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Best Tent Camping in New Hampshire

1,328 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent camping in New Hampshire offers numerous remote, backcountry options within the White Mountain National Forest and surrounding wilderness areas. Guyot Shelter provides dispersed camping with both tent platforms and a shelter structure along hiking routes, while Sawyer Pond offers primitive tent sites accessible via a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead off Highway 302. Several highly-rated backcountry tent sites can be found along sections of the Appalachian Trail that passes through the state.

Most primitive tent sites in New Hampshire feature wooden platforms rather than dirt pads, particularly in alpine and high-use areas to minimize environmental impact. The tent sites at Ethan Pond Shelter include access to drinking water but prohibit campfires to protect the fragile ecosystem. Backcountry tent camping typically requires proper food storage due to bear activity, with some sites like Guyot Shelter offering bear boxes or cables for hanging food. According to one visitor, "Be advised, mice and perhaps other rodents WILL get your food in the box provided so store your food appropriately." Many backcountry tent sites have composting toilets but no trash collection, requiring campers to pack out all waste.

Walk-in tent sites generally fill quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods. A camper noted that despite Sawyer Pond's remote location, "it can also attract weekend partiers" due to its relatively easy access. Tent campers should arrive early to secure limited sites at popular destinations like Nauman Tentsite, which maintains a perfect 5-star rating among hikers. Sites along Cherry Mountain Road provide drive-in access to primitive tent camping with some spots offering more privacy set back from the road. The dispersed tent camping areas near the White Mountains feature varying levels of solitude, with many requiring substantial hiking effort to access, creating natural crowd control. Fall brings spectacular foliage views from many tent sites along with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

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Best Tent Sites in New Hampshire (48)

    1. Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    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."

    2. Sawyer Pond

    7 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    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)."

    "The trail head is located at the end of a 9 mile road and there are several spots for parking- note: there is no cell service once you get on this road."

    3. Fourth Iron Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    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."

    "Fourth Iron used to be a pay campsite run by the state of the new hampshire. But after a serious winter with lots of snow, flooding and storms in the spring the site was shut down."

    4. Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park

    6 Reviews
    Errol, NH
    +1 (603) 482-7795

    $40 / night

    "There are several local operations that spend time on this lake (and many others in the area) so be advised that there may very well be large groups of teenagers out and about."

    "The remote campsites have pit toilets in an outhouse, fire pits with heavy gril and picknick table w extension for camp stove. There are tent platforms."

    5. Nauman Tentsite

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up."

    "This 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."

    6. Ethan Pond Shelter

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Great place to set up camp either as a thru hiker or if you're passing through for a weekend in the Whites. About 3mi from the 302, and from there you're 5mi from the AMC Highland Center."

    "Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected. 3 mile hike in from Ripley Falls parking lot, a nice spur trail to a water fall to explore on the hike up or"

    7. Cardigan Campsites

    4 Reviews
    Orange, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2727

    8. Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    "Just past the boulders is a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire. We were able to collect sunlight onto our solar panel from the site."

    9. Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    3 Reviews
    Deerfield, NH
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Water is pump-able at the intersection to the tent-sites. A outhouse is located near the shelter and platforms. A cooking area is provided."

    "Big group size platform as well smaller platform, cooking and dining area, pivy, Joe boxes for bear protection and pivy plus ice cold spring water and sunrise view point"

    10. Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    Website

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

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Recent Tent Camping Photos in New Hampshire

79 Photos of 48 New Hampshire Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in New Hampshire

1328 Reviews of 48 New Hampshire Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
    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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.

Guide to New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a fantastic array of tent camping options, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With beautiful landscapes and well-maintained facilities, campers can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out these unique spots

  • The Squam Lakes Association provides a serene environment with beautiful trails and kayaking opportunities, ideal for those seeking tranquility.
  • For a more rugged experience, the Wild River Wilderness Area allows for backcountry camping with the freedom to explore various trails and natural features.
  • The Liberty Springs Tentsite serves as a great base for hiking the Franconia Ridge, featuring platforms for tents and a nearby water spring.

Some prices for tent camping range from $15 to $25

  • The Adventurers Campground offers tent sites starting at $25, providing a convenient location for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • At the Greenfield State Park Campground, tent camping is available for around $23 during the primitive season, making it an affordable option.
  • The Fourth Iron Campground has a fee of $15 per night, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent-only campgrounds in New Hampshire?

Yes, New Hampshire features several tent-only camping options. The Appalachian Trail corridor hosts numerous tent-specific sites like Guyot Shelter - Dispersed Camping, which offers tent platforms with amazing views, an outhouse, pump-able water, and bear boxes. It's perfect for Pemi Loop hikers. Valley Way Tentsite provides six level dirt pads accessible via a challenging 3+ mile hike with 2,800 feet of elevation gain. Many backcountry shelters throughout the White Mountains cater exclusively to tent campers and backpackers. These areas typically have tent platforms or designated tent sites, basic toilet facilities, and sometimes water sources. Most tent-only sites require hiking in and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

What is the typical cost for tent camping in New Hampshire?

Tent camping costs in New Hampshire vary widely based on amenities and location. Public campgrounds like Fourth Iron Campground charge around $15 per night with basic amenities including recycling toilets. Private campgrounds offer more facilities at higher prices. Baker Rocks provides tent platforms along with amenities like picnic tables and fire rings for a premium camping experience. Backcountry camping along the Appalachian Trail may require a small fee during peak season when caretakers are present. Dispersed camping in national forests is often free but requires following strict regulations. Most developed campgrounds range from $15-35 per night for tent sites, while private campgrounds with more amenities may charge $25-50 per night. Many campgrounds offer discounts for longer stays.

Where are the best tent camping sites in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers exceptional tent camping experiences across varied landscapes. Wild River Wilderness Area spans both New Hampshire and Maine with multiple access points, providing scenic backcountry camping opportunities in the White Mountain National Forest. For waterfront camping, Squam Lakes Association maintains gorgeous sites around Squam Lake, some accessible only by hiking or boating, with tent platforms and fire rings. Many excellent tent sites can be found along the Appalachian Trail, particularly for hikers seeking remote experiences. Locations near mountains like Mount Chocorua offer stunning views and access to hiking trails. The best sites combine natural beauty, access to recreation, and essential amenities like water sources and proper waste facilities.

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