018

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Secluded Sites

    The night before hiking Mount Monadnock, my husband and I camped here. Monadnock State Park is about a 25 minute drive from the campground, and provides a beautiful hike. The RV sites at Greenfield State Park were relatively secluded, as it is a very wooded area. We visited very early in the season, so the main tent camping loops were blocked off for maintenance. Our site had a picnic table and a fire ring. We drove by a shower facility and a building with restrooms. The restrooms were still locked for the winter, so there were a few port-a-potties right outside- these were absolutely disgusting. It looked as though they had not been cleaned out all winter. Otherwise, the campground seemed nice! Just don’t forget to bring some bug-spray for those New Hampshire mosquitos!

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Large and friendly park with plenty of water activity opportunities

    My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.

    The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake.  The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake.  Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers.  There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

  • Migdalia G.
    May. 29, 2019

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Nice Wooded Campground in Awesome Area

    We stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient. Checkout by 11:00 am but we paid for an additional night to be able to leave at night the day we checked out. Totally worth it!

    Nice large campsites. The sites’ privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in. 

    Quiet hours from 10 am to 7 am. No alcohol allowed (although I didn’t see an actual enforcement of this rule and guess it’ll happen only if people act out). Rangers are constantly patrolling. Felt pretty safe at night. You can’t bring wood. Bundles are $5 each and it burns really well. 

    Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun. A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike. 

    Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free! Some sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well. 

    The location is pretty good. Salem, Andover, Boston Are accesible while staying here. Close proximity to Richardson Ice Cream which you CANT miss if you decide to stay.  They have cheap but amazing ice cream, mini golf and battling cages which was entertaining for my whole crew. 

    It rained a lot during one night of our stay and the site (301) did not flooded at all. All sites seemed in pretty good shape the morning after as well. 

    Beautiful and will recommend to families with small kids, groups and couples too.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Squam Lakes Association

    Boat in & Hike In Camping Along Squam Lake

    Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.

    We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.

    The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • D
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Pillsbury State Park Campground

    Love this campground been going back almost every year for several years.

    Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. 

    Most of the campsites are accessable by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite. Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. 

    There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. 

    There is at least one handicap accessible site, which I have used, near the toilet facilities. It provides a good sized very level area to set up a tent and park your car. There may be other handicap sites. I have only used this one and never checked for others. 

    Note: Not all New Hampshire State Parks are dog friendly. If you have a dog check which parks are as part of your trip planning.

    This web page  says this about Pillsbury.

    Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north.

    Pillsbury State Park

    100 Pillsbury State Park Rd

    Washington, Nh 03280

    Phone: 603-863-2860

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Loved it here

    We stayed here for a night in mid October, as they were getting ready to close for the season, so more than half of the campground was closed off. But the part that we did see was awesome. Each site was huge, separated from its neighbor, private, mostly flat, and beautiful. No hookups in the campground, and sites are hit or miss with tree coverage, some sites may have enough opening for solar or starlink, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

    There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that. There are water spigots throughout the campground and a dump station. Showers were free and nice and clean, and you can control the temperature and let the water run (no button to push). 

    The dump truck driver was there picking up garbage and I asked him about recycling and he said they have their own transfer station where the waste is sorted, so all recycling and garbage goes into the dumpster. 

    We paid $23 for a site because it was primitive season, but I think normally it’s $25. No other taxes or fees were charged. There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts, ice cream, fire starters, ice, etc. There’s also a little free library exchange behind the office. And to top it off, we had cell service here. Great stay, highly recommend! Beware of ticks!

  • Jessica N.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Great Park, big sites

    Stayed for a weekend (1 night). Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud. Very respectful drivers made biking feel fun and safe for kids. Campers beach was lovely. Sure the water was a little weedy, but we didn’t mind. The lake is a great spot for kayaking (although it is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot with a heavy boat) and the sunset on the lake definitely didn’t disappoint. Nice partially shaded and level site with good access for backing in our small trailer. Playground, camp store, convenient check-in at office, firewood available for $6, lots of trails and fairly level for easy biking. State park camping (no hookups) but there’s a dump station near the exit and water spigots dispersed around the campsites. Absolutely would go again.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Tidewater Campground

    Large campground near, but not on the beach

    First of all, the location is a little quirky and I think I only arrived once without a wrong turn! Watch the GPS carefully. That said, it’s very close to Hampton Beach and you can easily drive or bike over. The campground is parallel to US1, so there is some road traffic noise. Some of the tent sites overlook the marsh. The tent sites are definitely tighter than trailer sites. Some sites back up to each other and it takes a moment to understand where one ends and the next begins. 

