Best Tent Camping near Laconia, NH
The White Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas near Laconia, New Hampshire offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Squam Lakes Association maintains several tent-only campsites accessible by boat or hiking trails, operating from May through November with tent platforms and fire rings but no drinking water. Sawyer Pond, located about 30 miles north of Laconia, provides primitive tent camping with six tent platforms along a scenic pond, accessible via a 1.5-mile hiking trail from NH Highway 302 or a longer 4.5-mile route from the Kancamagus Highway.
Most tent campsites in the region require campers to be self-sufficient with water and waste management. Composting toilets are common at backcountry sites, but potable water is rarely available, requiring filtration from natural sources. Bear activity is prevalent throughout the area, with many sites offering bear boxes or hanging systems for food storage. Tent platforms are standard at many locations, necessitating freestanding tents. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with some forest roads closed during mud season in spring, and higher elevation sites experiencing snow into early summer. Fire regulations vary by location and season, with complete bans possible during dry periods.
Backcountry tent camping experiences vary significantly across the region. According to one camper at Sawyer Pond, "The sites are pretty close together but on weeknights you can have the place to yourself." At Fourth Iron Campground, visitors appreciate the short quarter-mile walk-in access that creates a buffer from road noise while maintaining proximity to the Saco River. A Squam Lakes Association reviewer noted that sites "fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on February 15," highlighting the popularity of these primitive tent camping areas. Walk-in tent sites at Paugus Brook Farm offer "fairly level ground and lots of space" with a "brand new and super clean" outhouse nearby, making it suitable for those seeking basic amenities with natural surroundings.