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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Tent Camping Reviews near Center Sandwich, NH

1167 Reviews of 50 Center Sandwich Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    White Birches Camping Park

    A little something for everyone

    This Camping Park has something for just about everyone. Whether you have an RV (small, medium or large), tent, are looking for a cabin or want a little more of a wilderness feel, this place has something to offer. 

    While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin River. Additionally, the campground has several nice cabins available as well.

    Let's start with the RV sites: there are a bunch! This campground also hosts many seasonal campers who have sites situated around the perimeter of both sides of the campground (split by Route 2). Seasonal campers have some pretty sweet set-ups for sure. The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs.

    Tent sites are well spaced and almost all of them are in the shade which is a huge bonus! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and nice level spot to pitch your tent. Bath houses are conveniently located throughout the campground and are well maintained. 

    The two walk-in tent sites are very secluded and offer fire rings, picnic tables, a bear box and one of the two sites has a wooden tent platform. The second site's tent platform is currently being built (July 2020) and should be at the site and ready for use soon. These sites sit right on the beautiful Androscoggin River, offering a serene backdrop for your camping adventure.

    The campground is situated in-between two large tracts of the White Mountain National Forest. Great hiking is available at the campground as well as a short drive away. If hiking is a hobby of yours, look no further! This is a great location to base yourself out of to get some solid miles under your belt. There is a campground office that has a small store as well as laundry facilities. They also offer an AT Hiker Hostel. They also have a nice heated swimming pool, playground and many other amenities. When there isn't a global health pandemic, they have a bouncy house for the kids. They often show movies on the lawn when the weather cooperates. They also rent kayaks and you can launch from the campground or they will shuttle you some place near by.

    It really is a campground with a little bit of everything! Owned by locals of the community who have run the place for over 25 years.

  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Big Rock

    WMNF rustic campground on the Kanc

    There are 2 Big Rock Campgrounds in NH and they are very different! This is not the resort campground convenient to ATV trails, but a rustic campground offering large, level, wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway just 2 miles east of the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. It's a great location for exploring the sites and beautiful vistas along the Kancamagus, easy access to Franconia Notch and Lincoln, NH. Lincoln also offers a grocery store, restaurants, stores selling outdoor gear, moose tours, and adventure tours (zip/climbing).

    Some of the sites are tent only, with parking separated from the tent pad/fire ring/picnic table. Others are large and level with ample space for RVs. You'll get some traffic noise, but there's less here than at places along 3 & 93.

    There are no reservations; all sites are first-come, first serve and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Bring cash or a check to pay for your campsite. It's self-service with an iron ranger. Fee (2018) is $22, an extra $5 for a second car.

    Water is available. There are vault toilets and no showers. No cell phone service.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • Natali S.
    Nov. 23, 2023

    Private Field and Woods Camping

    The best holiday for the whole family

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is a true paradise for lovers of nature and secluded recreation. After spending several days here, I was delighted with the beauty of nature and the comfort that this unique camp offers. The first thing that catches your eye is the amazing landscape.

    Situated deep in the forests, the camp is surrounded by spacious fields and wild nature. Sunrises and sunsets at this place are a real miracle that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the moment. The camp itself provides unique opportunities for close contact with nature.

    The opportunity to locate your tent camp in a private field surrounded by forest creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and privacy. The absence of city noise and light pollution allows you to enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. The camp infrastructure also deserves the highest praise. Ecologically built showers and toilets provide everything you need for a comfortable stay away from civilization. Fire pits and cooking areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors.

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is the perfect place for those who want a real getaway in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I left this place with a feeling of complete relaxation and deep gratitude to the team who created this unique corner of nature.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2017

    Dolly Copp Campground

    Just on the edge of town

    This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel. While this is a relatively large campground, a significant portion of it is under construction currently (Summer 2017).

    There are several loops of sites here but each site is spacious and wooded, with lot's of shade. There are flush toilets (no showers) and water spigots throughout the campground. Some sites do experience a bit of foot traffic if they are on the way to one of the restrooms.

    There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction.

    Sites have very clean fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of space for pitching a tent or two. There are several sites here that cater more to RVs but many of the sites are very tent friendly (soft, non-gravel real estate). Sites are $22/night and $5 for each additional vehicle.

    This is a popular spot with lot's of amazing hiking in the vicinity so reserve early!

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2024

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice place

    Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road

    Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Hastings Campground

    Wonderful Fall Location

    This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available. 

    There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want. 

    While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!


Guide to Center Sandwich

The White Mountain National Forest region surrounding Center Sandwich offers multiple tent camping options within 15-30 miles of town. Situated between 600-1,600 feet elevation, this area features diverse landscapes from river valleys to dense coniferous forests. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, with typical July lows around 55°F and frequent precipitation throughout the camping season.

What to do

Pond fishing opportunities: Sawyer Pond provides excellent fishing access with a relatively easy approach. "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," notes one camper at Sawyer Pond.

River wading and swimming: The Saco River offers multiple access points with varying water depths. A reviewer at Fourth Iron Campground mentions, "Sites are situated just off the Sacco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river. The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day."

Winter hiking and snowshoeing: Many campsites remain accessible for winter recreation. "Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago... This is open year round and each season offers something different. It's a nice snowshoe hike in winter. I've ice-fished on the pond," shares one experienced winter camper.

What campers like

Accessible backcountry experiences: Some sites offer wilderness camping with minimal hiking required. At Paugus Brook Farm, "The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area. The outhouse is brand new and super clean and right nearby."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers excellent chances to spot native species. "We parked at the Berlin Fish Hatchery and walked in via the Milbrook Trail. A gradual climb from the trail head to the campsite through a few boggy areas before climbing into the boreal forest for a bit. Prime moose habitat!" reports a camper at Rogers Ledge.

Stargazing conditions: Remote sites with minimal light pollution provide exceptional night sky viewing. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset. Bear box located at a communal 'cooking area' and cold spring water located at the site," notes a visitor at Guyot Shelter.

What you should know

Seasonal access limitations: Road closures affect many camping areas during spring thaw. "Check the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall. Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly. It's easy access means it can also attract weekend partiers."

Water requirements: Most sites lack potable water sources. "Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style. Each site also has a fire ring and there is plenty of dead and downed wood to have a nice (responsibly small) campfire without cutting down standing trees."

Site competition: Popular areas fill quickly during peak season. "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location (beyond the posted Forest Protection Area). We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."

Overnight temperature drops: Even summer evenings can be chilly. "Overnight temperatures typically drop into the 50s even in July and August, requiring proper sleeping bags and layers."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner-friendly options: Some sites provide an easy introduction to backcountry camping. "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond. You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302."

Educational opportunities: Many sites have interpretive information available. "The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip," explains a visitor at Squam Lakes Association.

Restroom considerations: Facility quality varies significantly between sites. "The camping area had 6 sites, 2 toilets, and 1 lean-to. There is a platform to pitch a tent (or 2) on and a fire pit with a grill attachment at each campsite."

Tips for RVers

Limited RV options: Most camping near Center Sandwich is tent-focused with few RV accommodations. "Sites are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area. I would suggest packing in a manner that allows you to get your things from your car to the site easily and with the fewest trips possible."

Parking limitations: Most backcountry sites have restricted parking areas. "There is a small parking lot with space for several cars. Site are $15/night (2020) and a recycling toilet is available. This is bear country, so bear boxes are provided."

Seasonal considerations: Road conditions affect RV access significantly. "Fourth Iron used to be a pay campsite run by the state of the new hampshire. But after a serious winter with lots of snow, flooding and storms in the spring the site was shut down."

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.