Tent camping near Bradford, New Hampshire offers diverse experiences across both mountain terrain and lakeside settings. The region encompasses elevations ranging from approximately 600 feet in the valleys to over 3,000 feet at nearby mountain summits. Summer temperatures typically average 75-85°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall camping sees temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Paddling adventures: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can explore the lake's numerous islands and secluded shorelines. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes Ben P. Canoe and kayak rentals are available directly at the campground.
Hiking Mount Cardigan: The summit trail from Cardigan Skyline Camps offers a moderate 2-3 hour hike with rocky terrain near the top. The fire tower at the summit provides panoramic views stretching to Vermont on clear days. Some trails can be steep with loose rocks, so proper footwear is essential.
River exploration: Baker Rocks provides direct access to the Baker River for fishing and wading. "Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery," writes Justin P., who notes that while he "only caught a few minnows when fishing," the riverside setting offers peaceful relaxation spots.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: At Baker Rocks, tent sites are situated "within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded," according to Justin P. Each site includes thoughtful amenities like "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."
Vehicle-free camping: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at Tully Lake where cars remain in the parking area. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," shares Megan G. This setup creates a more traditional camping experience with less noise and greater safety for families.
Backcountry shelters: For hikers seeking primitive camping, Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter on the Appalachian Trail offers a standard three-sided shelter with "a host of large, flat tent sites" nearby. Justin P. notes that "the shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
What you should know
Cart-in camping logistics: At Tully Lake, be prepared to transport your gear from the parking area. Nancy R. explains, "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site." Sites vary in distance from the parking area, with some requiring significant effort.
Limited cell service: Mobile connectivity is spotty throughout the Bradford region. At Tully Lake, "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive," advises Jean C.
Water availability varies: At Velvet Rocks Shelter, Justin P. reports, "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)." Always carry sufficient water when hiking to backcountry sites, as seasonal sources can't be relied upon.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Sites closer to facilities make night trips easier with children. Lauren A. from Tully Lake notes, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night." Consider requesting sites nearer to bathrooms when camping with young children.
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. April W. mentions that Baker Rocks has "animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," providing an extra activity for families during their stay.
Insect preparation: The Bradford region can have persistent insects during summer months. "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected," advises April W. from Lost Boys Hideout, where tent camping is available alongside glamping options.
Tips from RVers
RV-free campgrounds: Most tent camping areas near Bradford specifically exclude RVs to maintain a traditional camping atmosphere. Miguel B. at Tully Lake recommends, "If you are a car camper this is going to be more rustic as there is no driving up to the sites, but there is a main parking area and a few sites 50-100 yards away from it."
