30 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
from $49 - $149 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $29 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $175 / night
"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
from $35 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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
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."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
ScoutWe rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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 30 tent camping locations near Washington, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
