Best Tent Camping in New Hampshire

When you’re camping in New Hampshire you don’t have to choose between going on a hardcore hike or relaxing in your hammock on a quiet lakeshore. With hundreds of campsites across the state—and with mountains and lakes close to so many of them—you can easily access the best of both worlds. Lake Winnipesaukee is by far the largest and best-known body of freshwater in the Granite State, but New Hampshire is dotted with bodies of water of all sizes, from the swimming holes and rushing rivers of the mountains, to the ponds and lakes lined with classic cottages in the aptly named Lakes Region.

Fortunately for all of us, mountains are just as plentiful. While Mount Washington, in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, has the most name recognition in the state (and claims to have the worst weather in the world), it’s not even the only notable peak to bag in the Presidential Range. Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, Pierce, Eisenhower, and Jackson mountains can all be ticked off your list of New Hampshire’s 48 4,000-footers. And the White Mountains aren’t the only game in town either. Go camping at Monadnock State Park and do any number of hikes in the area, including the ever-popular Mount Monadnock, of course. Mount Monadnock’s isolated peak provides fantastic views and is one of the most frequently hiked mountains in the world.

Spend a quiet backcountry camping in New Hampshire night under a tarp, or bring beers and s’mores around the campfire at a popular state park campground like Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, or White Lake. Consider a weekend hut trip when camping in New Hampshire, with stays at one or more of the eight huts maintained by the Appalachian Mountain Club or parking your RV and basecamping at Lafayette Campground while you tackle some of New England’s best dayhikes, like the Tuckerman-Lion Head loop on Mount Washington or the Lincoln-Lafayette loop in Franconia Notch.

The biggest challenge to camping in New Hampshire? Not having enough time to enjoy everything the Granite State has to offer.

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. Baker Rocks

    2 Reviews
    Rumney, NH
    Website
    +1 (603) 481-0601

    $60 - $325 / night

    "I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins."

    "The campsites are private and spacious, the property is large and beautiful, close to the river. The owners are so kind and accommodating."

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Showing results 1-10 of 48 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in New Hampshire

1300 Reviews of 48 New Hampshire Campgrounds



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.