Bearcamp River Campground

- 330 Newman Drew Rd, West Ossipee, NH 03890

Introduction / Overview

Located in the heart of the beautiful Lakes Region and serving as a true gateway to the majestic White Mountains, Bearcamp River Campground in West Ossipee, New Hampshire, offers a beloved, natural camping experience. This is a destination revered by local campers who return year after year for its unique, tranquil setting directly on the clear waters of the Bearcamp River.

Bearcamp River Campground prides itself on providing a traditional, family-friendly atmosphere that strongly emphasizes river and nature-based recreation. It is a smaller, deeply wooded campground where many of the 65 spacious RV and tent sites offer coveted riverfront access, making the water activities a central part of the stay. Campers frequently praise the friendly staff and the simple, clean enjoyment of being right on the water. The campground typically opens in the spring, usually around the beginning of May, and remains open through the autumn season, often until Columbus Day, perfectly capturing New Hampshire’s best camping months.

The property is situated in a lovely area dominated by hemlock, spruce, and pine trees, providing ample shade and a true sense of being immersed in the New England woods. While the campground offers a classic, rustic feel, it also provides the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, making it a popular choice for both short getaways and seasonal residents looking for a summer home base.

Location and Accessibility

Bearcamp River Campground benefits immensely from its prime location in West Ossipee, positioning it perfectly for exploration of two of New Hampshire’s most desirable vacation regions—the Lakes Region and the foothills of the White Mountains.

The official address is:

Address: 330 Newman Drew Rd, West Ossipee, NH 03890, USA

Accessibility is straightforward, as the campground is just a short distance off the main Route 16, a major artery connecting the southern part of the state to the resort areas of North Conway. This ease of access means the campground is conveniently located approximately 20 miles south of the tax-free outlet shopping and many family attractions of North Conway. Furthermore, the property is just a few short miles from Lake Ossipee and the popular White Lake State Park, expanding the immediate recreational opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.

The location offers a quick escape to essential local services, including a variety of restaurants—from classic New Hampshire barbecue at Yankee Smokehouse to local favorites like Hobbs Tavern & Brew Pub—and necessary shops. This blend of remote, riverside tranquility with proximity to modern conveniences is a significant draw for local users. However, prospective campers should be aware that the advantageous location near major routes can result in some audible traffic noise, particularly on busy weekends, which is common in this highly sought-after area.

Services Offered

Bearcamp River Campground is dedicated to offering fundamental, high-quality services that focus on comfort and convenience, especially for extended stays and families who prioritize riverside activities.

• Site Types: The campground offers a mix of spacious RV and Tent sites. RV sites generally include water and 30-amp electric hookups, and many are large enough to accommodate big rigs and slide-outs. All sites are wooded and often have a sandy or grassy surface.
• Essential Amenities: The facility includes a convenient, on-site dump station for registered campers. While septic hookups are not available for individual sites due to state regulations along the river, the central dump station ensures waste disposal is managed effectively.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: Two separate buildings house clean restrooms with flush toilets and free hot showers for guests. The staff places a high priority on maintaining the cleanliness of these facilities.
• Laundry Facilities: Laundry services are available, a valuable amenity for both short-term visitors and seasonal campers, ensuring extended stays remain comfortable and convenient.
• Campground Store: The office and store area provides necessary camping items for purchase, including firewood, ice, ice cream, soft drinks, floats and tubes, and official Bearcamp River Campground apparel.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcomed on a leash and must be attended at all times, with a limit of no more than three pets per site, making it a great option for locals who travel with their entire family.
• Connectivity: A WiFi hotspot is available at the office/recreation hall area, though service range does not typically extend to individual campsites, encouraging campers to disconnect and enjoy the outdoor setting.

Features / Highlights

The main appeal of Bearcamp River Campground lies in its exceptional riverfront setting and the aquatic recreation it facilitates, offering a clear advantage over inland parks.

• Bearcamp River Access: The campground boasts extensive frontage on the Bearcamp River, which is known for its clear, sandy-bottomed water. Many sites are situated directly on the water's edge, offering immediate access.
• Exceptional Tubing: The campground is famous for its river tubing. Campers can enter the river on one side of the property for a relaxing 15-minute float that ends conveniently at the other side of the campground, often right back at their campsite.
• Sandy Beach Areas: The river features two designated beach areas with dry and wet sandbars, providing safe and pleasant spots for sunbathing, wading, and swimming. The river includes deep spots for swimming and shallow areas ideal for young children (adult supervision required).
• Fishing and Boating: The Bearcamp River is a trout river, stocked annually by the State of New Hampshire, offering excellent fishing opportunities. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with a scenic, approximately two-hour trip possible down the river to nearby Ossipee Lake.
• Family Recreation Amenities: Features a heated outdoor swimming pool (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), a dedicated playground for children, a recreation hall, a covered pavilion, basketball court, horseshoe pits, and areas for outdoor toss games.
• Gate to the White Mountains: Its strategic location provides direct access to activities like hiking the Piper Trail to Mount Chocorua, visiting Castle in the Clouds, or driving the scenic routes into the White Mountain National Forest.

Contact Information

To inquire about reservations, seasonal site availability, or general information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 330 Newman Drew Rd, West Ossipee, NH 03890, USA

Phone: (603) 539-4898

Mobile Phone: +1 603-539-4898

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of the New Hampshire region, Bearcamp River Campground is an excellent choice for a repeated getaway or seasonal camping, primarily due to its unparalleled river access and convenient central location. Unlike many regional parks that are simply located near water, Bearcamp offers the immersive experience of having your campsite right on the banks of a clear, trout-stocked river, with unique features like the easy, circular tubing run that deposits you back near your site. This type of unique, direct water access is a major draw for local families looking to make the most of New Hampshire’s short summer season.

Furthermore, its location in West Ossipee makes it a highly functional base camp. Local users can spend the morning tubing on the Bearcamp River, the afternoon hiking in the White Mountains, and the evening enjoying dinner at a nearby local eatery, all within a 20-mile radius. While some reviews suggest opportunities for aesthetic upgrades, particularly in the entrance and seasonal site areas, the core experience—the friendly staff, clean river, excellent tubing, and proximity to major attractions—remains a powerful motivator for repeat local visits. Bearcamp River Campground provides the perfect, rustic, river-centric retreat without sacrificing the convenience of being centrally located near the best outdoor recreation and commercial hubs in the Lakes Region.

Bearcamp River Campground

330 Newman Drew Rd, West Ossipee, NH 03890, USA