Best Tent Camping near Center Sandwich, NH

White Mountain National Forest surrounds Center Sandwich, New Hampshire with numerous tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Squam Lakes Association maintains several tent-only campsites accessible by boat or hiking trails, operating from May through November. Nearby Sawyer Pond offers primitive tent camping via a 1.5-mile hike from NH Highway 302, with six tent platforms and a shelter along the pond's edge. Fourth Iron Campground provides walk-in tent sites a quarter-mile from the parking area, situated along the Saco River with composting toilets and fire rings but no potable water.

Most tent campsites in the region require campers to bring their own water or filtering equipment. Tent platforms are common at backcountry sites, necessitating freestanding tents. Bear boxes or hanging systems are provided at many locations, including Guyot Shelter and Fourth Iron Campground, as this is active bear country. Seasonal access varies significantly, with many roads closed during mud season (typically April-May) and higher elevation sites inaccessible until snowmelt. Composting toilets are standard at established sites, though backcountry campers should carry waste disposal supplies when venturing into dispersed camping areas.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as basecamps for hiking the region's extensive trail networks. According to one visitor at Sawyer Pond, "The camping area had 6 sites, 2 toilets, and 1 lean-to. There is a platform to pitch a tent on and a fire pit with a grill attachment at each campsite." Another camper noted that Fourth Iron Campground remains "quiet despite its proximity to the road" with "multiple rocky beaches between the sites and river." Weekday visits typically offer more solitude, as popular sites like Sawyer Pond fill completely on summer weekends. Paugus Brook Farm provides an alternative with field camping on level ground and a clean outhouse, located near Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake, making it ideal for tent-only camping with easy access to fishing and hiking.

Best Tent Sites Near Center Sandwich, New Hampshire (50)

    1. Squam Lakes Association

    2 Reviews
    Center Harbor, NH
    7 miles
    Website

    $50 - $110 / night

    "The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only."

    "We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic. Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene."

    2. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    18 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."

    3. Paugus Brook Farm

    1 Review
    Wonalancet, NH
    10 miles
    +1 (603) 852-2318

    $25 - $45 / night

    "I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River."

    4. Camp Penacook Shelter

    1 Review
    Albany, NH
    13 miles
    Website

    "As you head up the Piper Trail, as you're nearing the 3 mile mark, it starts to get steep and mostly stone steps. Luckily, right as you begin to tire, the branch for the Spur Trail appears!"

    5. Rogers Ledge

    1 Review
    Waterville Valley, NH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "You can access this tensite from a number of trail heads in northern New Hampshire (Milbrook Trail, Unknown Pond, etc.) for a 3.5 to 5 mile hike in depending on the direction you come."

    6. 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."

    7. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    25 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."

    8. Baker Rocks

    2 Reviews
    Rumney, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 481-0601

    $60 - $325 / night

    "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins."

    "The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."

    10. Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    21 miles
    Website

    "There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area."

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Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Center Sandwich, NH

1163 Reviews of 50 Center Sandwich Campgrounds



Guide to Center Sandwich

Nestled in the scenic beauty of New Hampshire, Center Sandwich offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

Tips for tent camping near Center Sandwich

  • Arrive early at popular spots like Sawyer Pond to secure a campsite, especially on weekends when it can fill up quickly.
  • Be prepared to hike in, as many sites, such as Fourth Iron Campground, require a short walk from the parking area, making it essential to pack efficiently.
  • Always treat water sourced from streams or ponds, like those near Rogers Ledge, to ensure it's safe for drinking.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Baker Rocks features spacious and private campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a comfortable stay.
  • At Squam Lakes Association, campers can enjoy well-maintained composting toilets and designated tent platforms for a more organized camping experience.
  • Liberty Springs Tentsite offers platforms for tents and easy access to a spring for water, making it a convenient choice for hikers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful day of fishing or swimming at Fourth Iron Campground, located right by the Saco River.
  • Explore the stunning trails leading to breathtaking views at Camp Penacook Shelter, which serves as a great base for hiking Mt. Chocorua.
  • Experience the beauty of the White Mountains while camping at Rogers Ledge, where you can hike to scenic overlooks and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Center Sandwich, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Center Sandwich, NH is Squam Lakes Association with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Center Sandwich, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.