RV campsites near Elkins, New Hampshire offer diverse accommodations within the Lakes Region. Situated among rolling hills at elevations between 500-1,000 feet, this area experiences seasonal temperature swings from 80°F summer days to below-freezing winters. Fall camping season typically ends after mid-October when most campgrounds close for the winter, though some extend through early November.
What to do
Kayaking at local lakes: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for paddling adventures. At Sandy Beach Campground in Contoocook, "Sandy beach by the water has plenty of room to relax out in the sun as well as launch areas to set out in a paddle boat, canoe or row boat, all available on site."
Hiking nearby trails: The region offers trails for various skill levels within short drives. At Jamaica State Park Campground, "We hiked the west river trail (which leads right out of the campground) to Hamilton falls which is a gravel closed road that follows the west river upstream 2 miles to Hamilton falls trail which then leads up hill for another mile to the falls."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas for cooling off during summer months. A visitor at Jamaica State Park noted, "You can go to the waterfall/rock slides and take a dip in the pools. The area is beautiful and good food across the street!"
Golfing opportunities: Some campgrounds combine RV sites with golfing. Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park offers "a golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviews highlight well-maintained amenities as key to positive experiences. At Woodmore Family Campground, "Everything was clean, staff was friendly and attentive. Pool was clean, they have a great wiffleball park."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds near Elkins cater well to families with children. A Woodmore camper noted: "It's great, although I was leery because of the rules they are not strict at all, you have to follow the rules but everybody does and it's a good experience, everyone is very friendly."
Accessibility to local attractions: Proximity to regional destinations enhances the camping experience. A visitor at Riverbrook RV & Camping Resort shared: "The park is clean, comfortable, and convenient to adventures in the White Mountains."
Helpful staff: Campground personnel receive consistent praise for their assistance. One family at Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park experienced remarkable hospitality: "Our generator was down and we needed to pick up our friend at the airport. Lauri loaned us her minivan to go to the airport and Drew loaned us some tools to work on the RV."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the Elkins area close by mid-October. According to information about Newfound RV Park, it operates from "May 1 - Oct 31," with similar seasonal windows at other facilities.
Pet policies vary significantly: Some campgrounds welcome pets while others prohibit them entirely. Silver Lakes Park Campground specifically notes "Pets are asked to stay home," while most others accommodate pets with documentation.
Site conditions and terrain: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Hidden Valley, one camper noted, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Weekend vs. weekday atmosphere: Noise levels can change dramatically between weekdays and weekends. A camper at Woodmore observed: "Very quiet during the week, weekend is Party Time when the gang pulls in on Friday Night. Very loud until after 10:00 on Friday/Saturday."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning for kids: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation facilities. At Silver Lakes Park Campground, "This is a very clean, quiet, gated campground, with easy beach access for the kids... There is a playground, rentable kayaks and canoes, a basketball goal, frisbee golf, corn hole, horseshoes, yard darts etc."
Swimming safety awareness: Be cautious at natural swimming areas with children. At Jamaica State Park, "People have lost their lives at these falls so be extra cautious with children around the falls."
Consider campground schedules: Many locations offer special activities on specific days. Sandy Beach Campground provides "TONS of add-on activities like tie-dying, hay rides etc and you can have their mascot deliver donuts to your campsite on certain days."
Look for shoulder season values: Early fall often provides better rates with fewer crowds. One camper at Woodmore noted a "Week-long stay in our Imagine" during September when the campground was less crowded than summer months.
Tips from RVers
Internet connectivity varies: Wifi quality differs significantly between locations. At Riverbrook RV & Camping Resort, "the wifi worked great...especially when compared to other campgrounds we've been to."
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking, particularly for larger rigs. One camper at Sandy Beach noted, "We had a nice corner site which fit our 34' rig just fine."
Fall weather preparation: Late season camping requires additional planning. A visitor to Newfound RV Park shared, "We were visiting mid-October, so the fall colors made the nature trail even more picturesque."
Laundry facilities: For extended stays, check for on-site laundry. A camper at Newfound mentioned, "The onsite facilities were clean and well maintained. The laundry is $1.50 for a wash and $1.50 for an hour dry cycle."
