Cannon Mountain Rv Park, Franconia, NH

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire outdoor enthusiasts, the name Franconia Notch State Park evokes images of legendary hiking, breathtaking vistas, and the true essence of the Granite State’s mountains. At the heart of this iconic area is a hidden gem for RVers: Cannon Mountain RV Park. This is not your typical sprawling private campground; it is a highly coveted, small-scale RV experience situated right on the north shore of scenic Echo Lake, offering unparalleled access to everything the Notch has to offer.

Cannon Mountain RV Park is a seven-site destination, making it one of the most exclusive and perfectly located RV spots in the White Mountains. What it may lack in traditional 'campground' amenities like pools or expansive privacy, it more than makes up for in raw, unbeatable proximity to natural wonders. Here, you are literally steps away from the shores of Echo Lake and the trailhead to the famous Artist Bluff hike. The sites are designed for self-contained RVs, providing essential full hookups during the main season. The primary value of this park, as unanimously pointed out by local campers, is its 'Location, Location, Location.' For New Hampshirites who know and love the White Mountains, having a reserved, full-hookup site inside the State Park is the ultimate convenience for both summer adventure and winter sports. The park operates year-round, offering limited services but continuous access for the dedicated winter RVer who wants to be at the base of the popular Cannon Mountain Ski Area.

It is crucial to note that due to its State Park location and limited space, this park focuses on efficiency and access. Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance.

Location and Accessibility

The location of Cannon Mountain RV Park is its single greatest feature. It is officially located within Franconia Notch State Park at 2750 Profile Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, USA. This places it directly adjacent to the Echo Lake Beach parking area and at the base of Cannon Mountain.

Accessibility is incredibly easy for New Hampshire residents, as the park is situated directly off Interstate 93 (I-93), which runs straight through Franconia Notch. The park is at the northern end of the Notch, offering immediate access to the start of the Franconia Notch Parkway and the many attractions along it. For local users, this means:

Immediate Access to Echo Lake: The sites are approximately 100 feet from the lake shore, and RV park guests have complimentary, reservation-free access to Echo Lake Beach.
Hiking Trailheads: The trailhead for the popular Artist Bluff/Bald Mountain loop—which offers one of the most picturesque views of the Notch—is within a two-minute walk.
Major Attractions: It is a mere 5-minute drive (or a short bike ride on the dedicated Franconia Notch Recreation Path) to the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the New England Ski Museum.
Recreation Path: The paved, 8.8-mile multi-use Franconia Notch Recreation Path is easily accessible for biking, walking, and running the entire length of the Notch without being on the highway.

This unparalleled proximity to all the major White Mountains attractions makes it a truly exclusive and highly sought-after camping location for anyone residing in New Hampshire.

Services Offered

As a State Park facility, Cannon Mountain RV Park offers specific services centered on providing essential hookups and convenience for self-contained RVs.

Full Hookups (Seasonal): During the regular camping season (typically Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day), sites provide three-way hookups: electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer.
Winter Camping (Off-Season): The park is open year-round with off-season rates from mid-October through May. During this time, only electric hookups are guaranteed; water and sewer services are unavailable, and RVs must be fully self-contained (carry-in, carry-out).
On-Site Amenities: Each of the seven sites includes a picnic table and a fire ring for campfires.
Restroom Access (Seasonal): Basic restroom facilities are available seasonally at the Echo Lake Beach building, typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the summer, but are locked at night and unavailable outside of the regular season.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is typically available on-site, but campers should verify its operational status (it is sometimes temporarily closed).
Coin-Operated Showers: Showers are not available on-site but can be accessed for a fee at the nearby Lafayette Place Campground (a short drive/bike ride away).
Pet Policy: It is important for guests to know that pets are strictly NOT permitted in the campground due to its State Park location and policies.
Essentials: Safe, certified firewood is often available for purchase at the park or nearby facilities, adhering to the State Park's policy against bringing wood from out-of-state to prevent insect spread.

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Cannon Mountain RV Park are directly tied to its phenomenal location within Franconia Notch State Park.

Unbeatable White Mountains Location: Being one of only seven RV sites inside Franconia Notch State Park eliminates travel time and allows for early morning access to trails and late evening enjoyment of the scenery.
Direct Lake Access: Guests receive complimentary, reservation-free access to Echo Lake Beach for swimming, fishing, and boating, with boat rentals available during the summer season.
Year-Round Operation: The park’s continued operation during the winter provides the extremely rare convenience of electric hookups at the base of Cannon Mountain Ski Area, making it a perfect spot for winter sports enthusiasts.
Scenic Vistas: Campers are surrounded by incredible views of Cannon Mountain, Echo Lake, and the sheer cliffs of the Notch, offering unparalleled natural beauty right outside the RV door.
Basecamp for Iconic Hikes: Direct walk-up access to the Artist Bluff trail and the proximity to the Lafayette Place Campground (the starting point for the famous Franconia Ridge Loop) make it a hiker's dream.
Self-Contained Convenience: The full hookups (seasonally) allow RVers to be truly self-sufficient in one of New Hampshire's most pristine and protected areas.

Contact Information

Due to the very limited number of sites and the high demand, it is highly recommended to make reservations through the official state park booking system.

Address: 2750 Profile Rd, Franconia, NH 03580, USA

Phone: (603) 823-8800 (Park Manager/Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 603-823-8800

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Hampshire locals, securing a spot at Cannon Mountain RV Park is like winning the lottery of White Mountains access. We understand that the real cost of a day trip to Franconia Notch is the time spent driving and the battle for parking. This RV park eliminates both. As Granite Staters, we appreciate the fact that this small, state-operated facility prioritizes a high-demand service—full-hookup RV camping—right where the action is.

You gain an immeasurable advantage: a front-row seat to New Hampshire’s most majestic scenery. Imagine enjoying the pristine beauty of Echo Lake before the day-use crowd arrives or being able to hike the Artist Bluff loop before breakfast. For winter sports enthusiasts, the ability to camp right at the base of Cannon Mountain Ski Area with an electric hookup is an absolute game-changer. While the seven sites are tight—sometimes described more as a 'parking lot with hookups'—the trade-off is the ultimate proximity to the Flume Gorge, the Cannon Tram, the Recreation Path, and all the wonders of the Notch. It’s the perfect, minimal-fuss basecamp for the local resident who is serious about maximizing their time exploring the White Mountains, making it a highly desirable and essential option for your next New Hampshire adventure.