Tent camping near Windham, New Hampshire offers access to several wooded sites within 40 miles of town. The region sits in the Merrimack Valley watershed with elevations ranging from 200-400 feet, creating terrain with moderate hills and small water bodies. Summer nights typically drop to 55-65°F even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, making campfires practical year-round at sites that permit them.
What to do
Water recreation at Tully Lake: Located about 60 miles west of Windham in Royalston, MA, Tully Lake Recreation Area offers multiple water-based activities. "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," notes camper Ben P. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site for exploring the lake.
Urban island exploration: For a unique camping experience, Boston Harbor Islands State Park provides tent camping on several islands with ferry access. "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," shares Martha H. Campground is approximately 65 miles from Windham.
Environmental education programs: Families can participate in nature-focused activities at Camp Nihan Education Center in Saugus, MA. The camp is "adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," according to Michael V. The camp is about 35 miles from Windham.
What campers like
Remote walk-in sites: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere created by car-free camping at Tully Lake. "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," notes Megan G. The campground provides wooden carts to transport gear from parking areas to sites.
Private, wooded tent spaces: Lost Boys Hideout offers secluded tent sites about 30 miles northwest of Windham. Recent improvements include "nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!" according to Steve K.
Waterfront access: Several campgrounds feature direct water access from sites. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "we had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," writes Cristina P. The campground offers waterfront tent sites where campers can swim directly from their campsite.
What you should know
Advance reservations essential: Popular tent campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Tully Lake, one camper advises that "the sites fill up weeks out (and can completely fill the day registration opens, which is date-dependent each year...Booking for Memorial Day meant I booked in April), so you have to be on your game."
Varying bathroom facilities: Bathroom access differs significantly between campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, "showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change," notes Ben E. Other sites like New Boston Recreation Area have no toilet facilities, requiring campers to pack out waste.
Pack-in requirements: Many tent sites near Windham require carrying gear from parking areas. At Boston Harbor Islands, one camper advises to "pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites based on bathroom proximity: For families with young children, bathroom access matters. At Tully Lake, "our site was fairly far from services, long run with small kids in the middle of the night," notes Lauren A. Consider requesting sites closer to facilities when camping with children.
Choose campgrounds with dedicated kids' activities: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers extensive recreational options about 50 miles northeast of Windham. "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!" reports Samantha N.
Consider equipment rental options: Some campgrounds provide equipment that makes family camping easier. At Huttopia Southern Maine, grounds are "manicured and aimed to be family friendly," according to A.C. This reduces the gear families need to transport for tent camping near Windham.
Tips from RVers
Research tent-only versus mixed campgrounds: Many tent campers near Windham prefer tent-only areas for quieter experiences. At Cape Ann, "the RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," notes Della S., making tent-specific areas preferable for those seeking seclusion.
Water and electric access varies widely: While most tent sites lack hookups, some campgrounds offer limited amenities. One camper at Cape Ann noted they "paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," showing the price premium for sites with even basic utilities near the Windham area.
