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Tent Camping near Gilsum, NH

29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Tent campsites near Gilsum, New Hampshire include several walk-in tent camping options within a 30-mile radius. Tully Lake Recreation Area in Royalston, Massachusetts offers tent-only sites with no vehicle access at the campsites, providing a more secluded camping experience. The Monadnock HQ Campground at Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, New Hampshire is another option featuring tent sites with drinking water and toilet facilities, positioned approximately 15 miles from Gilsum.

    Most tent campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing after Labor Day and reopening in late May. Facilities vary significantly, with some sites providing only basic amenities. At Tully Lake, campers park at a central lot and use provided carts to transport gear to their sites. According to one visitor, "You park and walk in but they provide carts. No water or electricity at the sites." Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with firewood available for purchase at most established campgrounds. Vault toilets or flush facilities are centrally located, often requiring a walk from more remote sites.

    The tent camping areas around Gilsum offer varied terrain and natural features, from lakeside sites to forest settings. Many campsites sit on platforms or designated tent pads. A camper noted that Tully Lake has "very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites." The area's tent-only campgrounds generally provide more seclusion than mixed-use facilities. Some campgrounds like Maple Ridge Farm offer walk-in sites where staff will transport campers to more remote sites via ATV. Most tent camping areas in the region are positioned near hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail and local mountain paths. Campgrounds within Green Mountain National Forest and near Mount Monadnock offer tent campers access to extensive trail networks for day hiking from established tent sites.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Gilsum (29)

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      1. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      4.7(10)28mi from GilsumTents

      "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

      "Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."

      from $40 / night

      2. Lost Boys Hideout

      3.7(3)25mi from Gilsum3 sitesTents

      from $49 - $149 / night

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      3. Maple Ridge Farm

      5.0(1)25mi from GilsumTents

      "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."

      from $25 - $30 / night

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      4. HQ Campground — Monadnock State Park

      Be the first to review17mi from Gilsum24 sitesTents

      from $35 - $140 / night

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      5. Sunapee State Park Campground

      Be the first to review21mi from Gilsum11 sitesTents

      from $29 - $40 / night

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      6. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins

      Be the first to review22mi from GilsumTents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $125 - $500 / night

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      7. Dispersed site along Forest RD 71

      4.0(4)37mi from GilsumTents

      "One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."

      "We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."

      8. Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area

      5.0(1)33mi from GilsumTents
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      9. Barton Cove Campground

      3.5(2)33mi from GilsumTents

      "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of view/privacy we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite"

      from $22 - $30 / night

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      10. Stratton Pond Shelter

      5.0(1)36mi from GilsumTents, Cabins

      "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!  The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. "

      Check Availability
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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gilsum, NH

    32 Photos of 29 Gilsum Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Tent Camping Reviews near Gilsum, NH

    720 Reviews of 29 Gilsum Campgrounds

    • Nancy R.
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

      Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

      This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

      The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

      The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

    • Sa R.
      Jul. 7, 2019

      Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      Beautiful lake

      First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

    • Ryan A.
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

      Great Campground in Western Mass

      This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty(it was on a Thursday though and was supposed to be full for the weekend.) Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it’s a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night, or enjoy the walk. 

      The campsites are very close together without much brush for privacy, so you should expect to see your neighbors up close and personal. Some of the sites are on Cold River(which is more like a creek). The bugs were awful, especially the gnats and I did see a large tick on my fire grill, so be prepared. The best sites are on the lower loop around the water. Avoid any site next to the bathroom as the lights stay on all night and will shine directly into your tent. 49 looked really nice and seemed dark. The hike-in sites were also close together, 22 is the most private. There are baskets with wheels provided. 

      The rangers are friendly and sell firewood in case you need any. You’ll need to check in before going to the campsite, they’ll give you a map and they take good care of the sites. Would definitely camp here again.

    • Emma N.
      May. 24, 2018

      Greenfield State Park Campground

      Secluded Sites

      The night before hiking Mount Monadnock, my husband and I camped here. Monadnock State Park is about a 25 minute drive from the campground, and provides a beautiful hike. The RV sites at Greenfield State Park were relatively secluded, as it is a very wooded area. We visited very early in the season, so the main tent camping loops were blocked off for maintenance. Our site had a picnic table and a fire ring. We drove by a shower facility and a building with restrooms. The restrooms were still locked for the winter, so there were a few port-a-potties right outside- these were absolutely disgusting. It looked as though they had not been cleaned out all winter. Otherwise, the campground seemed nice! Just don’t forget to bring some bug-spray for those New Hampshire mosquitos!

