Tent camping near Danville, New Hampshire offers options throughout southeastern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts, with sites typically available from May through October when temperatures range from 40°F to 85°F. The region features mixed hardwood forests with rolling terrain at elevations between 200-500 feet. Most campgrounds in the area sit near small lakes or ponds, providing water recreation opportunities during summer months.
What to do
Swimming access: At Huttopia Southern Maine, campers can enjoy a beach area on Sand Pond. A camper notes, "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," making it suitable for water activities throughout summer.
Island exploration: The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground allows visitors to camp while exploring multiple islands. One camper shares, "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids."
Beach visits: Many tent sites are located near coastal areas. A reviewer at Cape Ann Camp Site mentions, "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views. Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate natural screening at campgrounds within 30 miles of Danville. A visitor to Cape Ann Camp Site noted, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," while another mentioned, "The campsite we loved; it was clean & secluded enough but close enough to others to meet & greet if you wanted."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts various animals. One camper at Cape Ann shared, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Unique accommodations: Beyond standard tent sites, some campgrounds offer alternatives. At Camp Nihan Education Center, a reviewer appreciated that "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
What you should know
Shower facilities: Shower availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cape Ann, "Showers require payment with quarters" while another camper noted specifically "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom."
Site surfaces: Most tent sites feature natural ground. A camper at Lost Boys Hideout mentioned improvements like "area all mulched" while others noted Cape Ann's sites are "all dirt. There is no concrete pads."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. For Boston Harbor Islands, a camper advised, "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Children enjoy swimming areas at several campgrounds. At Huttopia Southern Maine, the established pond provides safe swimming, while Boston Harbor Islands offers more adventurous options with one camper noting, "On peddocks island there is plenty of drinking water available and a ranger station."
Amenities for kids: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground, a visitor shared, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Education opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. At Camp Nihan, a visitor noted, "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should check site conditions before booking. At Cape Ann, one camper mentioned, "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," while another noted their site was "perfectly level."
Maneuverability: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, a camper observed, "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs."
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups or dump stations. Cape Ann provides a dump station "near the street" according to one reviewer, while others like Boston Harbor Islands have more limited facilities for RVs.
