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.

Best Tent Sites Near Plymouth, New Hampshire (48)

    1. Baker Rocks

    2 Reviews
    Rumney, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 481-0601

    $60 - $325 / night

    "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins."

    "The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."

    2. Cardigan Campsites

    4 Reviews
    Orange, NH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2727

    3. AAC Rattlesnake Campground

    1 Review
    Rumney, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 213-8011

    $12 - $33 / night

    4. Squam Lakes Association

    2 Reviews
    Center Harbor, NH
    9 miles
    Website

    $50 - $110 / night

    "The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only."

    "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."

    5. Rogers Ledge

    1 Review
    Waterville Valley, NH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "You can access this tensite from a number of trail heads in northern New Hampshire (Milbrook Trail, Unknown Pond, etc.) for a 3.5 to 5 mile hike in depending on the direction you come."

    6. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    27 miles
    Website

    "You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway)."

    "Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago."

    7. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    30 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    "Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms."

    9. Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    1 Review
    Lyme, NH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "Note this is a back country shelter along the AT in New Hampshire so it is entirely hike in."

    10. Paugus Brook Farm

    1 Review
    Wonalancet, NH
    23 miles
    +1 (603) 852-2318

    $25 - $45 / night

    "I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 48 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Plymouth, NH

1115 Reviews of 48 Plymouth Campgrounds


  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable little camp! In New Hampshire; Vermont is across the river on the north side of the property. Nice bathroom, showers, laundry room, library. Spacious lots with tables and fire rings. Some long time campers are set up.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Big Rock

    WMNF rustic campground on the Kanc

    There are 2 Big Rock Campgrounds in NH and they are very different! This is not the resort campground convenient to ATV trails, but a rustic campground offering large, level, wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway just 2 miles east of the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. It's a great location for exploring the sites and beautiful vistas along the Kancamagus, easy access to Franconia Notch and Lincoln, NH. Lincoln also offers a grocery store, restaurants, stores selling outdoor gear, moose tours, and adventure tours (zip/climbing).

    Some of the sites are tent only, with parking separated from the tent pad/fire ring/picnic table. Others are large and level with ample space for RVs. You'll get some traffic noise, but there's less here than at places along 3 & 93.

    There are no reservations; all sites are first-come, first serve and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Bring cash or a check to pay for your campsite. It's self-service with an iron ranger. Fee (2018) is $22, an extra $5 for a second car.

    Water is available. There are vault toilets and no showers. No cell phone service.

  • Natali S.
    Nov. 23, 2023

    Private Field and Woods Camping

    The best holiday for the whole family

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is a true paradise for lovers of nature and secluded recreation. After spending several days here, I was delighted with the beauty of nature and the comfort that this unique camp offers. The first thing that catches your eye is the amazing landscape.

    Situated deep in the forests, the camp is surrounded by spacious fields and wild nature. Sunrises and sunsets at this place are a real miracle that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the moment. The camp itself provides unique opportunities for close contact with nature.

    The opportunity to locate your tent camp in a private field surrounded by forest creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and privacy. The absence of city noise and light pollution allows you to enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. The camp infrastructure also deserves the highest praise. Ecologically built showers and toilets provide everything you need for a comfortable stay away from civilization. Fire pits and cooking areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors.

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is the perfect place for those who want a real getaway in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I left this place with a feeling of complete relaxation and deep gratitude to the team who created this unique corner of nature.

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2017

    Dolly Copp Campground

    Just on the edge of town

    This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel. While this is a relatively large campground, a significant portion of it is under construction currently (Summer 2017).

    There are several loops of sites here but each site is spacious and wooded, with lot's of shade. There are flush toilets (no showers) and water spigots throughout the campground. Some sites do experience a bit of foot traffic if they are on the way to one of the restrooms.

    There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction.

    Sites have very clean fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of space for pitching a tent or two. There are several sites here that cater more to RVs but many of the sites are very tent friendly (soft, non-gravel real estate). Sites are $22/night and $5 for each additional vehicle.

    This is a popular spot with lot's of amazing hiking in the vicinity so reserve early!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2024

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice place

    Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road

    Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Hancock Campground

    The White Mountains Stole My Heart!

    We had a last minute change of plans to our hiking trip due to a delay. We wouldn’t have the time to hike into our pre planned area before dark, so decided to set up shop here. This place was actually pretty great. Each site was pretty large and most of them had access to the river. Which had nice areas for swimming and wading. Each site had its own bear box and it was only a short hike down from the car. The park connected directly to some beautiful AT trails that we took advantage of the next day. It was also pretty cheap! $12 or $15 if I remember correctly. All self registration.


Guide to Plymouth

Plymouth, New Hampshire, offers a fantastic selection of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and relaxing by the river at Baker Rocks, where you can also explore beautiful trails nearby.
  • Experience the thrill of climbing at Cardigan Campsites, a great spot to rest before or after your ascent of Mt. Cardigan.
  • Hike into the scenic Rogers Ledge for backcountry camping and stunning views of the Presidential Range.

Some prices for tent camping range from $25 to $50

  • Tent camping at Paugus Brook Farm offers a spacious field setting for $25 per night, perfect for those looking to explore the nearby Mount Chocorua.
  • At AAC Rattlesnake Campground, you can reserve a tent site for around $30, catering primarily to rock climbers heading to Rumney.
  • For a unique experience, consider Squam Lakes Association, where tent sites are available for approximately $40, offering a serene environment with access to kayaking and hiking.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Baker Rocks features spacious and private campsites with amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables.
  • At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, you'll find a well-maintained shelter with tent sites, a privy, and a nearby water source for convenience.
  • Cardigan Skyline Camps offers a cozy camping experience with access to drinking water, showers, and firewood, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Plymouth, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Plymouth, NH is Baker Rocks with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Plymouth, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Plymouth, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.