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Best Tent Camping near New Hampton, NH

1,101 Reviews

The White Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas near New Hampton, New Hampshire offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to backcountry sites. Squam Lakes Association maintains several tent-only campsites accessible by boat or hiking trails, with tent platforms and fire rings included in the camping fee. These sites operate from May 1 to November 1 and require reservations, which open February 15 and fill quickly. Sawyer Pond, located north of New Hampton, provides primitive tent camping with six designated sites along the pond's edge, accessible via a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead off NH Highway 302.

Most tent campsites in the region have basic amenities with varying levels of development. Composting toilets are common at backcountry sites, while potable water is rarely available, requiring campers to filter from natural sources or pack in their own supply. Bear boxes are provided at many locations due to active wildlife in the area. Tent platforms are standard at higher-elevation sites to minimize environmental impact, necessitating freestanding tents. Sites at Squam Lakes have fire rings but no picnic tables or drinking water. During peak summer months, popular areas like Sawyer Pond can fill completely, particularly on weekends, making early arrival essential for walk-in tent sites.

Tent-only camping experiences vary significantly with location and season. At Squam Lakes, one camper noted the sites are "simple but gorgeous" with some accessible only by boat or hiking trails. For backcountry tent camping, Sawyer Pond offers what reviewers describe as "a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids" with platforms large enough for two freestanding tents. The sites feature fire rings with available downed wood for responsible campfires. Fourth Iron Campground provides walk-in tent sites a quarter-mile from the parking area, with campers reporting the location is "secluded and beautiful" despite its proximity to Highway 302. Fall brings spectacular foliage views and fewer crowds at most primitive tent camping locations throughout the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near New Hampton, New Hampshire (43)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near New Hampton, NH

84 Photos of 43 New Hampton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near New Hampton, NH

1101 Reviews of 43 New Hampton Campgrounds

  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Big Rock

    WMNF rustic campground on the Kanc

    There are 2 Big Rock Campgrounds in NH and they are very different! This is not the resort campground convenient to ATV trails, but a rustic campground offering large, level, wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway just 2 miles east of the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. It's a great location for exploring the sites and beautiful vistas along the Kancamagus, easy access to Franconia Notch and Lincoln, NH. Lincoln also offers a grocery store, restaurants, stores selling outdoor gear, moose tours, and adventure tours (zip/climbing).

    Some of the sites are tent only, with parking separated from the tent pad/fire ring/picnic table. Others are large and level with ample space for RVs. You'll get some traffic noise, but there's less here than at places along 3 & 93.

    There are no reservations; all sites are first-come, first serve and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Bring cash or a check to pay for your campsite. It's self-service with an iron ranger. Fee (2018) is $22, an extra $5 for a second car.

    Water is available. There are vault toilets and no showers. No cell phone service.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2024

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice place

    Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road

    Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Hancock Campground

    The White Mountains Stole My Heart!

    We had a last minute change of plans to our hiking trip due to a delay. We wouldn’t have the time to hike into our pre planned area before dark, so decided to set up shop here. This place was actually pretty great. Each site was pretty large and most of them had access to the river. Which had nice areas for swimming and wading. Each site had its own bear box and it was only a short hike down from the car. The park connected directly to some beautiful AT trails that we took advantage of the next day. It was also pretty cheap! $12 or $15 if I remember correctly. All self registration.

  • L
    May. 30, 2019

    Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    Amazing Views

    Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences. A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter. Great place to stay on the Pemi Loop. It is a carry in carry out campsite.

  • d
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Osceola Vista Campground

    great for group camping

    i stayed here for one night with a large group (maybe 40ish people) prior to setting out on our backpacking weekend.

    This is a great campground, very clean. toilets available, and dumpster for trash were very convenient. There was potable water available also, and picnic tables. parking was tricky for our large group, and we had a bit of trouble fitting in all of the cars, but if you have a smaller group it should be no problem.

    campground was very quiet, no real road noise or anything could be heard. ground was soft and grassy, although i would still recommend using a sleeping pad, was not as hard as some other campgrounds I have stayed at. had a nice big grassy area for the large group.

Guide to New Hampton

Tent camping near New Hampton, New Hampshire, offers a variety of scenic spots and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are excellent options to explore.

Enjoy Local Activities and Scenic Views

  • Experience the beauty of nature at Baker Rocks, where you can enjoy spacious campsites close to the river and explore nearby trails.
  • For those seeking a challenge, Cardigan Campsites is a great base for climbing Mt. Cardigan, offering stunning views from the fire tower.
  • The Squam Lakes Association provides access to beautiful trails and kayaking opportunities, perfect for a day of exploration.

Tent Camping Prices and Amenities

  • Tent camping at AAC Rattlesnake Campground typically ranges from $30 to $50 per night, featuring amenities like drinking water and showers.
  • At Viewland Campground, prices are around $25 per night, but be aware that it has a more permanent camper community feel.
  • For a unique experience, consider Cardigan Skyline Camps, where you can camp in a serene environment with access to firewood and picnic tables.

Features That Enhance Your Camping Experience

  • Baker Rocks allows pets and features amenities like picnic tables and firewood for a comfortable stay.
  • The Squam Lakes Association offers a secluded camping experience with fire rings and beautiful views, perfect for nature lovers.
  • At Barn Door Hostel and Campground, you can enjoy a mix of hostel and camping vibes, with access to drinking water and trash disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Hampton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Hampton, NH is Cardigan Campsites with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near New Hampton, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near New Hampton, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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