Campsite question

[nebcskier]

I am looking for a campsite accessible, in NH, from the car, that would offer swimmng, day hike options, and kids play ground.

I am trying to organize a trip for a few dads and kids between 3 and 5 yrs old. For most kids it will be there first time camping. I am trying to find a spot that would make it fun for everyone.

I have not car camped in NH, other than sleeping in the back of my wagon. I am hoping some of you might have some suggestions. Thanks

 

[Waumbek]

White Lake State Park

White Lake State Park in Tamworth NH has a beautiful lake and sandy beach with mountain views. I think I remember swings there on my last visit (but admittedly I was far beyond the age of preempting anyone under 15 from them so I could be mistaken). It has day-use as well as overnighting camping facilities. There are many hikes in the Tamworth-Chocorua area suitable for kids. Check out the AMC Guide or the Wonalancet Outdoor Club Guide. Note: no pets policy in NH state parks.

 

[MichaelJ]

There are a LOT of places to choose from. A real wicked lot.

I normally do the backcountry thing, not the family campground; however, we just had a group trip there and so I can highly recommend Broken Branch KOA Campground in Woodstock. They had a playground, swimming pool, plenty of hookups and facilities, and are a short drive from Lincoln, Woodstock, and the mountains beyond.

People can probably recommend a few hundred more places.

 

[sapblatt]

Family Camping

My family loves this place:
Crawford Notch Camping
Near Crawford Notch...many trails form easy to hard and a lot of waterfalls...not to mention lakes (Saco) and ice cream (Willey House) nearby. Swimming may be tough, but the campground is on the river.
I have not used this place in Glen Glen Meadows but it is in the same general area (near Storyland) and it has a pool.
On the other side of the Whites, The Fransted Family campground in Franconia is real nice...also on a river and has a big field for the kids to run around in...well managed campground.
Fransted
Last, and not least...Lafayette Place is a great spot for families...lots of bike paths, streams and easy trails.
Lafayette Place
Hope this has been useful...have fun!

 

[Mark_Goodearl]

Saco River Campground

This is another good spot for young ones - the river is (mostly) shallow, there's lots of good, easy day hikes in the Conway area, and there's hot water, showers, flush toilets large open fields and a playground. I've been there several times with little ones, it's great. Have a blast!

 

[askus3]

I second Sapblatt's mention of Franstead CG in Franconia, NH. However the swimming there is river swimming (no pool). It is equally distant to Franconia Notch and a great hike for the 3-5 year old set is the walk up to Bridalveil Falls. It is along the stream with waterfalls and pools all aalong the way, so if you don't make it to the actual falls itself you have a nice hike for the kids anyway.

 

[Waumbek]

I second Sapblatt's mention of Franstead CG in Franconia, NH.

I never stayed at Franstead as it's around the corner but I can second how nice it is--and how nice the people who run it are. (No connection personal or commercial or otherwise to me.) It has sites right along the Gale River if you can get them. If you go to the end of the campground, as far north along the west side of the Gale River as you can, pass the last campsite, and you'll see a foot path leading further north along the river. You can follow that up to the local "swimming hole" in the Gale. Actually, there are several. When you get there, you're actually in Fox Hill Park, owned by the town of Franconia. There are two marked trails in it, each 30-40 minutes long. One goes up over a low mound, the other circles around to the parking lot and access from Dow Street, Franconia. Local kid-friendly hikes are, as mentioned, Bridal Veil Falls, also Bald Knob (don't underestimate steepness although length is OK), Artist's Bluff in the Notch, Lonesome Lake, etc. From Franstead to the grocery store is about 2 miles just in case you burn the hot dogs.

 

[jbreen]

Another positive comment on Fransted

I generally don't like to pile on praise or criticism, but I arrived real late to Lafayette and found it booked. The rangers directed me to Fransted and even called ahead to confirm a site. When I got there (~9:30), the owner was waiting and drove me around in a golf cart to pick from the available sites and show me where everything was so I would not be wandering around in the dark. I picked a site, and he returned me to my car then escorted me back to the site, giving my kids a ride in the cart. Normally I would say he was ensuring quiet hours were observed, but I saw him repeat it the next day in daylight hours.

Very friendly, stuff for the kids, mini golf (poor shape, but you are roughing it), good campstore. If you go, bring tubes for the kids to float down the river to the swimming area.

Jim

 

[nebcskier]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I'll keep you posted of the chosen site and date. Most of our group will have kids between 3 and 5 so feel free to join us.