New Hampshire's White Mountains Call RVers

New Hampshire's White Mountains Call RVers
A “journey” was once the equivalent of one-day's travel, but a trip to the White Mountains is so much more.

Early colonists came to New England seeking a better way of life. For some, this meant owning their own home and land. For others, religious freedom. And for some, political reasons helped realize dreams.

Today, visitors travel to this area and New Hampshire’s White Mountains for many reasons. But all will agree: It’s not the destination, but the journey that’s important.

With so many attractions in close proximity, RVers can choose to stay and view the spectacular scenery a while or experience several events within a few days’ time.

A Lesson in History

The White Mountains Region offers a leisurely lesson in history – much like a rich tapestry that weaves a story of early settlers, hardships and harsh winter weather. However, for most, it’s the magnificent scenery that draws people to the area.

At Franconia you’ll see Robert Frost Place, the home of one of America’s most famous poets. Take time to view the 20-minute video to learn of his life and accomplishments. As you visit the grounds, imagine the poet walking the trails and allowing his mind to put thoughts into words, words into poems. Frost often wrote of the simple life, his love for the land and the beauty of his beloved White Mountains.

Here, you’ll understand how generation upon generation made their living off the land. One quote stands out: “I choose to be a plain New Hampshire farmer with an income in cash, of say a thousand.”

While in Franconia, stop by the only iron furnace still standing in New Hampshire. Located across the Gale River, the Interpretive Center offers a scale model and exhibits.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, communities provided for their residents. As towns grew, they included a general store, church or meeting house, school and a place to grind corn into meal, wheat into flour.

Today, history comes alive at the Littleton Grist Mill. Built in 1798, the site is open to the public as a working museum. You’ll see an authentic 18th-century grist mill which uses 48-inch mill stones driven by a 20-foot water wheel and wooden gearing. Be sure to pick up a package of stone-ground products – waffle and pancake mixes and flours are sold at the specialty shop and throughout the northeast.

Summer Cottages

The Gilded Age brought wealthy northern residents, in search of rest and relaxation, to New England during the summer months. Their “cottages” were actually grand estates.

One example of this affluence in the White Mountains was Lucknow, known as the historic “Castle in the Clouds.” Built by Tom and Olive Plant in 1913-1914, this 5,400-acre mountainside estate is set high in the Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee.

Plant made his fortune in shoe manufacturing and retired as a millionaire. He then set his focus on creating this New Hampshire estate – eventually covering 6,300 acres. Today, guests may hike more than 85 miles of private trails, picnic or dine at the Carriage House while viewing spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee. The estate is a frequent site for weddings, motor coach tours, group travel and corporate events.

Water, Rides and Family Fun

Second and third generations of families who have visited the White Mountains return again and again. Why? Because there’s something new every year. And these families know they can capture memories to last a lifetime. Here, you can choose from a wide selection of activities. With a short drive between each site, you’ll find adventure to please each member of your group – hiking, climbing, mountain biking or spelunking for serious outdoors fans; or picnics, golf and a waterslide. Take a nostalgic train ride, a gondola or carriage ride. The kids will love to visit a fantasy theme park. There is something for everyone.

Fall’s Spectacular Scenery

It’s a known fact that Cannon Mountain is home to some of the best, most exciting skiing in the northeast during the long winter.

But listen to the natives of New Hampshire as they brag about the neverending palette of autumn colors viewed from the top of Cannon Mountain. “On a clear day, you can see forever.” Well … almost. The view on the 80-passenger aerial train takes in parts of four states and Canada.

In September and October, the world travels to New Hampshire’s doorstep to witness the leaves turn their brilliant colors. Scientists tell us this change is due to a unique blend of fall weather, variety of tree species and rugged terrain that makes for the spectacular “leaf peeping.” With cooler, shorter days, the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. Therefore, the brown, yellow and orange become the prominent colors of poplar, oak, beech and birch leaves. Sugar trapped in the leaf as a result of warm days and cool nights produces reds and purples in maple trees.

And when, you ask, is the peak color season? No one can guess what only Mother Nature knows, but usually from the end of September through the second week in October. However, unusual weather may extend the prime color through the month of October. During this time, be sure to make reservations early. Columbus Day weekend usually brings a high volume of tourists.

