18 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Center Strafford, New Hampshire range from established campgrounds to more primitive options within a short drive. The region offers several tent-friendly options including Squam Lakes Association campsites, which provide a more secluded experience with boat-in and hike-in access points, and Lost Boys Hideout, which features walk-in tent sites. Both locations cater specifically to tent campers seeking a more natural camping experience away from RV facilities.
Most primitive tent sites in the area require visitors to bring their own water or use filtration systems, as drinking water is not commonly available. Fire rings are typically provided at established sites, though fire bans may be implemented during dry periods. Composting toilets are available at some locations like Squam Lakes Association, but many backcountry tent areas have no bathroom facilities. The camping season generally runs from May through October, with limited winter access at most locations. According to one visitor at Squam Lakes Association, "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."
Tent campers seeking solitude will find the hike-in and boat-in sites at Squam Lakes Association particularly appealing, with a visitor noting that these areas offer "Simple, but gorgeous" camping experiences. The association maintains approximately a dozen campsites in the area, some with tent platforms and all with fire rings. Areas farther from developed campgrounds provide deeper seclusion and more authentic backcountry tent camping experiences. Many primitive tent sites in this region are surrounded by tall pines providing natural shade, though sites can fill quickly during peak summer months, especially on weekends. The camping areas around Center Strafford offer excellent access to hiking trails, water activities on local lakes, and opportunities to experience New Hampshire's natural landscapes with minimal development.
"Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun! Sites are close together and they are short staffed but other than that a great place!"
from $248 - $374 / night
Check Availability"The campground sits among tall pine trees which offer nice shade helps alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground. "
"We tent camped at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA. The staff was very friendly and when I called to book the site, they assisted in helping us pick out the nicest campsite."
"Location works well. Very narrow road coming in after 128. More for smaller RVs and tent camping. Picnic tables could be replaced."
"No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot. It is also close enough to stores if you need more. Very close to a nice beach too."
from $36 - $44 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $49 - $149 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $110 / night
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TravelerNext to river and had a major flood this spring. I was tent camping on motorcycle and tent site are on dirt due to flood. Tent Site consists of picnic table. No water or sewer or electrical. $43 a night and bring quarters for shower. Clean restrooms and showers but I feel way over priced for what was offered. Should have looked for alternate.
GuideThe night before hiking Mount Monadnock, my husband and I camped here. Monadnock State Park is about a 25 minute drive from the campground, and provides a beautiful hike. The RV sites at Greenfield State Park were relatively secluded, as it is a very wooded area. We visited very early in the season, so the main tent camping loops were blocked off for maintenance. Our site had a picnic table and a fire ring. We drove by a shower facility and a building with restrooms. The restrooms were still locked for the winter, so there were a few port-a-potties right outside- these were absolutely disgusting. It looked as though they had not been cleaned out all winter. Otherwise, the campground seemed nice! Just don’t forget to bring some bug-spray for those New Hampshire mosquitos!
LegendI stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River.
The location is a great place to either explore the immediate area (Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake) or head further north to Conway and North Conway).
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, though there are no picnic tables and fires aren’t permitted due to area fire restrictions.
Communication with the host was fast and helpful.
LegendWhite Ledge Campground is in the White Mountain National Forest and should not be confused with nearby White Lake State Park. Located a few miles south of the Kancamagus and Conway, you have ready access to the Carter Ledge trail up Mt Chocurua or shorter loop trails.
The sites are generally large and wooded. Designated tent sites are not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps. Facilities include potable water and vault toilets. There are no hookups and no dump station. The lack of amenities contributes to the low fee of$20/night, though online reservation fees will add somewhat to that. If you want a shower, they are available at Jigger Johnson campground along the Kancamagus Hwy, about 20 minutes away.
If you head up on a holiday weekend, get an early start or be ready for traffic. The loop for sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy. Sites 2-5 are more open, larger, and suitable for RV or tent. Site 10 is a nicely wooded, level site for tent or RV. About half the sites are reservable. The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
ScoutPrimitive large campsites, no hookups...no water, no cable, no electric. Clean bathrooms and pay showers. Been camping here for over 30 years..in a tent originally and now a 30 ft trailer..been to many campgrounds with lots of amenities and activities and our kids would rather be here than anywhere else. Now our children will bring their children here, it feels like our second home.
LegendMy first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.
