The White Mountains region surrounding Jackson, New Hampshire sits at elevations between 700-6,288 feet, creating diverse cabin camping opportunities through multiple climate zones. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer days average 70-80°F. Cabins in this area frequently feature wood stoves or other heating methods for the often unpredictable mountain weather patterns.
What to do
Riverside activities at Glen Ellis: Tube on the Saco River directly from Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis where the campground is located between two waterways. "Located between the Ellis River and the Saco River, this campground offers so many fantastic amenities. One of the biggest ones that we took lots of advantage of is the swimming and tubing on the Saco River," notes one visitor. The campground rents tubes and provides pickup from downriver locations.
Mountain hiking with shelter access: Reach Guyot Shelter for overnight stays during multi-day hikes. At 4,360 feet elevation, this backcountry site provides wooden platforms and a three-sided cabin. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset. Bear box located at a communal 'cooking area' and cold spring water located at the site," explains a hiker. The shelter charges a $10 fee and provides composting toilets.
Fall foliage viewing: Book cabins in advance for September-October leaf season. "Very family friendly spot. Had beautiful fall foliage and was close to some great hikes. Our spot near the river was also very cool," shares a visitor. Trails accessible from most cabin locations offer views of the changing colors, particularly during the first two weeks of October when colors peak.
What campers like
Riverside cabin locations: Many lodging options feature direct water access. "The beaches along the Saco river is awesome but they took away the cliff jumps and put boulders there. I think the rope swings are still there," explains a visitor to Eastern Slope Camping Area. Water noise provides natural sound masking between sites at most locations.
Mountain access for winter activities: Cabins remain accessible for cold weather recreation. "Great place year round. For those looking for some powder runs in the winter, camp here over night and do some touring during the day!" notes a visitor to Doublehead Cabin. Many cabins maintain winter accessibility via plowed roads or snowshoe trails.
Local wildlife viewing: Bears and other wildlife frequent the area. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer. The campground was clean, staff was wonderful and the amenities were great! There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch. Of course we never left any food out!" reports a camper. Bear boxes are available at backcountry sites, while front-country locations require proper food storage.
What you should know
Bear management requirements: All cabin locations require proper food storage. "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite! It was our first time seeing a black bear walking around," warns a visitor to Jellystone Park Glen Ellis. Most cabins don't include bear boxes, so bring containers or store food in vehicles.
Spring conditions: Early season visitors should prepare for mud and variable weather. "The trail up is steady, good footing, not many rocks and several stream crossings. The spring was a little more than a trickle but the area was set back from the cabin and clean," reports a visitor to Black Mountain Cabin. Trails can remain muddy through late May at higher elevations.
Reservation requirements: Almost all cabins require advance booking. Weekends in summer and fall often fill 3-6 months ahead, while winter weekends book 2-3 months in advance. Holiday weekends require planning up to a year ahead, especially for group sites or multi-cabin reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many sites offer structured recreation. "Our three kids didn't have a boring time at Jellystone Glen Ellis! They loved the Waterpark and the foam party! It was Christmas in July week, and they had so many events planned for the week. Included in your stay is Mini golf, shuffle board, the Waterpark, hayrides, movie night, magicians and more," shares a parent.
Swimming options: Most cabin locations offer water access. "There is a nice heated swimming pool, playground and arcade for the kids. It's located in the heart of everything. If you need something it's a quick drive away," explains a visitor to Jellystone Park Glen Ellis. Public beaches at Echo Lake State Park (3 miles from Jackson) provide additional swimming with bathroom facilities and rental equipment.
Winter family activities: Moose Brook State Park cabins provide four-season access. "While the campground is closed in the winter, the trails are open to fat biking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing! The scenery at this park is beautiful any time of year!" explains a regular visitor. Jackson maintains groomed cross-country ski trails throughout winter months with access points from most cabin locations.
Tips from RVers
Basic amenities in rustic settings: White Birches Camping Park offers varied accommodation types. "We rented a one room cabin that was perfect for two who flew in without camping gear. Fridge, coffee pot, microwave and AC. One queen bed and a bunk bed made for comfortable sleeping and a fire pit was even included," mentions a traveler. Most cabin locations require RVs to park in designated lots, not directly at cabin sites.
Weather considerations: The White Mountains experience rapid weather changes. "Our site was a good size, but in a tucked away dead end area of the campground. Part of the area we were in seemed to be a bit of a dumping ground for wood and ash cleaned up from sites," reports a visitor to Saco River Camping Area. Bring leveling blocks and tire chocks for all vehicles as many sites feature sloped parking.
Access limitations: Some cabin locations have restricted vehicle access. "The road in for RVs is not terrific. There is about a 1/2 mile that is mostly one lane (with a drop off on one side) and if someone is coming decisions have to be made," warns a visitor to Covered Bridge Campground. Height restrictions under covered bridges and on forest roads can limit larger vehicles, with 7'9" maximum clearance at some locations.