Shop ’til You Drop

Passionate shoppers need look no further than the White Mountains area, where purchases are tax-free. Approximately 200 shops and stores reach across the valley to include brand-name factory outlets, and well-known stores along with high-end boutiques.

RVers will find many shopping opportunities tucked away in the region’s small towns and villages. Check out downtown Littleton – you’ll find a plethora of unique and eclectic boutiques. Bethlehem caters to antique lovers. Franconia and Sugar Hill tempt visitors with shops featuring the talented work of local artisans and craftsmen.

White Mountain Tours

Pack your camera and be ready for outstanding photo opportunities as you motor along The White Mountain Trail – a National Scenic and Cultural Byway that covers a 100-mile route.

Begin your tour at the White Mountains Attraction Visitor Center in North Woodstock, where you can pick up a calendar of events for special activities, free brochures, maps and more. Purchase a White Mountain Value Pass and you can save more than 50% on admission to 17 area attractions.

With so much to see, it’s difficult to keep your eyes on the road. Along the route, you’ll discover magnificent overlooks of picturesque valleys and mountains, covered bridges, river gorges, mysterious caves and waterfalls that cascade down hillsides.

The Mount Washington Cog Railway – the nation’s first mountain-climbing cog railway – takes passengers to the top of the Northeast’s loftiest peak. Climb aboard one of the seven authentic coal-fired steam trains for a three-hour round trip.

The New Cog Railway Ski Trains offer skiers and non-skiers alike a memorable winter adventure. You can ride up to the summit of 6,288 feet. While you’re there, check out the Old Pepperass, the world’s first mountain-climbing locomotive which huffed and puffed its way to the peak on July 3, 1869.

A visit to the White Mountain Region of New Hampshire is sure to bring families together and make memories to treasure for years to come.

New Hampshire State Parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities, and offer year-round recreation fun for the whole family!

Choose the right New Hampshire State Park for you by exploring one of the options below.

• New Hampshire State Parks by alphabetical order
• New Hampshire State Parks by activity or recreation offered
• New Hampshire State Parks by region

