Tent campsites near Dorchester, New Hampshire generally operate from May through October, with several sites closing after the first snowfall. The region sits within the foothills of the White Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime with cooler 50-60°F nights, making proper sleeping gear essential even during warm seasons.
What to do
Hiking to Mount Cardigan: Cardigan Campsites serves as an excellent base for challenging day hikes. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes camper Madison G.
Rock climbing access: AAC Rattlesnake Campground provides tent sites specifically designed for climbers visiting Rumney. According to Les R., "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one!"
Water recreation: Squam Lakes offers water-based activities from kayaking to swimming. A camper mentioned, "Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only." Water sports enthusiasts should bring their own vessels or rent from local outfitters in Meredith, approximately 10 minutes away.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Baker Rocks provides spacious wooden platforms for tents. Justin P. shared, "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."
Well-maintained backcountry facilities: Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the Appalachian Trail features unique sleeping arrangements. "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably... The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing," according to Justin P.
Privacy between sites: Tent sites at many campgrounds near Dorchester provide adequate separation. A Baker Rocks camper noted, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight."
What you should know
Water availability: Many backcountry sites have seasonal water sources that frequently dry up. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, one camper reported, "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)." Always carry extra water or reliable filtration systems when visiting tent sites along the Appalachian Trail.
Reservation timing: For popular tent camping locations, booking well in advance is essential. Squam Lakes Association campsites "fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15," according to one reviewer.
Campfire regulations: Fire rules vary significantly between locations. While Baker Rocks provides "a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood)," most Appalachian Trail shelters and backcountry sites strictly prohibit fires year-round due to forest management regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Glamping options: For families seeking more comfort, Dugout Hideaway @ Granny Clark Brook provides alternatives to basic tent camping. The site includes amenities like picnic tables, fire rings with provided firewood, and toilet facilities while maintaining a natural setting.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer animal encounters suitable for children. One Baker Rocks camper mentioned, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)." These controlled interactions provide educational opportunities without disturbing the camping experience.
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, even in summer. Pack additional layers for children, as nighttime temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, even during July and August.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent campsites near Dorchester are designed exclusively for tent camping with no vehicle access. RVs requiring hookups or drive-up access should look toward campgrounds in Plymouth or Rumney rather than the primitive sites surrounding Dorchester.
Parking constraints: When accessing hike-in tent sites, parking is often limited to small designated areas. Vehicles longer than 20 feet may have difficulty at trailheads leading to backcountry camping areas, particularly those serving Appalachian Trail access points.
Alternative accommodations: Many camping areas offer cabin options for those wanting more shelter than tents provide. According to Jen S. at Squam Lakes Association, "We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic."
