Tent campsites near Hollis, New Hampshire range from wooded settings with minimal infrastructure to more developed facilities. The region sits within the Merrimack River watershed at elevations between 200-400 feet, creating varied camping terrain across relatively short distances. Winter camping options are limited, with most campgrounds operating seasonally from May through mid-October.
What to do
Paddling adventures: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake's shoreline and small islands. One visitor noted, "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip! We will be returning."
Hiking opportunities: Several trails within 30 minutes of Hollis offer day hikes suitable for various skill levels. The terrain ranges from gentle forest paths to more challenging ascents with rocky sections. "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," reports one camper about the trails near Tully Lake.
Swimming spots: During summer months, several campgrounds provide water access for cooling off. The Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers swimming opportunities with a unique perspective. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...go for a swim or kayak. In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks," writes one visitor.
What campers like
Privacy and separation: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a reviewer mentioned, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," while another noted, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome."
Natural surroundings: The forested settings provide habitat for local wildlife. A Cape Ann Camp Site visitor shared, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Bathroom facilities: While amenities vary widely between campgrounds, clean restrooms are consistently appreciated. At Camp Nihan Education Center, a camper noted, "A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy," making it particularly suitable for families with younger children.
What you should know
Cart-in camping logistics: Several campgrounds near Hollis require campers to park in designated areas and transport gear to individual sites. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "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. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.)"
Limited amenities: Most tent sites within 30 miles of Hollis have basic facilities. The Federated Womens Club State Forest exemplifies this rustic approach: "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field."
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have spotty or non-existent mobile coverage. One reviewer at Federated Women's Club State Forest advised, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Certain campsites specifically cater to families with children. One parent shared about Camp Nihan, "We went camping here with our SpiralScout Circle, kids aged 4-8. 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."
Consider bathroom proximity: When camping with small children, site selection relative to facilities matters. A Tully Lake camper noted, "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."
Activities for different ages: The Lost Boys Hideout offers amenities that enhance the camping experience for families. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: While tent camping dominates near Hollis, some locations accommodate both RVs and tent campers. Cape Ann Camp Site offers "water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot."
Dump station locations: For RV campers requiring black water disposal, options are limited. Most developed campgrounds with RV access provide dump stations near entrance areas, though these may require additional fees at some locations.
Weather considerations: RV sites tend to be more exposed than tent sites in wooded areas. One Cape Ann camper observed, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," which can create muddy conditions after rainfall.
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