Tent camping in the New Ipswich, New Hampshire region provides access to numerous water bodies including lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. The region sits at the base of the Wapack Range with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 feet. Summertime temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with night temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees lower, making proper sleeping gear essential even in summer months.
What to do
Paddling at Tully Lake: Water activities dominate at Tully Lake Recreation Area where campers can rent canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on-site. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes camper Ben P.
Hiking to Doane's Falls: Located a short walk from Tully Lake campground, this series of cascading waterfalls provides excellent photography opportunities with minimal hiking required. "From the main entrance, collect a cart, load your gear, and following the appropriate divergent path from the parking lot or bath house (they are color coded)," suggests Jean C., who recommends the 4-mile loop trail around Tully Lake.
Explore Quabbin Reservoir views: The Federated Women's Club State Forest offers access to Soapstone Hill with views of Quabbin Reservoir. "If you continue past site 15, you'll head through Gate 36 out toward Soapstone Hill which offers a great view of Quabbin Reservoir and sunsets," explains a camper who found numerous historical cellar holes throughout the area.
What campers like
Car-free camping environments: The no-vehicle policies at several campgrounds create a peaceful atmosphere. At Barton Cove Campground, one camper noted: "Rustic camping only- sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean."
Private island camping: For those seeking seclusion, Tully Lake offers island sites that provide exceptional privacy. "I stayed on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for, and it's really meant for people who want to be outdoors in the woods," shares Kris M.
Family-friendly amenities: Many tent sites include basic recreational facilities. "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside," notes a camper at Tully Lake.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Competition for sites is fierce during peak season. One Tully Lake camper explains: "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game."
Cell service limitations: Most tent camping areas have limited connectivity. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out here."
Cart-based transport: Since vehicles aren't allowed at many sites, plan for equipment hauling. "You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site," explains Nancy R., adding that some sites can be nearly a mile from parking areas.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection considerations: Some campsites work better for groups with children. A Tully Lake camper advises: "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out. No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around."
Bathroom proximity: With young children, consider distance to facilities. "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 and neighboring campers," shares Lauren A. about her Memorial Day weekend experience.
Pack minimally: Given the cart-hauling requirements at Lost Boys Hideout, families should streamline gear. "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" notes Steve K., highlighting amenities that reduce what families need to bring.
Tips from RVers
Tent-only restrictions: Most New Ipswich area camping is designed specifically for tent campers, with limited RV options. At Maple Ridge Farm, "The owners were so friendly and excited to welcome campers. They have a common room that has games and eggs for sale. Toilet and shower were very clean," but the campground offers walk-in tent sites only.
Campground check-in procedures: Some campgrounds have multi-step arrival processes. At Barton Cove, "You check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff, drive to gate, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, return key, drive back to campground, walk to your site."
