Best Tent Camping near Keene, NH
Several tent campgrounds surround Keene, New Hampshire, offering primitive camping experiences throughout the region. Tully Lake Recreation Area in nearby Royalston, Massachusetts provides tent-only sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Monadnock HQ Campground in Jaffrey offers tent campsites near Mount Monadnock. These established tent campgrounds generally require reservations, particularly during peak summer months when outdoor enthusiasts seek camping areas within a 30-mile radius of Keene.
Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Tully Lake operates as a carry-in campground where vehicles remain at the entrance and campers use wooden wheelbarrows to transport gear to their sites. The bathhouse includes flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, and designated dishwashing sinks. Fire rings and picnic tables come standard at most sites, though some primitive tent camping areas prohibit fires during dry periods. Walk-in tent sites at Federated Women's Club State Forest offer more rustic conditions with vault toilets and no running water, requiring campers to pack in all supplies.
Tent camping areas around Keene provide diverse experiences based on location and facilities. Many sites offer access to hiking trails, swimming, and paddling opportunities. Tully Lake campsites include options with direct water access for swimming and paddling, while others provide more seclusion in wooded settings. The region's tent campgrounds typically operate seasonally, with most open from Memorial Day through early fall. Backcountry tent sites at Stratton Pond Shelter in Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest offer free primitive camping with vault toilets but no amenities. According to one camper, "Tully Lake Campground is perfect for traditional family camping with spacious sites and no cars or RVs near your tent site, creating a quieter experience."