West Ossipee camping areas sit at an elevation of approximately 480 feet, nestled between the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire. The region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures around 80°F and cold winters that typically reach below freezing from December through February. Camping sites near West Ossipee offer a mix of private campgrounds and public facilities, with most located within a 15-mile radius of Mount Chocorua's distinctive peak.
What to do
Swimming spots: Try White Lake State Park Campground, which features a lake with gradual depth changes ideal for families. "Beautiful lake and campground... We rented both a canoe and kayaks and it was such a nice experience. The views from the lake are incredible," notes Amanda at White Lake State Park.
Hiking access: Plan a trip to White Ledge Campground, which connects directly to trails. "We hiked the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful. Just a super awesome hidden gem," reports Sarah J. This campground serves as an excellent base for day hikes to Mount Chocorua.
River activities: Explore the Swift River at Tamworth Camping Area where sites back up to the water. "Our site was right on the river! You can swim right in the river. Pet friendly. They have a recreational area right as you enter," says Betty F. The Swift River offers shallow areas for wading and deeper sections for swimming depending on seasonal water levels.
Dog-friendly options: Visit Chocorua KOA if traveling with pets. "This is an incredibly dog-friendly campground with a fun dog park, a special swimming pond just for dogs and doggie day care available," writes Erin M. The campground also offers "dog pond and dog wash" facilities according to Marla B.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers praise Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort for its lakeside options. "Its rare to find a campground with so many spacious wooded sites overlooking the water. I always appreciate the onsite kayak rentals for exploring the river that runs along the campground," says Jake C., who also mentions the Mary's Mountain hiking trail accessible from the RV storage area.
Proximity to attractions: Foothills Family Campground offers convenient access to nearby hiking. "Super close to piper trail where we climbed Mt. Chocora the next day," notes Sebastian D. This location provides quick access to both the mountains and the lakes region attractions.
Wilderness experience: Jigger Johnson Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Located on the Kancamagus Highway, Jigger Johnson is one of those great sites that has close proximity to plenty of hiking, exploring, swimming and isn't too far from the hustle and bustle of North Conway," says Joseph N. Another camper mentions, "We got to see a moose! There was a pair of moose that were hanging around while we were there which was quite fun."
River access: Eastern Slope Camping Area stands out for Saco River use. "This is a nice little campground if you're doing the Saco, has a nice bath house, has a bunch of campsites, a good store that has everything that you might have forgotten! The river is right there and you can splash around in it," mentions Matt R.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At White Lake State Park, site location significantly affects your experience. "This is a VERY LARGE campground, it will be a trek to get to the bathrooms or showers or swimming," explains Stephanie C. Sites near the bathrooms work better for families with young children.
Seasonal fluctuations: At Covered Bridge Campground, water levels vary throughout summer. "The Swift River is in walking distance and offers a great place to relax after a long day in the New Hampshire woods," says Michael M., though water levels drop in late summer during dry years.
Noise levels: Consider road proximity when selecting a campground. White Ledge Campground sites "parallel NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy," warns Jean C. Campgrounds deeper in the forest offer more quiet.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate first-come, first-served. Jigger Johnson Campground doesn't take reservations: "It is first-come, first-served, so if you want a site with a path to the water it is best to arrive earlier in the day, around 1 pm when new campers are welcomed," advises Rita M.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Choose Eastern Slope Camping Area for water options. "Love that it is right on the Saco river, has two beaches," mentions Jennifer O., though she notes the playground is limited to swings only. This campground offers river access plus traditional pool facilities.
Organized activities: White Lake State Park offers family-friendly programming throughout summer. "They seem to always have events & family friendly activities to keep kids entertained," notes a reviewer. Weekend activities include nature programs and ranger-led walks.
Site spacing: Consider Jigger Johnson Campground for quieter family camping. "The camp sites have lots of space between them—we rarely heard our neighbors, even when they were up and about. It was quiet at night when our kids needed to sleep," says Rita M.
Bathrooms and facilities: Campgrounds vary widely in bathroom quality. Some campers note that White Lake State Park bathrooms "are a little dirty and for the condition, unfair to have to pay for water." Consider bringing quarters for showers as many facilities require payment.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Large RVs require careful planning at Covered Bridge Campground. One camper warns about the entrance: "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." Additionally, "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway."
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with extra leveling equipment. At Danforth Bay, one RVer reported: "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." Waterfront sites often require more extensive leveling due to sloping terrain.
Hookup availability: Check specific sites for services. Danforth Bay offers full hookup sites, but one camper discovered a discrepancy: "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that." Many campgrounds offer a mix of primitive and serviced sites.
