Tent camping near Silver Lake, New Hampshire ranges from easily accessible walk-in sites to more secluded backcountry experiences that require hiking between 1.5 to 4.5 miles. The White Mountain region surrounding Silver Lake sits at elevations between 500-1,000 feet, with nearby peaks reaching over 3,000 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making summer and fall the most popular camping seasons when temperatures range from 45-80°F.
What to do
Hiking to backcountry shelters: Camp Penacook Shelter serves as a strategic basecamp for Mount Chocorua ascents. "The Camp Penacook Shelter is a nice stopping point on a moderately difficult hike up to the peak of Mt. Chocorua. As you head up the Piper Trail, as you're nearing the 3 mile mark, it starts to get steep and mostly stone steps," explains one hiker.
Winter snowshoeing: Fourth Iron Campground remains accessible year-round for adventurous winter campers. One camper reports, "We typically go at least once in the summer and once in the dead of winter. Always the foot ball game before the super ball." The campground offers a completely different experience in winter compared to summer months.
Swimming in the Saco River: Natural swimming holes provide cooling relief during summer months. At Fourth Iron Campground, the riverside location creates perfect conditions for water activities. A visitor notes, "The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day."
What campers like
Stargazing opportunities: Sawyer Pond offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. A camper enthusiastically shared, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
Varied tent platform options: Many sites feature elevated wooden platforms that keep tents dry and minimize environmental impact. At Sawyer Pond, "Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style."
Wildlife observation: The region hosts diverse wildlife including moose, bears, and various bird species. Rogers Ledge campsite provides prime wildlife viewing opportunities. A visitor noted the area offers "a gradual climb from the trail head to the campsite through a few boggy areas before climbing into the boreal forest for a bit. Prime moose habitat!"
What you should know
Limited firewood availability: Many sites require campers to forage for dead and downed wood. At Sawyer Pond, one camper warned, "There was very little available firewood near the campsites."
Bear safety requirements: Food storage methods vary between sites. Some locations provide bear boxes while others require hanging food. At Guyot Shelter, there are "x3 bear boxes" available near the eating area according to a visitor.
Seasonal water access: Water sources may change significantly between seasons. A Rogers Ledge camper advises, "There is a nice water source .1 miles from the campsite has an easily accessible flow. So no need to hike in with a ton of water."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have no cellular coverage. One Sawyer Pond visitor cautioned, "The trail head is located at the end of a 9 mile road and there are several spots for parking- note: there is no cell service once you get on this road."
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter hiking routes: For families with young children, select sites with easier access. Paugus Brook Farm offers "a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area," making it ideal for families with kids.
Start with beginner-friendly backpacking: Sawyer Pond presents an excellent introduction to backpacking for children. A visitor recommends, "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond."
Arrive early on weekends: Popular family sites fill quickly during peak season. One experienced camper advises, "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location(beyond the posted Forest Protection Area)."
Pack extra toilet paper: While some sites have toilets, supplies aren't guaranteed. At Camp Penacook Shelter, a hiker recommends, "And bring your own TP."
Tips from RVers
Consider tent-only alternatives: Most dispersed camping in the Silver Lake region accommodates tents only. RVers looking for natural settings should consider Swans Falls Campground which offers "nice large sites" that can accommodate multiple tents and vehicles in a wooded setting while providing more amenities than dispersed options.
Day-use options for RVers: Some campgrounds permit day use for river access. At Swans Falls, "this campground allows day use and kayak/canoe launching. On weekends there's a huge line up of people putting in to float down the river, which is busy and noisy. It calms down by afternoon."
