Camping near Center Ossipee, New Hampshire sits at the eastern edge of the White Mountains region, with elevations ranging from 400-500 feet in the valley to surrounding peaks exceeding 2,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations, with summer highs regularly reaching the 80s while nighttime temperatures can drop into the 50s even in July. Most campgrounds in this area provide fire rings with metal grates suitable for both cooking and warmth during cooler evenings.
What to do
River activities: The Swift River and Bearcamp River offer popular water recreation spots. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, campers enjoy direct river access. "Great location with easy ride to all North Conway attractions. Nice hay ride and playground. The beach is sandy and lots of room to spread out," notes Katelyn D. The campground provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer direct access to trails without driving. At White Ledge Campground, the Boulder Loop Trail connects directly to the campsite. "We hiked the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful," shares Sarah J. Most trails in the area range from 2-5 miles round trip.
Lakefront recreation: The region's lakes provide swimming, boating, and fishing. White Lake State Park Campground offers lake activities with mountain views. Amanda writes, "We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience. The views from the lake are incredible. The beach area is very nice and has lots of tables and grills. We were able to hear the loons calling on the lake at night too."
What campers like
Privacy and space: Many sites offer good separation from neighboring campers. At Tamworth Camping Area, Betty F. remarks, "The lots are huge with fire pits. Our site was right on the river! You can swim right in the river." Similarly, Shawn D. notes that Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort has "large campsites and well maintained" grounds.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities despite high usage. "Bathrooms were nice and clean. We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience," says Amanda about White Lake State Park. Another camper at Covered Bridge Campground observed, "The campground is clean and well kept. Pit toilets don't bother me- they were very clean."
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds welcome dogs with specific amenities. At Chocorua KOA, one reviewer highlighted "a fun dog park, a special swimming pond just for dogs and doggie day care available." Eastern Slope Camping Area even has a designated dog beach, with a camper noting, "Dogs are allowed in the campground and even on one of the two beaches."
What you should know
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to highways. One camper at Bearcamp River Campground mentioned it's "right next to a highway with chronic semis and motorcycles driving by but that's why earplugs were invented." White Ledge Campground also gets some road noise, with a reviewer noting, "Sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy."
Campground regulations: Each location has specific rules enforced by staff. At Covered Bridge Campground, height restrictions apply: "To reach it from the Kanc, you'll need to cross the covered bridge where there's a height restriction. If your rig is >7'9" you'll need to enter via Passaconaway Rd." Some campgrounds have strict quiet hours and fire regulations.
Limited cell service: Mobile coverage varies widely across the region. At Covered Bridge Campground, a reviewer noted, "Very spotty Verizon cell coverage and no TMobile service at all. Better coverage for both carriers near the top of the boulder loop trail." For reliable connectivity, heading into Conway or larger towns is necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Family-friendly options include playgrounds, beaches, and activities. At Chocorua KOA, "There are two playgrounds for little and big kids. The beach area is small and not deep enough to swim but the kids enjoyed playing in the sand and water. There are a lot of options for boat rentals- paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and row boats," according to Erin M.
Look for organized activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events. Erin M. continues about Chocorua KOA: "There were also a lot of free activities for the kids like crafts, wagon rides and games with a full schedule of events." White Lake State Park offers ice cream at their snack shack, with Douglas L. mentioning, "The kids enjoyed ice cream tacos from the snack shack."
Consider site proximity to facilities: Bathrooms can be a long walk at larger campgrounds. Stephanie C. shares about White Lake: "This is a VERY LARGE campground, it will be a trek to get to the bathrooms or showers or swimming. You do NOT get to park at the lake if you are a camper. So that will be a long walk." She recommends getting "a site next to the bathroom, which was very helpful and I felt confident letting my children go to the bathroom alone."
Tips from RVers
Check site leveling requirements: Some waterfront sites require significant leveling. Michael K. describes his experience at Chocorua KOA: "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. And when I say a lot, I mean my 5" drive on leveling blocks weren't enough."
Verify hookup options: Electric service may differ from advertised. Michael K. continues, "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that." Most campgrounds have potable water available, but the locations and hookups vary widely.
Consider maneuverability: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, one reviewer noted sites are "very close to each other and hard to maneuver a RV into." Similarly at Covered Bridge, the access road includes "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."
