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

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    13 miles

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

    "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of 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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Tent Camping Reviews near Chatham, NH

1176 Reviews of 50 Chatham 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.


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 6 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.