Camping options near Glencliff, New Hampshire provide access to the western White Mountains at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with warm summer days reaching 70-85°F and cool nights dropping to 45-60°F. Most glamping and traditional campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through mid-October, closing during the winter months when temperatures routinely fall below freezing.
What to do
Riverside recreation: Plymouth Sands Camping Area offers direct access to the Baker River with a wide sandy beach area. "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," notes one visitor who enjoyed the natural float trip.
Mountain hiking access: Waterville Campground serves as a convenient base for regional hiking with "5 - 4000 foot mountains to hike" according to a camper. The campground is located one mile from Waterville Town Square, making it accessible for supplies between outdoor adventures.
Family activities: Country Bumpkins Campground features "a small arcade game room, WiFi at each site and an outdoor play area for kids." A visitor mentioned it's "centrally located to Franconia Notch SP, Woodstock and Lincoln" positioning campers near major regional attractions.
What campers like
Private river sites: Baker River Campground offers sites with river access and natural swimming areas. One camper appreciated that their site had "a private walkway to the river and there was a picnic table & fire pit with some wood beside it." The riverfront location is particularly valued by visitors seeking water access.
Wooded seclusion: Maple Haven Campground provides a natural setting with "spacious spots" that create a sense of seclusion. A visitor noted, "Great place to stay! Spacious spots! Nice staff and great scenery close too a lot of spots in Lincoln and white mountains!"
Proximity to breweries: Campers at Country Bumpkins Campground appreciate being able to "walk to shops and breweries" in North Woodstock. The location combines natural surroundings with access to town amenities, as one visitor noted: "Close to downtown North Woodstock for great food and drinks, the Flume Gorge, and other great trails."
What you should know
Site variations: Lincoln/Woodstock KOA offers multiple accommodation types but campers note significant differences between them. "The sites are very close together with very little trees or anything to break it up. You are right on top of your neighbors," according to one RV camper, while tent sites have different characteristics.
Cell service challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have limited connectivity. At Pine Haven Campground, visitors report "we didn't have much cell service at the campground, which didn't bother us." Plan accordingly if you need to remain connected during your stay.
Bear awareness: The Waterville Valley area requires proper food storage. One camper at Waterville Campground reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers family-friendly facilities beyond their pool. "The playground is amazing," according to one family who visited. These structured play areas provide recreation options directly within the campground.
Site selection strategy: At Lincoln/Woodstock KOA, families should consider location carefully. A visitor advises, "If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude. We chose bottom of the hill sites so we lucked out but it could've been very difficult to navigate with two/three very young kids."
Scheduled activities: River Meadow Campground organizes regular programming for younger visitors. As one visitor mentioned, "It has RV sights and cabins they keep the campers busy with fun activities for kids and grown ups." These structured activities supplement the natural recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy levels: Pine Haven Campground offers sites with varying degrees of seclusion. A visitor observed that "the sites are mostly wooded and spaced well" which benefits RVers seeking more natural settings than typical resort-style campgrounds.
Hilly terrain awareness: RVers at Moose Hillock should prepare for elevation changes. "The hilly terrain is insaneeee!" warns one camper. "The campground is very hilly and kids are ripping around in pedal and motorized bikes and scooters which is fine but no control at all in regards to speed and helmets."
Dump station access: For those without full hookups, Plymouth Sands Camping Area provides dump station facilities. "There is a dumping station" notes a visitor who appreciated this amenity for self-contained units. This allows greater flexibility for boondocking-capable RVs that don't require constant hookups.
