The White Mountains region surrounding Tamworth sits at elevations between 500-4,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F while spring and fall bring cooler 40-65°F temperatures. The area's mixed hardwood forests provide natural shelter at most campgrounds, with proximity to several river systems including the Swift, Saco, and Mad Rivers.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: White Ledge Campground offers direct access to the Carter Ledge trail up Mt. Chocorua and shorter loop trails. "The sites are clean. It is beautiful. We hiked the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful," writes Sarah J.
Water activities: Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort provides excellent options for water recreation. "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," reports Steve K.
Winter exploring: Many of these campgrounds transform during winter months. "Jigger Johnson is located past the pass on the Kancamagus Hwy. This campground was close to a great day-hike to Champney Falls, the Russel Colbath historic site and Sawyer Pond trail," notes Kirsten J.
What campers like
River access: Covered Bridge Campground offers water access that campers appreciate. "The campground is well hidden between the river and the boulder loop trail. Perfect place to hike, relax by the water, then into a comfy campground," says Jae H.
Trail connectivity: Campers value being able to hike directly from their campsite. "We hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" shares Michele S. at Dry River Campground.
Site spaciousness: White Ledge Campground receives praise for its site design. "The sites are well spaced, well maintained and provide you with a picnic table and fire pit. The host here is very friendly and offers the sale of firewood for $8 a bundle," explains Samantha C.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds are located near highways. "The 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," notes Timothy M. about White Ledge Campground.
Reservation systems vary: While some campgrounds allow advance booking, others use different systems. "This is a first come campground, which means that you can't make a reservation in advance. In order to reserve the site you must find an empty site, and leave something there (ie: your tent) to signify to others that the site is taken, then you need to pay in the little envelope at the front gate," explains Denise L.
Limited services: Waterville Campground and others have basic facilities. "One major concern, I wish I had known, is there are no sinks. There are signs to wash your hand but not a single sink... The bathrooms are outhouses. No flush and not pleasant smelling. No mirrors or lights or sinks in the bathrooms. No where to wash dishes," reports Desiree M.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated family areas: Some campgrounds offer special family camping sites. "Chocorua KOA is a great campground with super friendly staff, a variety of sites and lots of activities and things to do for everyone in the family. There are a lot of free activities for the kids like crafts, wagon rides and games with a full schedule of events," explains Erin M.
Consider noise levels: Eastern Slope Camping Area provides family-friendly amenities. "At night they did wagon rides around the campground which our little ones really enjoyed. Not a bad campground overall, while it bills itself as family friendly it also very much a place to come and party," notes Joseph N.
Select campgrounds with swimming options: Families appreciate water access for cooling off. "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. If you don't have your own boats, they offer rentals of kayaks and paddle boats," explains Jean C.
Tips for RVers
Check site leveling needs: Some waterfront sites require significant leveling. "Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water. When I say a lot, I mean my 5" drive on leveling blocks weren't enough and I had to put them on top of a 2x8 to level the camper out," warns Michael K. at Chocorua KOA.
Note campground approach roads: Access can be challenging for larger rigs. "Oh, 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 Norma S.
Consider power availability: Some campgrounds advertise different hook-ups than what's available. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that," advises Michael K.
Scout
