Tent campsites near Goshen, New Hampshire range from waterfront sites to backcountry shelters offering varied camping experiences throughout the region. Located in central-western New Hampshire within the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region, the area features rolling hills and small mountains with elevations between 800-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall camping requires warmer gear due to overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Paddle on Tully Lake: At Tully Lake Recreation Area campers can rent canoes and kayaks directly at the campground. "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.
Explore backcountry trails: The region offers extensive hiking opportunities, particularly along the Appalachian Trail sections near Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter. One camper mentions, "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."
Visit local waterfalls: Within 30 minutes of tent camping areas, Doane's Falls offers family-friendly hiking. As one visitor explains, "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent sites in the region offer good separation. At Lost Boys Hideout, campers appreciate the "nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Waterfront access: Direct water access ranks highly with campers at select camping areas. One Tully Lake visitor shared, "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."
Reliable facilities: While amenities vary widely across tent campgrounds, those at established sites are well-maintained. A visitor notes that at Tully Lake, "The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside. From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night."
What you should know
Carry-in requirements: Many tent sites require hauling gear from parking areas. "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," explains a camper at Tully Lake.
Water availability: Seasonal changes affect water sources, especially at backcountry tent sites. A hiker at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter reported, "There wasn't any water at the source while I was staying here and it looks like a seasonal source."
Limited cell service: Most tent camping areas have poor connectivity. "Cell service 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," advises one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with amenities: For family camping near Goshen, established sites with facilities work best. "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping. Each site has a table and a fire ring," notes a camper.
Consider distance to facilities: When tent camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. One visitor shared, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site and neighboring campers."
Pack insect protection: Summer camping requires bug spray for comfort. A camper at Winturri Backcountry Shelter mentions that tent sites had "decent privacy" but warns about seasonal conditions that can affect comfort levels.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Goshen cannot accommodate RVs. Locations that do allow RVs typically have basic amenities without hookups. Some backcountry shelters technically list RV camping as an accommodation type but would be impossible to access with an RV.
Preparation is essential: With limited services, RV campers must arrive fully stocked. "The camp's minimal store sells ice cream and a (very) few sundries, so come prepared," advises a visitor at Tully Lake, one of the few areas potentially suitable for small RVs.
Consider regional alternatives: RVers seeking full hookups should look to larger campgrounds outside the immediate Goshen area, as most local sites cater specifically to tent camping or have very limited facilities for recreational vehicles.
