Best Tent Camping near Bethlehem, NH

White Mountain National Forest surrounding Bethlehem, New Hampshire offers numerous backcountry tent camping options, with several notable sites within hiking distance. Guyot Shelter provides tent platforms with mountain views at 4,360 feet elevation along the Pemi Loop trail. Fourth Iron Campground, located near Crawford Notch, features walk-in tent sites along the Saco River. Cherry Mountain Road offers primitive tent camping with dispersed sites that require no permits. For those seeking established backcountry tent campsites, Ethan Pond Shelter and Nauman Tentsite provide maintained facilities within the forest, accessible only by trail.

Most tent-only sites in this region require proper preparation for backcountry conditions. Campers should bring water filters or treatment methods, as drinking water is limited to natural sources at many locations. Bear boxes are provided at several sites including Guyot Shelter and Fourth Iron, but others require proper food storage techniques. Composting toilets are available at established sites, though supplies like toilet paper must be packed in. Tent platforms at higher elevations may remain snow-covered until late spring, with full accessibility typically from June through October. Sites along the Appalachian Trail often have a $10 per person fee during peak season when caretakers are present.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for multi-day hiking adventures. According to reviews, Guyot Shelter offers "tent platforms with amazing views" and includes "bear boxes located at a communal cooking area with cold spring water nearby." One visitor to Fourth Iron Campground noted that "despite its proximity to the road, the campground is quiet" with "multiple rocky beaches between the sites and river." Backcountry tent camping areas like Sawyer Pond are described as "great for beginners" but visitors are advised to "arrive early" as popular sites fill quickly during summer weekends. The region's primitive tent camping areas provide excellent access to trail networks while maintaining a sense of wilderness seclusion.

Best Tent Sites Near Bethlehem, New Hampshire (56)

    1. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    11 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    "Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms."

    2. Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    3 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    7 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Water is pump-able at the intersection to the tent-sites. A outhouse is located near the shelter and platforms. A cooking area is provided."

    "Big group size platform as well smaller platform, cooking and dining area, pivy, Joe boxes for bear protection and pivy plus ice cold spring water and sunrise view point"

    3. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site."

    4. Ethan Pond Shelter

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    15 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Great place to set up camp either as a thru hiker or if you're passing through for a weekend in the Whites. About 3mi from the 302, and from there you're 5mi from the AMC Highland Center."

    "Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected. 3 mile hike in from Ripley Falls parking lot, a nice spur trail to a water fall to explore on the hike up or"

    5. Kinsman Pond Shelter

    1 Review
    Franconia, NH
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "The hike in isnt easy especially considering you'll need to carry all your gear in to stay.

    Amazing stay, no signs of society (airplanes/cars/phone service)."

    6. Liberty Springs Tentsite

    1 Review
    Lincoln, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $15 / night

    "Located just off of Franconia Ridge, a great basecamp for anyone doing the ridge or a pemi loop

    There's a spring for water (still should probably filter it), composting outhouses."

    7. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    21 miles
    Website

    "You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway)."

    "Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago."

    8. Peacock

    1 Review
    Littleton, NH
    4 miles

    $10 / night

    9. Nauman Tentsite

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    16 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up."

    "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms , in the white mountains . It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult , I did it with my 5 year old in tow."

    10. Fourth Iron Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    21 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "This year-round campground is a short walk from the road and situated along the river, providing nice swimming/wading when the weather is right."

    "The campsites, of which there are 8 of, are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bethlehem, NH

1117 Reviews of 56 Bethlehem Campgrounds



Guide to Bethlehem

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, Bethlehem offers a variety of scenic spots for tent camping, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tips for tent camping near Bethlehem

  • When visiting the Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping, be prepared for a hike-in experience, as it requires a 15-20 minute trek from the main trail.
  • At Sawyer Pond, arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends, as it can fill up quickly due to its popularity.
  • For a quieter experience, consider the Ethan Pond Shelter, which is known for its secluded atmosphere and beautiful pond views.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Fourth Iron Campground features easy river access and well-maintained composting toilets, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
  • At Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter, you'll find a large eating area and a reliable water source, perfect for group camping.
  • The Hermit Lake Shelters offer fresh spring water and picnic tables, enhancing your camping experience at the base of Tuckerman Ravine.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $15

  • Camping at Liberty Springs Tentsite typically incurs a fee of around $10 per person per night, providing a great base for hiking the Franconia Ridge.
  • The Nauman Tentsite charges a similar fee, making it an affordable option for families looking to explore the nearby peaks.
  • Enjoy free camping at Unknown Pond, where you can immerse yourself in nature without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bethlehem, NH is Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Bethlehem, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.