We decided to try something a little different this time. We had a little more time off and drove further up to the North Conway Area. It was suppose to be a little colder, well at least at night it was.
Jay picked Pine Knoll Campground in Albany, NH off the internet. When we came in following the directions of the GPS we ended up coming through the back of the campground. We saw nothing but a dumpster and junk. I was ready to turn and run. As we drove to our campsite there were all these RV with houses built around them. Not really sure how/what to call it. I was so hesitant. There was no path on the grounds like Greenfield State Park, so we had to drive to trails. Our campsite I believe was 100. It’s the only tent site in the area.
According to our neighbors Marilyn and Jim (I think) some of the RV/trailers are permanent owners; others can be rented for about $3000 for the year. There was a free shower which was clean. Bathroom was clean. The campsite came with Electricity (which we didn’t use) and water. A lot of the ‘residents’ had patio lights strung from their site. The site had a picnic table and a fire ring but no grill on the ring so we ended up using the propane grill for all our cooking. We used our new tent and had plenty of room.
 |
| Diana's Bath |
We arrived in late afternoon and had enough time to set up camp. We went for a ride into ‘town’ aka North Conway. We stopped into LL Bean for some bug spray that we ran out of. The next morning we went into town to get some trail info and see some of the shops. Turns out that weekend was also the Mud Bowl. We were just in time for the mud bowl parade. We didn’t get to see a game as there was a fee and that’s not what we went for. We visited a few of the shops in town including White Mountain Cupcakery. Yummy cupcakes, in a cute little house setting. Next time though we are so doing FROSTING SHOTS! We worked the cupcakes off by trail hiking to Diana’s Bath. (200 yards of granite terraces. .5 miles form the turn-off to Cathedral Ledge on West Side Rd. Bartlett. An easy .5 mile walk in takes you to cascading falls, waterspouts, and granite basins along Lucy Brook.) The path leading up to there is handicap accessible. You could easily take a stroller, though we used the backpack. You will need to climb through the baths though. Declan got tired on the way back, or he just wanted to sit on the benches they had along the path. There were a few picnic tables up there as well. Pack a lunch and swimsuit and have fun. Bathrooms are located at the bottom of the path but it’s like an outhouse/port-a-potty. I definitely waited till we got back to the camp. Plenty of the shops have public restrooms in town.
 |
| Campsite @ Pine Knoll Campgrounds |
What I liked about Pine Knoll Campground? Despite its initial appearance it was very friendly and I felt secure.
What I didn’t like about Pine Knoll Campground? It could use a little Disney help from Disney about being discreet with your trash and supplies.
 |
| North Conway, NH |
What I liked about North Conway? Everything, very cute shops, plenty of places to eat if you wanted to, so much to do without over the top tourism.
What I didn’t like about North Conway? Everything closed early.
