Cabin camping near Bristol, New Hampshire offers overnight options in the White Mountains region at elevations ranging from 500-1200 feet. Winter temperatures average 20°F with summer highs reaching 85°F, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences. Most cabin rentals require 2-night minimum stays during peak season from June through September.
What to do
Tubing and river activities: At Branch Brook Campground, the Pemigewasset River wraps around the property making it "a great place to go tubing." The campground offers direct river access points for water activities during summer months.
Mountain adventure courses: Gunstock Campground features an aerial obstacle course and mountain coaster. According to a visitor, "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc." These activities operate seasonally, typically May through October.
Winter swimming: For cold weather cabin stays, Hunters Run RV Park (formerly Meredith Woods) maintains facilities year-round. A camper noted, "Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day. Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse." This provides recreational options when outdoor activities are limited by weather.
What campers like
Spacious cabin sites: Twin Tamarack Family Camping receives praise for its layout. A camper mentioned, "Sites are a good size and well spread out. Bathrooms are clean too! Very nice family campground and also pet friendly!" The campground operates from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
Clean winter facilities: Maintaining cleanliness during harsh weather conditions stands out at seasonal properties. One winter visitor stated about Meredith Woods, "Squeaky clean - and that's not always easy especially in the winter when everyone drags snow, slush and mud into the bathroom. Thank you for sticking to such high standards."
Well-maintained beaches: Clearwater Campground offers access to a maintained swimming area. A visitor observed, "Nice clean beach area at the lake. Looks like kayak and canoe rentals." The beach remains open throughout the operating season from mid-May through Columbus Day.
What you should know
Seasonal name changes: Several campgrounds near Bristol have undergone recent ownership changes and rebranding. A visitor to Clearwater noted, "This is now called Hunter's Run. Many seasonal campsites more than half the campground." These changes may affect reservations and policies.
Limited wood availability: Planning ahead for campfires is essential. A camper at Clearwater/Hunter's Run reported, "No wood available during our visit, 2 bundles locked in cage area but nobody around to purchase from." Local stores in Bristol provide alternative firewood sources.
Winter plowing reliability: Gunstock Campground maintains year-round access with consistent snow clearing. Staff attentiveness matters during winter stays, with some campgrounds receiving criticism for inadequate winter maintenance.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: For cabin stays during inclement weather, Meredith Woods provides alternatives. A visitor noted, "They also have a nice game room for them kids or grown ups that struggle to leave technology behind. They also have a nice little play ground witch is always the first thing my little buddy asks to go find."
Age restrictions for amenities: Check facility rules before arriving with children. One camper at Meredith Woods cautioned, "Lots of rules: must provide a $10.00 refundable cash deposit for gate card, bring cash or else enjoy the atm fees, the age limit for hot tub is 14 YO and strictly enforced."
Playground considerations: Granite State Campground offers family-friendly spaces but assess playground equipment for age appropriateness. A reviewer at another property mentioned, "Not a structure for small children," highlighting the importance of matching facilities to children's ages.
Tips from RVers
Winter hookups: A limited number of sites accommodate winter RV camping. A visitor reported, "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round. There are a ton of full time seasonal RV's as many people use this campground as a base for snow machining."
Road conditions: Access roads may present challenges during winter months. One camper warned about a property, "They do a bad job plowing (my rig bottomed out twice on snow banks) and I fishtailed on the access road." Verify winter road maintenance policies before booking cold weather cabin or RV stays.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at some properties. A visitor noted, "This is one of the worst places I have stayed. The RV site was so uneven." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for RVs, while cabin campers should check reviews regarding cabin foundation stability.
