Tent camping near Hancock, New Hampshire offers access to the Monadnock region's granite hills, glacial valleys, and mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 700-2,000 feet. Summer overnight temperatures typically drop into the 50s, even when daytime highs reach 80°F. Most camping areas have variable terrain with both flat and sloped sites requiring careful tent placement.
What to do
Watercraft adventures: At Barton Cove Campground, campers can rent canoes or kayaks directly on-site. Tent campers should note that "you can't swim unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water" as one reviewer mentioned. The campground has tent platforms raised off the natural ground.
Blueberry picking: During July and August, wild blueberries grow along many lakeshores in the region. One Tully Lake camper noted they "spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax."
Disc golf: The Tully Lake Recreation Area features an 18-hole disc golf course near the dam, separate from the camping area. According to one visitor, the course "was seeing a fair amount of activity" even during weekdays. The course is free to use and maintains moderate difficulty levels.
What campers like
Tent-only atmosphere: Many tent campers appreciate campgrounds specifically designed for non-motorized camping. At Tully Lake, one camper observed the sites "are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping." The campground provides wooden carts to transport gear from parking areas to campsites.
Site privacy: Maple Ridge Farm in Vermont offers excellent site separation. A camper noted, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," making access easier while maintaining seclusion between campsites.
Vehicle-free camping: Several campgrounds restrict vehicles from campsite areas, creating quieter environments. A Tully Lake camper appreciated that "it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods...but not good for people who want to take their kids somewhere easy, so it tends to be more quiet."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular tent sites book extremely fast during peak season. Tully Lake campsites "fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year)." For Memorial Day camping, reservations often open in April.
Cell service limitations: Throughout the Hancock region, connectivity varies significantly. Federated Womens Club State Forest has particularly poor coverage, with one camper reporting "cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Gate systems: Some campgrounds have complex entry procedures. At Barton Cove, a camper described the process: "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," then repeat the process to return the key.
Tips for camping with families
Weather preparation: Night temperatures can drop significantly even in summer. For tent camping with children at sites like Lost Boys Hideout, campers will find "improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided" according to a recent visitor.
Avoid holiday weekends: Some normally peaceful campgrounds transform during holidays. A Tully Lake camper reported going "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."
Bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, consider bathroom proximity. One Tully Lake visitor noted their "site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," which complicated their stay with young children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Hancock don't accommodate RVs. Sunapee State Park Campground is one of few facilities with both tent sites and RV hookups. The campground operates seasonally from late May through early October, closing completely in winter.
Consider tent platforms: Several campgrounds use wooden tent platforms rather than natural ground. These are typically sized for standard tents (8-10 feet square) and require different staking methods than soft ground. Bring extra cord or platform-specific tent anchors when camping at platform sites.
Size restrictions: Even campgrounds that permit small RVs often have strict size limitations due to narrow access roads. Most tent camping areas have maximum vehicle length restrictions between 20-25 feet and low clearance issues on access roads.