Private Campgrounds:
Alton - Pine Knoll Campground
Alton - Green Tops Campground
Alton - Merrymeeting River
Alton Bay - Bay Hill Campgrounds and Cabins
Ashland - Ames Brook Campground
Ashland - Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Barnstead - Sun River Campground
Barrington - Ayers Lake Farm Campground & Cottages or Here
Barrington - Barrington Shores Campground
Bartlett - A Better Life Cabins & Campground
Bartlett - Crawford Notch Campground - Secluded tentsites on the Saco River
Bath - Twin Rivers Campground and Cottages
Bethlehem - 100 Acre Woods Campground
Bethlehem - Apple Hill Campground
Bristol - Davidson’s Countryside Campground
Brentwood - 3 Ponds Campground
Brookline - Field & Stream Travel Trailer Park
Campton - Branch Brook Campground
Campton - Goose Hollow
Canaan - Crescent Campsites
Center Ossipee - Terrace Pines
Chichester - Hillcrest Family Campground
Chocorua - Chocorua Camping Village
Contoocook - Sandy Beach RV Resort
Conway - Eastern Slope Camping Area
Conway - Cove Camping Area
Derry - Hidden Valley RV & Golf Park
East Wakefield - Lake Ivanhoe Inn & Camping Resort
East Wakefield - Lake Forest RV Resort - RV Camping & condominiums on Great East Lake
Epsom - Blake’s Brook Campground
Epsom - Circle 9 Ranch Campground
Epson - Epsom Valley Campground
Exeter - Exeter Elms
Exeter - Exeter Elms
Franconia - Franstead Family Campground
Franklin - Thousand Acres Family Camping
Freedom - Danforth Bay Camping Resort
Glen - Glen Ellis Family Campground
Glen - Green Meadow Camping Area
Groton - Buck N Horse Campground - A horse friendly campground
Hampton Falls - Wakeda Campground
Hancock - Seven Maples Campground
Henniker - Keyser Pond Campground
Henniker - Mile-Away Campground
Hillsboro - Oxbow Campground
Hinsdale - Hinsdale Campground
Holderness - Bethel Woods Campground
Holderness - Squam Lakeside Farm
Jefferson - Lantern Campground
Kingston - Country Shore Camping Area
Laconia - Gunstock Campground
Lancaster - Beaver Trails Campground
Lancaster - Mountain Lake Campground
Lancaster - Roger’s Campground Resort & Motel
Lebanon - Mascoma Lake Campground
Lee - Ferndale Acres
Lee - Wadleigh Falls Campground
Littleton - Crazy Horse Campground
Lincoln - Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins
Lisbon - Littleton KOA Kampground
Lochmere - Silver Lake Park Campground
Meredith - Clearwater Campground
Meredith - Harbor Hills Camping Area
Meredith - Meredith Woods
Milton - Mi-Te-Jo Campground
Moultonboro - Pine Woods Campground
New Boston - Friendly Beaver Campground
New Hampton - Twin Tamarack Family Camping and RV Resort
Newport - Crow’s Nest Campground
Newport - Northstar Campground
North Conway - The Beach Camping Area
North Conway - Saco River Camping Area
North Hampton - Shel-Al Campground
North Woodstock - Lost River Valley Campground
Ossipee - Terrace Pines
Oxford - The Pastures Campground
Plaistow - Country Shore Camping Area
Raymond - Pine Acres Family Campground
Raymond - Pine Acres Family Campground
Rindge - Woodmore Campground & RV Park
Rochester - Grand View Camping Area
Rumney - Baker River Campground
Sandown - Angle Pond Grove
Shelburne - Timberland Camping Area
Shelburne - White Birches Camping Park
Strafford - Crown Point Campground
Tamworth - Foothills Family Camping
Tamworth - Tamworth Camping Area
Thornton - Pemi River Campground
Twin Mountain - Ammonoosuc Campground
Twin Mountain - Living Water Campground
Twin Mountain - Beech Hill Campground and Cabins
Twin Mountain - Twin Mountain KOA Campground
Twin Mountain - Twin Mountain RV Park & Cottages
Washington - Idle Times Campground
Warren - Moose Hillock
Warren - Scenic View Campground
Weare - Autumn Hills Campground
Weare - Cold Springs Camp Resort
Weirs Beach - Paugus Bay Campground
Weirs Beach - Weirs Beach Tent & Trailer Park
Wentworth - Pine Haven
Wentworth - Swain Brook Campground
West Ossipee - Bearcamp River Campground
West Ossipee - Whit’s End Campground
Wolfeboro - Willey Brook Campground

CAMPSITE RESERVATIONS

Xanterra Parks & Resorts operates campgrounds at Bridge Bay, Canyon, Fishing Bridge RV Park, Grant Village, and Madison. Same-day reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7901. Future reservations can be made by calling: 307-344-7311 or 1-866-GEYSERLAND (439-7375), or by writing: Yellowstone National Park Lodges, PO Box 165, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190. Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground offering water, sewer, and electrical hookups, and it is for hard-sided vehicles only (no tents or tent-trailers are allowed).

Please make your reservations early and/or plan to secure your campsite as early in the day as possible. Campgrounds may fill by early morning, especially during peak season (early July—late August).

It is recommended that people driving recreational vehicles over 30' make a reservation since there are a limited number of campsites over 30' available in Yellowstone. Large RV sites are located at Flagg Ranch, Fishing Bridge RV Park, West Yellowstone and Gardiner.

CAMPSITE AVAILABILITY & RESERVATIONS

Availability is first-come, first serve at the following seven campgrounds in Yellowstone National Park: Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek, Slough Creek, and Tower Fall. Campgrounds may be filled by 11 a.m.; arrive early to obatin a site. Overnight camping of any type (tent, vehicle, or RV) outside designated campgrounds is not permitted.

CAMPFIRES

Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in locations with fire grates. Special fire restrictions are occasionally put in place when the danger of wildland fires is great. If you plan to light a fire in the park, please ask about current fire restrictions at the entrance station when you arrive or email our Visitor Services Office immediately prior to your visit.

