Best Tent Camping near Chatham, NH

Tent campsites near Chatham, New Hampshire range from established sites to backcountry wilderness areas within the White Mountain National Forest. Blue Brook Tent Site offers hike-in access with free camping, while Wild River Wilderness Area provides primitive tent camping with no amenities but stunning natural surroundings. Fourth Iron Campground, situated along the Saco River, offers walk-in tent sites approximately a quarter-mile from the parking area.

Most tent campgrounds in the region have minimal facilities, with composting toilets being the most common amenity. Fourth Iron Campground provides fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes for food storage, but no potable water is available. Campers must filter or treat water from nearby streams and rivers. Wild River Wilderness requires proper food storage, with many sites featuring established bear hang locations. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "There are several established campsites in the Wilderness Area, most of which had shelters at one point that were taken down once it received the Wilderness designation."

The tent camping experience in this region offers exceptional solitude and natural beauty. Sites at Fourth Iron Campground are situated just off the Saco River with easy access to rocky beaches between the sites and the water. The water is clear and cold, providing refreshing relief on warm days. Areas within the Wild River Wilderness offer more primitive experiences with greater seclusion. A reviewer noted that "Once you're in the wilderness area, keep your eyes pealed for any flat-ish spot up from the river and you won't be disappointed." Many tent sites feature established fire rings, though fires are not permitted outside designated areas. Sawyer Pond offers an excellent introductory backpacking experience with tent platforms large enough for two free-standing tents, making it popular for families with children learning backcountry camping skills.

Best Tent Sites Near Chatham, New Hampshire (50)

    1. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    5 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    13 miles

    "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on."

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    2. Blue Brook Tent Site

    2 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    8 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness is a relatively newly designated tract of land."

    3. Swans Falls Campground

    2 Reviews
    Fryeburg, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 935-3395

    "Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them. Some sites are right on top of the Fryeberg fairgrounds, was glad we didn’t have those."

    "It's in a nice, open pine forest and there is a beautiful walking trail by the Saco River. I biked in so no idea about other utilities."

    4. Wild River Wilderness Area

    1 Review
    Chatham, NH
    9 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state."

    5. Fourth Iron Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    17 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."

    6. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    19 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."

    7. Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    14 miles
    Website

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

    8. Saco Bound

    1 Review
    Fryeburg, ME
    11 miles
    Website

    $25 - $50 / night

    9. Imp Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Gorham, NH
    13 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Imp Shelter is right off of the Appalachian Trail, down a short spur trail along the Carter-Moriah ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire."

    10. Hermit Lake Shelters

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2721

    "The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine."

    "Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Chatham, NH

1172 Reviews of 50 Chatham Campgrounds



Guide to Chatham

Tent camping near Chatham, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the White Mountains. With a variety of campgrounds featuring unique amenities and activities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Tent campers should check out Sawyer Pond

  • Enjoy a beginner-friendly hike-in experience at Sawyer Pond, where you can set up camp right by the water and enjoy a cozy campfire.
  • The site features platforms for tents, a fire ring, and easy access to a small stream for water, making it a great choice for families.
  • With its beautiful surroundings and established social trails, this campground is perfect for those looking to explore the area while keeping close to their campsite.

Explore the scenic beauty of Fourth Iron Campground

  • Located along the Saco River, Fourth Iron Campground offers a serene setting with easy river access for swimming and wading.
  • The campground features well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings, ideal for a relaxing evening under the stars.
  • With a short walk from the parking area, this secluded spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.

Experience the tranquility of Ethan Pond Shelter

  • Hike three miles from the Ripley Falls parking lot to reach the picturesque Ethan Pond Shelter, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets over the pond.
  • The site includes tent platforms and a shelter, making it a versatile option for both solo campers and groups.
  • With nearby hiking trails and a caretaker on-site during peak season, this campground provides a well-rounded camping experience in a beautiful natural setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chatham, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chatham, NH is White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

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