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Best Tent Camping near Union, NH

1,038 Reviews

Tent campgrounds in the region surrounding Union, New Hampshire range from established facilities to more primitive options. The area includes notable tent camping locations such as Squam Lakes Association with boat-in and hike-in tent sites, and Crown Point Campground where tent sites are available alongside other accommodations. Several campgrounds in southern Maine also offer tent camping options within driving distance of Union, including Huttopia Southern Maine which features walk-in tent sites.

Access to tent camping areas varies significantly across the region. Many sites require walking or hiking to reach the camping area, particularly at Squam Lakes Association where boat-in access is also an option. The facilities at most tent campgrounds are basic - composting toilets are common but amenities like showers or running water are limited. "Sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15," noted one camper about the Squam Lakes sites, highlighting the popularity of these natural settings. Fires are permitted at most tent camping locations, with many sites including fire rings. Campers should be prepared to pack in their own water at more remote locations or bring a water filter.

The tent camping experience in this region offers significant natural immersion compared to developed RV parks. Areas farther from developed towns provide deeper seclusion with fewer crowds and noise. Tent campers at Squam Lakes Association enjoy direct water access for paddling activities along with hiking opportunities. A visitor commented that the experience was "simple, but gorgeous" with spectacular hiking and water sports access in the surrounding White Mountain region. The tent sites at places like Sawyer Pond are free and offer a more rustic backcountry camping experience. Summer and early fall represent the primary tent camping season in the area, with most locations open from May through October, though weather conditions can vary significantly.

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Best Tent Sites Near Union, New Hampshire (27)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Union, NH

48 Photos of 27 Union Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Union, NH

1038 Reviews of 27 Union Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Big Rock

    WMNF rustic campground on the Kanc

    There are 2 Big Rock Campgrounds in NH and they are very different! This is not the resort campground convenient to ATV trails, but a rustic campground offering large, level, wooded sites along the Kancamagus Highway just 2 miles east of the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center. It's a great location for exploring the sites and beautiful vistas along the Kancamagus, easy access to Franconia Notch and Lincoln, NH. Lincoln also offers a grocery store, restaurants, stores selling outdoor gear, moose tours, and adventure tours (zip/climbing).

    Some of the sites are tent only, with parking separated from the tent pad/fire ring/picnic table. Others are large and level with ample space for RVs. You'll get some traffic noise, but there's less here than at places along 3 & 93.

    There are no reservations; all sites are first-come, first serve and it's open from mid-May to mid-October. Bring cash or a check to pay for your campsite. It's self-service with an iron ranger. Fee (2018) is $22, an extra $5 for a second car.

    Water is available. There are vault toilets and no showers. No cell phone service.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2024

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice place

    Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road

    Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk 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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 22, 2019

    Hancock Campground

    The White Mountains Stole My Heart!

    We had a last minute change of plans to our hiking trip due to a delay. We wouldn’t have the time to hike into our pre planned area before dark, so decided to set up shop here. This place was actually pretty great. Each site was pretty large and most of them had access to the river. Which had nice areas for swimming and wading. Each site had its own bear box and it was only a short hike down from the car. The park connected directly to some beautiful AT trails that we took advantage of the next day. It was also pretty cheap! $12 or $15 if I remember correctly. All self registration.

  • d
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Osceola Vista Campground

    great for group camping

    i 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.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2018

    Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    Nice base for exploring Crawford Notch

    This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a few) or longer excursions to Mt Washington and other peaks in the Whites & Presidentials. Story Land is an easy drive, too, if you have young children.

    Fees are a reasonable $25/night. Facilities include clean bathrooms with showers. In addition to the full-service, handicap accessible wash house, there are vault toilets around the loop. Cell service is poor to absent throughout Crawford Notch. If you need to connect, drive south toward Bartlett or North to Bretton Woods.

    Sites are spacious, level, and wooded, though some have no real demarcation between them. This can be good if you are with friends and reserve sites side by side (2 & 3; 12 & 13), Because most of the sites are on the outside of the loop or opposite sides of the road, you won't feel surrounded. There are no hookups. Site are back-in. A few of the drive-to sites include small lean-tos. In addition, there are a few sites that are more secluded, set back further in the woods and providing a tent platform as well as a fire ring and picnic table. The entire campground is close to the road, so you will hear traffic noise. Sites 27-31 are particularly close to the main road. Although sites 2-7 appear to be far from the river, it's still just a short walk. There's a formal trail to the river from the back of the loop, near 16B (lean-to). Reservations open 11 months in advance. Mid-Oct to Dec 1 sites are walk-in only. Pre-register online and bring your print-out with you to save yourself some time.

    There's no camp store, though they do have firewood for sale if you see someone. During the peak season, i expect the sites fill up in advance, but this early in the season there were sites available for Friday night when I checked in (though most only for 1 night; Saturday night was definitely harder to come by). If you haven't stocked up in advance, your best bet for groceries when coming from the south/east are Grant's Supermarket at the junction of 302 & 16 or your choice of major supermarkets in Conway.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Beach Camping Area

    Motorcycle camping

    Next to river and had a major flood this spring. I was tent camping on motorcycle and tent site are on dirt due to flood. Tent Site consists of picnic table. No water or sewer or electrical. $43 a night and bring quarters for shower. Clean restrooms and showers but I feel way over priced for what was offered. Should have looked for alternate.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Baker Rocks

    Great location and amazing facilities

    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. 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.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Paugus Brook Farm

    Great field camping at a great location

    I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River.

    The location is a great place to either explore the immediate area (Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake) or head further north to Conway and North Conway).

    The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area.

    The outhouse is brand new and super clean and right nearby, though there are no picnic tables and fires aren’t permitted due to area fire restrictions.

    Communication with the host was fast and helpful.

Guide to Union

Tent camping near Union, New Hampshire offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or a peaceful retreat, there are several options to explore.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • The Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground features multiple pools, a water slide, and mini-golf, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
  • At Huttopia Southern Maine, families can enjoy a well-maintained environment with activities designed for all ages, ensuring a memorable camping experience.
  • Camp Penacook Shelter is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, as it serves as a great stopping point on the way to the peak of Mt. Chocorua, offering stunning views and a cozy shelter.

Pricing for Tent Camping

  • Tent camping at Paugus Brook Farm is reasonably priced, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a great location.
  • Rates at Squam Lakes Association vary, but the experience of secluded camping near beautiful trails and water sports is well worth the investment.
  • The Viewland Campground offers a unique camping experience, although it may not be the best fit for everyone due to its permanent camper community.

Unique Features and Amenities

  • Adventurers Campground provides a range of amenities, including electric hookups and easy access for larger rigs, making it a convenient choice for tent campers.
  • At Crown Point Campground, you can enjoy features like picnic tables and firewood, enhancing your outdoor experience.
  • The Stagecoach Falls campground is big rig friendly and offers water hookups, making it a comfortable spot for those who want to enjoy tent camping without sacrificing convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Union, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Union, NH is Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Union, NH?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Union, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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