    • Erin B.
      Sep. 11, 2019

      Clarksburg State Park Campground

      low key and beautiful fall getaway

      Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

    • Dawn S.
      May. 30, 2020

      Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

      Clean

      My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

    • D
      Jun. 1, 2018

      Pillsbury State Park Campground

      Love this campground been going back almost every year for several years.

      Pillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups. 

      Most of the campsites are accessable by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite. Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake. 

      There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat. 

      There is at least one handicap accessible site, which I have used, near the toilet facilities. It provides a good sized very level area to set up a tent and park your car. There may be other handicap sites. I have only used this one and never checked for others. 

      Note: Not all New Hampshire State Parks are dog friendly. If you have a dog check which parks are as part of your trip planning.

      This web page  says this about Pillsbury.

      Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north.

      Pillsbury State Park

      100 Pillsbury State Park Rd

      Washington, Nh 03280

      Phone: 603-863-2860

    • Sara Q.
      Oct. 7, 2019

      Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

      Small, loud, muddy

      Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Dec. 28, 2023

      Greenfield State Park Campground

      Loved it here

      We stayed here for a night in mid October, as they were getting ready to close for the season, so more than half of the campground was closed off. But the part that we did see was awesome. Each site was huge, separated from its neighbor, private, mostly flat, and beautiful. No hookups in the campground, and sites are hit or miss with tree coverage, some sites may have enough opening for solar or starlink, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

      There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that. There are water spigots throughout the campground and a dump station. Showers were free and nice and clean, and you can control the temperature and let the water run (no button to push). 

      The dump truck driver was there picking up garbage and I asked him about recycling and he said they have their own transfer station where the waste is sorted, so all recycling and garbage goes into the dumpster. 

      We paid $23 for a site because it was primitive season, but I think normally it’s $25. No other taxes or fees were charged. There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts, ice cream, fire starters, ice, etc. There’s also a little free library exchange behind the office. And to top it off, we had cell service here. Great stay, highly recommend! Beware of ticks!

    Guide to Gilsum

    Tent campers seeking primitive sites near Gilsum, New Hampshire can find walk-in tent camping options at multiple locations across western New Hampshire and neighboring Massachusetts. Most tent-only sites in this region sit at elevations between 800-1500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. Several campgrounds maintain cart systems for transporting gear from parking areas to remote tent sites.

    What to do

    Paddling opportunities: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can explore the extensive shoreline and islands. "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," notes camper Ben P.

    Waterfall hikes: Multiple tent camping areas provide access to cascading water features. At Tully Lake, campers can access Doane's Falls. According to camper Jean C., "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area."

    Winter backcountry camping: For experienced winter campers, Stratton Pond Shelter offers cold-weather options. "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!" reports Miccal M.

    What campers like

    Secluded site layouts: The best tent camping near Gilsum emphasizes privacy between sites. At Maple Ridge Farm, camper Les R. notes, "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."

    Absence of vehicles: Many campers appreciate the car-free environment at walk-in sites. At Tully Lake, camper Megan G. observed, "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay."

    Private island camping: Some tent sites offer complete isolation on water-surrounded sites. "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods," shares Kris M. about Tully Lake.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Many tent sites around Gilsum require advance planning. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game," advises camper Kris M.

    Site access logistics: Barton Cove Campground has specific entry procedures. Camper Brie B. explains, "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."

    Distance from facilities: When selecting tent sites near Gilsum, consider bathroom proximity. At Tully Lake, camper Lauren A. notes, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night."

    Tips for camping with families

    Tent site selection: When camping with children, prioritize sites closer to bathrooms. "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night," advises camper Jean C. about Tully Lake Recreation Area.

    Site security: Lost Boys Hideout has upgraded its facilities. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" reports camper Steve K.

    Quiet environment concerns: Holiday weekends can affect the camping experience. "We went memorial day weekend few years ago, busy holiday of young teens partying. Park staff tried their best, but other campers definitely took away from our stay," shares Lauren A. about their Tully Lake experience.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited RV sites: Most tent camping options near Gilsum don't accommodate RVs. At Military Park New Boston Air Force Station, tent camping focuses on primitive sites with minimal amenities. "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" notes camper Shuang W.

    Campground rules: Some campgrounds have specific regulations. At Barton Cove, camper Jade B. reports, "It seemed like there were a lot of restrictive rules compared to other campgrounds that made camping more stressful."

    Pack-in recommendations: When choosing tent sites requiring gear transport, minimize equipment. "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 camper Miguel B. about Tully Lake.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gilsum, NH is Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Gilsum, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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