On the far side of the parking lot at Echo Lake Beach/Cannon Mountain you'll find 7 RV, full-hookup sites. Reservations are recommended in the summer, but from Columbus Day to mid May you may have a chance with walk-up. Be sure to check the entry station for any reservations so you don't have to move later when someone shows up to claim their spot. The rates drop after Columbus Day and the water is turned off.
There is a grassy area behind the RV sites. You'll enjoy more privacy farther from the beach entry. There are coin-operated showers at the Lafayette Place campground a few miles south.
During the summer there is a beach at Echo Lake offering boat rentals. A public boat launch is on the far end of the lake. There's a small lakeside store open when the beach is open. Just across the street is the short but rewarding hike up Artists Bluff, giving you a view into Franconia Notch; continue along the ridge and you'll enjoy the western views from from Bald Mountain. The 8.8 mile multi-use (bike/pedestrian) recreation trail runs on the far side of Echo Lake through Franconia Notch State Park. In the winter, there's skiing at Cannon Mountain. The tram offers a quick route to the summit for different views of the autumn colors.
If you aim to hike Franconia Ridge, on the weekend you can catch a shuttle from the Cannon skier parking lot. With a family, explore the Flume gorge, the Pemi trail, the Basin, and the New England Ski Museum. Within easy driving distance are tourist spots in Woodstock and Lincoln to the south, the Cog Railway up Mt Washington to the northeast, and Santa's Village 35 minutes north.
Polly's Pancake Parlor is a few minutes up the road in Sugar Hill if you'd like a robust breakfast, but call ahead to shorten your wait times. If you've forgotten something, Littleton offersa wide selection of shopping only 15 minutes away.
