White Lake State Park and Chocorua KOA offer premier glamping experiences near Melvin Village, New Hampshire, located about 15 minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee. Both campgrounds are situated within the foothills of the White Mountains at elevations between 500-900 feet, providing cooler nights even during summer's peak. The region's sandy soil drains well after rain, making it ideal for tent camping while also supporting the sturdy platforms used for luxury camping structures.
What to do
Hiking with mountain views: The area surrounding White Ledge Campground connects directly to excellent hiking trails. "The White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful. Just a super awesome hidden gem," notes Sarah J., who visited the park regularly.
River swimming: Access to Swift River provides natural swimming options away from the lake crowds. "There is swimming/bathing in the Swift River but it was low (we are in a draught)," mentions Norma S. who camped at Covered Bridge in late summer.
Kayaking and boating: Water access directly from camp makes paddling convenient. "The lake itself is unreal, with the mountains in the background it just feels incredibly peaceful and serene," explains Angela T., highlighting the morning and evening paddling opportunities.
Dog-friendly activities: Some campgrounds cater specifically to pets. "This is an incredibly dog-friendly campground with a fun dog park, a special swimming pond just for dogs and doggie day care available," mentions Erin M. about her stay at Chocorua KOA.
What campers like
Water access variety: Each campground offers distinctive water experiences. Chocorua KOA provides multiple options: "There are a lot of options for boat rentals- paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and row boats," according to Erin M., making water activities easily accessible.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower buildings receive consistent praise despite high usage. "The bathrooms are quite dated but clean. The pool is freezing cold so the kids didn't swim much," notes one visitor, showing that facility maintenance is prioritized even during peak season.
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal operations mentioned elsewhere, Meredith Woods Four Season Camping truly lives up to its name. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," explains Mara S., highlighting year-round accessibility.
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds maintain reasonable separation between sites. "The sites were fairly spread out and have a fire fault. There are pit toilets and water pumps," notes Daniel S. about Waterville Campground, emphasizing the balance between community and privacy.
What you should know
Bears are active: Wildlife encounters require proper preparation. "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," shares Kitty about Waterville Campground.
Site selection matters: The experience varies significantly based on site location. "Sites are close together and quiet hours (10p-6a) are taken seriously. This does not just mean music goes off, you also have to whisper if you want to stay up and hang out around the campfire," explains Desiree M.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have rusty water. "The water is very brown/rusty. We didn't feel comfortable drinking it," reports Heather B., suggesting campers bring drinking water.
Height restrictions: RV access can be limited. "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in," warns Jae H., highlighting the need to check access routes before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Beach selection: For young swimmers, look for gradual water entry. "The lake is clear, the swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids, and there is a separate boat launch area," suggests Jean C., noting White Lake's family-friendly water access.
Playground options: Activity areas vary significantly between campgrounds. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, "Love that it is right on the Saco river, has two beaches, the only con is the park for kids only has swings," reports Jennifer O., suggesting families bring additional recreation equipment.
Evening activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events. "At night they did wagon rides around the campground which our little ones really enjoyed," mentions Joseph N., highlighting structured entertainment options.
Biking opportunities: Some campgrounds are ideal for children's cycling. "The sites were spacious and felt semi private, I had a site next to the bathroom, which was very helpful and I felt confident letting my children go to the bathroom alone," shares Stephanie C., noting the safe environment for kids.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some lakefront sites require extra equipment. "The only level part of the site is away from the deck and water. My wife wanted to get the camper up close to the deck so our area under the awning was close to that, which meant I had a lot more leveling to do," explains Michael K. about his stay at Long Island Bridge Campground.
Electrical service verification: Don't assume hookup details are accurate. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," advises Michael K., suggesting RVers confirm utilities before setting up.
RV size restrictions: Road access limits larger vehicles. "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 Norma S., highlighting access challenges for bigger rigs.
Seasonal changes: For year-round RVers, site availability varies. "We stay here a couple of times a year. It is our first stay of the season and our last. Very quiet, sites are large and staff is friendly," notes a seasonal visitor at Meredith Woods.
