Camping near Jackson sits in the heart of the White Mountains region, with most sites located between 1,000-2,500 feet in elevation. The area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, with evening temperatures dropping 15-20 degrees even during summer months. Most campgrounds remain open from May through October, with limited options for late fall or early spring camping.
What to do
Hiking from your campsite: At Dry River Campground, campers can access trails directly from the grounds. "We hiked a trail right from the campground to Wiley's house it was 6 miles round trip with the dogs and the trail was well marked and we had ice cream at Wiley's house which was great," shares one visitor.
Swimming in natural settings: Echo Lake at Cannon Mountain RV Park provides summer swimming options. "During the summer there is a beach at Echo Lake offering boat rentals. A public boat launch is on the far end of the lake," notes a camper who enjoyed the water access.
Winter recreation access: Several campgrounds maintain access through winter months. "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," writes one visitor about Cannon Mountain RV Park's winter accommodations.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Many campsites offer water features that enhance the camping experience. "I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing," notes a camper at Riverside Camping & RV Resort about the nature trails behind the campground.
Private, wooded sites: The natural setting provides separation at many campgrounds. "Danforth Bay has been the staple campground for my family through the years. Its rare to find a campground with so many spacious wooded sites overlooking the water," shares a visitor about the layout at Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort.
Family amenities: Recreation options keep younger campers entertained. At Country Bumpkins Campground, "There is a small arcade game room, WiFi at each site and an outdoor play area for kids," according to one visitor who appreciated the family-friendly facilities.
What you should know
Limited Wi-Fi and cell service: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. At Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins, "The wi-fi is excellent," according to a recent camper, though this is not standard across all locations in the region.
Weather preparedness: The mountain setting creates unpredictable conditions. "The site also drained well after a massive thunderstorm!" noted one camper about their experience at Dry River Campground, highlighting the importance of choosing sites with good drainage.
Advance booking requirements: Reservation windows vary by campground. "Reservations open 11 months in advance. Mid-Oct to Dec 1 sites are walk-in only," explains a visitor about Dry River Campground's booking system.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling options. "Has 2 big beautiful pools and a smaller one with a kids slide," comments a camper about Danforth Bay's water facilities that appeal to different age groups.
Playground access: Designated play areas keep children entertained. "There's a great playground for younger kids and ducks just waiting to be fed," notes a visitor to Country Bumpkins about the on-site recreation options.
Organized activities: Scheduled events enhance family camping experiences. "They seem to always have events & family friendly activities to keep kids entertained. I always appreceiate the onsite kayak rentals for exploring the river that runs along the campground," shares a camper about Danforth Bay's programming.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Newfound RV Park offers practical accommodations. "Our compacted ground site was level and had a dedicated patch of grass with a small tree. We personally felt that the sites were all well-spaced, we've been in campgrounds much, much closer," notes an RVer about the site layout.
Full hookup availability: RV sites near Jackson, New Hampshire often provide complete services. "Our site was full hookup and a pull through site. We used a Passport America discount here," shares a visitor about their experience at Newfound RV Park.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have tighter spaces for larger rigs. "The sites are narrow, a little bigger than a parking space, especially because of the trees in between the sites," explains a camper at Cannon Mountain RV Park, noting that "Site seven looks to be the best because no trees on one side lets you have some room."