Cabin camping near Center Conway, New Hampshire offers accommodations surrounded by the White Mountains region at an elevation averaging 511 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and summer averages in the 70s°F. Swift River and Saco River access points are common features at many campgrounds, allowing for swimming and tubing during the warmer months.
What to do
River tubing on the Saco River: Eastern Slope Camping Area provides river access with canoe and kayak rentals plus shuttle rides. "Great for the Saco. This is a nice little campground if you're doing the Saco, has a nice bath house, has a bunch of campsites, a good store that has everything that you might have forgotten! The river is right there and you can splash around in it," notes Matt R.
Hiking accessible trails: Covered Bridge Campground connects directly to Boulder Loop Trail. "Make sure to hike Boulder Loop - we hopped on straight through the woods from our campsite," suggests Casey L. The trail offers vista views without requiring driving to a trailhead.
Swimming in natural settings: Several campgrounds feature river or lake swimming options rather than just pools. "Swimming options, including: beachfront, middle of the lake, or pool. Lakeside fire and sunset with the loons calling - perfect combo," reports a guest at Huttopia White Mountains.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Tamworth Camping Area provides large, wooded campsites with fire pits. "The lots are huge with fire pits. Our site was right on the river! You can swim right in the river," according to Betty F., highlighting the privacy many guests appreciate.
Clean facilities: Chocorua KOA maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "The grounds are well maintained with flowers planted everywhere. Staff is extra friendly. Bathrooms and showers could use updating but were spotless," reports Marla B.
Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome pets with specialized amenities. "Very pet friendly with dog park, agility equipment, dog pond and dog wash," notes a Chocorua KOA visitor, making it suitable for families traveling with dogs.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The White Mountains region experiences rapid weather changes. "We visited this with our dog Oakley for his first time camping last fall. It was nice and quite because of the time of year and was perfect because we didn't know how he was going to do," shares Michael M. about his experience at Covered Bridge Campground.
Reservation timing: Most cabins fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed here during the Independence Day holiday. It was wicked hot, but being right on the river made it easy to jump in and cool down," notes Joseph N. about Jellystone Park Glen Ellis.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "Very spotty Verizon cell coverage and no TMobile service at all. Better coverage for both carriers near the top of the boulder loop trail," advises Jae H. about their stay at Covered Bridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Saco River Camping Area offers multiple kid-friendly options. "They had an adorable mining station for the kids at the front and it was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed it there," shares Darci F.
River safety preparation: Pack water shoes for rocky river bottoms. "We tubed on the Saco river and it was like a lazy river. So nice and relaxing. Everyone there was very friendly," notes Rhonda W. about the Saco River.
Proximity to attractions: Jellystone Park Glen Ellis provides convenient access to regional attractions. "Located in the Mount Washington Valley, this campground is a gem. It's nestled between the Saco and Ellis Rivers. Clean water, great swimming, tubing and fishing. Mountains and hiking are within easy reach," according to a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort sites may require additional equipment. "Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water. My wife wanted to get the camper up close to the deck so our area under the awning was close to that, which meant I had a lot more leveling to do," explains Michael K.
Site selection for large rigs: Choose locations carefully based on access roads. "The road in for RVs is not terrific. There is about a 1/2 mile that is mostly one lane (with a drop off on one side) and if someone is coming decisions have to be made," warns Norma S. about approaching Covered Bridge Campground.
Water and electrical hookups: Many sites offer varying levels of service. "Our site was a good size, but in a tucked away dead end area of the campground. Part of the area we were in seemed to be a bit of a dumping ground for wood and ash cleaned up from sites," notes Joseph N. about managing expectations for site conditions.
