Sun Retreats Westward Shores

- 110 Nichols Rd West, Ossipee, NH 03814

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire families and outdoor enthusiasts, Sun Retreats Westward Shores in West Ossipee represents a well-established and expansive destination for lakeside recreation. Located directly on the stunning Northwest shore of Ossipee Lake, the resort offers a comprehensive camping and vacation experience, featuring a wide variety of accommodations from premium RV sites to luxurious waterfront cottages and rustic cabin rentals. This facility operates as a large-scale resort campground, catering to both transient visitors and long-term seasonal campers seeking a summer base in the beautiful Lakes and Mountains region.

Sun Retreats Westward Shores leverages its prime waterfront location to offer a vacation atmosphere rich with aquatic and land-based activities. It is frequently highlighted as one of the best family campgrounds in New Hampshire due to its wide-ranging amenity package, which is designed to keep guests of all ages engaged. The resort is positioned as a gateway to the Mount Washington Valley, providing convenient access to shopping, dining, and natural attractions outside the park's gates. While the resort offers an abundance of features, guests should be aware that the overall experience can be highly dependent on the quality of maintenance and staff interaction, which, as customer feedback indicates, can be inconsistent. The park's ownership has acknowledged that maintaining rules for the "safety and peaceful enjoyment" of all guests sometimes necessitates "tough conversations" from the staff, suggesting a firm approach to park regulations.

Despite occasional reported issues with housekeeping and specific amenities—such as the operational status of a snack bar or the provision of basic utilities like cable—the core value proposition of Sun Retreats Westward Shores remains its phenomenal setting and extensive facilities. The sheer scope of its offerings, from its expansive sandy beaches to the numerous planned activities, makes it a powerful draw for those seeking an all-inclusive family getaway on one of New Hampshire’s largest lakes. Prospective visitors are advised to clarify the current availability and operational status of key amenities and services when booking to ensure their expectations are met.

Location and Accessibility

Sun Retreats Westward Shores is situated at 110 Nichols Rd West, Ossipee, NH 03814, USA. This address places it squarely in the West Ossipee area, on the northwest side of Ossipee Lake. Its location is highly strategic for local users and tourists alike, as it is just minutes away from the junction of major state routes, providing excellent accessibility.

The resort’s unique advantage is its direct, extensive frontage on Ossipee Lake, the second-largest lake entirely within New Hampshire. This lake access is a huge draw, offering panoramic views of the water and the surrounding mountain ranges, including Mt. Washington and Mt. Chocorua on clear days. The park is easily reachable via major roads, making the drive from the populous southern parts of New Hampshire and neighboring states straightforward.

Beyond the immediate lakeside appeal, the location is a practical base for exploring the region. Westward Shores is located a short drive from the Mt. Washington Valley, which encompasses towns like Conway and North Conway. This proximity grants guests quick access to outlet shopping, ski resorts, various family attractions, and the endless hiking and natural exploration opportunities within the nearby White Mountain National Forest. Essential services, dining options, and local conveniences in West Ossipee are also within a short driving distance, allowing guests to stock up supplies easily before heading into the resort for their vacation.

Services Offered

Sun Retreats Westward Shores provides an extensive array of services tailored to a full-service resort experience, accommodating various vacation styles from RV camping to cabin stays.

• Diverse Accommodations: Offering premium RV sites with full hookups (Water/Electric/Sewer), tent sites, and a range of cottage and cabin rentals, from rustic to luxury, suitable for large groups.
• Marina and Lake Access: Features a full-service Marina with a gas dock and boat launch, providing direct access to Ossipee Lake and its three main bays for boating, sailing, and water sports.
• Water Rentals: Kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats are available for rent to enhance the lake experience.
• Utility Hookups: RV sites offer essential full hookups with 30-amp and 50-amp electric service to accommodate various vehicle sizes.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site facilities with commercial washers and dryers are available 24/7 for guest convenience.
• Lakeside Market: A general store, sometimes referred to as a "lakeside market," is typically stocked with groceries, picnic supplies, ice cream, and other camping necessities.
• Waste Management: Services, including a dumping station, are available for RVs. Note that current waste disposal policies, such as trash pick-up, may have changed and should be confirmed upon booking.
• Security and Maintenance: The resort employs staff for check-in, rule enforcement, and site maintenance, though the quality of execution and guest interaction is reported to be variable.

Features / Highlights

The resort is packed with amenities that serve as its primary highlights, focusing heavily on entertainment and lake-based enjoyment.

• Extensive Beachfront: Over 2,000 feet of sandy shore provides gradual entry into the clear waters of Ossipee Lake, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
• Dual Pool Access: The resort features both an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, allowing for swimming regardless of the New Hampshire weather. A spa/hot tub area is also often listed as available.
• Dedicated Dog Beach and Park: The resort is pet-friendly and includes a specific beach area where dogs can play on the sand and in the lake, as well as an enclosed Dog Park with agility obstacles.
• Water-Based Activities: A variety of facilities for water-based fun, including an inflatable water park (seasonal availability may vary) and excellent fishing opportunities for salmon, perch, trout, and bass.
• Sports and Recreation: A full complement of facilities is available, including a baseball field, half-court basketball court, volleyball court, and a combination tennis and pickleball court.
• Family Fun Zones: Entertainment options for children include a large Jumping Pillow, a dedicated Ninja Playground, a standard playground, a Gaga Ball pit, and organized Barrel Train rides.
• Planned Activities: The resort organizes community-wide activities at its pavilion, such as arts & crafts, bingo, and special events, often with weekly themes.

Contact Information

For bookings, current rates, and checking the status of amenities for your stay, visitors should use the direct contact information for the resort.

Address: 110 Nichols Rd West, Ossipee, NH 03814, USA

Phone: (603) 539-6445

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New Hampshire residents, especially those living outside the immediate Lakes Region, Sun Retreats Westward Shores offers a convenient, amenity-rich destination for both weekend getaways and extended summer stays. The primary suitability for locals lies in the accessibility of its prime location on Ossipee Lake. Owning an RV or securing a seasonal site here provides a guaranteed, ready-made vacation spot without the commitment or cost of owning a separate lake house. This allows families to immerse themselves in the New Hampshire lifestyle—boating, swimming, fishing, and hiking—with a built-in community and a wealth of activities right at their doorstep.

While customer reviews suggest that the hospitality and cleanliness can occasionally fall short of the advertised premium price, the sheer volume of amenities—especially the expansive lakefront, multiple pools, and extensive sports facilities—still provides significant value for families focused on recreation. Locals know that New Hampshire lakefront property is a rare commodity. Westward Shores gives Granite Staters a direct, fun, and relatively close way to tap into the Ossipee Lake experience, acting as their affordable summer retreat and a perfect base camp for exploring the nearby natural wonders of the White Mountains.

Sun Retreats Westward Shores

110 Nichols Rd West, Ossipee, NH 03814, USA