Tent camping near Londonderry, New Hampshire sits within the Merrimack Valley region where elevation varies between 200-400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 68-85°F during peak camping season from May through September. Winter camping options remain limited, with many campgrounds closing after mid-October due to freezing temperatures that typically begin in November.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Tully Lake: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers excellent paddling opportunities approximately 60 miles southwest of Londonderry. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes one camper. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental directly at the campground.
Explore historic forts: Boston Harbor Islands State Park provides unique island camping with access to historic military installations. "The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets," reports a visitor. Access requires ferry transportation from either Boston or Hingham terminals.
Hiking with children: Camp Nihan Education Center offers beginner-friendly trails suitable for young hikers within 30 minutes of Londonderry. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," explains one reviewer. The recently renovated facilities make this an accessible option for families new to camping.
What campers like
Cart-based camping systems: Tully Lake Recreation Area offers a unique car-free camping experience where wheeled carts transport gear from parking areas to campsites. "You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them," explains one camper. This setup creates a quieter, more natural environment since vehicles remain in designated parking areas.
Proximity to Boston with island isolation: Boston Harbor Islands campers appreciate the contrast between urban access and natural seclusion. "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," shares one camper. The islands require ferry access but reward visitors with unique camping perspectives of the Boston skyline.
Well-spaced tent sites: Cape Ann Camp Site earns positive feedback for its site layout. "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," notes one reviewer. The wooded terrain creates natural privacy barriers between camping areas, particularly in the tent-specific sections.
What you should know
Campsite accessibility varies significantly: Some locations require substantial walking to reach sites. At Tully Lake, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," reports one camper. Distances from parking areas to campsites can range from 50 yards to nearly a mile at certain locations.
Seasonal operations and booking windows: Most campgrounds near Londonderry operate between May and mid-October. Boston Harbor Islands camping has a shorter season, running "June to Labor Day weekend" according to their listing information. Reservations for popular sites often open 6-7 months in advance and fill quickly.
Limited facilities at rustic sites: Lost Boys Hideout exemplifies the more primitive options available. While one camper described it as "Simplicity at its best," others note ongoing improvements: "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" Expect varying levels of amenities depending on the specific campground.
Tips for camping with families
Bring quarters for showers: Paid showers are common at campgrounds near Londonderry. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink," shares one camper. Pack sufficient quarters or prepare alternative washing plans.
Choose sites based on bathroom proximity: With young children, bathroom access becomes important. One Tully Lake camper notes, "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night." Sites closer to central facilities offer convenience but may have less privacy than more remote locations.
Aquatic activities enhance kid-friendly options: Salmon Falls River RV Resort provides extensive water-based entertainment. "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!" reports one visitor. Water features can significantly enhance camping experiences with children during hot summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options within 30 miles: Most tent-focused camping near Londonderry offers few RV accommodations. Cape Ann Camp Site supports RVs but tent campers report better experiences: "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," according to one review. When traveling with RVs, expect more limited site selection compared to tent-only options.
