August 2021 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 3
Camping at Whit’s End By Mark Okrant Photos courtesy Whit’s End Campground Among the Lakes Region’s 30 private campgrounds, their clientele of families is of paramount importance. This is in keeping with the nation’s camping business as a whole. According to a Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) study, there were nearly 95 million camper households in North America during 2020, with 79 million in the United States alone. Camping appears to be in a very solid position for future growth, as 45 percent of campers engage in three or more occasions each year. Furthermore, the fact that more than one-half of this group consists of millennials (currently ages 25 to 40) bodes well for the prospects of the camping industry. With the average family camping trip lasting one to two days, the motivations that fuel the current growth trend are not surprising. Participants use camping to escape from their busy, stressful lives. Most have a deep-seated love of the outdoors, and enjoy connecting with nature. Ultimately, however, it is the opportunities that camping offers to spend quality time with family and friends which are desired. Situated at 140 Newman Drew Road in West Ossipee, Whit’s End Campground promotes itself as situated “where the mountains meet the lakes.” With its location along the Bearcamp River, the facility provides a water and woods camping experience. Whit’s End has 25 riverfront RV sites, each providing both clean water and electricity hookups. A majority (65) of
the facility’s camping sites are wooded; each provides water and electricity. Importantly, a number of Whit’s End campsites have access to a WiFi hotspot. Whit’s End has space for a large number of seasonal sites, which are available from May 2 through October 18. They also have a number of recreation vehicles for rent. Whit’s End prides itself on providing large RV sites. Some of these are able to accommodate pull-throughs—spaces designed to be easier to park recreation vehicles without the necessity to back into them. The campground has a free dump station, and its honey wagon service is available for hire at a reasonable price. The campground discourages group camping; however, day visitors are allowed, with reasonable rates offered to encourage them. As reflected in its policy statements, this is a family friendly campground. Smoking in public areas, weapons and
other noise-making or potentially dangerous devices, and alcoholic beverages are all prohibited. Furthermore, the campground strictly enforces its quiet hours between 10 pm to 8 am. Since camping parents hope to indoctrinate their children to this activity, youths soon learn to associate familiar forms of outdoor recreation as part of a camping experience. According to the Whit’s End website, www.whitsendcampground.com, a range of amenities is available on site . . . ideal for a family camping experience. A heated, L-shape swimming pool is open until Labor Day. There are numerous small beach sites on the Bearcamp River; and campers are encouraged to sunbathe or swim there. Additionally, there are tube rentals; and the Bearcamp is excellent for both tubing or kayaking. Adult campers are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, as Whit’s End does not provide lifeguards.
For those who prefer land-based activities, the campground has a very interesting playground, complete with swings, climbing ladders, a slide, and other child-friendly equipment. There is a large wood frame building where the main office is located. Inside is a general store, with a recreation hall, vending machines and tables for eating meals, a laundry, and showers. The building’s large veranda is a place where people can enjoy a perspective of the campground and its surroundings. Nearby on the grounds, there is a facility where movies are shown and campers have an opportunity to socialize. During 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact upon most elements of New Hampshire’s recreation and tourism industry. Those campgrounds that remained open were forced to implement policies that dramatically reduced capacities, person-to-person interaction, and activities. Despite some remaining concern about the virus, most of those businesses have reopened and are providing an attractive list of events. During weekends throughout August, September, and prior to closing in October, Whit’s End Campground will be offering an interesting set of activities: On Saturday and Sunday, August 1415, the campground will feature Kids Craft, an opportunity to make your own boat from recycled materials. This will be followed by a recycled boat
• Whit’s End continued on page 4
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