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Tent Camping near Washington, NH

29 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Several tent campgrounds dot the rural landscape surrounding Washington, New Hampshire, offering a mix of established sites and backcountry options for tent campers. Tully Lake Recreation Area provides walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Cardigan Campsites offers more primitive tent camping options near Mount Cardigan. Both locations maintain vault toilets, though amenities vary significantly between different tent camping areas in the region.

    Most tent sites in the Washington area require campers to park in designated lots and walk to their camping locations, with distances ranging from 50 yards to nearly a mile at some locations. Sites typically feature basic dirt or gravel tent pads with minimal improvements. Toilets are available at established campgrounds like Tully Lake and Sunapee State Park, but many backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail have only basic privies. Several tent campgrounds enforce fire restrictions during dry periods, and campers should verify current regulations before arrival. Water sources can be seasonal and unreliable, particularly at primitive tent sites.

    The tent camping experience near Washington provides significant privacy compared to RV-focused campgrounds. Areas with walk-in tent sites often feature more secluded camping spots surrounded by forest. The Appalachian Trail shelters offer rustic backcountry tent camping options with varying terrain quality for pitching tents. Tent sites at Tully Lake offer waterfront access for swimming and paddling, with rental equipment available at some locations. A visitor commented, "We stayed at site 1, which was HUGE and extremely private. Sites closer to the water were less private, but still very peaceful and spread out." Backcountry tent campers should note that cell service is spotty to non-existent at most primitive tent sites in the region.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Washington (29)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Lost Boys Hideout

      3.7(3)17mi from Washington3 sitesTents

      from $49 - $149 / night

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      2. Sunapee State Park Campground

      Be the first to review10mi from Washington11 sitesTents

      from $29 - $40 / night

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      3. Sweetwater

      Be the first to review16mi from WashingtonTents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $75 - $175 / night

      4. Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      4.7(10)37mi from WashingtonTents

      "Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border."

      "Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them."

      from $40 / night

      5. Military Park New Boston Air Force Station New Boston Recreation Area

      5.0(1)29mi from WashingtonTents
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      6. Cardigan Campsites

      4.0(2)35mi from WashingtonTents
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      7. HQ Campground — Monadnock State Park

      Be the first to review23mi from Washington24 sitesTents

      from $35 - $140 / night

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      8. Maple Ridge Farm

      5.0(1)37mi from WashingtonTents

      "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot."

      from $25 - $30 / night

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      9. Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      4.0(1)37mi from WashingtonTents

      "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."

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      10. Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      4.0(1)38mi from WashingtonTents, Cabins

      "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."

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Washington, NH

    33 Photos of 29 Washington Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Washington, NH

    735 Reviews of 29 Washington Campgrounds

    • Nancy R.
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

      Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

      This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. 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. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

      The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

      The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

    • Sa R.
      Jul. 7, 2019

      Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

      Beautiful lake

      First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

    • 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.

    • Emma N.
      May. 24, 2018

      Greenfield State Park Campground

      Secluded Sites

      The 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!

    • D
      Jun. 1, 2018

      Pillsbury State Park Campground

      Love this campground been going back almost every year for several years.

      Pillsbury 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

    • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 1, 2023

      Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

      Large and friendly park with plenty of water activity opportunities

      My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.

      The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake.  The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake.  Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers.  There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

    • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 29, 2018

      Squam Lakes Association

      Boat in & Hike In Camping Along Squam Lake

      Simple, 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.

    • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 25, 2022

      Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      Standard AT back country shelter on the limited site of tent camping

      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.

      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.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 28, 2023

      Greenfield State Park Campground

      Loved it here

      We stayed here for a night in mid October, as they were getting ready to close for the season, so more than half of the campground was closed off. But the part that we did see was awesome. Each site was huge, separated from its neighbor, private, mostly flat, and beautiful. No hookups in the campground, and sites are hit or miss with tree coverage, some sites may have enough opening for solar or starlink, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

      There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that. There are water spigots throughout the campground and a dump station. Showers were free and nice and clean, and you can control the temperature and let the water run (no button to push). 

      The dump truck driver was there picking up garbage and I asked him about recycling and he said they have their own transfer station where the waste is sorted, so all recycling and garbage goes into the dumpster. 

      We paid $23 for a site because it was primitive season, but I think normally it’s $25. No other taxes or fees were charged. There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts, ice cream, fire starters, ice, etc. There’s also a little free library exchange behind the office. And to top it off, we had cell service here. Great stay, highly recommend! Beware of ticks!

    Guide to Washington

    Tent camping areas around Washington, New Hampshire range from primitive backcountry sites to more developed walk-in campgrounds. The region sits within the Monadnock Highlands, characterized by rolling forested terrain with elevations between 800-1,900 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions with frost possible from late September through May.

    What to do

    Lake activities: At Tully Lake Recreation Area, campers can explore numerous islands and coves by boat. "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. Boat rentals are available seasonally at the main office.

    Mountain hiking: The trails around Cardigan Campsites offer rocky summit climbs with 360-degree views. "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!" notes Madison G. Most trails are moderate to difficult with round trips averaging 3-4 miles.

    Waterfall exploration: Multiple cascades are accessible from camping areas within a 20-minute drive. Doane's Falls features five distinct drops along a quarter-mile pathway. Jean C. mentions, "The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area."

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Lost Boys Hideout offers secluded tent camping with significant buffer zones between sites. "Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" reports Steve K. Sites are typically separated by 30-50 yards of forest.

    Cart-in camping experience: Many campers appreciate the car-free environment at tent sites. Justin P. from Velvet Rocks Shelter notes, "The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area." Most established campgrounds provide wheel carts for transporting gear.

    Natural swimming areas: Rather than developed beaches, the best tent camping near Washington offers natural swimming spots along lake edges and in slow-moving rivers. "Sites on the island site, which was absolutely amazing. The views are to die for," reports one Tully Lake visitor about waterfront locations.

    What you should know

    Water availability varies: Seasonal drought affects many natural water sources. "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)," notes a reviewer from Velvet Rocks. Always carry extra water when visiting backcountry sites.

    Reservation timing: The most popular tent sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "The sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year)," explains a Tully Lake camper about securing sites.

    Bear precautions: Winturri Backcountry Shelter and other primitive sites may lack bear boxes. "There was no bear box onsite," reports Justin P. Food storage containers are required at most backcountry locations within 25 miles of Washington.

    Tips for camping with families

    Consider campground bathroom distances: When tent camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. One Tully Lake visitor mentions, "Our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night. Not our favorite place, but to be fair mostly based on our site."

    Look for camp-provided activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation. "Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance," notes a Tully Lake reviewer, providing options when children need organized activities.

    Select sites based on terrain: Maple Ridge Farm offers family-friendly flat tent sites. "Very lush campground, plenty of space and privacy between sites. They'll drive you in an ATV up to some of the sites that are further away from the parking lot," shares Les R., highlighting assistance with gear transport.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited developed sites: Traditional RV camping is scarce near Washington proper. Sunapee State Park Campground offers the closest electric hookups approximately 17 miles away. Most tent-focused areas like Tully Lake specifically prohibit RVs.

    Parking constraints: For truck campers or vans using tent sites, note parking limitations. "This is a 'Carry In' campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger," explains Nancy R. about Tully Lake's restrictions, which apply to many regional campgrounds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Washington, NH is Lost Boys Hideout with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Washington, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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