White Mountain National Forest surrounds North Sandwich, New Hampshire with elevations ranging from 700 to over 4,000 feet. The region gets significant snowfall from November through April, making seasonal camping availability highly variable. Dispersed and established camping options exist throughout the area, with most campgrounds open from Memorial Day through mid-October.
What to do
Waterfront activities: At White Lake State Park Campground, visitors can rent kayaks and paddle boats to explore the lake. "We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience. The views from the lake are incredible," noted Amanda.
Hiking nearby trails: The Boulder Loop Trail connects directly to Covered Bridge Campground, offering a relatively short hike with excellent viewpoints. "The Boulder Loop Trail is attached to the campground. It's relatively short, offers several great vista views, and you can walk there from the campground and not have to deal with parking," writes Melissa W.
Year-round access: Meredith Woods Four Season Camping provides winter camping options with reliable facilities. "Snow ploughing happens regularly and reliably. Indoor pool and hot tub are amazing on a snowy frigid winter day," reports Mara S., making this an excellent base for cold-weather exploration.
What campers like
Site spacing and setup: Many campers appreciate the layout at Waterville Campground, where "sites are large with space in between" according to Emily L. The pine-needle floors at many sites provide a comfortable surface for tents.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is consistently mentioned in reviews. At Harbor Hill, Sarah W. notes, "The bathrooms are super clean (although somewhat small). Large single stall shower that was also very clean, operates on quarters."
Natural water features: Access to rivers and lakes ranks high with campers. At Covered Bridge Campground, Michael M. appreciates that "The swift river is in walking distance and offers a great place to relax after a long day in the New Hampshire woods."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak seasons. White Lake sites are particularly sought after—"Labor Day visit last year sites were full very early Friday morning," notes Jean C.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have proximity to highways. White Ledge 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," according to Timothy M.
Limited amenities at forest service sites: National Forest campgrounds like Covered Bridge offer basic facilities. "Pit toilets don't bother me—they were very clean but if you struggle with using a pit or not having a shower, this isn't your campground," explains Melissa W.
Site flooding concerns: Some areas are prone to water issues during heavy rain. "When it rains it floods the sites near the bathroom toward the beginning of the entrance," shares Samme C. about Eastern Slope Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lincoln/Woodstock KOA receives high marks from families for its activities. "The kids seemed to enjoy the bounce pad and other activities that are located in the center of the campground," observes Jean C.
Beach safety: White Lake State Park offers shallow water access. "The swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids," notes Jean C., making it ideal for families with young children.
Biking opportunities: Many campgrounds have loop roads suitable for children on bikes. At White Lake, STephanie C. mentions, "I had a site next to the bathroom, which was very helpful and I felt confident letting my children go to the bathroom alone."
Plan for insects: Bug protection is essential, especially in spring and early summer. "Bring your bug spray, citronella candles and smoky firewood—the bugs here are no joke. But if you come prepared you can get by with minimal bites," advises Angela T.
Tips from RVers
Access restrictions: When traveling with larger rigs to Covered Bridge Campground, note that "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. Also check height restrictions—"Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway."
Leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites require substantial leveling. At Chocorua KOA, Michael K. found, "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."
Electrical considerations: Always verify the amperage available. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," advises a camper at Chocorua KOA.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump stations, so plan accordingly. White Ledge Campground has "no hookups and no dump station," while nearby White Lake State Park does provide a dump station for campers.
