The White Mountains region surrounding Hales Location offers camping opportunities between 650-1,300 feet elevation. The area features distinctive granite formations and acidic soil that supports northern hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms in July and August.
What to do
River activities at Swift River: Tamworth Camping Area provides direct access to the Swift River with a sandy beach area. Camper Amy V. notes, "Nice little beach on the Swift River. Nicely wooded sites." The river is suitable for wading, swimming, and tubing even during low-water periods.
Mountain recreation at Gunstock Campground: The campground connects to multiple hiking trails and mountain activities. According to Kasey H., "they have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc." Many trails start directly from the campground property.
Kayaking on Chocorua Lake: Chocorua KOA offers boat rentals for exploring the adjacent lake. Michael K. shared that "Waking up to the sound of the loons in the morning was wonderful." The campground provides canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and row boats for hourly or daily rental.
Nature trails: Many campgrounds feature on-site walking paths. At Chocorua KOA, Tamara S. appreciated the "Lovely family campground, pet friendly too. Nice trails, well marked, with pretty views of the mountains." Most trails are under 2 miles and suitable for all skill levels.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Long Island Bridge Campground offers premium lakeside camping. Madison K. described it as "an absolutely beautiful four day weekend spent at this campground... The spot looked like a post card." Waterfront sites typically cost $5-15 more per night than standard sites.
Spacious campsites: White Lake State Park Campground features larger-than-average sites in most loops. According to Carolyn M., "There are lots of sites, some of them more private than others, but are plenty big for a family of four." Sites in Loop 1 tend to offer more privacy than other areas.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. Douglas L. found that at White Lake State Park "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The beach was clean and had lots of ducks swimming near by." Most shower facilities operate on quarters ($0.25 for 2-5 minutes depending on the campground).
Off-season camping options: Meredith Woods Four Season Camping provides winter accommodations with reliable plowing. Mara S. noted, "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Gunstock Campground, Melissa B. advises, "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?)."
Campground rules: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Hales Location enforce strict regulations. At Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, Jeremy P. notes, "The campground has a rule that fires have to be out at 11:30. We are quiet and no one is around us because we all rent the sites around us. The security people have been extremely aggressive to us."
Booking timing: For dog-accommodating campgrounds near Hales Location, weekend reservations fill quickly. Ryan F. from Gunstock Campground states, "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly." Most campgrounds require reservations 1-3 months in advance for weekend stays during summer.
Weather patterns: The White Mountains region experiences frequent thunderstorms in summer afternoons. Campers should secure tents and equipment properly, as sudden wind gusts can accompany storms.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: White Lake State Park offers a dedicated swimming area with gradual depth. Amanda shared, "The beach area is very nice and has lots of tables and grills. We were able to hear the loons calling on the lake at night too."
Playground options: Harbor Hill Camping Area provides various recreation facilities. David D. explains, "Has a pool and a couple playgrounds for the kids AND a recreation room with arcade games, pool, ping-pong and other games. Free DVD and book lending library."
Child-friendly bathrooms: Some campgrounds have family-friendly bathroom layouts. Stephanie C. at White Lake notes, "I had a site next to the bathroom, which was very helpful and I felt confident letting my children go to the bathroom alone."
Activity planning: Schedule water activities before 2 PM when afternoon thunderstorms are less likely. Many families recommend morning hikes followed by afternoon swimming or indoor games.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain. Michael K. from Chocorua KOA explains, "Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water... 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."
Campground layout: Consider site location when choosing a pet-friendly campground near Hales Location. At Paugus Bay Campground, Chase B. warns, "Sites are EXTREMELY tight. If you have a pull behind, you definitely need to be comfortable backing it up in tight, dicey situations."
Services available: RVers should verify hookup options before booking. Zachary W. discovered at Paugus Bay that "Water hook up was on the opposite side of the site of where the camper needed to be, no sewer hook ups." Most campgrounds offer dump stations if full hookups aren't available.
Winter RV camping: For off-season visitors, Meredith Woods provides specialized facilities. Andrew P. explains, "We stayed for a winter weekend, they have a few transient sites that can accommodate RV's year round... 4 way hook ups, fair cost per night (in winter, not sure about peak costs)."
Scout
