Camping near Kearsarge, New Hampshire spans from high-elevation areas at 2,937 feet down to valley locations along the Saco and Ellis Rivers. The White Mountains region experiences temperature variations of 20-30°F between day and night, even in summer months. Most dispersed camping areas require vehicles with decent clearance, as access roads can become rutted after rain events.
What to do
Hiking accessibility: At Dry River Campground, trails start directly from your campsite. "We hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" notes a visitor. The location makes it ideal for exploring multiple difficulty levels of White Mountain trails.
River tubing options: The Saco River provides natural recreation with varying difficulty levels. "You can take a short walk to the pavilion and put a tube in and float the river back around to the beach area. We did it 4 times!" shares a camper at Saco River Camping Area.
Winter adventures: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Town Hall Road Dispersed area remains accessible year-round for adventurous winter campers. "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day," reports one visitor, indicating its weather-resistant qualities.
What campers like
River swimming spots: Many campers highlight the natural swimming holes rather than pool facilities. At Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, visitors appreciate that "Crystal clear, ice cold and refreshing. Tube, swim or dip your feet it is a great way to spend the afternoon."
Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings are common throughout the region. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer... There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch," reports a camper who visited with grandchildren.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently mention the generous sizing of sites at many campgrounds. "We had site Cove 31 which is listed as an RV site. This site was very large. With our 20 foot trailer we could still fit our Ford 150 and Subaru Forrester in front of it and still had room for another car," notes a visitor at Covered Bridge Campground.
What you should know
Weather variability: The region experiences significant temperature swings. "Weather conditions can change rapidly in the White Mountains, particularly at higher elevations," notes a camper who packed extra layers even for summer camping.
Water levels: River conditions fluctuate significantly by season and rainfall. "There is swimming/bathing in the Swift River but it was low (we are in a draught)," notes a camper at Covered Bridge, highlighting the need to check conditions before planning water-based activities.
Reservation timing: For established campgrounds, especially during peak season, advance planning is essential. At White Lake State Park Campground, "Mid-October to Dec 1 sites are walk-in only. Pre-register online and bring your print-out with you to save yourself some time."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to major routes. "The campground is directly next to Rt 16, so expect to hear some road noise, more so during the day. Whole site is very quiet at night," explains a visitor to White Ledge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds near attractions provide multiple entertainment options. At Green Meadow Camping Area, "The band on Saturday night was so fun and the kids loved it. The pool was extra clean and nice. Everything else was super clean and easy to access."
Bicycle-friendly loops: Several campgrounds feature bike-friendly paths. "Very family friendly spot. Had beautiful fall foliage and was close to some great hikes. Our spot near the river was also very cool," notes a family who visited Jellystone Park Glen Ellis during autumn.
Nature education: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during peak season. "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories," reports a family who enjoyed the educational opportunities at Dry River Campground.
Water safety: Families should note river temperature and current strength varies considerably. "The river is great for exploring! But it's extremely cold, swift, shallow, so it's not ideal for swimming," cautions a parent who camped at Crawford Notch Campground with children ages 5 and 7.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Many campgrounds have varying levels of privacy between sites. "The sites are pretty close together and there was no real demarcation between them. This can be good if you are with friends and reserve sites side by side (2 & 3; 12 & 13)," advises an RVer who stayed at Dry River Campground.
Height restrictions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful planning for larger vehicles. "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in," warns an RV owner, highlighting the importance of checking alternative routes.
Solar/Starlink access: For those requiring connectivity, tree cover can present challenges. "If all we needed was a campsite with no solar or starlink, this would be 5 star review. Lots of options, great hiking in the area. But if you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots," notes an RVer at Town Hall Road Dispersed camping.
