Tent camping near Concord, New Hampshire offers access to diverse terrain including forested hillsides and riverside settings. The region experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F with cooler nights in the 50s. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late spring through mid-fall when snowfall begins to affect the White Mountains region.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Cardigan Campsites serves as an excellent basecamp for climbers heading to Mt. Cardigan. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes Madison G.
Water activities: Baker Rocks features a small beach area along the Baker River perfect for cooling off during summer camping trips. Justin P. reports, "Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler."
Seasonal recreation: New Boston Recreation Area provides open spaces for warm-weather outdoor activities. One visitor mentioned, "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" This military park area offers different scenery than the more densely wooded camping options closer to Concord.
What campers like
Secluded tent platforms: Baker Rocks provides elevated tent platforms surrounded by tall pines. According to April W., "The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)."
Simple amenities: Lost Boys Hideout has recently improved their camping areas with thoughtful touches. Steve K. mentions, "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Natural setting: Squam Lakes Association maintains remote sites accessible only by boat or hiking trails. Jen S. shares, "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."
What you should know
Water availability: Many tent sites near Concord require campers to bring their own drinking water or filtration systems. At Squam Lakes Association, campers should note there is "no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter," according to one visitor.
Seasonal booking windows: Popular tent camping areas fill quickly when reservations open. Squam Lakes Association starts taking reservations on February 15th each year, and according to reviews, "The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year."
Insect preparation: Summer camping requires proper bug protection at most sites. April W. advises about Baker Rocks, "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Families looking for activity-packed camping should consider locations with multiple recreation options. While technically just over the border in Maine, Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers extensive facilities. Samantha N. reports, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Tent platform options: When camping with children, the elevated tent platforms at several sites keep sleeping areas drier and more comfortable. Justin P. noted at Baker Rocks, "The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area."
Bathroom facilities: Family campers should check bathroom availability before booking. Baker Rocks provides "a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water," while more remote locations like Squam Lakes Association have only composting toilets that "were clean" according to recent visitors.
Tips from RVers
RV size limitations: Most tent camping areas around Concord have limited or no facilities for larger RVs. At Viewland Campground, one visitor noted, "The road was very narrow and we were very close to some RV's that had been on the property for decades."
RV-specific amenities: For those needing full hookups, options are limited but do exist. Aaron G. mentions that at Salmon Falls River Camping Resort, "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV-friendly campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October. Sunapee State Park Campground, which does offer electric hookups, water, and sewer connections, operates from May 26 through October 8.
