Tent camping options near Litchfield, New Hampshire range from basic walk-in sites to more developed campgrounds with amenities. The area's landscape features rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 200-400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during daytime with cooler 55-65°F nights, creating comfortable camping conditions from May through September.
What to do
Explore local waterways: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle around the lake. One camper noted, "There's a canoe/kayak launch near the campground, so if you have a waterfront site you may choose to paddle your gear over."
Hiking trails: Visit nearby Breakheart Reservation, adjacent to Camp Nihan Education Center, which offers "bike trails and a range of different hikes" according to camper Michael V. He adds that it's "less than 30 minutes from Boston" but feels remote.
Swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer swimming opportunities during summer months. At Camp Nihan, visitors appreciate the "great shallow pond with life guard on duty" making it safe for families with younger children.
Seasonal berry picking: Mid to late summer visitors can find wild berries at some camping locations. As one camper at Tully Lake mentioned, "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Lost Boys Hideout, campers appreciate the natural setting and separation between camping areas. One visitor described it as "Simplicity at its best" when reviewing their experience.
Cart-based camping: The walk-in tent sites at Tully Lake Recreation Area provide a unique experience where "you park at the entrance... Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site." This setup means "no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites."
Rustic camping with basic comforts: Many campers enjoy the balance of primitive settings with access to necessities. At Tully Lake, "The campsites are spacious and though there is not a bad site, some are better suited for certain purposes like group camping. Each site has a table and a fire ring."
Recently upgraded facilities: Some campgrounds have been improving their amenities. As one camper noted about Tully Lake, "The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7."
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: For the best tent camping near Litchfield, New Hampshire, plan well ahead. At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, "these sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance."
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Tully Lake, "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."
Water availability varies: Check what water sources are available before packing. Tully Lake "has running water available, but otherwise you'll need to bring gallon of water/person."
Distance from facilities: At some campgrounds, bathroom facilities can be far from certain sites. As one camper noted about Tully Lake, "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night."
Weather preparedness: The New England climate can bring sudden rain. One visitor mentioned how important site elevation can be: "Some of the sites are located on a small rise; I suspect that was appreciated the night 4" of rain fell recently!"
Tips for camping with families
Ideal sites for children: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers exceptional amenities for families. As one visitor shared, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Safety considerations: Look for campgrounds where vehicles are separated from camping areas. At Tully Lake, "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."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. At Boston Harbor Islands, you can "earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service" while exploring the islands.
Private camping options: For families wanting more space, some campgrounds offer notably large sites. At Tully Lake, one family "stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out."
Pack-in considerations: For campgrounds requiring you to carry gear, bring only necessities. At Boston Harbor Islands, campers recommend you "pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it."
Tips from RVers
Campsite leveling: At Cape Ann Camp Site, RVers note the sites are "nice perfectly level" in the wooded areas. One camper mentioned, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area."
Site size variations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. Cape Ann has "RV sites that are not as secluded as the tent sites" but offers "water, sewer, and electric hookups" for those who need them.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in this region have limited operating seasons. Cape Ann Camp Site runs from "May 15 - Oct 15," which is typical for many campgrounds in the area.
Shower facilities: Check whether showers require payment. At Cape Ann, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change."
