The White Mountains region near Ellsworth offers glamping and camping options across various elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 feet. The terrain features dense pine forests with rocky outcroppings and seasonal streams that flow more heavily during spring snowmelt. Most campgrounds in this area open from Memorial Day through mid-October, with peak foliage typically occurring in late September to early October.
What to do
River fishing: Baker River Campground features direct access to Baker River with multiple fishing spots. "Nice private campground. Bathrooms were clean and recently remodeled. Host is extremely nice and welcoming. We have stayed here on multiple occasions when in the Rumney area for climbing and biking," notes Dana M.
Hiking nearby mountains: Waterville Campground provides access to several 4,000-foot peaks. "5 - 4,000 foot mountains to hike," shares Michael L., while Cate H. mentions, "Stayed 4 nights mid week-weekend. Big wooded sites with some privacy. 1 mile hike into Waterville Town Square."
Swimming in natural settings: Lumen Nature Retreat offers a stocked fishing pond and stream access. Jean C. explains, "They offer wooded campsites, some of them along a brook and others near a pond; There's no boating or swimming in the private pond because of steep sides, but it's stocked and license-free fishing is possible for trout and catfish."
Seasonal tubing: At Plymouth Sands Camping Area, river activities vary with water levels. "My favorite activity was putting in a couple miles up river and floating back to camp over the course of a few hours, ultimate lazy river," reports Eddy B., who enjoyed the recreational water access.
What campers like
Private campsites: Baker Rocks offers secluded tent platforms and glamping options. Justin P. describes, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight."
Clean facilities: Country Bumpkins Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. Adam J. shares, "Bath house was clean the water pressure was the best I've ever experienced. Very clean grounds and you can tell they take pride in their site."
River access: Plymouth Sands Camping Area features a sandy beach on the Baker River. Tyler A. notes, "The river is very clean and a nice spot to hang out in the sun and splash around (not very deep most of the year)."
Location convenience: Maple Haven Campground offers proximity to local towns. Christine M. comments, "Nice location! You can walk to shops and breweries," which provides easy access to off-site amenities without driving.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Reception can be inconsistent throughout the region. At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, Lauren Q. notes, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Wildlife awareness: Black bears are active in the area, particularly at Waterville Campground. Kitty mentions, "The first day I got there at around 5:30 I was sitting in my hammock reading when a black bear cub strolled through my campsite. We scared the poop out of each other."
Weather considerations: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, especially in afternoon hours. "We had severe weather one night and when we asked to move to one of the cabins, which we were willing to pay for, they denied us," reports Allison M. from Maple Haven Campground.
Water levels vary seasonally: Baker River can change dramatically based on rainfall. "The stream was dried up, which I get, there was a drought," notes Allison M., indicating that water activities depend on recent precipitation patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Country Bumpkins Campground offers dedicated play areas. Angela A. mentions, "Country bumpkins is such a peaceful place to camp. Not the best for tents due to pretty hard ground but I still go a few times a year just to enjoy the grounds."
Kid-friendly water features: Moose Hillock Camping Resort has a popular pool complex. Rick C. shares, "Large, clean sites. Plenty to do with the kids. They love the ship wreck pool! A bit tough on the noise rules."
Family activities scheduling: Lincoln/Woodstock KOA offers organized events. Jessica D. states, "One of my two favorite camping spots," while Andrew G. adds, "Nice campground to stay at. Playground and bounce pad for the kids."
Family-specific sites: Look for campgrounds with designated family areas. "Family friendly campground. Short drive to see wildlife from the road," notes Matt D. about Moose Hillock, indicating easy access to wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require careful setup. Michael K. from Lincoln/Woodstock KOA observed, "Things appear to be clean and well maintained. 50amp didn't seem to work at my site but 30amp was fine."
Dump station access: Check availability before arrival as not all campgrounds offer this service. "Our site (#60) was gravel, back in, 30 amp, full hookup. It was slightly uphill, so we had to pull the RV all the way to the front of the site to be able to level," shares C O. about Country Bumpkins.
Generator restrictions: Pine Haven Campground limits generator usage. While not specifically mentioned in reviews, many campgrounds in the region have quiet hours and restrictions on generator operation to maintain the natural setting.
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds in the Ellsworth region aren't suitable for larger rigs. Jean C. notes about Country Bumpkins, "This is a great little campground on Rt 3 in Lincoln, convenient for exploring along the Kanc and Franconia Notch. Prices are amazingly competitive for sites with utilities."
