Tent sites around Conway, New Hampshire offer diverse options for backcountry campers with elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet. Most tent camping areas are positioned along waterways like the Saco River, with many requiring short hikes from parking areas. Temperatures typically range from 40-80°F during camping season, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures even in summer months.
What to do
River wading and swimming: Explore Fourth Iron Campground where "the water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day" with "multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river" according to Sarah C.
Hiking and summit views: Camp at Nauman Tentsite as your base camp for mountain exploration. Located "0.8 from the summit of mount Pierce and 1.6 from mount Jackson summit," it makes a "great base camp location" according to Jen O.
Winter adventures: Try cold-weather camping at Fourth Iron Campground, which remains accessible year-round. Daniel S. mentions "We typically go at least once in the summer and once in the dead of winter. Always the foot ball game before the super ball."
What campers like
Shelter options: At Ethan Pond Shelter, campers appreciate the flexibility. "The shelter is right at the front of the site and can fit maybe 12... maybe more if it had to. Site also has some good hammock spots, but ask caretaker where to string up," notes Jen O.
Privacy options: While many sites can get busy, Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites offers "15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area." Jake C. explains it's "great for a place to stay the night while exploring the white mountains" despite minimal amenities.
Platform camping: Wooden platforms at Sawyer Pond provide level sleeping surfaces. Aubrey V. explains that "All the sites have a view of Sawyer Pond. Peaceful and relaxing. Only a handful of sites so get there early on weekends."
What you should know
Water sources: Most campsites require water treatment. At Camp Penacook Shelter, Maddie R. notes "Back towards the main piper trail is a brook where you can pump water if you have a filter. It can be hard to determine where the bank is if there's still snow on the ground, so be careful!"
Seasonal variations: Spring access can be challenging at many sites. Ryan M. reported at Ethan Pond Shelter: "Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground... Had to blaze our own trail on Ethan pond trail. New snow over a week old and no tracks."
Site availability: The best tent camping near Conway, New Hampshire fills quickly during peak periods. At Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. reported speaking to "a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before (Saturday night)."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Sawyer Pond offers an accessible introduction to backpacking with kids. Sarah C. calls it "a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond."
Easy access sites: For families not ready for challenging hikes, seek out shorter approaches. Jean C. notes that at Sawyer Pond, "Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly."
Wildlife education: Use camping as a teaching opportunity about bears and proper food storage. At Nauman Tentsite, J.W. mentions "It is managed my friendly care takers and has a pit toilet and a bear box for your food."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only alternatives: Since most Conway backcountry sites aren't RV-accessible, consider Swans Falls Campground for larger groups wanting spacious tent sites with some amenities. K.R. reports "Camped here with family—all adults, 3 tents. We all fit in the large site easily."
Field camping options: For those transitioning from RV to tent camping, Paugus Brook Farm offers "a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area," according to Justin P.
Day-use parking limits: Parking constraints affect tent campers too. At Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. noted "the trail head is located at the end of a 9 mile road and there are several spots for parking- note: there is no cell service once you get on this road."