RV Information
Although Shenandoah National Park doesn't have a campground that is just for RVs, it does have three campgrounds that will accommodate large RVs. Mathews Arm, Big Meadows and Loft Mountain campgrounds all have pull-through and deep back-in sites which most of the time can even handle an RV with a tow vehicle. Although we do not offer hookups, the campgrounds do have potable water and dump stations

Reservations are currently being accepted for Big Meadows, Loft Mountain, and Mathews Arm campgrounds. Loft Mountain and Mathews Arm Campgrounds have approximately 20% of their sites available by reservation and 80% available as first-come, first-served.

Online Reservations for All RV Camps Listed below:
http://www.recreation.gov/
Phone Reservations: 877-444-6777

Mathews Arm Campground
Open Mid-May through October
Details: Mathews Arm (mile 22.1) is the nearest campground for those entering the park from the north. It is next to a nature trail and the trail to Overall Run Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park. Elkwallow Wayside, with camping supplies and food service, is two miles away. $15 per night. Generator-free and group sites are available.

Big Meadows Campground
Open Late March through November
DetailsBig Meadows (mile 51.2), though secluded, is near many of the major facilities and popular hiking trails in the park. Three waterfalls are within walking distance; the Meadow, with its abundant plant growth and wildlife, lies within walking distance. $20 per night when on the reservation system and $17 per night during late spring and early fall. Generator-free and group sites are available.

Lewis Mountain Campground
Open Mid-April through October
DetailsLewis Mountain (mile 57.5), the smallest campground in the park, appeals to those who want a little more privacy without venturing deep into the backcountry, yet it is within seven miles of the popular Big Meadows area. 31 sites; $15 per night, first-come, first-served only

About The Shenandoah National Park in VA
Since Shenandoah is so narrow, hikes tend to be short, either up or down the ridge from Skyline Drive and back. The grand exception is the the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the length of the park, never very far from Skyline Drive and in fact crossing it several times. Some areas of the park were once heavily inhabited, leaving a network of old footpaths and roads, out of which a hiker can make longer composite hikes. Many of these hikes pass by the ruins of abandoned cabins and farm buildings of the vanished mountain folk. Shenandoah also has many beautiful waterfalls that make extraordinary destinations. And of course, many hikes are to overlooks with magnificent views, of which Shenandoah abounds.

Most trailheads are along Skyline Drive. The major exception is Old Rag Mountain on the north central edge of the park.

Five Hikes Away from the Crowds

In summer and fall, Shenandoah becomes a getaway for nature lovers near and far. Views are had from Skyline Drive and many of the tried and true trails become clogged with hikers seeking their own views by foot. However, Shenandoah's linear layout has its advantages when it comes to spreading out the crowds. No matter what time of year, the following five hikes are away from the crowds. After traversing these trails you'll be surprised they aren't on the busy list.

Bear Church Rock
This 9.0-mile round trip high country hike leads along the ridge of Jones Mountain to an incredible view from Bear Church Rock. The hiking along Jones Mountain is never steep for long and is level much of the way as it meanders through varied and beautiful forests to reach the granite slab of Bear Church Rock. The outcrops makes for a natural viewing platform of Fork Mountain, Doubletop Mountain and the crest of the Blue Ridge.

Directions: Pick up the Appalachian Trail at mile 55.1 of Skyline Drive. Head north on the Appalachian Trail then take the following trails to reach Bear Church Rock: Laurel Gap Trail, Cat Knob Trail, Jones Mountain Trail.

Dwyer Cemetery via Piney Ridge Trail
This interesting and easy 2.9-mile one way hike goes through a wildlife-rich transitional forest to the old Dwyer Cemetery. Bear and deer roam this ridge today; you may well see one or the other. Many downed black locust trees along with Virginia and pitch pine indicate a forest in transition reclaiming old fields. Keep along the ridge to reach Dwyer Cemetery. Many headstones have fallen over, others are unreadable. Still others are unmarked fieldstones. Trees are starting to invade the far side of the cemetery near a large, weather-beaten oak. The park service is not maintaining this graveyard.

Directions: Elkwallow Wayside is at mile 24.0 of Skyline Drive. From here, take the Elkwallow Trail to head north on the AT to Piney Ridge Trail.

