Tent camping near Hinsdale, New Hampshire offers options in both Massachusetts and Vermont within a 30-mile drive. The region sits at the confluence of the Connecticut and Ashuelot rivers with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,400 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity levels during July and August when thunderstorms can develop quickly in the afternoon.
What to do
Water activities at Tully Lake: Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards directly at Tully Lake Recreation Area to explore the numerous islands and quiet coves. "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," reports Ben P.
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campsites provide access to waterfall hikes under 2 miles round-trip. "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," notes Nancy R. about trails near Tully Lake.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers both beginner and advanced trail networks between 5-15 miles in length. Peace Farm Rescue provides access to several local trails with minimal elevation changes suitable for casual riders. Many campers bring their own bikes as rental options are limited.
What campers like
Campsite privacy: Many tent sites in the region feature substantial space between neighboring campsites. "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites," writes Les R. about Maple Ridge Farm. This privacy factor ranks high in camper reviews across multiple locations.
Waterfront access: Lakeside sites allow direct water entry for swimming and paddling. "Sites at Tully Lake offer substantial privacy between tent areas, with staff providing ATV transport for gear to more distant sites," notes one reviewer about the premium waterfront locations.
Car-free camping experience: The walk-in camping setup creates a different atmosphere. At Barton Cove Campground, "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables," writes Brie B. The separation from vehicles creates a notably quieter experience at many campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites require booking far in advance, especially for summer weekends. Sites at Tully Lake can completely fill "the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April," explains Kris M.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Tent campgrounds around Hinsdale range from composting toilets to modern facilities. "The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7," notes Nancy R. about Tully Lake facilities.
Limited connectivity: Cell service throughout the area can be unreliable. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here," advises Jean C.
Tips for camping with families
Pack minimally for walk-in sites: When camping at locations requiring gear transport, streamline your packing. "Some of the sites are definitely walk-in, with a narrow trail leading from the road," notes Jean C. about Federated Women's Club State Forest. The terrain can make hauling equipment challenging.
Consider site distance from bathrooms: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," warns Lauren A. about her stay at Tully Lake, suggesting families request sites closer to facilities.
Weather preparation: The region experiences afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, particularly July and August. At Zoar Outdoor, campers note the importance of proper rain gear and quick-drying clothes during summer stays when storms can develop rapidly.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most campgrounds near Hinsdale cater primarily to tent camping. RVers should note that facilities like Barton Cove and Tully Lake don't accommodate larger vehicles, with access roads often narrow and unpaved.
Site access challenges: Getting to RV-accessible sites can involve complex entry systems. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite- 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," reports Brie B. about the process at Barton Cove.
Generator restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds in the region prohibit generator use. Those requiring electricity should verify availability before booking, as even campgrounds permitting RVs often lack hookup options or have noise restrictions.
