Backcountry tent camping options near Meriden, New Hampshire center primarily around Appalachian Trail shelters and primitive sites. These sites provide wilderness accommodations accessible via hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 8 miles from trailheads. Camping in this region typically requires self-sufficiency as seasonal water sources vary throughout the year. The landscape features mixed hardwood forests with elevations between 800-2,300 feet along the AT corridor.
What to do
Hike connecting trails: The Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers access to multiple connecting trails beyond the Appalachian Trail. According to one camper, "The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing," making it a functional basecamp for day hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Baker Rocks provides direct river access for anglers. A visitor noted, "Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler."
Summit Mount Cardigan: For tent campers seeking panoramic views, Cardigan Campsites offers a strategic starting point. A reviewer mentioned, "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!"
What campers like
Private tent platforms: Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter provides secluded camping spots throughout the property. One camper reported, "I tent camped here during a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a one-story standard AT shelter with a fire ring and a bench for seating."
Natural viewpoints: Many sites offer natural lookout points without needing to summit peaks. A visitor to Moose Mountain mentioned, "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
Two-level shelters: Unique shelter designs provide flexible sleeping arrangements for groups. At Happy Hill, one visitor explained, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably, but I decided to tent camp. There were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter."
What you should know
Water reliability: Water sources vary significantly by season and recent weather. A visitor to Winturri Backcountry Shelter reported, "Water was running when I was there in mid-August from a spring close to the shelter," but this contrasts with dry conditions at other sites during the same month.
Toilet facilities: Privies vary significantly between sites. At Trapper John, "There was a standard back country privacy here as well," while another visitor noted Happy Hill had a "relatively new and in great shape" privy.
Distance considerations: Most tent sites require significant hiking to access. One camper at Velvet Rocks stated, "Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy."
Tips for camping with families
Glamping alternatives: Baker Rocks offers family-friendly accommodations beyond traditional tent sites. A family of four reported, "We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. One family mentioned, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)."
Shelter spacing: When camping with children, consider sites with ample flat space. At Winturri, a visitor noted, "There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter," providing options for family arrangements.
Tips from RVers
No RV access to backcountry sites: The best tent camping near Meriden, New Hampshire primarily consists of hike-in backcountry sites inaccessible to RVs. According to a visitor at Trapper John Backcountry Campground, "Note this is a back country shelter along the AT in New Hampshire so it is entirely hike in."
Pack-in requirements: RVers transitioning to tent camping should prepare for self-sufficiency. One camper advised, "I tent camped here during a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a standard one-story AT shelter with a fire ring and a bench for seating."
Site preparation: Tent platforms may require different equipment than RV pads. A reviewer at Baker Rocks described, "The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area."
