Tent camping near Plymouth, New Hampshire offers accessible backcountry experiences within the White Mountain National Forest region. The area sits at the gateway to the White Mountains with elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000+ feet at nearby peaks. Water access is abundant with Baker River, Squam Lake, and Sawyer Pond providing opportunities for camping near freshwater sources, though most require treatment before drinking.
What to do
Climbing adventures: The AAC Rattlesnake Campground serves primarily rock climbers visiting the popular Rumney climbing areas. As one reviewer notes, "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers."
Hiking to remote sites: The Rogers Ledge tentsite requires a 3.5 to 5-mile hike depending on which trailhead you choose. "You can access this tentsite from a number of trail heads in northern New Hampshire (Milbrook Trail, Unknown Pond, etc.)," explains one camper. "We parked at the Berlin Fish Hatchery and walked in via the Milbrook Trail. A gradual climb from the trail head to the campsite through a few boggy areas before climbing into the boreal forest for a bit. Prime moose habitat!"
Sunset viewing spots: Some backcountry tent sites provide excellent sunset opportunities. At Guyot Shelter, campers can reach impressive viewpoints with minimal extra hiking. One visitor shared, "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The Baker Rocks campground features well-separated tent platforms. As one camper describes, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight." Another visitor noted the thoughtful design: "The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind."
Water proximity: Many tent campers value sites with immediate water access. Sawyer Pond offers this advantage, as explained by a camper: "The lake is just steps away from the camping sites and is absolutely beautiful." Water availability varies by season, especially at higher elevations.
Beginner-friendly backpacking options: Sawyer Pond provides an excellent introduction to backpacking with a manageable 1.5-mile hike in. According to a visitor: "The hike from the parking lot to the campsite was 1.5 miles and pretty easy. It is mostly flat with a few minor hills (I saw children and elderly folks easily using this trail)."
What you should know
Limited firewood availability: At backcountry sites, gathering firewood can be challenging. One Sawyer Pond camper reported, "There was very little available firewood near the campsites." Some established campgrounds like Baker Rocks provide firewood as part of the camping fee.
Platform tent requirements: Many backcountry sites have wooden platforms requiring freestanding tents. At Guyot Shelter, a camper noted: "No space for non-free standing tents. Quite a hike dropping down from the main trail to the campsite, 15-20 min straight up to hike out in the morning."
Reservation timings: The Squam Lakes Association campsites open their reservation system on February 15 each year and fill quickly. One visitor explained, "The 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 via the Squam Lakes Association."
Tips for camping with families
Gradual introduction to backpacking: Choose sites with shorter access trails for first-time backpacking with children. Sawyer Pond is consistently recommended for this purpose: "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond."
Plan for busy weekends: Squam Lakes Association sites and other popular weekend destinations fill quickly. A visitor advised: "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer additional attractions for children. At Baker Rocks, one family mentioned: "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)."
Tips from RVers
Glamping alternatives: For those wanting a tent camping experience without carrying gear, Paugus Brook Farm offers field camping with easy access. A visitor explained: "The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area." This provides a middle ground between car camping and backpacking.
Base camp locations: Position your vehicle camping near multiple trailheads to access different backcountry sites. Many visitors use Plymouth area campgrounds as staging points for day hikes or overnight backpacking trips to more remote locations in the White Mountains.
