Tent camping opportunities near Randolph, New Hampshire range from primitive backcountry sites to minimalist dispersed campsites at elevations between 1,200 and 4,300 feet. Located in the northern White Mountains, this region experiences temperature swings of 30°F between day and night even in summer months. Water sources throughout the area typically require filtering, with natural springs available at higher elevations during non-drought periods.
What to do
Hike to Bond Cliff Trail: The strenuous trails to Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping reward with exceptional views from wooden platforms at 4,360 feet elevation. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," notes Hollie G., who appreciated the cold spring water and bear boxes at the communal cooking area.
Explore the Wild River Wilderness: The recently designated wilderness area contains Blue Brook Tent Site with several tent sites featuring cribbing. "There is a cool slab waterfall a short down hill walk from the campsite," writes Sarah C., who recommends a half-mile hike toward Rim Junction for views of the Basin Campground and Caribou Speckled Wilderness.
Summit Nearby Peaks: Several backcountry sites provide strategic base camps for Presidential Range summits. From Hermit Lake Shelters, campers are positioned for morning ascents. Roger F. notes it's "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."
What campers like
Privacy Between Sites: The best tent camping near Randolph offers seclusion even when sites are occupied. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Amanda B. appreciates that "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest" are "so far apart" that "it's easy to forget there are other people camping."
Bear Protection Systems: Multiple sites feature bear protection measures. At Hermit Lake Shelters, Sable W. discovered "there is also a bear locker near the tent platforms! When I called Pinkham Notch (twice), they weren't sure if there was a bear locker, so I hiked in a bear can, but there was in fact a locker."
Natural Water Features: Many sites offer cooling water access during summer months. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Jason R. notes a "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing." Similarly, Blue Brook Tent Site offers "a cool slab waterfall... We enjoyed hanging out and cooling off in the cold water."
What you should know
Limited Cell Reception: Coverage varies dramatically by site and carrier. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, Kevin C. experienced enough isolation that "we did not hear any other camping sounds at all. It was so quiet I could hear the sound of crow wings flapping as they flew by." Some sites offer partial service - Rhonda H. mentions Little Larry Road sites have limited reception: "Site 4 and 5 get some cell service."
Wildlife Encounters: Bear activity requires proper food storage. Sarah C. warns at Blue Brook Tent Site that "Bears are an issue so be sure to hang your food and toiletries" but notes "There is a perfect bear hang tree near the fire pit." Little Larry Road campers should "beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven."
Weather Variability: Sites at higher elevations experience significant conditions changes. At Hermit Lake Shelters, campers can access "potable water in summer, and there are FLUSHING toilets" according to Sable W., but facilities change seasonally. Blue Brook Tent Site has "several tent sites with cribbing, most of which appear to potentially flood in heavy rains so be thoughtful when selecting your site."
Tips for camping with families
Select Appropriate Difficulty: Some sites require challenging hikes with elevation gain. Valley Way Tentsite offers a manageable option for families with older children, though David S. cautions "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."
Consider Distance and Elevation: When camping with children, evaluate trail difficulty realistically. Jen O. rated Nauman Tentsite as family-friendly: "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up. Tentsite is 0.8 from the summit of mount Pierce and 1.6 from mount Jackson summit, so great base camp location."
Plan Entertainment Options: Sites with natural features keep children engaged. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail offers "a serene view of the lake" according to Laurel P., who noted minimal traffic disturbance with "only saw one biker and one truck full of local boys pass by in the last 16 hrs."
Tips from RVers
Road Conditions for Access: Most tent sites near Randolph have limited vehicle access. At Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed, Justin P. observed "a string of tent sites on either side of the road with some right up to the intersection with Cherry Mountain trail. A few were small and could just fit a tent and a car, where some offered more space."
Small Vehicle Requirements: Most dispersed camping requires appropriate vehicles. Kevin C. explains Cherry Mountain Road is "not a decent unpaved road and our campsite was only about 3 miles from the highway." Similarly, at Hogan Road Pulloff, Dominique F. notes "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough."
Site Selection Strategy: Arrive early to secure preferred spots. At Cherry Mountain Road, Aimee L. shares: "We stayed on site #5 because it was flat, sunny, grassy and had a little brook. Had some passing by traffic but each site is far apart from each other."
