Best Tent Camping near Gorham, NH

Tent camping near Gorham, New Hampshire provides access to numerous backcountry sites within the White Mountain National Forest. The area features several tent-only options including the Hogan Road Pulloff near the Appalachian Trail, a dispersed camping area with walk-in tent sites, and the highly-rated Imp Shelter on the AT, which requires a hike-in approach. The Wild River Wilderness Area offers primitive tent camping with established sites that were formerly shelter locations. Valley Way Tentsite and Blue Brook Tent Site provide established backcountry camping experiences with tent platforms in forested settings. These locations serve as gateways to the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness areas.

Most tent campsites near Gorham require proper preparation as amenities vary significantly. Dispersed sites like Hogan Road Pulloff have no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Established backcountry sites such as Imp Shelter and Valley Way Tentsite offer basic amenities including composting toilets and some water sources that require treatment. Bear boxes or hanging systems are available at many sites, as this is active bear country. Fire regulations vary by location, with some sites permitting fires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. The camping season generally runs from late May through October, with weather conditions at higher elevations changing rapidly.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Gorham offers exceptional access to mountain terrain and solitude. According to reviews, Imp Shelter features "five tent platforms, nicely spaced through the woods" with a water source described as "a freely flowing little flume just down a little path from the shelter." One visitor to Valley Way Tentsite noted the challenging access, stating "you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area." Wild River Wilderness provides what one camper called "dispersed camping with tent cribbing" in a "pristine" setting. Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, potential wildlife encounters, and the need to properly store food away from sleeping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Gorham, New Hampshire (56)

    1. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    3 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Enough space to put up to 3-5 tents. No fire allowed. Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    2. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    3 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    11 miles

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    3. Imp Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Gorham, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Imp Shelter is right off of the Appalachian Trail, down a short spur trail along the Carter-Moriah ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire."

    4. Valley Way Tentsite

    2 Reviews
    Randolph, NH
    6 miles
    Website

    "I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites "easy" as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area."

    5. Hermit Lake Shelters

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2721

    "The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine."

    "Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike. "

    6. Blue Brook Tent Site

    2 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    10 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness is a relatively newly designated tract of land."

    7. The Bluff- Great Gulf Wilderness

    1 Review
    Randolph, NH
    7 miles
    Website

    "The hike in from route 16 is relatively easy with an uphill trend. Toward the end the trail is the steepest but it's a short climb and worth the effort."

    8. Wild River Wilderness Area

    1 Review
    Chatham, NH
    9 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state."

    9. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site."

    10. Nauman Tentsite

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    15 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up."

    "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms , in the white mountains . It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult , I did it with my 5 year old in tow."

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Showing results 1-10 of 56 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gorham, NH

1128 Reviews of 56 Gorham Campgrounds



Guide to Gorham

Gorham, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with its stunning landscapes and well-maintained sites nestled in the heart of nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a scenic hike to the beautiful views at Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping, where you can explore the trails of the White Mountain National Forest.
  • Experience the tranquility of Sawyer Pond, perfect for fishing and swimming on a warm day.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the river at Fourth Iron Campground, where you can enjoy swimming and wading when the weather permits.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Ethan Pond Shelter provides fresh drinking water and toilets, making it a convenient spot for families and groups.
  • At Hermit Lake Shelters, you'll find tent platforms and a caretaker station, ensuring a well-maintained environment.
  • Nauman Tentsite features a clean composting toilet and a nearby spring for water, making it a comfortable base for your adventures.

Tips for tent camping near Gorham

  • Arrive early at Sawyer Pond to secure a spot, as it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters at Blue Brook Tent Site by storing food properly and using bear boxes provided.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider The Bluff- Great Gulf Wilderness, where you can enjoy stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gorham, NH is Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 56 tent camping locations near Gorham, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.