Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Discover the best tent campgrounds across New Hampshire. Get back to basics with traditional tent camping. From established sites with amenities to secluded wilderness spots.

20+ Campgrounds4.6★ AverageBest: May-September (peak season)

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About Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Tent camping in New Hampshire offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in some of the Northeast's most dramatic mountain landscapes, pristine wilderness areas, and crystal-clear waterways. From the towering peaks of the White Mountains to the remote backcountry of the Great North Woods, the Granite State provides tent campers with diverse terrain ranging from developed state park campgrounds with modern amenities to primitive riverside sites accessible only by hiking or paddling.

Best Time

The prime tent camping season in New Hampshire runs from late May through mid-October, with peak conditions occurring during the summer months of July and August when temperatures are warmest and all facilities are fully operational. However, experienced tent campers often prefer the shoulder seasons of late May through June and September through early October, when campgrounds are less crowded, bugs are minimal, and fall foliage creates spectacular scenery.

What Makes It Great

  • Designated tent pads and flat ground
  • Fire rings and picnic tables
  • Varying levels of amenities
  • Scenic natural settings


Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Map Key
1
Moose Brook State Park
2
Sugarloaf 1 Campground
3
Lake Francis State Park
4
Monadnock State Park Gilson Pond Area
5
Umbagog Lake State Park
6
Sugarloaf 2 Campground
7
Bear Brook State Park
8
Waterville Campground
9
Pillsbury State Park
10
Jigger Johnson Campground
11
Dry River Campground
12
Fourth Iron Campground
13
Milan Hill State Park
14
Basin Campground
15
Deer Mountain Campground
16
Zealand Campground
17
Cold River
18
Mollidgewock State Park
19
Imp Shelter
20
Blackberry Crossing Campground

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Tent camping under mountain starsHiking to alpine summits and waterfallsSwimming in mountain streams and pristine lakesWildlife viewing including moose, loons, and eaglesFishing for brook trout in mountain streamsPhotography of mountain landscapes and fall foliage

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular White Mountain campgrounds like Moose Brook State Park and Sugarloaf campgrounds well in advance through the New Hampshire State Parks reservation system, especially for summer weekends and fall foliage season.
  • 2Bring a quality four-season tent even for summer camping, as mountain weather can change rapidly with temperatures dropping 20-30 degrees from day to night.
  • 3Pack extra stakes and guy lines for rocky ground where standard tent stakes may not hold, and consider bringing a rubber mallet for driving stakes into hard-packed soil.
  • 4Black flies and mosquitoes peak from late May through June in northern regions, so bring head nets, long sleeves, and effective insect repellent.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire

Tent Campgrounds in New Hampshire FAQ

New Hampshire offers 20+ tent-friendly campgrounds. We've ranked them based on site quality, natural setting, amenities, and user reviews.

Tent camping in New Hampshire typically costs $15-35 per night at developed campgrounds. Some national forest and primitive sites may be free or under $10 per night.

Essential gear includes a quality tent, sleeping bag rated for New Hampshire conditions, sleeping pad, camp stove, and appropriate clothing. Check weather forecasts and pack layers.

Explore More Camping in New Hampshire

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Data from Recreation.gov, state park systems, and Google Reviews
Updated January 5, 2026
20 campgrounds analyzed
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