Tent camping options near Hudson, New Hampshire provide access to both wooded settings and water activities within a 60-mile radius. The region's elevation ranges from 120 to 500 feet above sea level with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping months. Most campgrounds remain open from May through mid-October, with limited winter camping available at select locations.
What to do
Paddling exploration: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the lake's shoreline. One visitor mentioned that "There are lots of islands and places to explore on the lake," making it ideal for day-long water adventures.
Hiking to waterfalls: The trail system at Tully Lake includes routes to Doane's Falls, a series of five cascading waterfalls through a wooded area. A camper noted the hike is "easy" and "the views are beautiful," perfect for family outings with children.
Disc golf: Located near the Tully Lake dam, a disc golf course provides recreation even for non-campers. According to reviews, the course "was seeing a fair amount of activity" during summer months and offers a good alternative activity when taking a break from water sports.
Beach access: Cape Ann Camp Site provides campers with proximity to coastal beaches. As one reviewer pointed out, there's "great beach access and friendly staff," while another mentioned "a nice beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: At Lost Boys Hideout, campers appreciate recent improvements that enhance privacy. One visitor noted "Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" These walk-in sites offer a more secluded camping experience.
Car-free camping: Tully Lake Campground prohibits vehicles at campsites, creating a quieter environment. A camper mentioned, "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds near Hudson offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a visitor reported seeing "wild turkeys, deer, etc." while enjoying their spacious site with "a LOT of space between them."
Island camping: For those seeking unique experiences, some campgrounds offer island sites. As one Tully Lake camper described, "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods."
What you should know
Cart logistics: Many of the best tent camping near Hudson, New Hampshire requires planning for gear transport. At Tully Lake, "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site." Another reviewer advised to "keep gear to a minimum" since "the trails can make hauling them tough."
Shower situations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "Showers require payment with quarters," while one camper complained, "I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change."
Limited cell service: Be prepared for disconnection at many campgrounds. A camper at Tully Lake advised, "Cell coverage 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."
Early reservations required: Popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. One Tully Lake camper warned that "the sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year)."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Camp Nihan Education Center offers environmental programs suitable for children. A parent described it as "Perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" and mentioned that "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."
Swimming access: Look for campgrounds with supervised swimming areas for children. At Camp Nihan, "Breakheart Reservation had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty" according to one family.
Site selection strategy: When camping with children, consider bathroom proximity. One Tully Lake camper cautioned that "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night."
Activity options: Salmon Falls River RV Resort caters specifically to families with children. A reviewer called it "Kids Paradise" because it has "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Tips from RVers
Non-RV-focused options: Most tent camping sites near Hudson aren't designed for large RVs. Cape Ann accommodates various sizes but tent areas offer more privacy. A camper noted, "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites."
Noise considerations: When choosing between RV and tent areas, consider sound factors. At Tully Lake, the no-vehicle policy creates "super quiet" tent sites, while RV sections at other campgrounds typically have more ambient noise.
Seasonal availability: RV campers should note different operating seasons. Cape Ann Camp Site runs "May 15 - Oct 15," while others like Tully Lake have shorter seasons based on weather conditions.
