Tent camping sites near Portsmouth, New Hampshire typically operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to New England's cold winters. The region offers a mix of wooded campgrounds with varying levels of privacy and amenities. Most tent sites are situated within an hour's drive of Portsmouth, with options extending into southern Maine and northeastern Massachusetts.
What to do
Beach access: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach provides a convenient trolley service that takes campers directly to Old Orchard Beach during summer months. "Great location trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach," notes camper Jill P. The campground serves as a practical base for exploring coastal attractions.
Hiking opportunities: Huttopia Southern Maine offers access to nearby trails with natural terrain suitable for day hikes. Located in Sanford, it provides a balance of wooded surroundings while being accessible to Portsmouth attractions. "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," reports camper A.C.
Water activities: Multiple ponds and rivers near Portsmouth tent campgrounds provide swimming and paddling opportunities. The Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground features multiple pools and water recreation options. As one camper notes, "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Cape Ann Camp Site, which offers tent sites set among trees and rocks about an hour south of Portsmouth. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," reports Cristina P. The terrain includes natural boulders that create separation between sites.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities, despite varying levels of development. At Camp Nihan Education Center, campers appreciate the "recently renovated bathroom and shower facility" that makes clean-ups easy while still maintaining a rustic camping experience.
Natural terrain: The landscape around Portsmouth provides tent campers with diverse camping surfaces. Cape Ann Camp Site features natural rocky outcroppings and wooded areas that create natural boundaries. One camper notes, "The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site."
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds near Portsmouth operate only from May through mid-October. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach specifically runs "May 1 to October 15," requiring advance planning for shoulder season visits when temperatures can drop significantly at night.
Site surfaces: Tent pads vary considerably between campgrounds. Some sites feature packed dirt that can become problematic during rain. The terrain at Browns Ridge Family Farm offers walk-in tent camping with limited amenities but more natural ground surfaces than developed campgrounds.
Shower facilities: Pay showers are common at established campgrounds near Portsmouth. At Cape Ann Camp Site, quarters are required for showers, with one camper mentioning "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with young children should consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Salmon Falls River RV Resort is particularly noted for its child-friendly amenities. One camper called it "Kids Paradise" and mentioned "a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!"
Educational opportunities: Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers regular activities for children throughout the camping season. A camper mentioned "Kid activities were done regularly" and "Outdoor movies were fun," making it suitable for families wanting structured entertainment options.
Food options: Several campgrounds offer on-site food service, reducing the need to cook every meal. Saco features breakfast service that campers praise: "The Maine blueberry pancakes were amazing!" This can be particularly helpful for families with picky eaters or during rainy weather.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV campers note that tent sites often offer more privacy than RV sections at mixed-use campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, one reviewer observed that "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," suggesting tent campers may enjoy better separation from neighbors.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds near Portsmouth. At Sun Outdoors Saco, tent campers specifically mention noise challenges that RVers don't experience: "Since I stayed in a tent it was a bit noisy." Consider requesting sites farther from roads when making tent camping reservations.
Seasonal crowds: The best tent camping near Portsmouth, New Hampshire experiences significant seasonal fluctuations in occupancy. During peak summer months, particularly July and August, advance reservations are essential as sites fill quickly with both tent campers and RVers seeking coastal access.
