Tent camping near New Durham, New Hampshire offers access to diverse terrain including the Lakes Region's mixed forests at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet. Located 30 miles northwest of the Atlantic coast, campers experience milder conditions than the White Mountains with overnight summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-65°F. Camping options vary from drive-in field camping to secluded hike-in locations around mountain ponds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Saco River near Paugus Brook Farm provides excellent fishing access. One camper noted, "I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River. The location is a great place to either explore the immediate area (Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake) or head further north to Conway and North Conway)."
Ice fishing: Winter camping at Sawyer Pond offers unique recreational options. A reviewer shared, "This is open year round and each season offers something different. It's a nice snowshoe hike in winter. I've ice-fished on the pond." The pond freezes reliably from December through February.
Star gazing: Many campsites offer excellent night sky viewing, particularly at higher elevations away from town lights. As one Sawyer Pond camper described, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here."
What campers like
Private camping spaces: At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, campers appreciate the natural setting. "The campground sits among tall pine trees which offer nice shade helps alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground," shared one visitor. Pine trees are common throughout the region, providing natural site separation.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight bathroom cleanliness as a key factor. One reviewer at Sun Outdoors noted, "The bathrooms and showers were really clean and you constantly saw yellow-shirted people busily working." Similarly, a Sawyer Pond camper mentioned the "several raised smoldering toilets" that are "nicely constructed."
Kayaking access: Squam Lakes Association provides excellent water recreation opportunities. A camper stated, "Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene." Their campsites offer direct lake access for paddlers without needing to transport equipment long distances.
What you should know
Water availability: Most tent sites require bringing your own water or filtration equipment. A Sawyer Pond reviewer advised, "Water can be sourced from a small stream that flows from Sawyer Pond to Little Sawyer Pond adjacent to site 1. Be sure to treat all water taken from the pond/stream prior to consuming."
Campsite popularity: Some locations fill quickly, particularly on weekends. A visitor to Sawyer Pond warned, "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Fire restrictions: Check current rules as some locations prohibit fires. At Paugus Brook Farm, "fires aren't permitted due to area fire restrictions." Similarly, Sawyer Pond has experienced issues with improper firewood collection: "There is a lot of damage in the surrounding area where folx have cut down trees to have fires."
Tips for camping with families
Short hike options: For the best tent camping near New Durham with kids, consider spots with minimal hiking. A Sawyer Pond reviewer recommended, "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond. You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk."
Family-oriented activities: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers numerous structured activities. A parent 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!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Food convenience: Some campgrounds feature on-site food options. At Sun Outdoors, a camper appreciated that "one of the nice features was the on-site restaurant which claims to be famous for their 'blueberry pancakes' and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs."
Tips from RVers
Platform sizes: For those transitioning from RVs to tents, check platform dimensions. A Sawyer Pond camper noted, "Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style." This helps former RVers understand space limitations when downsizing.
Toilet facilities: Without RV bathrooms, research toilet options. At Squam Lakes Association, a visitor mentioned, "The composting toilets were clean," while another noted there is "a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water."
Field camping advantages: Huttopia Southern Maine offers an easy transition for RVers trying tent camping. Located about 30 miles from New Durham, its grounds are "manicured and aimed to be family friendly," according to one camper, making it suitable for those accustomed to RV park amenities.
