Tent campgrounds near Wilmot, New Hampshire offer a variety of experiences from established sites to primitive backcountry camping. The Appalachian Trail corridor provides several backcountry tent camping options, including Moose Mountain and Trapper John shelters, which accommodate tent campers with designated sites adjacent to three-sided shelters. Baker Rocks, located approximately 30 miles northwest of Wilmot, offers secluded tent platforms within wooded areas, while Cardigan Campsites provides tent-specific accommodations for hikers preparing to climb Mount Cardigan.
Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities with varying levels of service. Established tent campgrounds like Baker Rocks provide tent platforms, fire rings, and access to bathhouse facilities with showers and toilets. In contrast, backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail require hikers to pack in all supplies, with only basic privies available. One camper noted that "the tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area." Water sources at backcountry sites can be unreliable, particularly during late summer when seasonal springs may run dry. Campers should bring filtration systems even when water is present.
The region offers distinct advantages for tent campers seeking immersion in New Hampshire's forests. Sites at Baker Rocks feature large tent platforms that can accommodate multiple tents, with fire rings and solar lighting creating a comfortable primitive tent camping experience. According to visitor feedback on The Dyrt, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded." Backcountry tent campsites along the Appalachian Trail provide strategic overnight stops for section hikers but generally aren't considered destination campsites for weekend trips. Most primitive tent camping areas maintain separation between sites, allowing for privacy even during busier periods. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage viewing opportunities, though proper cold-weather gear becomes essential as temperatures drop significantly at night.
$29 - $40 / night
$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."
"Note: This is a back country shelter site that is hike-in only on the Appalachian Trail. There can be seasonal water sources but water is not guaranteed."
"Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy."
"Note this is a back country shelter along the AT in New Hampshire so it is entirely hike in."
$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."
GuideAdorable 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.
LegendThere 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.
LegendI 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.
TravelerMy 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.
GuideWalk 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.
LegendWe 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.
Traveleri stayed here for one night with a large group (maybe 40ish people) prior to setting out on our backpacking weekend.
This is a great campground, very clean. toilets available, and dumpster for trash were very convenient. There was potable water available also, and picnic tables. parking was tricky for our large group, and we had a bit of trouble fitting in all of the cars, but if you have a smaller group it should be no problem.
campground was very quiet, no real road noise or anything could be heard. ground was soft and grassy, although i would still recommend using a sleeping pad, was not as hard as some other campgrounds I have stayed at. had a nice big grassy area for the large group.
LegendI 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. I booked one of the tent platforms.
The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area.
The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.
The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.
Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.
Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.
I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.
GuideThe night before hiking Mount Monadnock, my husband and I camped here. Monadnock State Park is about a 25 minute drive from the campground, and provides a beautiful hike. The RV sites at Greenfield State Park were relatively secluded, as it is a very wooded area. We visited very early in the season, so the main tent camping loops were blocked off for maintenance. Our site had a picnic table and a fire ring. We drove by a shower facility and a building with restrooms. The restrooms were still locked for the winter, so there were a few port-a-potties right outside- these were absolutely disgusting. It looked as though they had not been cleaned out all winter. Otherwise, the campground seemed nice! Just don’t forget to bring some bug-spray for those New Hampshire mosquitos!
Tent camping opportunities near Wilmot, New Hampshire span from Appalachian Trail backcountry sites to established campgrounds with amenities. The region sits within the foothills of the White Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights and higher humidity than surrounding areas.
Hiking at Squam Lake: Access several trails from the Squam Lakes Association campsites for day adventures. The area offers "water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways," according to camper Shari G.
Rock climbing preparation: Camp at AAC Rattlesnake Campground to access Rumney climbing areas. "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," notes Les R.
Summit Mount Cardigan: Stay at Cardigan Campsites before tackling this moderate peak. One camper reports it's a "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!"
Private wooded sites: Baker Rocks offers secluded tent platforms within forested areas. According to April W., "The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."
Shelter amenities: Trapper John Backcountry Campground provides basic shelter accommodations along the AT. Justin P. describes it as having "a standard 3-sided wooden shelter, and was on the medium side with plenty of space for maybe 6-8 folks."
Scenic spots for relaxing: Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter offers unique features beyond basic accommodations. A camper notes, "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
Water availability issues: Many backcountry sites experience seasonal dryness. At Trapper John shelter, "There is a water source in the area but it did not have water when I visited (probably on account of the drought)," explains one hiker.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic during summer months. At Baker Rocks, a camper advises: "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected."
Tent site limitations: Some backcountry locations offer minimal flat spaces. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, "The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area," according to Justin P.
Glamping options: For families seeking comfort with tent camping experience, Lost Boys Hideout provides upgraded accommodations. A camper notes: "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Animal encounters: Some campgrounds include opportunities to view local wildlife. At Baker Rocks, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," mentions April W.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Squam Lakes Association, "The composting toilets were clean," reports Jen S., while Baker Rocks offers "a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water."
RV limitations: The best tent camping near Wilmot, New Hampshire typically doesn't accommodate larger RVs. Most campgrounds in the immediate area are tent-focused with limited or no hookups.
Alternative facilities: While tent camping dominates in the Wilmot region, some nearby options accommodate small RVs. Sunapee State Park Campground offers electric hookups and water hookups for smaller rigs, though reviews are limited on RV-specific experiences.
Water access planning: For RVs without onboard water storage, identify campgrounds with reliable drinking water sources. At Baker Rocks, facilities include access to running water and full bathhouse amenities that can be utilized by small RV campers staying at tent sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wilmot, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wilmot, NH is Cardigan Campsites with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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