Cabins near North Conway, New Hampshire, range from 800 to 2,200 feet in elevation, allowing for varying terrain experiences throughout the White Mountain region. The area receives approximately 74 inches of snow annually, with winter cabin stays requiring preparation for potential heavy snowfall conditions. Most cabin properties operate seasonally from late spring through mid-October, with limited winter options requiring advance planning.
What to do
Hiking from your cabin: Cabins at Covered Bridge Campground provide direct trail access. "The Boulder Loop Trail is attached to the campground...you can walk there from the campground and not have to deal with parking," notes one camper. The moderate 3.1-mile loop offers excellent vista views while requiring minimal travel.
River activities: Tubing is a popular activity when staying at cabin sites along the Saco River. At Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis, "one of the fun things about this is that at the far end of the campground is a place to take out. They have tubes to rent right there which was very handy," explains a visitor. Water access is included with cabin stays.
Wildlife viewing: Cabins placed deeper in forested areas offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. "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 visitor to the area. Proper food storage is essential for safety during these encounters.
What campers like
Private cabin locations: Many guests appreciate the distance between cabins at White Mountain National Forest sites. "Sometimes if you take a little hike into the woods and look around, you find a sweet camping spot for the night," shares a camper, highlighting the ability to find secluded accommodations away from busier commercial areas.
Water proximity: Cabins situated near water features are consistently rated highest. At Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort, "we have wonderful memories of kayaking (their courses are great and included), watching the stars in the field near the BMX bike area," a visitor recalls. Waterfront cabins typically cost 20-30% more but offer enhanced recreational opportunities.
Scenic mountain views: Cabins positioned at higher elevations offer panoramic perspectives. "Waking up to the sound of the loons in the morning was wonderful," notes a guest at Chocorua KOA, where waterfront cabins include private decks with furnished seating areas overlooking the water and surrounding mountains.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. "Covered Bridge is just west of Conway on the Kancamagus, which means it's a great location for hiking, tubing, fishing, and even shopping; the choice is yours," explains a visitor, but notes facilities operate May through October with limited shoulder-season amenities.
Varying cabin amenities: Basic cabins typically include beds, electricity, and outdoor cooking facilities. "The deck had furniture on it and a grill. The campground is well maintained, nice, clean. The furniture was in good shape, the grill was an older Weber grill that worked great," reports a visitor detailing what comes with their rental.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is mandatory in cabin areas. "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite!" warns a camper at Glen Ellis. Many properties provide bear-proof storage containers or specific guidelines for food security.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly cabins offer scheduled programming for children. At Saco River Camping Area, "they had an adorable mining station for the kids at the front and it was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed it there," notes a parent. Most family-oriented properties offer 3-5 organized activities daily during peak season.
Cabin placement: Request cabins near amenities when traveling with young children. "Located about 30 minutes south of Conway and on a bay that connects to Lake Ossippee, this is a great location and great campground. Very well spread out, with sites great for tents, pop-ups as well as the biggest of RV's. Excellent pools, including a kids pool and also a saltwater pool," shares a Danforth Bay visitor.
Kid-friendly features: Cabins with enclosed porches provide weather protection for family activities. "Large campsites with a good amount of space between them. Picnic tables and firepits are in great shape," notes a camper about the importance of functional outdoor spaces when staying with children.
Tips for RVers
Access limitations: Some cabin areas have restricted access for 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," cautions a visitor to Covered Bridge. Check road clearances and width restrictions before booking.
Site leveling: Many cabin and RV sites require significant leveling. "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," reports a camper who needed additional equipment beyond standard leveling blocks.
Utility verification: Verify electrical connections match your requirements. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," advises a Chocorua KOA visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming amenities before arrival to avoid compatibility issues.
