Silver Lake, New Hampshire sits at 459 feet above sea level with weather patterns heavily influenced by nearby Lake Winnipesaukee. The White Mountains region experiences significant temperature drops between day and night, often 15-20 degrees during summer months. Year-round camping options remain limited primarily to RV sites, with tent camping typically available from mid-May through early October.
What to do
Paddle nearby Echo Lake: At Cannon Mountain RV Park, campers have direct access to Echo Lake's calm waters. "During the summer there is a beach at Echo Lake offering boat rentals. A public boat launch is on the far end of the lake," notes one visitor who appreciates the lake's accessibility from the campground.
Hike Artists Bluff Trail: This short but rewarding 1.5-mile loop trail near Franconia provides panoramic views of Franconia Notch. A camper at Cannon Mountain RV Park mentions, "Just across the street is the short but rewarding hike up Artists Bluff, giving you a view into Franconia Notch; continue along the ridge and you'll enjoy the western views from Bald Mountain."
Explore Old Orchard Beach: Located just 4 miles from Wild Acres RV Resort, the historic beachfront offers classic New England coastal experiences. "Quick walk to the sand and just a little further to the pier. Clean and neat facilities. Great activities for the kids," shares a camper who visited in 2021.
What campers like
Private, waterfront settings: Silver Lakes Park Campground provides direct lake access in a controlled environment. "This is a very clean, quiet, gated campground, with easy beach access for the kids (and launching space for pontoon or bass boats)," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained grounds.
Spacious wooded sites: Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort offers larger-than-average camping spaces with natural separation. A regular visitor mentions, "Its rare to find a campground with so many spacious wooded sites overlooking the water." Another camper confirms this assessment: "The site we had was huge! Will come back!!"
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance stands out at campgrounds throughout the region. A visitor to Wild Duck Adult Campground reports, "The bathhouse and bathrooms were very clean. I would definitely stay here again!" Another adds, "The owners spend a lot of time on site making sure everything is in order."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the Silver Lake region close after mid-October. "We love going in the fall to enjoy the leaves and sit in the hot tubs. The location is close to OOB and easy to get around," notes a camper at Wild Acres RV Resort, highlighting the benefits of shoulder-season visits.
Site density varies significantly: Expectations should match reality when booking. One camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground observed, "In general, the sites are pretty close together and do not have great buffers. The sites that face the marsh are the best sites - they have some grass and lovely views."
Insects can be problematic: Proximity to water bodies means mosquito preparation is essential. "The only negative of this place was the mosquitoes. They were TERRIBLE. In the time it took after we parked the camper, to when I could dig the bug spray out of our truck I was covered in bites," warns a camper at Wild Duck Adult Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's areas: Riverbrook RV & Camping Resort maintains child-friendly spaces with playground equipment. "Wonderful time staying here," notes one visitor who appreciated the family-oriented amenities and layout.
Consider campground size and noise levels: Finding the right balance between activities and peace can be crucial. A Wild Acres camper advises, "Very big complex and sites are close together. If you like privacy and more of a camping experience, this is not the place. However, it has walkable beach access, and the kids loved the heated pool."
Check pet policies before booking: Rules vary significantly between properties. While Riverbrook RV & Camping Resort welcomes pets, Silver Lakes Park Campground does not allow animals, with one visitor noting explicitly that "Pets are asked to stay home."
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds advertise "big rig friendly" sites with varied meanings. At Turtle Kraal RV Park, a visitor reported, "This campground is huge - there is a lower loop and an upper loop with the bathhouse and pool right in the center. Each site has a firepit and a picnic table - though many sites have additions and build for an extended stay!"
Prepare for various hookup options: While most RV campgrounds offer water and electric, amperage varies. According to one camper at Cannon Mountain RV Park, "This is one of our favorite trips every year! The campground is small, only 7 sites, but located at the base of Cannon mountain nestled next to Echo lake it's simply breathtaking! No frills but has full hook ups since 2016."
Consider seasonal availability: Year-round RV camping remains limited, with Cannon Mountain RV Park being one notable exception. "Perfect for ski bums. Access to xcs, downhill, and snow machine trails," notes a winter visitor, highlighting the unique year-round accessibility.