Tent campsites near Wonalancet, New Hampshire sit in the southeastern portion of White Mountain National Forest, with elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet throughout the camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during the day and drop to 45-60°F at night, making sleeping bags rated for 30°F essential even in summer months. Most primitive camping locations require proper food storage techniques due to the area's active black bear population.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Gibbs Falls via a 2.7-mile hike from the AMC Highland Center near Nauman Tentsite. "Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up. Tentsite is 0.8 from the summit of mount Pierce and 1.6 from mount Jackson summit, so great base camp location," notes Jen O.
Winter camping adventures: Experience snow camping at Ethan Pond Shelter during off-season months. Ryan M. describes, "Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground. Not sure if tent platforms still available. Shelter is in decent shape. Older but good. Super quiet. No human noise. We never saw any else. Had to blaze our own trail on Ethan pond trail."
Sunrise hikes: From tent camping locations near Mount Chocorua, early risers can reach summits for daybreak views. "I highly suggest a sunrise peak if you have the energy to get up early!" recommends Asher K. about the Guyot Shelter area.
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campsites offer direct water access like at Fourth Iron Campground. "Sites are situated just off the Sacco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river. The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day," reports Sarah C.
Night sky viewing: Without light pollution, stargazing opportunities abound at primitive sites. Erin H. from Sawyer Pond shares, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
Multiple tent platform options: Many backcountry locations offer elevated camping surfaces. "There are several tent platforms (2 larger ones for groups and a few smaller ones for smaller parties) as well as the shelter itself," Sarah C. notes about Ethan Pond Shelter.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Several campgrounds provide storage solutions. "Rangers keep track so make sure you pay! Great river access, and sturdy bear boxes. Lovely spot. Good access to hikes," explains Mike M. about Fourth Iron Campground.
Water treatment necessary: Stream access requires proper filtration equipment. Hunter P. explains about Sawyer Pond: "The camping area had 6 sites, 2 toilets, and 1 lean-to. There is a platform to pitch a tent (or 2) on and a fire pit with a grill attachment at each campsite. The sites are pretty close to one another but I was alone so I had privacy. The lake is just steps away from the camping sites."
Seasonal road closures: Check access conditions before departure. Jean C. advises, "We approached it from the Kancamagus side, which necessitates a crossing of the Swift River early in the hike and may be dangerous if the river is high. The easier access is from the Sawyer River Rd, though until the road opens after mud season, it will be a longer hike."
Weekend crowding: Popular tent camping locations fill quickly. Sarah C. warns about Guyot Shelter, "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location(beyond the posted Forest Protection Area). We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Several locations offer manageable hiking distances for children. J.W. notes that Nauman Tentsite "is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms, in the white mountains. It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow."
Water play opportunities: Streams and ponds provide natural recreation. Jake C. describes Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites: "There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area. 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."
Educational opportunities: Wildlife observation chances abound. Sarah C. explains about Rogers Ledge: "We parked at the Berlin Fish Hatchery and walked in via the Milbrook Trail. A gradual climb from the trail head to the campsite through a few boggy areas before climbing into the boreal forest for a bit. Prime moose habitat!"
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most tent sites require separate parking and walking to campsites. Ryan M. notes about Fourth Iron Campground: "You'll need to carry in everything, as parking is on the main road, but this also helps keep away the fair weather campers. Can be very secluded in winter months, sometimes you're the only person there."
Alternative lodging: When tent sites are full, consider nearby options. Justin P. from Paugus Brook Farm mentions, "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."
Day-use coordination: Some RV travelers use tent sites for extended day activities. Daniel S. shares about Fourth Iron: "There is a small parking lot with a sign but other than that its pretty easy to miss. There is a pit toilet so i guess there must be some maintenance? Either way there are maybe 8-10 sites with fire rings."
