NH - White Lake, Ellacoya, Pawtuckaway SPs - suggestions?

[MotherNature]

We are thinking of staying at one of these 3 parks in early August.  Does anyone have any experiences/suggestions?  Thanks!

[dthurk]

Where's GeneF when you need him?!?!?!?  Probably getting sunburned right about now.

I would think Gene would be about the best we've got to answer this question.  Right now, he's snowbirding in Florida.  If we're lucky, he'll see this and respond.

And, maybe someday you'll have the pleasure of meeting them.  Great people!

[GeneF]

Dave

Thanks for the compliment but I haven't camped in any of those three parks.  And yes, I am starting to get a bit brown.

I did drive through White Lake and thought it was a bit on the crowded side.

I tend to camp in the northern part of the state closer to the Canadian border.

Be sure to check the rates on the NH state parks if you are bringing other adults.  Base camping rate is for a family of four.  Extra adult pays HALF of the site fee.  Like if the site fee is $26, that adult will pay $13.

Been a long time but did go to ellacoya once but not camping.  I believe it is on Lake Winnepasaukee.  I don't think there are that many camp sites there.  Winnepasaukee is a high tourist area with a lot lot lot of boat traffic.  Lot's of nuts in cigarette boats.

A cruise on the Mount Washington ship is nice but pricey.  Evening cruises have buffets and bands on board.  About $40 each.  

Weirs Beach is near the ship.  Some rides, shops and games of chance.  There is also a drive-in theatre there.  Could be a different experience since there aren't that many around any more.

[garym053]

We've paddled at White Lake twice while testing kayaks. Haven't camped there, but I agree with Gene, it seemed crowded. It did seem clean and well run, at least for the hour or two we were there each time.

Haven't camped at the other CG mentioned either. We tend to head to Northern NH, VT or Maine. Fewer people, more wildlife, less noise. I will say that I've found the state parks in VT and NH to be exceptionally well run.

[PCALcampers]

We camped at White Lake 2 summers ago and at Pawtuckaway last July. We'll be at Pawtuckaway again this July. I would rate Pawtuckaway higher than White Lake, but both are good family destinations. Both are very popular so if you will be there in the summer expect crowds - not to mention difficulty getting a campsite if you haven't already. NH State Parks are now using ReserveAmerica, and trying to actually reserve a site on 2/6 (opening day for registering) was not fun.

Pawtuckaway has many beautiful sites on Horse Island - I'm not familiar with the other areas. Restrooms were not maintained too well but I've seen far worse. The lake has a sandy beach and is nice for families; the picnic area behind it was a bit mucky when we were there but there had been significant rain recently. Be aware when you look at the cg map that although many sites are right on the water, there are actually not too many that you can launch your canoe or kayak from - most have beautiful views but no direct access. We were lucky enough to get one with access and it was wonderful to just boat over to the beach from our site. Most sites are nicely spaced and I think they're all wooded. If you have kids, it's only about 30-45 min. to Canobie Lake Park, which is a nice, small-ish amusement park with a water park (the water park is not suitable for young children, but there are many rides for tots).

White Lake is similar - nice lake with beach (White Lake also has a playground), crowded but sites are spaced decently, at least the ones near us. Bathrooms were very dated, inadequately cleaned, and full of large insects - not for the faint-hearted! Our site badly needed ground maintenance; it was full of large exposed roots which made it tough to angle the popup properly. White Lake is better situated than Pawtuckaway if you want to use it as a base for exploring the White Mountains.

Good luck - let us know what you end up doing!

[GeneF]

If you have kids, it's only about 30-45 min. to Canobie Lake Park, which is a nice, small-ish amusement park with a water park (the water park is not suitable for young children, but there are many rides for tots).

Canobie Lake Park, hey now you are in my hometown of Salem.  I even had a summer job there running the merry-go-round.  Fun place and a lot of high school memories there.    Loved to ride thel wooden roller coaster.

[Hargus]

Canobie Lake Park, hey now you are in my hometown of Salem.  I even had a summer job there running the merry-go-round.  Fun place and a lot of high school memories there.    Loved to ride thel wooden roller coaster.

You wouldn't want to pay the price. We went a couple of years ago and it was expensive in comparison to other parks. Our favorite is Storyland in Glen, NH it is geared toward the 2-12 crowd and is further North.

[PI]

Hey anyone heading up to Umbagog SP this year. My reservations are made....YAHOO. We usually like going later in the summer but DD has a week in June off so we want to take her and her DBF to see everything we like about that place.

Hi all.  Haven't been on all winter. Lots going on. We are very much in need of a vacation though.

PI

[GeneF]

Hey anyone heading up to Umbagog SP this year. My reservations are made....YAHOO. We usually like going later in the summer but DD has a week in June off so we want to take her and her DBF to see everything we like about that place.

Hi all.  Haven't been on all winter. Lots going on. We are very much in need of a vacation though.

PI

I will be up there June 10 for about a week.  Be on site 2 with a couple of fishing buddies.

Will you be there at the same time?

[MotherNature]

I will be up there June 10 for about a week.  Be on site 2 with a couple of fishing buddies.

Will you be there at the same time?

No - we won't be going there at all.

[athomemom]

We are thinking of staying at one of these 3 parks in early August.  Does anyone have any experiences/suggestions?  Thanks!

Hello,

I haven't camped at Ellacoya State park, but I've been through it several times for different events.  It is basically an open field with mostly big RV's and there are not too many sites.  It is however, very clean and on beautiful Lake Winnepesaukee.  Adjacent to the camping area is also a very nice state park beach, family oriented and clean.  There are some great campgrounds in mid-NH if you are interested, I could recommend a few.  What kind of camper do you have and do you have a family??

Giselle

[MotherNature]

Hello,

I haven't camped at Ellacoya State park, but I've been through it several times for different events.  It is basically an open field with mostly big RV's and there are not too many sites.  It is however, very clean and on beautiful Lake Winnepesaukee.  Adjacent to the camping area is also a very nice state park beach, family oriented and clean.  There are some great campgrounds in mid-NH if you are interested, I could recommend a few.  What kind of camper do you have and do you have a family??

Giselle

We have the sea pine popup, a 10 & 12 year old.  I don't think we will be getting up there this year but we have it planned for next - if you would still share the info sometime I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks!

Sue