Rocky Mount Loop
Leave the main crest of the Blue Ridge to access the summit of Rocky Mount and far reaching views on this 9.8-mile loop. The forest changes character before and after Rocky Mount, an outcrop with stunning views. Look over Twomile Run. At the head of the run is the Twomile Run Overlook, where you started, and the crest of the Blue Ridge. To your right, the Shenandoah Valley. Beyond the summit, the trail drops along the base of a huge granite slope, traversing a rock field to the waters of Gap Run. There is a real aura of isolation in this once peopled valley.

Directions: The Rocky Mount Trail starts at Skyline Drive mile 76.2. Take the Rocky Mount Trail to its end, returning on the Gap Run Trail.

Piney River Falls
Gently wind your way through an eye-pleasing, high country woods into the Piney River valley on old roads and take a short side trail to the falls on this 6.8-mile round trip. The Piney River Trail winds it way down to the valley, making very gentle switchbacks to reach the gorge of Piney River on your right. Cross the Piney River, passing many small cascades along Piney River beneath basswood, yellow birch and red maple. Piney River Falls is a 25-foot, three-tiered cascade that falls over mossy rock into a deep and wide pool. It's a good place to cool off after a hot hike.

Directions: The Piney River Trail starts near the Piney River Ranger Station, at milepost 22.1 of Skyline Drive. The Piney River Trail leads to the falls.

Buck Ridge/Buck Hollow Loop
Enjoy ridgetop and riverine environments on this 5.8-mile loop, traversing the narrow Buck Ridge Trail. Some views open up before the path dives steeply off the side of the ridge down to Buck Hollow. The trail is so steep that log steps have been installed to make the footing better. Return up the moist valley in a dense streamside forest. Look for signs of human habitation as you encounter a series of old roads in the valley. Look, too, for big trees that cloak the sides of Buck Hollow.

The vistas may be too accessible to appreciate and too beautiful to comprehend. To experience the grandeur of Rocky Mountain National Park's terrain, visitors only have to drive two hours from Denver, Colorado, a trip that deposits them on Trail Ridge Road. This paved feat of engineering balances for 10 miles on a ridge that exceeds 11,000 feet in elevation. Sights such as the 78 peaks that poke their way above 12,000 feet throughout the park should have to be earned, requiring a slog to Alaska, for example, or a Himalayan trek.

Yet tourists can easily stand at the Forest Canyon Overlook and stare at the Continental Divide to the southwest and the Mummy Range to the north. They can take in the spire of Longs Peak, the 14,259-foot sentinel that impresses even from 11 miles distant, then gaze down into the canyon dense with trees and the Gorge Lakes glimmering in the distance. And this is but a single viewpoint within the park's 265,873 acres. Visitors, however, may be tempted only to scan the vistas the way they look at photos: A few second's worth of perusal and contemplation. Rocky Mountain National Park, though, deserves to be lingered upon, explored and delved into.

The peaks that grant the park its name are at least the third iteration of mountains in the region, the first and second ranges having succumbed to erosion over millions of years. The current range, carved by glaciers, is capped by rock that is nearly 2 billion years old. As much as the mountains impress visitors, however, it is the park's 6,625-foot range of elevation that creates four distinct habitats, which make the park truly special. This quartet of life zones delivers a stunning array of natural possibilities for visitors to explore.

Low-lying grassy flats, known as montane parks, lure mule deer to its fodder-filled expanses. Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir and aspen also thrive in the lowest of the park's ecosystems, and beavers display their industriousness in these montane and riparian areas. Next on the ascent comes the subalpine region, where colorful wildflowers thrive and broad-tailed hummingbirds combine lichen and cobwebs to build their nests. Bands of stunted tree islands help define the krummholz region, where elk find relief from summer's heat. Despite harsh conditions, flora such as the purple sky pilot and fauna such as the pika manage to exist above tree line in the cold, windy alpine tundra. Hikers, however, need not be highly adaptive to endure such climates; they simply need to be in good shape and to possess adequate equipment.

Visitors with less vigor but just as much love of the outdoors can explore the easier trails among the park's 350 miles of them. The half-mile Bear Lake Nature Walk makes a fine ambulatory introduction, Green Mountain Trail delivers an easy 3.6-mile roundtrip and the easy 4.6-mile roundtrip along the Cub Lake Trail meanders through terrain inhabited by plenty of birds and abundant wildflowers.

Four of the park's five campgrounds accommodate RVs, without hookups.