Several RV campgrounds near Canaan, New Hampshire operate through the fall foliage season with most closing after Columbus Day weekend. The White Mountains region experiences significant temperature drops in September and October, with overnight lows often dipping into the 30s. Most campgrounds in this area maintain dirt or gravel roads with varying degrees of tree coverage impacting satellite reception.
What to do
Hike Franconia Ridge: Located near Cannon Mountain RV Park, you can access the popular Franconia Ridge trail system. "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," notes Jean C.
Winter activities: Canaan area campgrounds provide access to seasonal recreation options. At Meredith Woods Four Season Camping, winter camping supports snow sports. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," writes Mara S. Cannon Mountain RV Park also serves winter sports enthusiasts as "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," according to Corrie G.
Water recreation: Lakes and rivers near Canaan offer swimming and boating opportunities. Silver Lakes Park Campground provides "easy beach access for the kids (and launching space for pontoon or bass boats). There is a playground, rentable kayaks and canoes, a basketball goal, frisbee golf, corn hole, horseshoes, yard darts etc," explains Kirsten J.
What campers like
Peaceful environment: Many campers appreciate the quiet setting of RV campgrounds near Canaan. At Twin Tamarack Family Camping, visitors note "sites are a good size and well spread out" according to Austin M. Similarly, Turtle Kraal RV Park offers tranquility despite its size: "This campground is huge - there is a lower loop and an upper loop with the bathhouse and pool right in the center. Kids can ride their bikes around both loops, walk the dogs, play cornhole or horseshoes, etc," shares Kirsten J.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks highly in camper reviews. At Twin Tamarack, Austin M. notes it is "a very clean campground" with "clean bathrooms too!" Similarly, Meredith Woods maintains high standards year-round: "Squeaky clean - and that's not always easy especially in the winter when everyone drags snow, slush and mud into the bathroom," writes Mara S.
River access: Waterfront sites provide direct nature access. Brookside RV Camping offers sites along moving water, described as "a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night. Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road," according to Miccal M.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most RV campgrounds around Canaan close after Columbus Day. Sandy Beach Campground operates from "May 5 - Oct 10" according to their listing information. For winter camping, options narrow significantly: "There are 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," reports Andrew P. about Meredith Woods.
Reservation deposits: Some campgrounds require cash deposits for gate access. Andrew P. notes at Meredith Woods: "must provide a $10.00 refundable cash deposit for gate card, bring cash or else enjoy the atm fees."
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds require careful attention when approaching. At Turtle Kraal RV Park, "There is a long approach after you see the sign, and even a sharp turn before you see the gate," cautions Kirsten J.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: For families with children, look for campgrounds with dedicated activity areas. Turtle Kraal RV Park features "a great pool" and areas where "Kids can ride their bikes around both loops" according to Kirsten J.
Age restrictions: Some campground facilities have age limitations for certain amenities. At Meredith Woods, "the age limit for hot tub is 14 YO and strictly enforced," reports Andrew P., who also notes there is "a nice little play ground which is always the first thing my little buddy asks to go find."
Swimming options: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. Sandy Beach Campground offers swimming, though one visitor noted "the sandy beach is nice but the swimming area is quite weedy." Another camper mentioned "playground is on the beach" and reported "we would stay again!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV site sizes differ across campgrounds in the Canaan area. At Newfound RV Park, "Our site was full hookup and a pull through site," notes Laura L. For larger rigs, Cannon Mountain RV Park has limitations: "The sites are narrow, a little bigger than a parking space, especially because of the trees in between the sites... Site seven looks to be the best because no trees on one side let's you have some room," advises Cathy G.
Cellular service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. At Newfound RV Park, "we were able to use our AT&T hotspot with decent service. That worked well enough for my needs, so I didn't test the onsite WiFi," reports Luis F.
Seasonal support: Winter RVers should consider campgrounds with dedicated cold-weather infrastructure. At Meredith Woods, "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably" and there is a "Utility sink for dishes available in heated bathhouse," according to Mara S.
