Tent camping near Derry, New Hampshire offers options within a 30-mile radius across southern New Hampshire and northeastern Massachusetts. The region sits at approximately 300 feet above sea level with mixed deciduous forests providing natural shelter at most tent sites. Summer nights typically range from 55-65°F even when daytime temperatures exceed 80°F, making proper sleeping gear necessary for comfortable overnight stays.
What to do
Explore historic forts: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides access to abandoned military structures perfect for daytime exploration. "The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets," notes a camper at Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural settings: Many tent camping areas provide access to swimming opportunities during summer months. Camp Nihan Education Center connects directly to Breakheart Reservation where families can enjoy "a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Blackberry picking: Mid-August campers at Lost Boys Hideout can collect wild berries while exploring the property. The site features newly upgraded facilities and tent platforms not commonly found at more primitive sites in the region.
What campers like
Natural privacy: Unlike the RV-focused campgrounds in the region, tent sites often offer more seclusion. Cape Ann Camp Site is noted for its wooded setting where tent campers find "perfectly level site[s] in a beautiful wooded area," according to one visitor. The Cape Ann Camp Site layout places tent camping areas away from the main RV sections.
Beach proximity: Multiple tent camping options provide convenient beach access within a short drive. At Huttopia Southern Maine, campers appreciate the "manicured" grounds while having regional beach access for day trips.
Mulched tent sites: Improved camping surfaces at certain locations reduce mud issues during wet weather. A recent visitor to Lost Boys Hideout noted site improvements, stating "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
What you should know
Limited drinking water: Many tent sites near Derry have inconsistent water availability. While Lost Boys Hideout provides some water, campers heading to more remote sites should pack their own. Boston Harbor campers should note: "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Site availability challenges: Several campgrounds report booking confusion despite online reservation systems. One camper at Boston Harbor Islands noted: "When we got to the island we found that all of the sites had already been taken even though we had booked online months ahead."
Pay showers: Several campgrounds in the region use coin-operated shower systems. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "The showers require payment with quarters... I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink."
Tips for camping with families
All-ages activities: Some locations feature family-focused programming and facilities. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, families find "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Accessibility considerations: When camping with smaller children, consider proximity to parking areas. Camp Nihan Education Center offers "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," making it ideal for younger campers.
Plan transportation logistics: If using public transit or ferry systems to reach camping areas, pack minimally. A Boston Harbor Islands camper advises: "We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry...to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
Tips from RVers
Limited tent-only opportunities: Most campgrounds near Derry are primarily RV-focused with tent sites as secondary options. This means tent campers should expect RV neighbors at most established sites. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, "sites are close together and they are short staffed but other than that a great place!"
Alternative cooking solutions: Not all tent sites include standard fire rings or grills. At one Boston Harbor Island, a camper improvised: "We ended up making a fire pit on the beach and a flat rock 'grill' to make our burgers."
Mixed camping experiences: Tent campers report varying experiences at primarily RV-focused campgrounds. One Military Park New Boston Air Force Station Recreation Area visitor described it simply as a "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"
