Tent campsites near Hampton Beach, New Hampshire offer varied terrain from wooded sites to more open coastal camping options within 35-45 miles of the beach area. The region experiences moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season with cooler 50-60°F nights, especially at inland locations. Campers should prepare for coastal fog that can roll in quickly, affecting visibility and temperature even on otherwise clear days.
What to do
Beach exploration and swimming: Take a short shuttle ride to Old Orchard Beach from Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach where "there is a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient." The campground is just "four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy."
Island exploration: Visit multiple islands in the Boston Harbor for day trips when staying at Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground. As one camper shared: "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids." Another notes that "exploring the island was awesome. We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house."
Hiking nearby trails: Camp Nihan Education Center offers nearby trail access. A camper reports, "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes." This provides multiple outdoor activities within a short distance of your campsite.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers appreciate the natural setting. One reviewer mentioned, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area." Another noted, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome."
Water activities for kids: Families particularly enjoy the water features at Salmon Falls River RV Resort, where one camper reports: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!" Another adds, "I loved the lazy river and had so much fun!"
Beach proximity with shaded sites: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers tent sites with natural shade. A camper notes that tent sites "P5, P4, P3, P2 and P1 were also among the best spots, offering full shade and privacy." Another mentioned they "definitely enjoyed our stay-the cabin was comfortable, facilities were clean, and we were within 20 minutes of Portland and 10 minutes to Old Orchard Beach."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Boston Harbor Islands camping requires advance planning. A camper advises: "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings."
Logistics and transportation: For island camping, prepare for multiple transportation modes. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
Site selection matters: At Military Park New Boston Recreation Area, campers report a "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" However, at some campgrounds like Viewland Campground, be aware that it may be "an established community of people that reside on a permanent or semi-permanent basis," which might not appeal to vacation campers.
Water access: Most tent sites near Hampton Beach require bringing your own drinking water. When camping on islands, one camper recommends: "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid activities: Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground offers extensive amenities. A camper shares: "A little of everything at this campground, 2 pools 2 hot tubes, a giant water slide that is even fun for the adults!!! Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite."
Consider shower facilities: When tent camping with kids, shower options matter. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, "the bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen camping and the staff was incredibly friendly!" while at Cape Ann, be prepared for "pay showers (5 cents)."
Look for educational opportunities: Camp Nihan Education Center offers environmental learning. A camper notes: "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Pack for variable weather: Coastal camping can bring unpredictable conditions. When camping on Boston Harbor Islands, evenings can get chilly, so pack layers even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling and access: At Crown Point Campground, RVers should check site dimensions before booking. Cape Ann Camp Site offers varied site options, where "the RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites."
Hook-up options: Cape Ann Camp Site provides comprehensive services. A reviewer noted, "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot."
Camp store amenities: Several campgrounds offer on-site stores that save travel time. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach has "the on-site Merry Moose cafe was definitely a nice touch!" with another camper noting it "claims to be famous for their 'blueberry pancakes' and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs."
Seasonal considerations: Most RV sites in the Hampton Beach area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with many campgrounds closing by mid-October. The summer months are busiest, so consider spring or early fall for less crowded camping.
