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Best Tent Camping near Dorchester, NH

1,032 Reviews

Several established tent campgrounds surround Dorchester in New Hampshire's western region, offering campers access to the White Mountains and Appalachian Trail. Baker Rocks provides walk-in tent sites with platforms nestled among wooded areas that feel secluded despite some road noise. The Cardigan Campsites serve as a popular base for hikers tackling Mount Cardigan, with the nearby Cardigan Skyline Camps offering two tent sites for those seeking more solitude.

Tent camping areas in this region vary considerably in their amenities and access requirements. Several backcountry tent sites along the Appalachian Trail require significant hiking to reach, including Trapper John, Moose Mountain, and Velvet Rocks shelters. These primitive tent camping locations typically offer a three-sided wooden shelter alongside flat tent pads, basic privies, and seasonal water sources that may run dry during summer droughts. The Baker Rocks tent platforms include fire rings with complimentary firewood, while the more remote sites generally prohibit fires due to forest management regulations. A visitor commented that "there were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter" at one of the Appalachian Trail locations.

The backcountry tent experience near Dorchester appeals primarily to hikers and climbers seeking proximity to outdoor recreation. Tent sites at AAC Rattlesnake Campground attract rock climbers accessing nearby Rumney, with one camper noting it was "finally a campground near Rumney climbing" that had been "overdue" for the area. Several tent camping options provide unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape, with Moose Mountain shelter featuring a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush. Tent campers seeking water recreation can access the boat-in and hike-in tent sites maintained by the Squam Lakes Association, though these primitive tent camping locations fill quickly when reservations open each February and require campers to bring their own drinking water or filtration systems.

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Best Tent Sites Near Dorchester, New Hampshire (51)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Dorchester, NH

93 Photos of 51 Dorchester Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Dorchester, NH

1032 Reviews of 51 Dorchester Campgrounds

  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Big Rock

    WMNF rustic campground on the Kanc

    There are 2 Big Rock Campgrounds in NH and they are very different! This is not the resort campground convenient to ATV trails, but a rustic campground offering large, level, wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway just 2 miles east of the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. It's a great location for exploring the sites and beautiful vistas along the Kancamagus, easy access to Franconia Notch and Lincoln, NH. Lincoln also offers a grocery store, restaurants, stores selling outdoor gear, moose tours, and adventure tours (zip/climbing).

    Some of the sites are tent only, with parking separated from the tent pad/fire ring/picnic table. Others are large and level with ample space for RVs. You'll get some traffic noise, but there's less here than at places along 3 & 93.

    There are no reservations; all sites are first-come, first serve and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Bring cash or a check to pay for your campsite. It's self-service with an iron ranger. Fee (2018) is $22, an extra $5 for a second car.

    Water is available. There are vault toilets and no showers. No cell phone service.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • Natali S.
    Nov. 23, 2023

    Private Field and Woods Camping

    The best holiday for the whole family

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is a true paradise for lovers of nature and secluded recreation. After spending several days here, I was delighted with the beauty of nature and the comfort that this unique camp offers. The first thing that catches your eye is the amazing landscape.

    Situated deep in the forests, the camp is surrounded by spacious fields and wild nature. Sunrises and sunsets at this place are a real miracle that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the moment. The camp itself provides unique opportunities for close contact with nature.

    The opportunity to locate your tent camp in a private field surrounded by forest creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and privacy. The absence of city noise and light pollution allows you to enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. The camp infrastructure also deserves the highest praise. Ecologically built showers and toilets provide everything you need for a comfortable stay away from civilization. Fire pits and cooking areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors.

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is the perfect place for those who want a real getaway in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I left this place with a feeling of complete relaxation and deep gratitude to the team who created this unique corner of nature.

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2024

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice place

    Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road

    Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Hancock Campground

    The White Mountains Stole My Heart!

    We had a last minute change of plans to our hiking trip due to a delay. We wouldn’t have the time to hike into our pre planned area before dark, so decided to set up shop here. This place was actually pretty great. Each site was pretty large and most of them had access to the river. Which had nice areas for swimming and wading. Each site had its own bear box and it was only a short hike down from the car. The park connected directly to some beautiful AT trails that we took advantage of the next day. It was also pretty cheap! $12 or $15 if I remember correctly. All self registration.

  • L
    May. 30, 2019

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing Views

    Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences. A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter. Great place to stay on the Pemi Loop. It is a carry in carry out campsite.

Guide to Dorchester

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of New Hampshire, Dorchester offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • Enjoy fishing and exploring the nearby Baker River at Baker Rocks, where you can also spot local wildlife like bunnies and goats.
  • Experience the thrill of climbing at Mt. Cardigan, with a convenient overnight stay at Cardigan Campsites before or after your hike.
  • For a serene kayaking experience, visit the Squam Lakes Association, where beautiful trails and quiet waters await.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • At AAC Rattlesnake Campground, enjoy well-maintained facilities including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables.
  • Baker Rocks offers spacious tent sites with fire rings and solar lights, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Experience the unique charm of Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, featuring a three-sided shelter and flat tent sites surrounded by nature.

Features that make camping enjoyable

  • Squam Lakes Association provides a rustic camping experience with fire rings and composting toilets, ideal for those looking to disconnect.
  • The Velvet Rocks Shelter offers a basic yet comfortable shelter experience along the Appalachian Trail, perfect for hikers.
  • Enjoy the privacy and seclusion of Trapper John Backcountry Campground, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dorchester, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dorchester, NH is Cardigan Campsites with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Dorchester, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 51 tent camping locations near Dorchester, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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