Best Tent Camping near Belmont, NH
Tent campers seeking outdoor experiences near Belmont, New Hampshire have several options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Squam Lakes Association maintains tent sites accessible by boat or hiking trails around Squam Lake, while the more primitive Sawyer Pond offers walk-in tent camping with waterfront views about 40 miles north. Cardigan Campsites provides a convenient base for hikers exploring Mt. Cardigan, with tent sites available during the warmer months.
Tent camping areas in this region typically feature basic amenities designed for self-sufficient campers. Many sites include fire rings, though some locations like Paugus Brook Farm prohibit fires due to regional restrictions. Composting toilets are common at established sites, but drinking water is limited or unavailable at most locations, requiring campers to bring their own or use filtration systems. According to one visitor at Squam Lakes Association, "The campsite had a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter." Access varies significantly, with some sites requiring short hikes while others like Baker Rocks offer more accessible tent platforms.
The New Hampshire tent camping experience offers considerable solitude and natural immersion compared to developed campgrounds. Most tent-only sites are positioned within wooded areas providing ample shade and privacy. A recent review noted that Baker Rocks tent platforms "are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded." Seasonal considerations affect the tent camping experience, with fall offering colorful foliage views and summer providing warmer water temperatures at pond-side sites. Backcountry options like Sawyer Pond feature tent platforms and fire pits with pond views, though firewood gathering can be limited near popular sites. First-come, first-served policies apply at many primitive tent campgrounds, making weekday visits preferable for those seeking guaranteed spots and quieter surroundings.