Camping options extend from Effingham, New Hampshire across state borders into both Maine and northern New Hampshire. The White Mountain National Forest dominates the landscape 30 miles northwest of Effingham, while numerous lakes and coastline create varied camping environments. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, with campgrounds typically operating between mid-April and mid-October due to seasonal weather patterns.
What to do
Beach access year-round: Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park provides proximity to coastal activities while maintaining a quieter atmosphere. "This quiet campground is about a mile from the Eastern Trail through the Scarborough Marsh," explains one visitor. The location offers excellent cycling opportunities with "a multi-use gravel path which is a better place to walk, bike, or run."
Winter activities: Cannon Mountain RV Park sites remain available during winter months when many other campgrounds close. "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," notes one reviewer. The small seven-site campground sits at the base of Cannon Mountain, making it convenient for winter sports enthusiasts.
Water recreation: Several lakes near Effingham provide swimming and boating options. Silver Lakes Park Campground offers "easy beach access for the kids (and launching space for pontoon or bass boats)." Campers note the availability of "rentable kayaks and canoes" plus additional recreation like "a basketball goal, frisbee golf, corn hole, horseshoes, yard darts."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Cole's Mine RV Resort and Campground receives positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. "This place is well payed out and very well taken care of. The pool is heated and has an amazing water slide and themed," writes one reviewer who found the facilities exceeded expectations.
Adult-focused options: For travelers without children, Wild Duck Adult Campground offers a 21+ environment that many appreciate. "This is a quiet adult only campground, so no kids running around. It was nice and quiet," explains one camper. The adults-only policy creates what another visitor describes as "a peaceful and quiet" atmosphere "with the sounds of birds and the trees being the main thing you hear."
Proximity to attractions: Campers frequently mention the convenience of staying near popular destinations. "This campground is four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy," notes one visitor describing Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Many rv sites near Effingham, New Hampshire and surrounding areas differ in size and privacy. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, "The 30 amp sites are very close together... with campers parked lengthwise along the road. This means that you share the space where you sit outside with the camper behind you, resulting in very little privacy."
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Silver Lakes Park notes they're open "mid May to Columbus Day" while Thousand Trails Moody Beach operates "April 14 to October 15." Cannon Mountain RV Park remains an exception with year-round availability.
Mosquito pressure: Waterfront campgrounds often have significant insect activity. "My husband and I stayed here in our popup for two nights in June 2018. The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They were TERRIBLE. In the time it took after we parked the camper, to when I could dig the bug spray out of our truck I was covered in bites."
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Facilities with swimming pools rank high for family satisfaction during summer months. "We have been camping at Wild Acres for over 10 years... There is so much for everyone to do," explains one long-time visitor. Another camper at Wild Acres Tent & Trailer Park mentions "three pools which their main pool has their own hot tub for adults as well as two for children."
Kid-specific activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled children's programming. "They have great activities every week during the summer for kids and adults and special times they have for teens to be themselves without smaller kids or adults," notes a Wild Acres visitor. Another mentions "activities like s'mores, crafts, ice cream socials and more."
Beach proximity timing: For coastal camping with children, time visits strategically. "If you have little ones, time your beach trips with low tide. The waves crash pretty hard at high tide," advises a family that stayed at Wild Acres.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific site configurations. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, "We tent camped at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA. The staff was very friendly and when I called to book the site, they assisted in helping us pick out the nicest campsite." Asking staff for recommendations based on your RV type helps ensure compatibility.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service and wifi performance vary significantly across campgrounds near Effingham. At Thousand Trails Moody Beach, "the WiFi is awful away from the registration office. We were in the wooded area, but those camping on the outskirts seemed able to utilize their Starlink."
Utility hookup availability: For rv sites near Effingham, New Hampshire region, utility options change seasonally. "The rates drop after Columbus Day and the water is turned off," notes a Cannon Mountain RV Park visitor regarding winter camping. Confirm all needed hookups before arrival, especially during shoulder seasons.