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.