Tent camping options near Bristol, New Hampshire range from established campgrounds with amenities to backcountry sites requiring significant hiking. The White Mountains region features multiple elevation zones, from riverside locations around 500 feet to mountain campsites exceeding 4,300 feet. Winter camping opportunities exist at some locations, though many backcountry sites close after November 1 due to snow conditions and seasonal road closures.
What to do
Hiking Mt. Cardigan: Access excellent hiking trails directly from Cardigan Campsites. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes camper Madison G.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas offer access to fishing. At Baker Rocks, campers can try their luck along the Baker River. According to Justin P., "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area... There is a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler."
Water activities: The region offers numerous paddling opportunities. Squam Lake provides multiple boat-in camping options. Shari G. explains that Squam Lakes Association "maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. Many camping areas have trail cameras documenting bear, moose, and deer activity, so proper food storage is essential at all sites.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of tent sites in the area. At Baker Rocks, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded," according to April W., who added that "the campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river."
Night sky viewing: Remote sites offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Sawyer Pond, Erin H. reports, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
Easy access backcountry: Some sites provide wilderness experiences without difficult hikes. Hunter P. notes that Sawyer Pond offers "a 1.5 mile walk from the parking lot to the campsite... pretty easy. It is mostly flat with a few minor hills (I saw children and elderly folks easily using this trail)."
Free camping options: Several backcountry sites on the Appalachian Trail offer no-cost camping options, though donations are encouraged to support trail maintenance. Permits may be required for certain areas.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Seasonal water sources can be unreliable, especially during summer droughts. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, Justin P. reported, "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)."
Tent platform considerations: Many backcountry sites utilize tent platforms rather than ground sites. At Guyot Shelter, Sean F. notes there's "No space for non-free standing tents," so bring a freestanding tent design if camping there.
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds allow advanced bookings while others operate on first-come, first-served basis. Sarah C. advises, "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Road access limitations: Many forest roads close seasonally. Jean C. recommends, "Check the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall," particularly for accessing the best tent camping near Bristol, New Hampshire during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes for kids: Several sites offer easier approaches suitable for children. For Sawyer Pond, Sarah C. notes it's "a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond."
Wildlife interactions: Keep children educated about appropriate wildlife behavior. At Baker Rocks, April W. mentions they "even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," providing controlled animal encounters.
Seasonal considerations: Fall brings spectacular colors but significantly colder nights. Pack appropriate cold-weather gear for children, especially at higher elevations where temperatures drop dramatically after sunset.
Platform capacity planning: When camping with larger families, note platform sizes. At Sawyer Pond, campsites "have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style," according to Sarah C.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Bristol focuses on tent sites, cabins, and backcountry shelters with minimal RV facilities. The best tent camping near Bristol, New Hampshire generally doesn't accommodate large recreational vehicles.
Alternative glamping: Instead of traditional RVs, consider the glamping options at some campgrounds. At Baker Rocks, Justin P. notes they have "a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins," providing comfort without needing an RV.
Seasonal access restrictions: Forest road weight restrictions during spring thaw can impact vehicle access. Plan trips carefully, especially during shoulder seasons when road conditions may prevent larger vehicle access.
Parking considerations: When accessing backcountry sites, secure overnight parking may be limited. Hunter P. notes at one location, "The trail head is located at the end of a 9 mile road and there are several spots for parking- note: there is no cell service once you get on this road."
