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Best Tent Camping near West Ossipee, NH

1,289 Reviews

Tent campsites in the White Mountain National Forest near West Ossipee, New Hampshire range from established sites with platforms to primitive backcountry locations. Paugus Brook Farm offers walk-in tent camping with five sites set in a field with level ground, providing a central location for exploring Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake. Fourth Iron Campground features riverside tent camping with eight sites accessible via a quarter-mile walk from the parking area, offering direct access to the Saco River.

Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or forest duff with minimal grading. Most walk-in tent areas have composting toilets or vault privies, though campers should bring toilet paper as supplies aren't guaranteed. Bear boxes are provided at many tent locations including Fourth Iron and Guyot Shelter, but some areas require proper food hanging techniques. Water sources vary widely – Fourth Iron sits alongside the Saco River requiring filtration, while Paugus Brook Farm has no on-site water source. Seasonal restrictions apply, with many tent campgrounds closing during winter months. Campfires are permitted at some locations but prohibited at others due to regional fire restrictions.

Areas farther from established campgrounds offer deeper seclusion for backcountry tent camping. The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine with multiple access points for primitive tent camping. Rogers Ledge provides free tent sites accessible via a 3.5 to 5-mile hike depending on the trailhead, with water available from a small stream 0.1 miles from the campsite. Sawyer Pond offers an accessible introduction to backcountry tent camping with six established sites on platforms large enough for two freestanding tents. According to one visitor, "Sawyer Pond is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids, with a 1.5-mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302."

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Detours Nearby

Tamworth Camping Area

Tamworth Camping Area

3 min away

Riverbend Family Campground

Riverbend Family Campground

7 min away

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Best Tent Sites Near West Ossipee, New Hampshire (49)

    1. Paugus Brook Farm

    1 Review
    Wonalancet, NH
    7 miles
    +1 (603) 852-2318

    $25 - $45 / night

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

    2. Camp Penacook Shelter

    1 Review
    Albany, NH
    10 miles
    Website

    "As you head up the Piper Trail, as you're nearing the 3 mile mark, it starts to get steep and mostly stone steps. Luckily, right as you begin to tire, the branch for the Spur Trail appears!"

    3. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    19 miles
    Website

    "You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway)."

    "Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago."

    4. Fourth Iron Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    20 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "This year-round campground is a short walk from the road and situated along the river, providing nice swimming/wading when the weather is right."

    "The campsites, of which there are 8 of, are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area."

    5. Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    18 miles
    Website

    "There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area."

    6. Squam Lakes Association

    2 Reviews
    Center Harbor, NH
    17 miles
    Website

    $50 - $110 / night

    "The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only."

    "We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic. Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene."

    7. Swans Falls Campground

    2 Reviews
    Fryeburg, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 935-3395

    "Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them. Some sites are right on top of the Fryeberg fairgrounds, was glad we didn’t have those."

    "It's in a nice, open pine forest and there is a beautiful walking trail by the Saco River. I biked in so no idea about other utilities."

    8. Stagecoach Falls

    Be the first to review!
    Tamworth, NH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 992-6606

    $65 - $129 / night

    9. Rogers Ledge

    1 Review
    Waterville Valley, NH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "You can access this tensite from a number of trail heads in northern New Hampshire (Milbrook Trail, Unknown Pond, etc.) for a 3.5 to 5 mile hike in depending on the direction you come."

    10. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    29 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."

    "Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near West Ossipee, NH

62 Photos of 49 West Ossipee Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Ossipee, NH

1289 Reviews of 49 West Ossipee Campgrounds

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    White Birches Camping Park

    A little something for everyone

    This Camping Park has something for just about everyone. Whether you have an RV (small, medium or large), tent, are looking for a cabin or want a little more of a wilderness feel, this place has something to offer. 

    While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin River. Additionally, the campground has several nice cabins available as well.

    Let's start with the RV sites: there are a bunch! This campground also hosts many seasonal campers who have sites situated around the perimeter of both sides of the campground (split by Route 2). Seasonal campers have some pretty sweet set-ups for sure. The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs.

    Tent sites are well spaced and almost all of them are in the shade which is a huge bonus! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and nice level spot to pitch your tent. Bath houses are conveniently located throughout the campground and are well maintained. 

    The two walk-in tent sites are very secluded and offer fire rings, picnic tables, a bear box and one of the two sites has a wooden tent platform. The second site's tent platform is currently being built (July 2020) and should be at the site and ready for use soon. These sites sit right on the beautiful Androscoggin River, offering a serene backdrop for your camping adventure.

