Best Tent Camping near Plainfield, NH
The Appalachian Trail corridor near Plainfield, New Hampshire offers several backcountry tent camping options for hikers seeking primitive experiences. Velvet Rocks Shelter, located on the AT just east of Plainfield, provides tent camping areas with slightly slanted spots surrounding the main shelter. Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, approximately 8 miles northeast of Plainfield, features large, flat tent sites around a standard three-sided shelter. Across the Connecticut River in Vermont, additional AT shelters like Happy Hill and Winturri offer tent-only camping areas with varying terrain and amenities. Cardigan Campsites, about 25 miles southeast of Plainfield, provides established tent sites with access to hiking trails and mountain views.
Most backcountry tent campsites in the region require significant hiking to access, with no vehicle access available. Water sources at these primitive tent camping locations are typically seasonal and unreliable, particularly during late summer drought conditions. One camper noted that at Velvet Rocks, "the water source was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought." Basic privies are available at most AT shelter locations, though their condition varies considerably. Tent platforms are rare at these backcountry sites, with most offering natural ground surfaces that may be uneven or sloped. Permits are required for camping at some New Hampshire AT shelters, and bear boxes are not consistently available, requiring proper food storage techniques.
Tent campers frequently use these sites as overnight stops during section hikes rather than as weekend destinations. According to reviews, Moose Mountain Shelter stands out with "a host of large, flat tent sites" and "a bench overlooking a clearing with a view." At Winturri Shelter, visitors appreciate the "great amount of tent camping around in spaces with decent privacy." Walk-in tent sites at these locations typically accommodate 1-3 tents per designated area. Summer weekends see higher usage, while weekdays and shoulder seasons offer greater solitude. The primitive nature of these backcountry tent camping areas means visitors must be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary water, food, and equipment.
