Tent campsites near Rindge, New Hampshire primarily sit in the Monadnock Highlands region with elevations ranging from 950 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer nighttime temperatures often dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Most camping options within 25 miles of Rindge operate seasonally from late May through early October due to New England's harsh winters.
What to do
Paddling and exploration: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, visitors can paddle the scenic reservoir with its numerous islands. "We take our canoe and spend the whole day at the lake. You can find lots of private areas to swim, pick blueberries and relax," notes camper Ben P. Canoe and kayak rentals are available directly at the campground.
Hiking nearby waterfalls: Located 0.5 miles from Tully Lake campground, Doane's Falls offers family-friendly hiking through a series of five cascading waterfalls. "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area," remarks Jean C. The trail follows a gentle grade suitable for most ability levels.
Volleyball and lawn games: Recreational facilities at Tully Lake include volleyball courts and horseshoe pits near the entrance. The large field area near the group camping section provides space for group activities. Social games typically happen on weekend evenings during peak summer season.
What campers like
Island camping: Lost Boys Hideout offers secluded camping with "nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided," according to camper Steve K. The site setup eliminates the need to bring your own tent.
Car-free environment: The walk-in nature of many local campgrounds creates a quieter atmosphere. At Tully Lake, "No cars at all at the campsites, which was great for peace of mind as our toddler roamed around. It also made for a super quiet stay," shares Megan G. Most sites require a walk between 50 yards and a mile from parking areas.
Private camping spots: Site selection at camping areas near Rindge often determines privacy levels. "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water that we saw were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out," notes a Tully Lake camper. Reserving early for corner or perimeter sites typically provides more seclusion.
What you should know
Cart logistics: Barton Cove Campground requires campers to transport gear from parking to sites. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite... It's a bit of a hassle but worth it," explains Brie B. Most sites use a transport cart system with varying distances from parking.
Limited facilities at rustic sites: Many tent areas offer minimal amenities. "Rustic camping only - sites have tent platforms, grill, fire pit and picnic tables. Porta potties and latrines were very clean. There is 1 or 2 places to grab water so make sure to bring refillable containers," notes another Barton Cove camper.
Bug preparation: Summer camping near water bodies requires insect protection. "Buggy in June so bring your repellent," warns a Tully Lake visitor. Black flies are typically worst from mid-May through June, while mosquitoes remain present throughout the summer months, especially near water.
Tips for camping with families
Consider site distance from bathrooms: When camping with small children, bathroom proximity matters. At Federated Women's Club State Forest, "There is a composting toilet located near the group site in the field," notes Jean C., but most sites require a walk to facilities. For younger children, sites closer to central facilities reduce nighttime bathroom challenges.
Evaluate swimming options: Not all campgrounds permit swimming from all locations. "You can't swim (unless you rent a canoe/kayak and swim while you're out on the water) and sites are fenced in due to how steep it is to the water," explains Brie B. about Barton Cove. Check specific site rules about water access before booking.
Pack minimal gear for walk-in sites: Transport limitations impact family camping preparations. "Keeping gear to a minimum is a good idea," advises Miguel B. about Tully Lake, noting "though they provide carts the trails can make hauling them tough." Families should pack strategically for walk-in sites or select closer camping options.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping areas near Rindge prioritize tent camping with few RV accommodations. Maple Ridge Farm offers transport assistance: "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," explains Les R., which helps with gear transport but indicates limited vehicle access.
Seasonal considerations: Late fall and early spring camping may present weather challenges. Cell coverage is often limited at many sites - "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out," advises Jean C. Download important information before arrival as many areas have minimal connectivity.
