Tent camping near Pittsfield, New Hampshire sits within the Lakes Region, offering diverse terrain ranging from pine forests to lakeside settings. Summer temperatures typically reach 80°F during the day and drop to 50-60°F at night, creating comfortable sleeping conditions with proper gear. Most tent sites in this area require advance reservations from May through October, with many closing by mid-November.
What to do
Water activities on Squam Lake: Campers at Squam Lakes Association can access some of the region's best paddling opportunities. "We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic. Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene," notes Jen S.
Hiking at Mount Cardigan: Cardigan Campsites offers a convenient base for summit hikes. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" says Madison G.
Beach access from tent sites: Many campers use tent sites as a base for exploring nearby beaches. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, "Great location trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach," according to Jill P.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Tent campers frequently mention privacy as a key factor at certain campgrounds. One camper at Lost Boys Hideout appreciates the "Simplicity at it best :)" as Steve K. noted.
Clean facilities: When primitive camping isn't preferred, clean bathrooms make a big difference. Brittany M. observed about Sun Outdoors Saco, "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen camping and the staff was incredibly friendly!"
All-in-one amenities: Some tent camping locations offer surprising amenities. Samantha N. comments about Salmon Falls River RV Resort: "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!"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most tent campgrounds near Pittsfield have limited seasons. Squam Lakes Association operates from "May 1 - November 1," while Sun Outdoors Saco runs "May 1 to October 15."
Site reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. For Squam Lakes Association, sites "are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area."
Campground transformation: Some properties change over time. The new Huttopia Southern Maine was noted by A.C.: "Went last August shortly after they gained ownership, grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly."
Check site specifics: Not all campgrounds offer the same amenities. At Squam Lakes Association, there are "some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Some campgrounds offer extensive child-friendly amenities. At Salmon Falls River RV Resort, "A little of everything at this campground, 2 pools 2 hot tubes, a giant water slide that is even fun for the adults!!!" shares Aaron G.
Consider cabin options: When tent camping with small children seems challenging, cabins provide an alternative. Erin M. explains at Sun Outdoors Saco: "We stayed for 3 nights in a pop-up while my mother rented a cabin. We loved that were able to stay right next to each other and were still in nice wooded sites with an awesome space for the fire."
Look for family programming: Structured activities can enhance family camping. "Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do lunch want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun," notes Jill P. about Sun Outdoors Saco.
Tips from RVers
Check for tent-only areas: RV-heavy campgrounds often have separate tent sections. When camping at larger RV resorts like Salmon Falls, tent campers should request sites "along the wooded edges of the grounds" for more privacy.
Consider proximity to amenities: Even tent campers appreciate access to RV resort amenities. Ben P. notes about Sun Outdoors Saco, "When I called to book the site, they assisted in helping us pick out the nicest campsite."
