7 Primitive Camping Spots in New Hampshire for a True Off-Grid Escape

Cozy campsites with showers, playgrounds, and pools have their place, but if you live in New Hampshire, you'd be remiss to not leave it all behind and go rustic once in a while with some primitive camping in New Hampshire. These seven secluded campgrounds in New Hampshire deliver — they're all safe and maintained but offer little in the way of creature comforts. However, they'll make up for all of that when you're staring up at the gorgeous stars and enjoying the quiet sounds of birds in the trees at these remote camping spots in New Hampshire.

1. Mollidgewock State Park, Errol

This under-appreciated park is tucked into the Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, on the banks of the Androscoggin River. The campground doesn't offer much in the way of luxuries, though it does have pit toilets, drinking water, and canoe and kayak rentals. It's a perfect place to set up to enjoy paddling or fishing on the river and one of the best places for private camping in New Hampshire. Visit the New Hampshire State Parks website to reserve your campsite at Mollidgewock State Park.

2. Umbagog Lake State Park, Cambridge

Umbagog Lake State Park is already fairly far from it all — but if you really don't want to run into anyone, choose one of its remote campsites, which are only accessible by boat. You're certain to see plenty of wildlife in this park too. This is the perfect spot for boondocking in New Hampshire. Visit the New Hampshire State Parks website for more on the campground at Umbagog Lake State Park.

3. Waterville Campground, Waterville Valley

This spot is a great base if you want to explore the Pemigewasset Wilderness — just don't expect any frills. It's in a thick forest and has only basic restroom facilities. It's one of the most secluded New Hampshire campgrounds. Visit the U.S. Forest Service website to book your Waterville Campground site.

4. 13 Falls Tentsite, Lincoln

This very rustic AMC tent site is located in the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area, at the junction of Franconia Brook Trail, Lincoln Brook Trail, and Twin Brook Trail. As you can imagine, that makes it a perfect basecamp for hiking adventures — and it takes a good bit of hiking to get to it, so this is definitely not car camping — and you'll need to be prepared to purify your water.

5. Pillsbury State Park, Washington

This lush campground is heavily wooded, and you're very likely to hear the call of the loons on its ponds through the trees as you fall asleep. It has pit toilets but few other amenities, so it's a perfect place to get away from it all. Visit the New Hampshire State Parks website to book your campsite at Pillsbury State Park.

6. Passaconaway Campground, Albany

Although it isn't far from Conway's tourist attractions, this New Hampshire campground is quite rustic. It doesn't take reservations, so it's perfect for a last-minute weekend getaway.

7. Hermit Lake Shelters, Mount Washington

If you're climbing Mount Washington, these AMC shelters are the place to stop. You'll need to hike there, and while you'll find shelters, running water, and flush toilets, you'll need to carry in all your supplies on your back.

Have you been to any of these secluded campgrounds in New Hampshire? Where's your favorite place to get away from it all in New Hampshire? For more camping destinations, check out some of the highest-rated camping spots in New Hampshire.