Best Tent Camping near Charlestown, NH
Tent campgrounds in the region surrounding Charlestown, New Hampshire provide access to both New Hampshire and Vermont's forested landscapes. Sunapee State Park Campground offers tent-only sites within its established grounds, while sites like Stratton Pond Shelter provide more remote tent camping experiences along the Appalachian Trail. Several primitive tent camping options exist within a 30-mile radius, with both state-managed and backcountry sites available throughout the area.
Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or forest duff with minimal grading at most tent campgrounds near Charlestown. Walk-in tent sites are common, particularly at locations like Tully Lake Recreation Area, where campers must use provided carts to transport gear from parking areas to campsites. Water access varies significantly between established and backcountry locations, with many primitive tent sites lacking reliable water sources. Fire regulations differ by location, with some backcountry shelters prohibiting fires entirely while established tent campgrounds typically provide fire rings. Most tent-only areas have basic toilet facilities, ranging from flush toilets at developed campgrounds to primitive privies at backcountry sites.
Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and reduced noise for tent campers seeking solitude. The backcountry tent sites along the Appalachian Trail provide access to hiking trails and natural features like Stratton Pond, where tent platforms supplement shelter space. Multiple tent camping areas offer waterfront access, particularly at locations like Tully Lake, where tent campers can enjoy swimming and paddling directly from some sites. The primitive nature of many tent campgrounds means limited or non-existent cell service. A visitor to Tully Lake commented that "the campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping" with its carry-in tent sites and lack of vehicle traffic within the camping area.
