Best Tent Camping near Loudon, NH
The forested areas surrounding Loudon, New Hampshire offer several tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both established campgrounds and more primitive experiences. Lost Boys Hideout provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and toilet facilities. About 30 minutes northeast, Squam Lakes Association maintains tent-only campsites that can be accessed by hiking or boating in, offering a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience. Military Park New Boston Recreation Area, located approximately 25 miles southwest of Loudon, provides year-round tent camping with reservable sites.
Tent campsites in the Loudon region vary considerably in terrain and amenities. Walk-in tent sites at Lost Boys Hideout feature mulched areas with improved fire pits, while Squam Lakes' primitive tent camping areas offer fire rings but no picnic tables or drinking water. Campers should bring their own water or filtration systems when visiting more remote locations. Seasonal considerations affect water availability, particularly during drought conditions when streams and natural sources may run dry. Most tent-only sites include basic toilet facilities ranging from vault toilets to composting privies, though toilet paper is not always provided. Fire restrictions may apply during dry periods, especially at field camping locations.
In early spring and fall, tent campers experience fewer crowds at most locations. One visitor to Baker Rocks noted that "tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded," though they mentioned occasional road noise overnight. At Squam Lakes Association, campers reported "beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene" conditions ideal for those who "prefer tent camping and like to be secluded." The association's sites fill quickly when reservations open February 15th, with campers appreciating the conservation focus. Cardigan Campsites offers tent camping with convenient access to hiking trails, making it popular for overnight stays before tackling nearby mountain summits. Most backcountry tent sites along the Appalachian Trail provide flat tent pads adjacent to three-sided shelters.