Tent campsites near Lancaster, New Hampshire range from riverside sites to secluded backcountry camping areas throughout the White Mountain National Forest. Lancaster sits at approximately 870 feet elevation, while nearby primitive camping opportunities reach elevations up to 4,300 feet. Water access varies significantly by location, with some sites featuring spring-fed sources that remain cold through summer months.
What to do
Hike to mountain summits: The Valley Way Tentsite provides access to several peaks from its 2,800-foot elevation position. According to David S., "The land is steeply sloped here but there are six level dirt pads as indicated on the map, each of which could probably accommodate two 2-person tents."
Paddle the Connecticut River: Scott C. Devlin Memorial site offers river access camping. Sarah C. notes, "This is another beautiful site along the CT River Paddler's Trail. It is well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest. There is a picnic table, fire ring and composting toilet box seat."
Fish from rocky beaches: Maine Railroad Trestle provides excellent fishing opportunities. "There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from," writes Sarah C.
Watch for wildlife: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping area offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Kevin C. reports, "The camp site are all disbursed enough that we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by."
What campers like
Accessible water sources: Guyot Shelter features convenient water access. Jerome S. mentions, "Great Water source right near the eating area." Another camper, Raj T., appreciates the "water source, bear box, food area, cabin, Privy, and platforms."
Clear night skies: Cherry Mountain Road sites offer excellent stargazing. Kevin C. shares, "We enjoyed a spectacular view of the Blood Super Moon from the campsite. Overall the site was open to the sky near the road yet protected from the wind."
Quiet, secluded campsites: Devil's Rest Shelter provides peace and solitude. Justin P. describes it as "a beautiful structure nestled in the woods, with a privy nearby and a bear box. It was a quiet, peaceful, well-maintained stop."
Flat tent platforms: Nauman Tentsite features well-constructed platforms. According to J.W., "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms in the white mountains. It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult. It is managed by friendly care takers and has a pit toilet and a bear box for your food."
What you should know
Ticks and insects: Bug activity varies by location and season. At Maine Railroad Trestle, Sarah C. warns, "Beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic."
Winter road closures: Some access points have seasonal restrictions. At Unknown Pond, Sarah C. advises, "You can hike in to this site from either the trailhead on Mill Brook Road (gated in winter) or from the Berlin Fish Hatchery on York Pond Road."
Trail conditions: Spring melt creates challenging hiking conditions. Sarah C. notes about Unknown Pond, "Note that there can be snow on north facing slopes into June so be prepared to post hole or carry snowshoes."
Water safety: River sites require extra caution. At Scott C. Devlin Memorial, "The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water at a relatively steep angle. Be sure you tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, consider shorter hiking distances. J.W. reports about Nauman Tentsite, "It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow."
Verify seasonal status: Campsite availability changes seasonally. Sarah C. advises, "Check the White Mountain National Forest website prior to hiking in. As of June 1, 2020 this tentsite was closed due to COVID-19."
Look for site amenities: Garfield Ridge Campsite offers helpful facilities for families. Lexi R. notes, "Water is pump-able at the intersection to the tent-sites. A outhouse is located near the shelter and platforms. A cooking area is provided."
Watch for traffic: Some primitive sites experience unexpected disturbances. At Maine Railroad Trestle, Sarah C. reports, "We did have an ATV almost run over us at 1:00 a.m. that scared the dickens out of us. They were clearly unaware and intoxicated, it was a scary moment."
Tips from RVers
Consider tent camping instead: The Lancaster area primarily offers tent camping opportunities with limited RV options. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, Kevin C. notes, "As far as disbursed camping in the national forest, this place is on a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway."
Site selection matters: Choose sites carefully based on your vehicle. Justin P. observes about Cherry Mountain Road, "There are a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail. A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Plan for no hookups: Primitive camping means self-sufficiency. Kevin C. mentions, "The only downside was the lack of any other amenities." Always bring sufficient water and supplies when visiting these remote locations.