    I was here early in the season and placed in a seasonal site with water/electric. Site was level. Neighbors were friendly. The bathroom was a short walk away and spotless. I did notice that in the tent areas, the main bathrooms are supplemented with portable toilets. Sites are mostly wooded, which will offer nice relief from the heat. It's a nice base for exploring the area.

    There’s a gated entry and turtle-speed limit that they take seriously. The pool was not yet open. There’s a small store onsite for ice and essentials. All the big box stores and a number of restaurants are nearby. For a change of pace from seafood, I picked up Shane's Texas Pit BBQ and brought it back to my site. 

    You may request a reservation online, but you have to confirm and pay for it via the phone. You’ll need to arrive before 9pm to check in. Bring $10 for a cash deposit on the gate card. Only 1 vehicle and 1 camping unit (tent or trailer) allowed on a site.

    Downside: They charge for showers, the amount and duration is unclear and the duration varies depending on which shower you choose! Given the rates they charge, this seems petty.

Guide to Auburn

Tent camping options around Auburn, New Hampshire extend beyond established campgrounds into more rustic experiences at sites like Sweetwater and Viewland Campground. Most sites in the region sit at elevations between 300-500 feet with rolling terrain typical of southern New Hampshire's transitional forest zones. The camping season generally runs from mid-May through mid-October, with occasional facilities remaining accessible during winter months.

What to do

Pond swimming access: At Huttopia Southern Maine, campers appreciate the natural water features. "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," notes reviewer A.C., who visited shortly after new ownership took over.

Environmental education: Camp Nihan Education Center offers nature programs alongside camping. "The camp is adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," explains Michael V., highlighting the educational opportunities within 30 minutes of Boston.

Local exploration: The best tent camping near Auburn, New Hampshire provides convenient access to nearby towns. Military Park New Boston Air Force Station Recreation Area sits just 15 minutes northwest of Auburn, allowing campers to experience what one visitor described as "Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"

What campers like

Natural setting: Tent sites at Cape Ann Camp Site offer more seclusion than RV areas. "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome," notes Lajaun C., appreciating the natural surroundings approximately 60 miles southeast of Auburn.

Water activities: Salmon Falls River RV Resort provides multiple aquatic options. "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!" reports Samantha N., who particularly enjoyed "the lazy river" during her stay.

Affordability: Several campgrounds near Auburn maintain reasonable pricing structures. "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," notes Ben E. about his experience at Cape Ann, highlighting the value even during peak season.

What you should know

Site conditions: The terrain around Auburn varies significantly by location. At Viewland Campground, campers should note that "The road to get to Viewland Campground is very steep," according to Kirsten J., who also mentioned the narrow access road.

Shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the region require quarters for showers. "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change," explains Ben E. about his experience at Cape Ann.

Seasonal availability: Most tent camping near Auburn operates seasonally. Cape Ann Camp Site runs from "May 15 - Oct 15," while Salmon Falls maintains a similar schedule, ensuring optimal weather conditions for campers.

Tips for camping with families

Activity-focused sites: When seeking the best tent camping near Auburn with children, prioritize campgrounds with structured recreation. "If you have young kids this place is so fun!" shares Samantha N. about Salmon Falls River RV Resort, listing multiple entertainment options beyond just camping.

Space considerations: Lost Boys Hideout offers upgraded amenities for families needing more comfort. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" notes Steve K. about recent enhancements.

Proximity to attractions: Position your family trip to minimize driving time between activities. Camp Nihan provides "a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," offering contained recreation without requiring additional travel.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: RVers should research individual sites before arrival. "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs," notes Aaron G. regarding Salmon Falls, though he mentions that management changes affected some operational aspects.

Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary significantly across Auburn-area campgrounds. Cape Ann Camp Site offers full hookups in some areas, with one camper noting they provide "water, sewer, and electric hookups" though "No wifi" is available at the facility.

Year-round options: For extended-season RV camping near Auburn, Military Park New Boston Air Force Station Recreation Area remains open "All year" according to their official season information, providing options beyond the standard May-October window common to most sites in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Auburn, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Auburn, NH is Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Auburn, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Auburn, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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