The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake. The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake. Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers. There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.
GuideWe stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient. Checkout by 11:00 am but we paid for an additional night to be able to leave at night the day we checked out. Totally worth it!
Nice large campsites. The sites’ privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in.
Quiet hours from 10 am to 7 am. No alcohol allowed (although I didn’t see an actual enforcement of this rule and guess it’ll happen only if people act out). Rangers are constantly patrolling. Felt pretty safe at night. You can’t bring wood. Bundles are $5 each and it burns really well.
Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun. A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike.
Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free! Some sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well.
The location is pretty good. Salem, Andover, Boston Are accesible while staying here. Close proximity to Richardson Ice Cream which you CANT miss if you decide to stay. They have cheap but amazing ice cream, mini golf and battling cages which was entertaining for my whole crew.
It rained a lot during one night of our stay and the site (301) did not flooded at all. All sites seemed in pretty good shape the morning after as well.
Beautiful and will recommend to families with small kids, groups and couples too.
LegendSimple, but gorgeous. The 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 (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). 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.
We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. 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.
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.
TravelerThe aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station." The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other.
25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.
Tent campsites near Center Strafford, New Hampshire generally feature densely forested sites with basic amenities. The region sits at the eastern edge of the Lakes Region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet above sea level. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly during peak season.
Water activities on Squam Lake: Squam Lakes Association offers excellent kayaking opportunities alongside their hike-in and boat-in campsites. The lake provides calm waters for paddling with mountain views. One camper noted, "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."
Beach trips: Campsites within 25 miles of Center Strafford provide easy access to ocean beaches. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers a shuttle service to Old Orchard Beach during summer months. According to a visitor: "There was a trolley to the beach but lots to do at the campground too." Another camper mentioned that "Old Orchard Beach... is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy."
Hiking local trails: The region offers numerous day hiking options through mixed hardwood forests. The trails around Military Park New Boston Air Force Station provide accessible routes with minimal elevation gain. A visitor described it as having "Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"
Secluded tent sites: Walk-in camping areas provide greater privacy than developed campgrounds. At Lost Boys Hideout, recent improvements have enhanced the camping experience. One camper reported, "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds within 30 miles offer dedicated facilities for children. Salmon Falls River RV Resort provides multiple pools, water features, and organized activities. A camper described it as "Kids Paradise" explaining: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Natural surroundings: The camping areas feature native New England woodland settings with minimal development. At Cape Ann Camp Site, visitors appreciate the wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper noted, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: While some campgrounds offer full facilities, primitive sites typically have minimal amenities. At Huttopia Southern Maine, located 34 miles from Center Strafford, facilities are well-maintained but basic. As one visitor noted simply, "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly."
Reservation timing matters: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer weekends. Most sites open reservations 3-6 months in advance. For Squam Lakes Association, "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."
Many sites lack drinking water: Primitive camping areas typically don't provide potable water. Visitors should bring their own water or filtration systems. When camping at Squam Lakes Association, be aware that sites have "no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter."
Look for kid-specific activities: Campgrounds with dedicated children's programming reduce planning pressure on parents. Salmon Falls River Resort offers daily activities specifically designed for younger campers. A visitor reported: "Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite. 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."
Consider bath facilities: Some campgrounds offer limited bathroom access, creating challenges for families. Cape Ann Camp Site provides clean but dated facilities. One camper mentioned: "Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff."
Evaluate site privacy: Family groups may prefer larger, more separated sites. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers a range of site types. A camper noted, "The campground sits among tall pine trees which offer nice shade helps alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground."
Check site sizes carefully: Many campgrounds near Center Strafford have limited space for larger rigs. Viewland Campground has particularly tight access. A visitor warned: "The road was very narrow and we were very close to some RV's that had been on the property for decades... It felt like an established community of people that reside on a permanent or semi-permanent basis."
Consider amenity needs: Most primitive camping areas lack hookups entirely. At Cape Ann Camp Site, RV spots offer fewer natural buffers than tent sites. A camper observed: "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites. Clean Bathrooms and pay showers (5 cents)."
Reserve early for summer weekends: The limited number of developed RV sites within 30 miles fill quickly during peak season. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers full-hookup sites but requires advance planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Center Strafford, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Center Strafford, NH is Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Center Strafford, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Center Strafford, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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