Tent camping options near Barrington, New Hampshire extend beyond the immediate town limits to encompass several scenic areas within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet above sea level, with humid summer conditions typically reaching 75-85°F between June and August. Winter camping isn't common in this area, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through October due to New England's cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
What to do
Beach access: Within driving distance of the best tent camping near Barrington, New Hampshire, campers can visit beaches at nearby lakes and coastal areas. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach provides "a trolley that will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach," according to Jill P., making this a convenient option for tent campers without vehicles.
Hiking opportunities: Many campsites connect to trail systems suitable for day hikes. Squam Lakes Association offers "beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene," as Jen S. notes about their backcountry camping experience. The network of trails around Squam Lake provides varied difficulty levels for hikers of all abilities.
Swimming spots: Natural swimming areas provide relief during summer months. Campers at Huttopia Southern Maine can enjoy on-site swimming at Sand Pond. One visitor, A.C., mentioned the "grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," making it an excellent option for swimming with children.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers value separation from neighbors when selecting campgrounds. Cape Ann Camp Site offers "great sites with A LOT of space between them" according to John S., while Cristina P. describes it as "a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," highlighting the natural setting that provides privacy.
Fire pit features: Quality fire rings enhance the camping experience. At Lost Boys Hideout, recent upgrades include "improvements to the firepit, area all mulched," as noted by Steve K., creating a more comfortable gathering space for evening campfires.
Natural terrain: The landscape at tent sites varies across the region. Shari G. describes Squam Lakes Association sites as "simple, but gorgeous" with "some with tent platforms and all have fire rings," noting that the camping fee includes one bundle of firewood at these remote sites.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Comfort facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Cape Ann Camp Site offers "clean bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents)," according to Della S., though Rebecca S. notes the "facilities are on the old side."
Reservation requirements: Many popular tent sites book quickly during peak season. At Squam Lakes Association, sites "fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15," as Shari G. points out, so planning ahead is essential for securing spots at the most desirable locations.
Site access challenges: Some tent-focused campgrounds require effort to reach. Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area provides a more remote experience away from crowds, with Shuang W. describing it simply as a "great outdoor place" with "nice scenery."
Water availability: Not all tent sites provide drinking water. At Squam Lakes Association, there's "no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter," explains Shari G., highlighting the need for self-sufficiency at more primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer programming specifically for children. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, "kid activities were done regularly" and they have "outdoor movies," according to Jill P., making it easier to entertain children throughout your stay.
Campground layout considerations: The physical arrangement of campsites affects the family camping experience. Viewland Campground has evolved into what Kirsten J. describes as "an established community of people that reside on a permanent or semi-permanent basis," which might not suit families seeking a traditional camping experience.
Swimming options for children: Water access is important for family camping during warm weather. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach includes multiple water features, with Samantha N. noting: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Bathroom proximity: Families with young children often prefer sites near restrooms. When camping with families at Cape Ann Camp Site, note that there are "several bathroom locations throughout" according to Ben E., allowing for easier middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Tent campers should understand that some campgrounds primarily serve RVs. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground, Aaron G. notes that "campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs," but tent campers should request sites specifically designated for tents.
Tent-only sections: Many mixed-use campgrounds designate specific areas for tent camping. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "the RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," according to Della S., suggesting tent campers will find more privacy than their RV counterparts.
Amenity access: Facilities designed for RVs can benefit tent campers too. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, Samantha N. enjoyed amenities like "the lazy river," which tent campers can access alongside RV guests, providing additional recreation options beyond standard tent camping.
