Tent camping near Troy, New Hampshire offers access to the distinctive New England woodland terrain at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region sits within the Monadnock Highlands, characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and numerous small lakes and ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with higher humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler nights requiring warmer sleeping gear.
What to do
Paddling experiences: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on-site for water exploration. "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," shares Ben P.
Waterfall hiking: Within 1-3 miles of many campsites are accessible waterfall trails, especially near the Tully Lake area. "If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area," notes Nancy R.
Geocaching adventures: The Federated Women's Club State Forest area offers several geocaching opportunities along entrance roads and throughout the forest. "You may want to download offline maps before you head out here. If you're into geocaching, download those, too. There are several along the entrance rd and in the area," advises Jean C.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacious layout at certain campgrounds. "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," mentions Megan G. about Tully Lake.
Car-free camping atmosphere: At Barton Cove Campground, the vehicle-free environment creates a quieter experience. "The office was super helpful when I called to make reservations, making sure to ask questions about how big my tent was, what kind of privacy/view we wanted etc so they could help me find the perfect campsite," reports Brie B.
Swimming access: Many sites provide direct water access for cooling off during summer months. "Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent," notes Sa R. about camping at Tully Lake.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have limited to no cellular connectivity. "Cell phone coverage is faint to nonexistent on Verizon. You may want to download offline maps before you head out," warns Jean C. about Federated Women's Club State Forest.
Walk-in camping logistics: At Maple Ridge Farm, tent sites require walking from parking areas. "They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," explains Les R.
Bathroom accessibility: Bathroom facilities vary widely and may be distant from some campsites. "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," mentions Lauren A. about her Tully Lake experience.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year)," explains Kris M.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites strategically: Choose campsites closer to facilities when camping with young children. "Not good for people who want to take their kids somewhere easy, so it tends to be more quiet," observes Kris M. about remote sites at Tully Lake.
Plan for no-electronics time: Limited cell service at most campgrounds creates opportunities for unplugged family activities. "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.
Pack for temperature swings: Temperature fluctuations in the region can be significant, especially in spring and fall, requiring layered clothing for children. At Zoar Outdoor, families can combine camping with structured outdoor activities. "Staff was awesome, went out of their way to take care of our group from camping to rafting," notes Dominick V.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV accommodation: Most tent camping areas near Troy restrict or don't accommodate RVs, creating a more rustic experience. "The tent-only nature of these campgrounds creates a quieter, more immersive outdoor experience," notes one camper.
Supply preparation: With limited nearby services, stock essentials before arrival. "The camp's minimal store sells ice cream and a (very) few sundries, so come prepared," advises Miguel B. about facilities at Lost Boys Hideout.
Gate access considerations: Some campgrounds have complicated gate systems that can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Only real annoyance was dealing with set up and take down of the campsite - you check in at the office, grab a key to unlock the gate, drive to the campground, unlock gate, drive through gate, lock gate, unload your stuff," explains Brie B. about the process at Barton Cove.
