Tent campsites near Francestown, New Hampshire offer opportunities for primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. Located in southern New Hampshire's Monadnock Region, the area features rolling forested terrain with elevations between 700-1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms requiring proper rain protection at campsites.
What to do
Hiking trails: Mount Cardigan offers challenging routes with significant elevation gain. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes a camper at Cardigan Campsites.
Water activities: Campers can paddle on Tully Lake, about 30 miles southwest. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax. It's a beautiful area right in your own back yard," reports a visitor to Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Disc golf: A course near Tully Lake Dam provides recreational options beyond camping. "A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity," notes a camper who hiked the 4-mile loop around the lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campgrounds offer substantial separation between camping areas. "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," shares a visitor at Tully Lake Recreation Area.
Vehicle-free camping: Walk-in sites create a different camping atmosphere. "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around," notes a family camping at Tully Lake.
Minimal amenities: Lost Boys Hideout offers basic facilities that appeal to those seeking simplicity. "Simplicity at its best :)" writes one camper, while another notes "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
Cart access: Many sites require transporting gear from parking areas. "The sites near the water or on bluffs are further away, and though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough. Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," advises a camper from Tully Lake.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in the region. "Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive," recommends a visitor to Tully Lake.
Facility locations: Bathrooms may be distant from some campsites. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," notes a family who camped at Tully Lake during Memorial Day weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Pack light: Maple Ridge Farm offers transportation assistance for families with gear. "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," explains a camper who visited shortly after the campground opened.
Rental equipment: Several locations offer canoe and kayak rentals. "Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available," notes a Tully Lake camper, making water activities accessible without bringing your own equipment.
Common spaces: Look for campgrounds with shared amenities. "They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale," reports a visitor to Maple Ridge Farm, providing indoor options during inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Military Park options: The New Boston Recreation Area offers year-round camping with specific military connections. "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" notes a visitor, though specific RV amenities are limited.
Tent-only considerations: Most campgrounds near Francestown primarily accommodate tent camping rather than RVs. Sunapee State Park Campground, located about 40 miles northwest, provides some of the nearest hookup options with both electric, water, and sewer connections for RVs while still offering tent sites.
Seasonal limitations: Weather conditions impact campground access, particularly during spring thaw and winter freezes. Many forest roads become impassable for larger vehicles, with most campgrounds closing completely during winter months except for New Boston Recreation Area.
