30 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and national forest lands surrounding Sunapee, New Hampshire provide diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Sunapee State Park Campground, located at 86 Beach Access Road in Newbury, offers tent-only camping from May 26 to October 8 with walk-in tent sites available. Cardigan Campsites in Alexandria, approximately 25 miles north of Sunapee, provides primitive tent camping with basic amenities. For backcountry tent camping experiences, several Appalachian Trail shelters including Velvet Rocks and Moose Mountain offer hike-in tent sites within a 30-mile radius of Sunapee.
Tent campsites in the Sunapee region vary significantly in surface conditions and amenities. Most walk-in tent sites feature natural dirt or forest duff surfaces with minimal grading. Backcountry tent camping areas along the Appalachian Trail typically include basic privies but unreliable water sources, as noted in multiple visitor reports of dry springs during summer months. Campers should bring water filters or carry sufficient water supplies. Fire regulations vary by location, with established campgrounds providing fire rings while some backcountry areas restrict fires during dry periods. Tent platforms are available at select locations, including Baker Rocks where large wooden platforms accommodate multiple tents.
In early summer, tent campers find more solitude at backcountry sites while established campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. According to reviews, tent sites at Baker Rocks "felt very secluded" despite being within a developed campground. The tent camping areas around AT shelters offer varying experiences, with one visitor noting that Moose Mountain shelter had "a host of large, flat tent sites" surrounding the main structure. Squam Lakes Association maintains boat-in and hike-in tent sites that one camper described as "simple but gorgeous," with tent platforms and fire rings included in the camping fee. Water access varies significantly between locations, with many backcountry tent sites requiring campers to locate seasonal springs or carry water from distant sources.
from $29 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $49 - $149 / night
Check Availability"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 site that is hike-in only on the Appalachian Trail. There can be seasonal water sources but water is not guaranteed."
from $45 / night
"Note this is a back country campsite that is 100% hike in, with no guaranteed water. I tent camped here in August while doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. "
"Note this is a back country shelter along the AT in New Hampshire so it is entirely hike in."
"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."
from $60 - $325 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $85 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
TravelerPillsbury is called a 'primitive' campground which means no showers or electric hookups.
Most of the campsites are accessable by car with space to park a car or two at the campsite. Many campsites are on the lake. None are very far from the lake.
There are also a few 'remote' campsites that are not accessable by car. They are accessable by a sort walk or boat.
There is at least one handicap accessible site, which I have used, near the toilet facilities. It provides a good sized very level area to set up a tent and park your car. There may be other handicap sites. I have only used this one and never checked for others.
Note: Not all New Hampshire State Parks are dog friendly. If you have a dog check which parks are as part of your trip planning.
This web page says this about Pillsbury.
Pillsbury State Park is one of the more primitive and lesser known gems of the New Hampshire State Park system. Heavily wooded and sprinkled with several ponds and wetlands, its diversity of habitats makes it home to a great variety of wildlife, including moose and loons. Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Crossed by a network of hiking and mountain bike trails, the park is an important link in the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway, a 51-mile hiking trail that connects Mount Monadnock with Mount Sunapee to the north.
Pillsbury State Park
100 Pillsbury State Park Rd
Washington, Nh 03280
Phone: 603-863-2860
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!
LegendSimple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.
We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.
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. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.
LegendNote 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.
I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont.
The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape.
The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022).
The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area.
There was no real view from the shelter. There was also a basic privvy available.
This was a decent shelter to stop at along the AT, but I would not consider it a weekend destination.
There was no bear box onsite.
Tent camping opportunities near Sunapee, New Hampshire extend beyond established campgrounds into White Mountain National Forest and private wilderness sites. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,900 feet with average summer temperatures between 75-85°F during days and 55-65°F at night. Winter camping requires cold-weather gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
Hike Mount Cardigan: Access trails from Cardigan Campsites for a moderate day hike with panoramic summit views. According to Madison G., 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!"
Fish Baker River: Baker Rocks campground provides direct river access for fishing. The river contains primarily small species during summer months. As one camper noted, "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."
Visit nearby wildlife areas: The Lost Boys Hideout serves as an excellent base for wildlife viewing in surrounding conservation lands. Recent upgrades noted by visitors include "new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"
Privacy between sites: Baker Rocks campground receives high marks for site separation. A recent visitor mentioned, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight."
Distinctive shelter options: The Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT features uncommon sleeping arrangements. One hiker described it as having "a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably... The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."
Viewing areas: Several campgrounds incorporate dedicated spaces for scenery appreciation. At Baker Rocks, "Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms appear in multiple reviews as standout features for tent campers. April W. specifically mentioned Baker Rocks has "beautiful property, wonderful hosts, clean and private" facilities.
Water availability: Unreliable water sources affect multiple backcountry sites, particularly during drought conditions. At Trapper John Backcountry Campground, one hiker reported, "There is a water source in the area but it did not have water when I visited (probably on account of the drought)."
Site surfaces: Tent platforms are common at several locations, offering flat, elevated camping surfaces. Baker Rocks sites include "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."
Wildlife precautions: Bear-resistant storage containers are inconsistently available. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, campers should note "There was no bear box onsite" according to recent visitors.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, while AT shelters operate on first-come availability. Cardigan Skyline Camps has only 2 designated sites and fills quickly during summer weekends.
Animal encounters: Select campgrounds offer supervised animal interactions. At Baker Rocks, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)."
Insect protection: Summertime camping requires preparation for insects. One visitor to Baker Rocks advised, "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected."
Weather variability: Weather patterns can change rapidly in the White Mountains region. Family campers reported successful trips despite challenging conditions: "Our family of 4 visited Baker Rocks during a very rainy week and still had an amazing time."
Site selection for groups: When camping with children, prioritize sites with level terrain. Winturri Backcountry Shelter offers "lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" that provide options for different family configurations.
Limited RV accommodations: The best tent camping near Sunapee, New Hampshire includes few developed RV sites. Most forest service and backcountry locations accommodate tents only.
Potential alternatives: For those requiring hookups, established campgrounds further from Sunapee offer more RV options. Camp hosts at Baker Rocks are noted as "very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay."
Tent-to-RV transitions: Many visitors combine tent and RV camping during extended stays. One reviewer at the Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter observed it had "a host of large, flat tent sites around the shelter" that could accommodate overflow sleeping arrangements from nearby RV areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sunapee, NH is Cardigan Campsites with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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