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Best Tent Camping near Etna, NH

817 Reviews

Tent campsites along the Appalachian Trail corridor form the backbone of camping options near Etna, New Hampshire, with multiple backcountry shelters offering primitive tent camping opportunities within hiking distance. Established sites include Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground, Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, and Trapper John Backcountry Campground, all positioned along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. These locations function primarily as overnight stops for section hikers rather than destination campgrounds, though they provide essential shelter for tent campers traversing this segment of the White Mountains region.

Most primitive tent sites require substantial hiking access, with no vehicle support available at these backcountry locations. Facilities remain minimal, with most shelters featuring a basic three-sided wooden structure, a fire ring, and limited flat tent pads in the surrounding area. Water sources vary significantly by season and drought conditions, with several reviews noting completely dry water sources during August visits. Most tent camping areas include a primitive privy or composting toilet, though campers should bring all necessary supplies, including water treatment equipment. Fire restrictions apply at most backcountry shelters, with several sites explicitly prohibiting open fires.

The terrain surrounding these tent campsites provides varying levels of comfort and privacy. A visitor commented that "the tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area," highlighting the need for careful site selection. Most backcountry shelters offer tent campers limited flat spaces accommodating 4-6 tents, though quality varies considerably between locations. Moose Mountain stands out with "a host of large, flat tent sites" and a bench overlooking a clearing with views - a rare amenity among these primitive sites. In contrast, Thistle Hill Shelter offers "smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped." Seasonal considerations impact tent site selection, with most locations experiencing high usage during summer months when through-hikers travel the Appalachian Trail corridor. Bear boxes appear at some shelters but are not universal, requiring proper food storage for all overnight tent campers.

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Best Tent Sites Near Etna, New Hampshire (41)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Etna, NH

82 Photos of 41 Etna Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Etna, NH

817 Reviews of 41 Etna 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • d
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Osceola Vista Campground

    great for group camping

    i stayed here for one night with a large group (maybe 40ish people) prior to setting out on our backpacking weekend.

    This is a great campground, very clean. toilets available, and dumpster for trash were very convenient. There was potable water available also, and picnic tables. parking was tricky for our large group, and we had a bit of trouble fitting in all of the cars, but if you have a smaller group it should be no problem.

    campground was very quiet, no real road noise or anything could be heard. ground was soft and grassy, although i would still recommend using a sleeping pad, was not as hard as some other campgrounds I have stayed at. had a nice big grassy area for the large group.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Baker Rocks

    Great location and amazing facilities

    I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. I booked one of the tent platforms.

    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.

    The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.

    The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.

    Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.

    Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.

    I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.

Guide to Etna

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

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Experience the beauty of the Baker Rocks, where spacious and private campsites are set among tall trees and close to the river.
  • The Cardigan Campsites provide a perfect base for climbing Mt. Cardigan, offering stunning views from the fire tower at the summit.
  • For a unique experience, the Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter on the Appalachian Trail offers a rustic stay with access to hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the AAC Rattlesnake Campground, which is conveniently located near prime fishing spots.
  • Enjoy a peaceful day at the beach along the Baker River, accessible from the well-reviewed Baker Rocks campground.
  • Hikers can explore the Appalachian Trail while staying at the Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, which features large, flat tent sites and a scenic bench for relaxing.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Baker Rocks offers a range of amenities including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • The Cardigan Campsites provide essential facilities like toilets and drinking water, ensuring a pleasant stay for all campers.
  • At the AAC Rattlesnake Campground, guests can enjoy the convenience of reservable sites, fire rings, and even the option to bring pets along.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Etna, NH is Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Etna, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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