Best Tent Camping near Randolph, NH

Tent campsites in the White Mountains region surrounding Randolph, New Hampshire range from established platforms to dispersed wilderness spots. The area features several backcountry tent options including Nauman Tentsite on the Appalachian Trail, Valley Way Tentsite with raised dirt pads, and Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed camping in the White Mountain National Forest. These primitive tent areas offer hikers and outdoor enthusiasts various levels of accessibility, from hike-in only to more accessible drive-in options.

Most tent campgrounds near Randolph require campers to pack in all necessary supplies, as amenities are typically minimal. Sites like Imp Shelter and Nauman Tentsite provide composting toilets and sometimes bear boxes for food storage, but no running water or showers. Valley Way Tentsite features a composting toilet in a shed with a clear roof for natural lighting and raised dirt tent pads with fire rings. Water sources at many sites are natural springs or streams that require filtration or treatment before consumption. Campers should note that several areas prohibit fires, particularly during dry seasons, and all operate on a carry-in, carry-out waste policy.

Tent-only sites in this region provide exceptional access to notable hiking trails and mountain views. Areas like Guyot Shelter offer both shelter and tent platform options for backpackers traversing the Pemi Loop trail system. The Blue Brook Tent Site provides more secluded camping with tent sites featuring cribbing and a nearby waterfall for cooling off. Higher elevation sites typically open later in the season as snow melts, usually becoming accessible by June. One camper observed that "there are several tent platforms, nicely spaced through the woods" at Imp Shelter, making it "a beautiful camping area tucked in the trees" below Mount Pierce and other prominent White Mountain peaks.

Detours Nearby

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Hermit Lake Shelters

Hermit Lake Shelters

20 min away

Nauman Tentsite

Nauman Tentsite

31 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near Randolph, New Hampshire (58)

    1. Nauman Tentsite

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    12 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up."

    "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms , in the white mountains . It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult , I did it with my 5 year old in tow."

    2. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire.

    We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site."

    3. Hermit Lake Shelters

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2721

    "The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine."

    "Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike. "

    4. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    15 miles

    "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on."

    "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."

    5. Valley Way Tentsite

    2 Reviews
    Randolph, NH
    3 miles
    Website

    "I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites "easy" as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area."

    6. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    8 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Enough space to put up to 3-5 tents. No fire allowed. Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    7. The Bluff- Great Gulf Wilderness

    1 Review
    Randolph, NH
    5 miles
    Website

    "The hike in from route 16 is relatively easy with an uphill trend. Toward the end the trail is the steepest but it's a short climb and worth the effort."

    8. Imp Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Gorham, NH
    7 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Imp Shelter is right off of the Appalachian Trail, down a short spur trail along the Carter-Moriah ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire."

    9. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    20 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."

    10. Blue Brook Tent Site

    2 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    13 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness is a relatively newly designated tract of land."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Randolph, NH

1203 Reviews of 58 Randolph Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    White Birches Camping Park

    A little something for everyone

    This Camping Park has something for just about everyone. Whether you have an RV (small, medium or large), tent, are looking for a cabin or want a little more of a wilderness feel, this place has something to offer. 

    While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin River. Additionally, the campground has several nice cabins available as well.

    Let's start with the RV sites: there are a bunch! This campground also hosts many seasonal campers who have sites situated around the perimeter of both sides of the campground (split by Route 2). Seasonal campers have some pretty sweet set-ups for sure. The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs.

    Tent sites are well spaced and almost all of them are in the shade which is a huge bonus! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and nice level spot to pitch your tent. Bath houses are conveniently located throughout the campground and are well maintained. 

    The two walk-in tent sites are very secluded and offer fire rings, picnic tables, a bear box and one of the two sites has a wooden tent platform. The second site's tent platform is currently being built (July 2020) and should be at the site and ready for use soon. These sites sit right on the beautiful Androscoggin River, offering a serene backdrop for your camping adventure.

    The campground is situated in-between two large tracts of the White Mountain National Forest. Great hiking is available at the campground as well as a short drive away. If hiking is a hobby of yours, look no further! This is a great location to base yourself out of to get some solid miles under your belt. There is a campground office that has a small store as well as laundry facilities. They also offer an AT Hiker Hostel. They also have a nice heated swimming pool, playground and many other amenities. When there isn't a global health pandemic, they have a bouncy house for the kids. They often show movies on the lawn when the weather cooperates. They also rent kayaks and you can launch from the campground or they will shuttle you some place near by.

    It really is a campground with a little bit of everything! Owned by locals of the community who have run the place for over 25 years.

  • 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

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Hastings Campground

    Wonderful Fall Location

    This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available. 

    There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want. 

    While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!

  • 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.


Guide to Randolph

Nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, Randolph offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility in nature.

Explore the Scenic Beauty of the White Mountains

  • Experience breathtaking views and serene surroundings at Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping, where platforms provide a perfect spot for your tent amidst the stunning landscape.
  • Enjoy the picturesque setting of Sawyer Pond, featuring tent sites right by the water, ideal for fishing and relaxing by the shore.
  • Discover the charm of Ethan Pond Shelter, where you can set up camp with beautiful pond views and access to hiking trails.

Activities for Every Adventurer

  • Hike the trails leading to Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter, a popular stop on the Appalachian Trail, perfect for both seasoned hikers and families.
  • Enjoy a peaceful night under the stars at Imp Shelter, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods after a day of hiking.
  • Take a short trek to Hermit Lake Shelters, an excellent base for exploring the nearby Tuckerman Ravine and enjoying stunning mountain views.

Tent Campers Appreciate These Amenities

  • Fourth Iron Campground offers well-maintained sites along the river, complete with picnic tables and fire rings for a comfortable camping experience.
  • At Nauman Tentsite, you'll find clean composting toilets and a reliable water source, making it a convenient choice for families and groups.
  • Valley Way Tentsite features raised dirt pads for tents, a bear box for food storage, and easy access to drinking water, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Randolph, NH is Nauman Tentsite with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 58 tent camping locations near Randolph, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.