Idiot’s Guides: RV Vacations

The White Mountains are a hiker’s paradise, with the most rugged landscape in New England. The area also is home to affordable, family friendly theme parks. The combination makes the region perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families.

Highlights

Experience the white-knuckle drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road.

Ride the tram to the top of Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park.

Hike out to the 140-foot (43m) Arethusa Falls in Crawford Notch State Park.

The weather is perfect in high summer, with warm days and cool nights. Fall is a popular season for viewing foliage.

This campground is halfway between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains and offers resort-style amenities. For those who love swimming, kayaking, and fishing—and also don’t mind driving into the White Mountains for day trips—this might be the perfect option for you.

Danforth Bay has two large heated pools and an additional kiddie pool. The jam-packed activities schedule keeps you busy when you’re not exploring the mountains.

485 Prospect Street, Lancaster, NH 03584. mtnlakecampground.com; mtnlake@ne.rr.com; 603-788-4509. May 15 to October 15. $49 to $62. Heated pool, fishing, boating, playground, game room.

Family friendly Mountain Lake Campground is a Good Sam RV Park complete with waterslides and a large pool. Reviews consistently applaud its cleanliness and fantastic customer service. Kids will enjoy the playground and pirate ship. Adults will enjoy fresh-baked muffins and Green Mountain coffee, available each morning. The whole family will enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boating on the 30-acre (12ha) lake.

Book early and spend a few dollars more to enjoy full-hookup, waterfront sites. Check the schedule for special themed weekends, such as the Halloween Extravaganza.

Mountain Lake Campground is just 10 minutes from Santa’s Village and 40 minutes from Story Land. Also within driving distance are Clark’s Trading Post and the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Be sure to visit Fuller’s Sugarhouse for local maple syrup.

1000 East Side Road, Woodstock, NH 03293. koa.com/camp/woodstock; bbkoa1@roadrunner.com; 603-745-8008. May 1 to October 18. $39 to $85. Pool, inflatable jump pad, game room, mini-golf, playground.

This campground is centrally located near many White Mountain attractions. It offers a variety of sites surrounding a large field for playing ball, running relay races, or flying kites. Scheduled activities are held during the summer, including bingo, face painting, and tractor rides, and it’s packed with kid-friendly amenities.

Owners Rob and Darlene are longtime area residents and happy to recommend the best hiking, food, and activities around. With detailed instructions, you can drop your kayak in the Pemigewasset River behind the campground and paddle through the gorgeous scenery.

RESTAURANTS

Sunny Day Diner

Route 3, Lincoln, NH 03251. 603-745-4833. Wednesday to Monday 7 A.M. to 2 A.M.; dinner Friday and Saturday 4:30 P.M. to 8 P.M. $8 to $10. American.

Located right across the street from Clark’s Trading Post, everything about this diner is picture-perfect, from the shiny silver exterior to the crispy hash browns served inside.

The food is all made from scratch, and you might find yourself tempted to lick the plate or at least order another round of eggs Benedict. No matter what time of day you visit, always leave room for a slice of homemade pie or any of the scrumptious baked goods prepared daily.

135 Main Street, North Woodstock, NH 03262. woodstockinnnh.com; 603-745-3951. Monday to Sunday 7 A.M. to 1 A.M. $11 to $30. American.

Woodstock Inn provides the cozy, publike dinner you might crave after kayaking or swimming in the chilly waters of the White Mountains.

Located in the quaint town of Woodstock, the restaurant offers popular appetizers like hot wings, nachos, and onion blossoms that complement the beers on tap from its own brewery. Burgers and steaks are a good bet for a main course, and the fajitas and quesadillas are winners as well. Ribs are another favorite.

The service is friendly and efficient, but it gets busy, so call ahead for reservations.

AMC Highland Center Lodge at Crawford Notch

Route 302, Bretton Woods, NH 03575. outdoors.org/lodging/lodges/highland; 603-278-4453. Breakfast 6:30 A.M. to 10 A.M.; lunch 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.; dinner 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. $5 to $12. American.

After hiking the Elephant Rock or Arethusa Falls trails in Crawford Notch, experience an amazing meal at this cafeteria tucked inside the AMC Highland Center.

The homemade food is healthy and hearty. Sit outside to enjoy the panoramic mountain views. The adventure playground will keep kids occupied for hours while you relax.

528 Presidential Highway, Jefferson, NH 03583. santasvillage.com; santa@santasvillage.com; 603-586-4445. Hours vary by season; summer hours: daily 9:30 A.M. to 6 P.M. Adults $30; children $30; 3 and under free.

Santa’s Village offers a Disneylike experience for a fraction of the cost. Tons of rides are available for little ones, and older kids will have a blast, too. Meet Santa in his summerhouse, ride on roller coasters, and splash around in the water park.

The price tag might seem steep, but there’s logic behind the cost. The attractions are self-sustaining, with no contribution of public funds. If you buy the Discovery Pass, it includes entrance to the Flume Gorge and a ride on the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.

Arrive at the Flume Gorge early to beat the crowds of tourists who visit during the summer, and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. After your hike, eat at the café in the visitor center, where you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious the food is.

For stunning views, ride the tram to the top of Cannon Mountain, and walk the short ridge trail.

1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, NH 03581. mtwashingtonautoroad.com; 603-466-3988. Hours vary based on weather and season. Vehicle and driver $28; each additional adult $8; children 5 to 12 $6; 4 and under free.

You can take a van or a train to the top of Mount Washington, but then you’d miss out on one of the scariest driving experiences ever. The Auto Road claims to be America’s oldest manmade attraction, and it’s a stunning work of engineering. It winds up at the highest point east of the Mississippi, where you’ll need to bundle up to get your picture taken at Mount Washington’s peak.

The ticket price includes a CD audio tour you can listen to as you climb. Turnoffs are scattered along the road where you can cool your RV’s brakes, calm your nerves, and enjoy the spectacular views.

ITINERARIES

If you have 1 week …

Explore Mount Washington, Franconia Notch State Park, Flume Gorge, and Cannon Mountain. Hike the Basin Trail, and swim at Echo Lake Beach. If you’ve been good, ask for an early Christmas present at Santa’s Village.

If you have 2 weeks …

All the above, plus explore Crawford’s Notch. Hike to Arethusa Falls and Elephant Rock. Eat lunch at the AMC Highland Center. Visit Clark’s Trading Post. Reserve a time to ride on the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train, and enjoy a world-class culinary experience while touring scenic White Mountains.

If you have 3 weeks …

All the above, plus explore Pinkham Notch and hike the Lost Pond Trail. Visit the towns of Littleton and Conway. Ride more coasters at Story Land. Venture into the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and take a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad or tour the Castle in the Clouds.