Camping spots near Effingham, New Hampshire provide both seasonal and year-round options across the White Mountains and Lakes Region. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping remains limited to specialized campgrounds like Beaver Hollow, which stays open throughout the colder months when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Water activities at White Lake: The sandy lake bottom provides safe swimming with mountain views. "The lake itself is unreal, with the mountains in the background it just feels incredibly peaceful and serene, keeping in mind I mostly visited around dawn and dusk and the Memorial Day clouds and rain kept it pretty low-key," notes a camper at White Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking direct from campsites: Several campgrounds offer trail access without driving. At Covered Bridge, campers appreciate the Boulder Loop Trail connection: "The campground itself is very pretty and the sites are large and level... Make sure to hike Boulder Loop - we hopped on straight through the woods from our campsite."
River floating excursions: The Saco River provides tubing opportunities with campground-based services. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, "you can tube down the river... it's peaceful and clean with great views and location is great." Many campgrounds offer boat rentals or shuttle services for water activities.
What campers like
Waterfront site options: Lakeside camping spots remain highly sought after. At Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, "It's rare to find a campground with so many spacious wooded sites overlooking the water. They seem to always have events & family friendly activities to keep kids entertained."
Clean facilities: Many reviewers specifically note campground cleanliness. At White Lake State Park, "The park was very clean and well-cared for... Showers were hot, good pressure and about as clean as you could expect during mud season."
Four-season accessibility: For camping near Effingham outside summer months, options exist. "Beaver Hollow has been the staple campground for my family through the years," mentions one camper about year-round availability when other campgrounds close seasonally.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the region fill quickly from late June through August. A White Ledge Campground visitor advises: "If you head up on a holiday weekend, get an early start or be ready for traffic. The loop for sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy."
Site privacy considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly. "Sites were fairly standard- dirt floor with gravel packed in around the circle fire rings. We grilled right on the grate provided. Big picnic tables are provided on each site. All sites are wooded with plenty of trees to get a good tarp," notes a White Lake camper.
Road noise realities: Several campgrounds sit near major roads. A White Ledge Campground visitor shared: "The sites are generally large and wooded. Designated tent sites are not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps... If you head up on a holiday weekend, get an early start or be ready for traffic."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Shallow swimming areas work well for children. At Chocorua KOA, "The pool is freezing cold so the kids didn't swim much. The beach area is small and not deep enough to swim but the kids enjoyed playing in the sand and water."
Activity planning: Many campgrounds offer organized events for different age groups. "There are a lot of options for boat rentals- paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and row boats. There is a beautiful board walk that leads through the marsh to a system of short nature trails," reports a Chocorua KOA visitor.
Site selection for families: Consider proximity to facilities. "This is a VERY LARGE campground, it will be a trek to get to the bathrooms or showers or swimming. You do NOT get to park at the lake if you are a camper. So that will be a long walk," advises a White Lake State Park camper about logistics with children.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many wooded sites have overhead restrictions. "If your rig is >7'9" you'll need to enter via Passaconaway Rd via West Side Rd in Conway," advises a Covered Bridge camper regarding height constraints at the covered bridge entrance.
Leveling challenges: Waterfront sites often require extra leveling equipment. At Chocorua KOA, "Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water... I had a lot more leveling to do. And when I say a lot, I mean my 5" drive on leveling blocks weren't enough and I had to put them on top of a 2x8 to level the camper out."
Hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different utility options. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," recommends an RVer who stayed at Chocorua KOA.
