The White Mountains region near Center Conway sits at elevations between 500-1200 feet with distinct seasonal temperature variations. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F while fall temperatures drop to 40-65°F. Camping conditions vary dramatically between seasons, with most glamping options near Center Conway, New Hampshire closing from mid-October through mid-May due to harsh winter conditions.
What to do
River adventures: Access the Saco River at Eastern Slope Camping Area which provides direct beach access for water activities. "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.
Mountain hiking: Trek the Boulder Loop Trail from Covered Bridge Campground for moderate 4.1-mile loop with mountain vistas. A camper explains, "Extra bonus is the Boulder Loop Trail that is attached to the campground(it's relatively short, offers several great vista views, and you can walk there from the campground and not have to deal with parking)."
Wildlife observation: Watch for black bears around dusk at campsites. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer. There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch. Of course we never left any food out!" advises a camper from Jellystone Park Glen Ellis.
Kayaking on lakes: Rent watercraft at White Lake State Park for peaceful paddling. "We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience. The views from the lake are incredible," shares Amanda from White Lake.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: White Lake State Park Campground offers wooded separation between many sites. "This is a wonderful place with lots of trees and sites that are reasonably spaced, if not all that private. There is a nice beach and a trail that goes around the entire small lake," explains Carolyn M.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms. "The sites were clean. It is beautiful. We hiked the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful," says Sarah J. about White Ledge Campground.
Riverside camping: Multiple campgrounds offer river proximity. "This is a nice family campground right along the river with easy access for boats and swimming. It is also in a great area with amazing hiking nearby," notes Asher K. from On the Saco Family Campground.
Natural swimming areas: Forest-shaded swimming holes provide refreshing alternatives to pools. "Took a shuttle up with some kayaks- reasonably priced- and drifted back down 10 miles right to our site!" explains a visitor at On the Saco Family Campground.
What you should know
Vault toilets at basic campgrounds: Many forest service sites have no running water. "Pit toilets don't bother me- they were very clean but if you struggle with using a pit or not having a shower, this isn't your campground," advises a visitor to Covered Bridge Campground.
Road noise at some locations: Sites near major roads experience traffic sounds. "The campground is directly next to Rt 16, so expect to hear some road noise, more so during the day," warns Timothy M. about White Ledge Campground.
Bear safety requirements: Many campgrounds have strict food storage rules. "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite!" warns Kelly T. from Jellystone Park Glen Ellis.
Variable cell coverage: Reception is limited or non-existent at many sites. "Very spotty Verizon cell coverage and no TMobile service at all. Better coverage for both carriers near the top of the boulder loop trail," notes Jae H. about Covered Bridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid activities: Some glamping operations near Center Conway maintain daily activity schedules. "There are a lot of really nice tent sites along the water, cabins, teepees, lodges and great areas for groups to camp. They are fairly strict with quiet hours so it is a very quiet campground at night," notes Erin M. from Chocorua KOA.
Bring bicycles: Many campgrounds have bike-friendly internal roads. "You can safely ride her bike around with the other kids at the campground, enjoy the beach and enjoy the playground, but it still provides my husband and I with some relaxing/peaceful time together in the woods or sitting on the beach," advises Elissa E.
Consider water access: Sites near swimming areas reduce transportation needs. "Love that it is right on the Saco river, has two beaches, the only con is the park for kids only has swings," mentions Jennifer O. about Eastern Slope Camping Area.
Reserve early for peak season: Family-friendly sites book months in advance. "Memorial Day weekend, there were still vacancies, but during my Labor Day visit last year sites were full very early Friday morning," cautions a visitor to White Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check height restrictions: Some access roads have covered bridges with limits. "The covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in," warns Jae H. from Covered Bridge Campground.
Prepare for leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites require substantial leveling. "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.
Verify amp service: Electrical hookups may differ from advertised. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," advises a camper at Chocorua KOA.
Select sites carefully in smaller campgrounds: Some glamping sites near Center Conway have limited large-rig access. "Sites are really close together and hard to maneuver a RV into," mentions Melissa S. about Eastern Slope.
