Cabin camping near West Ossipee, New Hampshire offers diverse options with easy access to the White Mountain National Forest, Saco River, and Ossipee Lake. Most cabin sites feature wooded surroundings with elevations ranging from 500-1000 feet above sea level. Winter cabin rentals often require special reservation procedures, with many properties closing completely from November through April except for a few year-round operations.
What to do
Hiking access: Covered Bridge Campground connects directly to the Boulder Loop Trail. "Lower Falls and Rocky Gorge are nearby. If you're going to be in the area for a while, stop by the Saco Ranger Station and purchase a weekly parking pass for all the White Mountain National Forest parking areas/trailheads," advises Jean C. at Covered Bridge Campground.
Water activities: The rivers provide numerous options for cooling off during summer months. "You can tube down the river, it's peaceful and clean with great views and location is great ❤️ We even went horse back riding as it's close to castle in the clouds," notes Heather M. from Whits End Campground.
River access: Many campgrounds offer direct river frontage for swimming and recreation. "The river is great, even when low you can still tube it!! They have everything you need at the store, great heated pool," reports Susan L. about the river conditions at Whits End Campground.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many cabins feature natural surroundings and separation from neighboring sites. "Danforth Bay has been the staple campground for my family through the years. Its rare to find a campground with so many spacious wooded sites overlooking the water," explains Jake C. at Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort.
River swimming: The Swift River provides natural swimming holes at several properties. "This place is a hidden gem! We find this place on a whim from a local who suggested we check it out. The lots are huge with fire pits. Our site was right on the river! You can swim right in the river," writes Betty F. about Tamworth Camping Area.
Activities for rainy days: Several properties offer indoor options when weather doesn't cooperate. "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," shares Steve K. about the amenities at Danforth Bay.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage. "The campground has a rule that fires have to be out at 11:30. We are quiet and no one is around us because we all rent the sites around us. The security people have been extremely aggressive to us," mentions Jeremy P. about enforcement at Danforth Bay.
Reservation timing: Peak season fills quickly, especially for cabin accommodations. "We spent 5 days and wished it was longer. The campground was clean, staff was wonderful and the amenities were great! There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night," reports Liz S. at Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis.
Weather impacts: Location can experience significant rainfall even in summer months. "The camp sits on the saco river and offer swimming, canoeing, rope swinging and fishing depending on when you there. Most often people float the saco. In rafts, tubes, canoes what ever you can float on," explains Daniel S. at Saco River Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Supervised water activities: Many river locations have variable depths and currents. "Chocorua KOA is a great campground, very well kept (bathrooms, showers, walkways etc.), all staff I've come in touch with has always been pleasant, there's quite a few activities available for kids and adults, they do arts and crafts, movie nights, hikes and other things for children," describes Austin H. about Chocorua KOA.
Entertainment options: Some cabins include access to on-site recreational facilities. "Has 2 big beautiful pools and a smaller one with a kids slide. Large campsites and well maintained. Camp store has everything you need. The golf cart rentals are great and in great condition," shares Shawn D. about the facilities at Danforth Bay.
Off-season rates: Shoulder season visits (May, September, October) often cost significantly less. "The campground is so large that many people get around on golf carts. There are ongoing renovations and new areas, so it still looks a little rough around the edges in places," notes Jean C. about Westward Shores Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some cabin areas have restricted vehicle access. "We had site 19 with our pop up just prior to their annual Jimmy Buffet weekend. Nice little beach on the Swift River. Nicely wooded sites. A quarter will get you five minutes of hot water for your shower," shares Amy V. from Tamworth Camping Area.
Site selection: Waterfront cabin locations may require specific vehicle requirements. "The waterfront site we had (site 38) was very nice, it's pretty spacious. The deck had furniture on it and a grill. The campground is well maintained, nice, clean. The furniture was in good shape, the grill was an older weber grill that worked great," explains Michael K. about his experience at Chocorua KOA.
Leveling needs: Some cabin parking areas require additional equipment. "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that. Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water," advises Michael K., noting the technical considerations at Chocorua KOA.
