Author
Michael Charboneau
Photo Courtesy Huttopia
When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors in New England, places like Vermont and Maine get all the love. But parked between those two states is New Hampshire, and like its neighbors, it’s a prime destination for outdoor escapes.
Home to the Abenaki Indigenous peoples for over 11,000 years, New Hampshire is still today a sparesly populated, densely forested state where a love for the land runs deep. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Maine and Vermont to the west and east, and Massachusetts to the south—Boston and its international airport are within easy driving distance—with a sliver of Atlantic coastline in the southeast. The state features rolling hills, farmland, quaint towns, and plenty of mountains—most notably the White Mountains in the northern part of the state. New Hampshire is home to many famous peaks, including Mount Washington, where the fastest wind speeds on Earth were clocked (and recently dethroned), and Franconia Notch (where the Old Man of the Mountain once resided). It's also home to some pretty great rustic rental cabins.
New Hampshire’s residents—and visitors—are spoiled with options for outdoor exploration. Hiking and mountaineering are serious pursuits here: The state hosts part of the Appalachian Trail, and boasts 48 peaks over 4,000 feet within its borders. With winding country roads and a plethora of mountain bike-friendly trails, New Hampshire is also a great place to ride a bike and/or motorcycle. You can even get a taste for whitewater rafting at places like the Androscoggin River, and the fun doesn’t end in the winter. New Hampshire plays host to a sprawling network of cross-country ski trails (the largest in the eastern U.S.), lots of ski resorts for downhill skiing and snowboarding, plus opportunities for ice fishing, ice climbing, and snowmobiling.
This curated list of New Hampshire glamping spots will help you stay close to nature without totally roughing it. From tastefully appointed tents with real beds and a minifridge to a renovated camper trailer with a rooftop deck, the rentals below offer a compelling mix of comfort and back-to-basics simplicity. Book one for a weekend getaway and you’ll have all kinds of outdoor experiences waiting just outside your door (or tent flap).
The 10 Best Places to Go Glamping in New Hampshire This Season
The Yurt at Echo Hill Farm — Deerfield, NH
Vibe: Home on the Homestead
Constructed in 2021 at the edge of a small farm in southeast New Hampshire, this cheerful yurt is a comfy take on off-grid living. Inside, it has a queen-size bed, a wood stove, a kitchenette with a refrigerator, stove, and even an air fryer, and a large skylight that lets in plenty of sun. Relax by the firepit, explore 10,000-acre Bear Brook State Park, or grab a beer at Blasty Bough Brewery, located just a short walk away.
Rate: $150/night
White Mountain Views, Trailside Yurt — Bethlehem, NH
Vibe: Yurt With a View
This spacious pet-friendly yurt is located on a tree-covered five-acre property, and inside, it features a queen bed, a sitting area, and even a kitchenette with a gas camping stove. But the real draw is what’s outside. Large windows and a large deck provide sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and the yurt is located within walking distance of hiking and biking trails (there's an outdoor shower for when you get home). Just make sure you check the forecast before you arrive—there’s no heat (or wifi).
Rate: $196/night
Luxury Trailside Glamping Tent — Bethlehem, NH
Vibe: New England Safari
This canvas tent is the sister property to the Trailside Yurt above, so you’ll get a similarly secluded, nature-focused experience with spectacular views. The sparsely furnished interior features a comfy king-size bed and a wood stove to keep you warm on chilly nights, and there’s a generous covered porch with Adirondack chairs—perfect for chilling out with a beer or waking up with a morning cup of coffee. There's also a picnic table for meals and an outdoor shower and bathroom.
Rate: $114/night
MOLIKA — Stratford, NH
Vibe: Camp by the Pond
Part of a group of three luxury tents available for rent (book all three if you’re traveling with a group), this off-grid tent is a top pick if you want to get a taste of the outdoors without traveling too far from your lodging. The property is located close to hiking and ATV trails, features a small pond stocked with fish for catch-and-release fishing, and the White Mountain National Forest isn't far by car. Inside, the tent has a queen-sized bed and a couch, and a large area rug gives it a homey vibe. Just keep in mind that the outhouse and shower are shared with the other two tents.
Rate: $95/night
Beautiful Tent on Beaver Pond — Canterbury, NH
Vibe: Cute and Homey
It’s an off-grid tent, sure, but it feels more like a treehouse with its superb view. That’s because it’s elevated on a wooden platform and features a deck overlooking a small pond. Below that, there’s a fire pit for roasting marshmallows by the water, and a wood stove inside the tent—there’s also an armchair and a queen-sized bed—will keep you warm and cozy at night. Better yet, the tent is located close to hiking trails, apple orchards, and skiing in the winter.
Rate: $135/night
Scenic Rural Campsite - New Glampshire — Sanbornton, NH
Vibe: Secluded Valley Views
There’s nothing better than glamping with a view, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this Granite State glampsite. This canvas tent is located on a one-acre campsite inside a 20-acre property, which gives it a secluded feel, and it boasts sweeping views of the surrounding valley right from the front deck. Guests have easy access to walking trails on the property, and it’s relatively close to Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire and a prime destination for boating in New England.
Rate: $127/night
Huttopia Trappeur — Albany, NH
Vibe: Barely Camping
The Trappeur tent is part of the Huttopia White Mountains development, and staying here means you’ll get quite a few extras compared to the average camping experience. Guests have private beach access to Iona Lake—a few of the tents are lakeside—and if you don’t feel like cooking, you can grab a wood-fired pizza from a food stand housed in a converted Airstream trailer. The Trappeur pushes the boundaries of “tent” camping with its spacious two-bedroom layout, kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom with a shower. You won’t be roughing it here, and if you feel like you are, take a dip in the heated saltwater swimming pool.
You can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to use on the lake, drive up the Kancamagus Highway (one of the most scenic drives in the USA) and hike to nearby waterfalls, or head to a brewpub in nearby North Conway.
Rate: $605/night
Huttopia Canadienne — Albany, NH
Vibe: Camping With Perks
The Canadienne isn’t quite as luxe as the Trappeur, but it’s a great way to get a true glamping experience on a slightly tighter budget. It includes two bedrooms and a kitchen area along with a deck, grill, and fire pit (the bathroom is shared). Better yet, you’ll have access to Huttopia amenities like the lake, a heated pool, and the on-site food counter. Not to mention easy access to the White Mountains and everything they have to offer. (If you want to live large, check out Huttopia's chalets, which are more like true vacation rentals.)
Rate: $435/night
Off Grid Tiny Home on a Farm — Gilmanton, NH
Vibe: Glamping on Wheels
Think sleeping in a trailer sounds depressing? This off-grid tiny house will change your mind. Fully renovated and located on a picturesque farm, it’s a bright, tastefully decorated space that comes packed with amenities, including a shower, toilet, and kitchen area. The lofted bed and large skylight allow you to sleep beneath the stars (without getting eaten by mosquitos), and the rooftop deck is perfect for relaxing with a cold drink at sunset.
Rate: $119/night
Plein Air NH — Plymouth, NH
Vibe: That’s “Outdoors” in French
A tin roof canvas tent tucked deep within the forest, Plein Air NH is an idyllic woodland retreat. It offers a spacious covered deck with chairs for taking in the sights and sounds of the woods, and there’s a fire pit for making s’mores, a wood stove to keep warm, and a propane camp stove for cooking. It also features a comfy queen-size bed, an outhouse, and an outdoor shower, but the best part might be the complimentary snacks: “fresh eggs from our farm and fresh bread, muffins, or pastries from our local baker,” according to the hosts.
Rate: $200/night
Published 07-05-2022
