The White Mountains of New Hampshire reach elevations over 6,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature shifts between day and night even in summer months. Camping areas near Wonalancet sit at the southeastern edge of the White Mountain National Forest where temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees after sunset. Campers should prepare for overnight lows in the 40s even during July and August when daytime highs typically range from 70-85°F.
What to do
River activities: 5 minutes from camp: At Eastern Slope Camping Area, the Saco River offers swimming and tubing opportunities directly from the campground. The property features "two beaches" and "a great big beach right on the Saco River that was excellent," according to Joseph N. The river itself is "crystal clear, ice cold and refreshing" for cooling off during hot summer days.
Mountain hiking: Multiple difficulty levels: Waterville Campground provides access to "5 - 4000 foot mountains to hike," notes Michael L. The campground sits close to multiple trails, and "1 mile hike into Waterville Town Square" makes it convenient to access additional services. Jeanne G. appreciates the "paths going down to the mad river" directly from the campsite.
Covered bridge exploration: Historic structures: Near Covered Bridge Campground, visitors can walk through authentic New Hampshire covered bridges. "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)," warns Norma S. about accessing the campground itself, which requires crossing a 7'9" height-restricted covered bridge from one direction.
What campers like
Clean, accessible swimming: At White Lake State Park Campground, the lake offers multiple swimming options. "The lake is clear, the swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids," explains Jean C. Amanda adds, "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."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Black bears frequently visit camping areas in the White Mountains. At Country Bumpkins Campground, one camper reported, "The first day I got there at around 5:30 I was sitting in my hammock reading when a black bear cub strolled through my campsite." Meanwhile, at Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, visitors noted "There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch."
Woodsy tent sites with river access: Many campgrounds offer sites alongside streams and rivers. Timothy M. describes White Ledge Campground as having "simple campsites. Water spigot and vault toilets, dumpsters all within easy walking distance of all sites." Jeanne G. notes that Waterville Campground has "great little campground spots for both campers and tents right along the river."
What you should know
Noise levels vary significantly: Roadside campgrounds experience traffic noise. At White Ledge Campground, "The loop for sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy," warns Jean C. Similarly, at Waterville Campground, a camper noted "there is some road noise."
Bathroom facilities range widely: White Lake State Park features "coin-operated (2 minutes/$0.25), hot and clean showers" according to Jean C., but the bathrooms "could use some maintenance. The toilets don't flush well at all." Waterville Campground has more basic facilities with "no sinks. There are signs to wash your hand but not a single sink... The bathrooms are outhouses. No flush and not pleasant smelling."
Campsite spacing affects privacy: Site proximity varies dramatically between glamping near Wonalancet and traditional campgrounds. At Lincoln/Woodstock KOA, "The sites are very close together with very little trees or anything to break it up. You are right on top of your neighbors," according to Michael K. Conversely, at Covered Bridge Campground, "The sites are quite large and have a good amount of space between them."
Tips for camping with families
Campground size matters: Consider distances: At White Lake State Park Campground, STephanie C. warns: "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." She recommends getting a site near facilities if camping with children.
Quiet hours enforcement varies: Experiences differ regarding noise control. Sable W. reported at White Lake: "Quiet hours are supposed to start at 10:00pm, but our rowdy male neighbors were up, playing music, talking loudly, and singing, until midnight." Meanwhile, at Waterville Campground, "quiet hours (10p-6a) are taken seriously. This does not just mean music goes off, you also have to whisper if you want to stay up."
Look for kid-focused activities: Douglas L. appreciated White Lake State Park's family amenities: "The beach was clean and had lots of ducks swimming near by. The kids enjoyed ice cream tacos from the snack shack." At Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, Liz S. noted, "This campground has a beautiful pool to cool off in, a nice playground and arcade for the kids."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Eastern Slope Camping Area, one RVer noted: "Our site 1-32a was huge, and the driveway was a rather steep hill." At Chocorua KOA, Michael K. encountered similar issues: "Most of the waterfront sites are back in, and the only level part of the site is away from the deck and water... 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."
Utility connections: Electric options vary widely. At White Lake State Park, "There are no hookups, but there is a dump station," notes Jean C. Meanwhile, Eastern Slope offers fuller services, as Samme C. explains: "Each site (except beach) has a wood canopy, picnic bench, electrical, water spigot & designated fire pit."
RV height restrictions: For glamping near Wonalancet, New Hampshire in larger vehicles, covered bridges present challenges. At Covered Bridge Campground, Jae H. warns: "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in." For larger rigs, White Lake State Park offers more accessible approaches.
