Tent camping near Lyndeborough, New Hampshire offers access to various hiking trails, water activities, and forest experiences within a 30-mile radius. Most sites in the region sit at elevations between 600 and 1,200 feet, creating moderate temperature fluctuations between day and night even in summer. Many nearby campgrounds require wheelbarrows or walking to reach sites, creating vehicle-free camping environments.
What to do
Kayaking at Tully Lake: Located about 25 miles southwest in Royalston, MA, Tully Lake Recreation Area offers rentals directly at the campground. "We rented kayaks right at the campground for a paddle around Tully Lake. Great trip!" reports Megan G.
Hiking to waterfalls: A quick walk from Tully Lake Campground leads to Doane's Falls. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area," notes Nancy R.
Berry picking: Seasonal wild blueberries grow near many campsites in the region. "You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," mentions Ben P. about activities at Tully Lake.
What campers like
Cart-based camping: The walk-in nature of many sites creates a quieter experience. At Tully Lake Recreation Area, "Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites)," explains Nancy R.
Privacy between sites: Camp Nihan Education Center in Massachusetts offers secluded sites despite being close to urban areas. One camper noted, "The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
Simple back-to-nature experience: Lost Boys Hideout offers a minimalist camping experience with basic amenities. "Simplicity at its best," notes camper Steve K., highlighting the back-to-basics approach many tent campers seek.
What you should know
Bring your own water: Federated Womens Club State Forest requires self-sufficiency with water. "Bring your own water. There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," advises Jean C.
Variable cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have limited connectivity. At Federated Womens Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Varying walk distances: The distance from parking to campsites ranges significantly. One camper at Tully Lake noted, "From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night" to reach bathrooms, so plan accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Bathrooms and amenities: When camping with children near Lyndeborough, choose sites with appropriate facilities. At Maple Ridge Farm, "Toilet and shower were very clean. Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites."
Transportation assistance: Some campgrounds offer help with gear transport for families with small children. At Maple Ridge Farm, "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," which helps when camping with kids.
Swimming options: For families wanting water activities, select campgrounds with safe swimming areas. Camp Nihan Education Center is "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."
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: For those who prefer not to tent camp but still want an outdoor experience near Lyndeborough, Sweetwater offers glamping and cabin options alongside traditional tent sites.
Car-free campsites: RVers who normally drive to sites should be aware that many tent campgrounds in this region require walking to sites. At Tully Lake, "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site."
Know your comfort level: Some campers prefer sites closer to amenities. A Tully Lake camper mentioned, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site."