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).