Tent camping near Boscawen, New Hampshire offers several options within a 30-mile radius of town. The region sits at elevations ranging from 300 to 800 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 70-85°F during peak camping season. Most camping areas throughout Merrimack County maintain seasonal operations from May through October, though some primitive sites remain accessible year-round depending on snow conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Baker Rocks campground provides direct access to the Baker River, making it convenient for anglers. According to one visitor, "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area... I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler."
Rock climbing access: AAC Rattlesnake Campground serves as a dedicated base for climbers visiting the Rumney area. As one climber notes, "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers."
Water activities: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers multiple swimming options including pools and water features. One camper reports, "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun! I loved the lazy river and had so much fun!"
What campers like
River access: At Baker Rocks, campers appreciate the proximity to water. A reviewer mentions, "Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river... Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery."
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the secluded nature of tent sites in the area. One Baker Rocks visitor noted, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight."
Platform camping: Several campgrounds feature elevated tent platforms that improve comfort in wet conditions. According to a camper, "The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Squam Lakes Association sites fill quickly when bookings open. A reviewer advises, "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."
Facilities vary widely: Many primitive sites require self-sufficiency. One Squam Lakes visitor explains, "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."
Campground conditions change: Some properties may not match online descriptions. A visitor to Viewland Campground warned, "As I returned to the website to double check our location, we realized the pictures had been posted in 2014. It felt like an established community of people that reside on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, but not a place we wanted to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Families seeking structured recreation find certain sites better equipped. A parent at Salmon Falls notes, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer additional animal interactions. One family at Baker Rocks mentioned, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)."
Weather considerations: Preparation for rain helps maintain a positive experience. A family camper shared, "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many tent-focused campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, a camper noted, "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs."
Campground transitions: Management changes can affect the camping experience. According to one RVer, "If I have one issue it would be that it went to a KOA which isn't bad but the transition year seemed a bit wanky and hopefully this year will be better as my kids love it there and we'll continue to go back often."
Staffing issues: Some campgrounds experience operational challenges during peak season. One visitor observed, "Sites are close together and they are short staffed but other than that a great place!"
