The White Mountains region of New Hampshire provides a unique wilderness experience with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 feet near Chatham, creating distinct microclimates for camping. The area sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 4, with frost possible even in summer months at higher elevations. Yurt camping in Chatham, New Hampshire combines the benefits of tent camping with additional protection from the region's unpredictable weather patterns.
What to do
Tubing on the Saco River: The Saco River offers gentle currents ideal for tubing near Eastern Slope Camping Area, where "the river is right there and you can splash around in it." Campground staff provide rental equipment and transportation services, with one visitor noting they "took a shuttle up with some kayaks - reasonably priced - and drifted back down 10 miles right to our site!"
Hiking family-friendly trails: Moose Brook State Park Campground features accessible trails for all skill levels. One camper reported, "Lots of trails for biking and hiking. Great shaded sites, very clean! Sites were private and staff were friendly and welcoming." The park offers a range of recreational options, with another visitor noting "fishing, swimming, river walks, biking and movie nights!"
Mountain biking terrain: Local cycling clubs maintain extensive trail networks accessible from camping areas. At Moose Brook, "the local Coos Cycling Club maintains the trails and is constantly improving and creating more terrain." The Presidential Rail Trail is also accessible, offering "moderate grade crushed gravel trail" that extends about 18 miles to Pondicherry wildlife preserve.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Covered Bridge Campground offers more privacy than many area campgrounds. Visitors appreciate that "the sites are quite large and have a good amount of space between them. Picnic tables and firepits are in great shape." The campground connects directly to hiking trails, with one camper noting "Boulder Loop Trail that is attached to the campground - it's relatively short, offers several great vista views, and you can walk there."
Clean facilities: White Lake State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite heavy use. One visitor noted "bathrooms were nice and clean" while another mentioned "the bathrooms at the beach include flush toilets." The campground offers "coin-operated (2 minutes/$0.25), hot and clean showers" in the camping loops.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide cooling relief during summer months. At White Lake, "the lake is clear, the swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids." Visitors can also enjoy boating: "We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience. The views from the lake are incredible."
What you should know
Bear activity: Multiple campgrounds report bear sightings, requiring proper food storage. At Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, visitors are warned to "remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite! It was our first time seeing a black bear walking around." Another camper reported "2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night."
Weather variability: The White Mountains region experiences sudden weather changes, particularly at higher elevations. At most campgrounds, tent campers should prepare for rain with proper tarps and drainage. Weather alerts are available through radio systems even when cell service is unavailable.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent coverage. At Covered Bridge Campground, visitors report "very spotty Verizon cell coverage and no TMobile service at all. Better coverage for both carriers near the top of the boulder loop trail." For reliable service, most campers need to drive to nearby towns.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly activities: Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins offers extensive programming for children. One visitor described it as having "daily activities, crafts... so family friendly" while another mentioned, "Tuesday trivia, Wednesday beach party, Thursday dance party, and Friday karaoke - the latter being the most fun! There are so many things for kids to do throughout."
Consider glamping options for first-time campers: Family-friendly yurt camping near Chatham provides an easier introduction to outdoor experiences. A camper at Papoose Pond noted, "We had an amazing first camping experience for our 2 year old here! The campsite was large and private with good distance between the next sites."
Look for campgrounds with beach access: Sandy beaches with gradual entry points work well for children. White Lake State Park features "a nice beach with lots of room and a big Sandy swimming area" where kids can safely play. The campground layout also allows children to "safely ride their bikes around the campground."
Tips from RVers
Check access road restrictions: On the Saco Family Campground offers RV-friendly sites with river access. A visitor noted "super easy full hook ups" and that the campground is run by "a young couple who are doing a great job running a campground. Sites are private and clean." The campground also offers river activities with "float rentals for the river."
Reserve well in advance for water view sites: Premium waterfront sites at most campgrounds book quickly. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, "sites are large and level. Many large trees created a lot of shade. A large wooden shelter stood over our picnic table, with a decent amount of space next to it for tents or a small camper."
Consider size limitations: Many White Mountain campgrounds have restrictions on RV length. At White Ledge Campground, "designated tent sites are not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps." When choosing sites, note that "the sites are generally large and wooded" but access can be limited.
