Tent campsites near North Stratford, New Hampshire cluster primarily along the Connecticut River watershed at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. The region experiences wide seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows frequently below 0°F. River-based camping options offer access to Class II rapids during spring runoff season when water levels peak from late April through mid-June.
What to do
Paddle the Connecticut River: From Maine Railroad Trestle, campers can enjoy multiple water activities. "There are several sites available here and a really nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading. It's also a nice spot to fish from," notes one visitor. The site offers good fishing access with relative seclusion.
Hike the Cohos Trail: Backcountry hiking opportunities connect to the 170-mile Cohos Trail system that traverses the North Country. A hiker staying at Devil's Rest Shelter reported it was "a beautiful structure nestled in the woods, with a privy nearby and a bear box" making it a convenient overnight stop for section hikers.
Mountain biking: Nearby trail networks provide technical riding options for various skill levels. Serenity Field campground puts riders "literally feet away from kingdom trails" according to a visitor who appreciated that you can "pull your car right up to the site" while still maintaining a "super quiet and secluded" experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Scott C. Devlin Memorial site, campers appreciate the solitude. One camper describes it as "well maintained and tucked on a knoll in a pine forest" with "plenty of flat space for tents." The secluded nature of these riverside tent sites creates natural buffers between camping parties.
River access: Water proximity ranks highly among camper preferences. "The takeout is easy to miss if you aren't looking as it sits right in the bend of the river. There is a set of wooden steps that go down into the water," notes a visitor about Scott C. Devlin Memorial site. However, they caution to "tie your boat up while unloading as there is a fair amount of current sweeping around the bend."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer optimal wildlife observation periods. A visitor to Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping area noted "it was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by." This primitive camping area allows visitors to observe natural behaviors with minimal disturbance.
What you should know
Seasonal insect conditions: Ticks present a significant concern in certain camping areas. A visitor to Maine Railroad Trestle warned that while ticks "weren't bad in the campsite," in the nearby field "they were epic." Another camper at Scott C. Devlin Memorial similarly cautioned "Beware the ticks! They weren't the worse I've seen, but they are definitely around."
Limited access signage: Many primitive sites lack clear directional markers. A visitor to Lyman Falls State Park noted the area "is advertised as boat-in only" but "you can access the camping area via VT102," however "there is no signage so having a Vermont Atlas is most helpful."
Facility variations: Toilet facilities vary significantly between sites. One camper at Lyman Falls reported "while there was an outhouse, there was a very active hornets nest occupying the privy making it absolutely unusable," while another later visit noted a "nice vault toilet also available," indicating maintenance fluctuations.
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming options: For families with children, look for protected water areas. At Lyman Falls, "there is also a great swimming area in a large deep eddy" according to one visitor. The gentle current provides natural boundaries for younger swimmers.
Car-to-site distance planning: Consider equipment hauling requirements when selecting sites. At Lyman Falls, "you will have to park at a small parking area indicated by a few large boulders and then carry your things in about 200-250 yards," which may challenge families with small children or extensive gear.
Multi-day paddling trips: Families seeking adventure can plan river-based camping routes. A visitor to Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park shared: "The remote campsites at the northern end of Umbagog Lake are wonderful. This trip consisted of my family of five with three kids (ages 5-13), our dog, and friends...The paddle was just around 2.5 miles and calm flat water. Just perfect for our kids."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Traditional RV camping near North Stratford remains minimal. At Northern Waters Base Camp, the sites are described as "small but you can fit comfortably" though primarily designed for tent camping. One visitor noted the campground is easy to miss: "Blink and you'll miss this campground! It's just down the road from Umbagog State Park in Erroll, New Hampshire."
Dirt road conditions: Seasonal road conditions affect accessibility. A camper at Northern Waters Base Camp noted "The road can get rutted and be very muddy, full of puddles and buggy" particularly after rain events, creating challenges for vehicles with lower clearance.
Supply proximity: Plan for resupply needs with limited nearby options. Near Northern Waters Base Camp, "there is a large local sporting goods store, L.L. Cote, just down from the campground. Here you can re-stock on all your camping supplies, groceries and even scarf down some pizza and ice cream! It's definitely within walking distance of the campground."