    The campground is situated in-between two large tracts of the White Mountain National Forest. Great hiking is available at the campground as well as a short drive away. If hiking is a hobby of yours, look no further! This is a great location to base yourself out of to get some solid miles under your belt. There is a campground office that has a small store as well as laundry facilities. They also offer an AT Hiker Hostel. They also have a nice heated swimming pool, playground and many other amenities. When there isn't a global health pandemic, they have a bouncy house for the kids. They often show movies on the lawn when the weather cooperates. They also rent kayaks and you can launch from the campground or they will shuttle you some place near by.

    It really is a campground with a little bit of everything! Owned by locals of the community who have run the place for over 25 years.

  • Kathy S.
    Oct. 1, 2022

    Pastures Campground The

    Riverside

    Adorable 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.

  • 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.

  • Natali S.
    Nov. 23, 2023

    Private Field and Woods Camping

    The best holiday for the whole family

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is a true paradise for lovers of nature and secluded recreation. After spending several days here, I was delighted with the beauty of nature and the comfort that this unique camp offers. The first thing that catches your eye is the amazing landscape.

    Situated deep in the forests, the camp is surrounded by spacious fields and wild nature. Sunrises and sunsets at this place are a real miracle that makes you forget about the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the moment. The camp itself provides unique opportunities for close contact with nature.

    The opportunity to locate your tent camp in a private field surrounded by forest creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and privacy. The absence of city noise and light pollution allows you to enjoy the silence and sounds of nature. The camp infrastructure also deserves the highest praise. Ecologically built showers and toilets provide everything you need for a comfortable stay away from civilization. Fire pits and cooking areas allow you to enjoy delicious meals cooked outdoors.

    Private Field and Woods Camping in New Hampshire is the perfect place for those who want a real getaway in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. I left this place with a feeling of complete relaxation and deep gratitude to the team who created this unique corner of nature.

  • J
    Sep. 4, 2022

    Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    Beautiful spot, but noisy

    My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream. There was a microburst over the campground the night I was there but the water drained down into the stream so I was not sleeping in a puddle. My site was in the row closest to the road where there was truck noise for much of the night. I recommend getting a site as far away from the road as possible.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2017

    Dolly Copp Campground

    Just on the edge of town

    This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel. While this is a relatively large campground, a significant portion of it is under construction currently (Summer 2017).

    There are several loops of sites here but each site is spacious and wooded, with lot's of shade. There are flush toilets (no showers) and water spigots throughout the campground. Some sites do experience a bit of foot traffic if they are on the way to one of the restrooms.

    There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction.

    Sites have very clean fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of space for pitching a tent or two. There are several sites here that cater more to RVs but many of the sites are very tent friendly (soft, non-gravel real estate). Sites are $22/night and $5 for each additional vehicle.

    This is a popular spot with lot's of amazing hiking in the vicinity so reserve early!

  • 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

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Hastings Campground

    Wonderful Fall Location

    This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available. 

    There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want. 

    While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!

Guide to West Ossipee

West Ossipee sits at the edge of New Hampshire's White Mountains with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet and a climate featuring warm summers and snowy winters. Campers can access both mountainous terrain and river valleys within short distances. Dispersed camping spots near West Ossipee have variable availability depending on season, with most sites filling quickly on summer weekends.

What to do

Riverside activities: Swans Falls Campground offers easy river access with a small beach and canoe launch point. "On weekends there's a huge line up of people putting in to float down the river, which is busy and noisy. It calms down by afternoon," notes camper K.R.

Hiking to mountain views: Try the trails near Rogers Ledge for backcountry exploration. "You can access this tentsite from a number of trail heads in northern New Hampshire for a 3.5 to 5 mile hike in depending on the direction you come," says Sarah C. The summit offers clear views of the Presidential Range on good weather days.

Winter camping experiences: Fourth Iron Campground remains open year-round for cold weather enthusiasts. "Fourth Iron used to be a pay campsite run by the state of New Hampshire... We typically go at least once in the summer and once in the dead of winter," explains Daniel S., highlighting the site's appeal across seasons.

What campers like

Secluded waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the peaceful setting at Squam Lakes Association sites. "Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only," reports Shari G., noting they "fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15."

Tent platforms with views: Many tent campsites near West Ossipee feature elevated platforms. At Guyot Shelter, "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," shares Hollie G., adding there are "some overflow sites that are more private."

Clear night skies: Stargazing opportunities abound at many sites. At Sawyer Pond, Erin H. recalls, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING... I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most sites have basic amenities only. At Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites, "There is no running water, only a porta potty but it was great for a place to stay the night while exploring the white mountains," says Jake C.

Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location and season. At Paugus Brook Farm, "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," reports Justin P.

Advance planning needed: Popular sites fill quickly. For Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. advises, "I visited this campsite on a Sunday night in September with my dog and it was lovely. I passed a few day hikers but was the only person camping, however I did speak to a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before (Saturday night)."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Ossipee, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Ossipee, NH is Paugus Brook Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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