Tent camping near Franklin, New Hampshire offers diverse experiences along the banks of the Merrimack and Pemigewasset Rivers. The region includes both primitive backcountry options and more developed sites within a 30-mile radius of town. Winter camping is available at select locations, though most tent sites close seasonally from November through April due to snow accumulation.
What to do
Climbing access: Baker Rocks serves as an excellent basecamp for rock climbers visiting the nearby crags. "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area. 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," reports one visitor to Baker Rocks.
River activities: Tent campers can enjoy fishing and swimming opportunities along the Baker River. "Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing," notes a Baker Rocks camper. Multiple sites offer water access within a 20-minute drive of Franklin.
Mountain hiking: The Appalachian Trail corridor provides both day hiking and overnight options. "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner," writes a backpacker who stayed at Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many tent campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight," notes a Baker Rocks reviewer.
Water proximity: Access to lakes and rivers ranks highly among tent campers. "We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic. Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene," reports a visitor to Squam Lakes Association camping areas.
Climbing community: Dedicated climbers appreciate purpose-built facilities. "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers," states a guest at AAC Rattlesnake Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular tent camping locations fill quickly during peak season. "The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association," cautions one Squam Lakes visitor.
Water considerations: Not all sites provide potable water. "There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter," advises a Squam Lakes Association camper.
Permanent residents: Some campgrounds primarily serve long-term occupants rather than overnight tent campers. "We passed many campers that had been on this property permanently, several of which had porches attached or additional rooms built on the side," reports a visitor to Viewland Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Some campgrounds offer additional entertainment for children. "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," mentions a family who stayed at Baker Rocks.
Insect preparation: Parents should pack appropriate protection. "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected," warns a family tent camper at Baker Rocks.
Alternative accommodations: For families new to tent camping, transitional options exist. "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time. We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines."
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Many Franklin-area campgrounds cater exclusively to tent camping. Most RVers need to look toward the more developed campgrounds along Interstate 93 or south toward Concord for hookup options.
Road access challenges: Tent campers with low-clearance vehicles should research access roads. "The road to get to Viewland Campground is very steep. The campground loop is a one-way loop that is not easily marked. The road was very narrow and we were very close to some RVs," notes one visitor.
Facility variations: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between tent camping locations. "The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water," reports a Baker Rocks camper, while backpacking shelters typically offer only basic privies.
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