Dispersed camping options near Center Conway include sites along Town Hall Road where pets are welcome, though these areas lack facilities like water and toilets. Located within the White Mountain National Forest, these free sites are accessible via a dirt road that remains passable for smaller vehicles. Campers report finding river access at many sites, with some offering enough space for medium-sized campers or RVs.
What to do
River recreation access: At Eastern Slope Camping Area, tubing opportunities abound with easy river access. "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 nearby trails: White Lake State Park Campground provides access to several trails within the park boundaries. One camper mentions, "There is a nice trail that goes around the entire small lake," while another notes they "hiked to Champney Falls, and another hike in the Ossippee area." The Boulder Loop Trail connects to Covered Bridge Campground, where campers can "walk there from the campground and not have to deal with parking."
Winter activities: Though many campgrounds close for winter, the area offers year-round recreation opportunities. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Center Conway operate seasonally from May through October. White Mountain National Forest provides winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing options when traditional campgrounds are closed.
What campers like
Private sites: Many visitors appreciate the spacious camping areas at Town Hall Road Dispersed. "We drove down the road a bit, past a few tent sites just off the road. About the fifth one or so, you pull in and the fire pit is right there. Then walk down a bit and there's a large group site with another pit," explains Erin H. Another camper notes, "Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part. Sites were also a good distance from each other so it felt pretty private."
Swimming options: The water access points receive high marks from reviewers. "The beach is sandy and lots of room to spread out," mentions one visitor to Eastern Slope. At White Ledge Campground, campers appreciate that "There was access to clean fresh water and a beautiful river which we swam and played in everyday."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds cater well to families with children. "Love that it is right on the Saco river, has two beaches," writes Jennifer O. about Eastern Slope. Covered Bridge campers note the "great location relative to activities in the White Mountain National Forest," while another mentions it's "close to the action of Conway/North Conway."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate between May and October, with specific dates varying by location. White Lake State Park runs from "May 26 to October 8," while Covered Bridge operates from "May 23 to October 13." Town Hall Road dispersed camping offers more flexibility for off-season camping when established campgrounds are closed.
Weather considerations: Rain can affect camping conditions significantly in this area. "When it rains it floods the sites near the bathroom toward the beginning of the entrance," notes one Eastern Slope camper. Another mentions, "We got flooded campground not prepared to handle the situation."
Reservation requirements: Dry River Campground operates on a "serve-yourself basis" during certain seasons, where "I reserved my spot online less than a week before." Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer weekends, with one White Lake camper noting that "during my Labor Day visit last year sites were full very early Friday morning."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation options. At Eastern Slope, "At night they did wagon rides around the campground which our little ones really enjoyed." Another family mentioned, "We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience."
Site selection strategies: When camping with kids, choosing the right site makes a difference. At White Lake, one camper explains, "I had a site next to the bathroom, which was very helpful and I felt confident letting my children go to the bathroom alone." Consider proximity to bathrooms, water sources, and recreation areas.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds report wildlife encounters. At Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, a camper shared, "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!" Staff often provide reminders about proper food storage.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers should research access roads carefully. At Covered Bridge, one visitor warns, "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."
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary widely among area campgrounds. Town Hall Road offers no hookups, while Eastern Slope provides water, electric, and sewer. One Eastern Slope camper notes sites include "electrical, water spigot & designated fire pit."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at several campgrounds. White Ledge specifies certain sites are "not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps." Eastern Slope campers caution, "Big RV will have trouble maneuvering in here because it is tight."
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