Best Tent Camping near Plymouth, NH
Tent campsites surround Plymouth, New Hampshire with options ranging from secluded backcountry platforms to riverside walk-in sites. Baker Rocks offers private, spacious tent sites within a wooded area that feels secluded, while Squam Lakes Association maintains approximately a dozen tent-only sites along Squam Lake, some accessible only by hiking or boating in. The AAC Rattlesnake Campground provides tent camping specifically serving rock climbers visiting the nearby Rumney climbing areas.
Most tent sites in the Plymouth region feature tent platforms designed for freestanding tents, particularly at backcountry locations like Liberty Springs and Guyot Shelter. Campers should check seasonal availability as many higher-elevation sites close during winter months or have restricted access during mud season. Fire regulations vary significantly between campgrounds, with some like Sawyer Pond permitting fires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely. Composting toilets are common at established backcountry tent sites, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Water sources exist near most sites but require filtering or treatment.
Walk-in tent sites provide a more immersive outdoor experience than drive-up campgrounds. A recent review noted, "The tent sites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river." Backcountry tent camping at locations like Sawyer Pond requires a relatively easy 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead, making it suitable for beginners and families new to backpacking. More remote options include Rogers Ledge tentsite, accessible via a 3.5 to 5-mile hike depending on the approach trail chosen. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are pretty close to one another but I was alone so I had privacy. The lake is just steps away from the camping sites and is absolutely beautiful." Weekend visitors should arrive early, as popular tent-only sites fill quickly, especially during summer and fall foliage seasons.