Family Tent Camping this Summer (Berlin, Conway: houses, store, swimming)

[wincor4]

Dear Friends--We have just completed our first year here in NH (dream come true) and I am planning our family camping trip for August. We are looking for a campsite that offers swimming, fishing, and places to hike. We have no need for elec. hookups, as we do not have an R.V. A picnic table, fire ring, and water faucet is good enough--with a clean restroom nearby. I noticed the state parks fees have increased quite a bit the past few years, with most places requiring paid reservations in advance. I am okay with that, but being new to the state, I would hate to pay for an entire weeks stay without knowing the conditions. A private campground would be just as fine, but we have stayed in some unexpected dumpy locations across the US that didn't quite match what the brochures claimed. Any suggestions would be so much appreciated. Thanks!!

[rmcewan]

Oh good thread. I've been meaning to post the same question. What areas are you interested in? I've been looking around North Conway myself for the mountains, steam railway and Storyland.

[Yankeehombre]

I've always found the forest service campgrounds along the Kangcamaugus nice, and the swift river is 'right there' Making reservations is not possible, but timing is everything. Get out there on Thursday, not Friday night!
Dolly Copp is nice and also right on the river. As far as I'm concerned, if you can dry-camp, without a fresh water supply, there's absoloutly no reason to 'resort' to a commercial campground. There's too many people around + that nasty sucking sound when you check in, of them tying to vacuume the money out of your wallet. Typically the forest service gets $8-$10 a night with none of the incidental charges of you plan to bring fluffie the dog along.
My other "pet Peeve" I've arrived at commercial campgrounds + arranged for + actually picked out a site + left when they try to charge me for the dog's stay telling them "the dog doesn't have any money"+ then leaving. It's just a ploy to try +get all of your money you might have budgeted for camping.

[jthibodeau]

It's been a number of years since I've camped. I've visited mostly state or national park campgrounds. Private campgrounds were always a bit crowed for me. However, I've always had an enjoyable trip when I used to stay at "Dolly Copp". It's located in the White Mountain National Forest, just outside of Gorham, NH along NH Rt. 16.

There is certainly plenty of hiking with the Presidential Range. Mount Washington is just a few minutes drive up the Rt. 16. Gorham is about a 15 minute drive in the opposite direction with Berlin about a half hour away should you need to stock up on supplies.

Children's attractions, such as Story Land, Six Gun City, Santa's Village and others are relatively close. There is also swimming and fishing in the cold waters of the Peabody River, which abuts the campground, and it's tributaries.

The camp sites, except for the RV field, are well spaced with most being tree covered. There are camp gatherings such as "Story Time" and "Nature Walks" are put on by the campground as well as so recreation areas.

Hope this helps.....

[jthibodeau]

Yankeehombre,

You beat me to the punch with Dolly Copp! I'll have to learn to type faster!

[Valerie C]

One of my favorites is Glen Ellis Campground on 302. The Ellis river runs past one side-the Saco on the other. Just a short drive to some of the family attractions (Storyland, Alpine Slide, etc). Plus a great playground, camp store and very clean bath houses. I have family members who've been seasonal campers there for years, and it's the only place they'd consider.

Regarding camping with pets, I've been told that the only dogs allowed are the ones grandfathered in (seasonal) and once those particular dogs go to the Rainbow Bridge, no further dogs will be allowed. This was due to weekenders letting their dogs run unrestrained through other's camping areas, not cleaning up, leaving dogs tied up outside while the "campers" went sight seeing to Storyland, etc. and the dogs would bark incessantly. Being tied up in a strange place, with people they didn't know walking by them, and their own "pack" had deserted them, of course they barked! As a responsible dog owner, the change upset me because I could no longer bring my own dogs (we weren't seasonal) but I can certainly understand that most people camping don't want to put up with a nuisance. I certainly wouldn't--time away is too valuable for that!! I digress...

Do a web search for Glen Ellis Campground, I think you'll like it

Oh, and congrats on making it through your first year on New Hampshire

[vter]

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with a state park. While I havent camped at a NH State Park, we do here at ours in VT and they are great. Just what you are looking for - I'm assuming that NH state parks are very similar in nature. I've always wanted to camp at Franconia Notch - how is that one?

[GregW]

Franconia Notch is always crowded in the summer. Besides have you ever heard of Black Flies or Mosquitoes? Learn to shower in DEET!

[vter]

Oh, don't you worry. We've got those buggers over here too!

[fishnfool]

Franconia Notch is always crowded in the summer

not if you hike away from the people.....