How much does camping cost at Russell Pond Campground?

Camping fees at Russell Pond Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Russell Pond Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Russell Pond Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Russell Pond Campground before I book?

Yes! Russell Pond Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Russell Pond Campground?

Russell Pond Campground is open May 22 to October 08. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Russell Pond Campground?

Yes, Russell Pond Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Russell Pond Campground have?

Russell Pond Campground has 84 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Russell Pond Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Russell Pond Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Russell Pond Campground?

Russell Pond Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Russell Pond Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Russell Pond Campground?

Fire policies at Russell Pond Campground: Don't Move Firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.20

340 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping New Hampshire Best Campgrounds New Hampshire Boating Camping New Hampshire +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,759 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

Open: May 22 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,759 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

Open: May 22 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Russell Pond Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $30.00; WALK TO: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(603) 536-6100whitemountaincampgrounds@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Russell Pond Campground

44.0087, -71.6489

Nearby places

Lincoln, NH (6 miles, 15 minutes)

Woodstock, NH (8 miles, 20 minutes).

Weather at Russell Pond Campground

Current alerts(8)

Be bear aware; keep all food out of site in approved containers or locked inside a hard-sided vehicle and remove all food from area after eating.
Learn more about the White Mountain National Forest .
No switching sites upon arrival
Please Note: Site fee includes one RV with tow vehicle, tent sites include two vehicles. Some tent sites may need to utilize the overflow parking area for a second vehicle. If space allows a third vehicle would be an additional fee paid at time of check in.

Best Time to Camp at Russell Pond Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of weather and scenery at Russell Pond — expect cool, crisp days (daytime highs commonly 45–65°F, nights often dipping into the 30s) and peak northern hardwood color from late September into the first half of October. This is prime time for hiking, photography, paddlecraft on the calm pond, and shoreline wildlife viewing when the bugs are gone and the light is golden. Weekends can be busy with leaf-peepers, but weekday stays still feel peaceful and the 1 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall highlighted as best: peak hardwood color, cool days, quiet pondside experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 08. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: May 22 - October 13; Closed: October 13 - May 22.

About Russell Pond Campground

Russell Pond Campground sits in the White Mountain National Forest foothills near Lincoln, New Hampshire, operated by the Forest Service on a seasonal schedule. The large campground offers both tent and RV sites with access to a clear-water pond, flush toilets, showers, and a camp store. Visitors use it as a base for hiking White Mountain trails and driving the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, with fall foliage drawing the heaviest crowds.

Russell Pond Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including sites for tents, RVs, and walk-in access. Group camping is supported, but no cabin or glamping options are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most striking combination of weather and scenery at Russell Pond — expect cool, crisp days (daytime highs commonly 45–65°F, nights often dipping into the 30s) and peak northern hardwood color from late September into the first half of October. This is prime time for hiking, photography, paddlecraft on the calm pond, and shoreline wildlife viewing when the bugs are gone and the light is golden. Weekends can be busy with leaf-peepers, but weekday stays still feel peaceful and the 1 Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1759 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within northern hardwood forest at 1,759 feet elevation, where oak, maple, and birch create a mature canopy. Russell Pond's clear water draws swimmers and paddlers, and the shoreline offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears use the area. Nearly 200 bird species have been documented in the surrounding forest, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush. The pond reflects the surrounding peaks and provides calm water for quiet paddling. The White Mountains formed through tectonic uplift and glacial carving, creating the dramatic relief visible from camp. The pond itself was shaped by glacial activity and fed by mountain springs that keep the water cold and clear year-round.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or accommodations are available, but camping options include tent and RV sites.

Programs & ActivitiesFree interpretive nature programs are offered at the amphitheater on Saturday evenings during July and August.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during any visit at this campground, and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite unless otherwise stated. Some reviews recommend reducing the guest limit for quieter experiences.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or the mobile app. Walk-up sites are also available but limited.

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible, but several reviewers mention that many sites involve stairs or steep slopes to access facilities, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating a mix of tent campers and RVs. Some users note that certain sites are spacious, while others are better suited for smaller setups.

PrivacyGenerally, sites are well-spaced and wooded, offering a good degree of privacy. However, certain sites are closer together, such as D9 and D10.

Total Campsites84 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the pond offer more tranquility but are first-come, first-served. Reservable sites like D09 and D10 are smaller but still well-spaced. Larger sites, such as G03, provide good privacy.

Best CampsitesE03, G01, and D06 get consistent praise in reviews for proximity to the pond or scenic views. Sites closer to the water offer better access and more privacy, though some visitors note that first-come-first-serve options can land you in prime spots. D9 and D10 sit close together, so avoid those if you want separation. Sites near the pond tend to be quieter than those closer to the road.

Need help booking Russell Pond Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Russell Pond Campground provides a mix of amenities catering to both tent campers and RV users. Facilities include potable water stations within walking distance of campsites, flush toilets, and coin-operated hot showers. Additional features include a boat ramp, beach, and amphitheater with interpretive programs during summer weekends. Campsites have fire pits, picnic tables, and tent pads for convenience.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Russell Pond Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming. The nearby White Mountains provide additional opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, with multiple areas designated for waste disposal.

Cell CoverageLimited information available on cell phone service. One user mentioned that AT&T service was spotty.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

340 reviews

Satisfactory

Russell Pond Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Russell Pond Campground is highly rated for its serene environment, proximity to outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, issues such as limited parking, occasional noise, and malfunctioning showers have been reported.

Review Summaries

Based on 340 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 340 reviews.

D10Loved
D9 and D10 are noted to be less private.
E14Loved
E14 is praised for its proximity to attractions.
A09Loved
Sites like A09 are known for good privacy.
Campsite D01Mentioned
Campsite D01 is a short walk to the lake and near bathrooms.

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's spacious and private sites, clean bathrooms, and scenic Russell Pond with clear water. Hosts are described as friendly and helpful. Many visitors appreciate the...

Based on 340 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include limited parking at campsites, occasional racetrack noise, and steep access to some facilities. Malfunctioning showers and challenges with coin availability have also been...

Based on 340 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers ($2.50 for 5 minutes). Consider weekday stays to avoid crowds and racetrack noise. Choose sites closer to the pond for better access, but note that first-come-first-serve...

Based on 340 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly appreciated for its foliage and quieter atmosphere. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, with occasional noise from nearby racetracks.

Based on 340 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The pond water is crystal clear!" - Michael D. "The hosts were friendly and helpful." - Anastasiya M. "Bathrooms were clean, but showers can be cold." - Elizabeth M.

Based on 340 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users mention challenges with stairs and slopes, which may impact accessibility. Bathrooms are clean but may be difficult to reach in certain areas.

Based on 340 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with a limit of two per site. No specific complaints or praises related to pets were noted.

Based on 340 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a full-amenity base camp for White Mountain hiking and fall color viewing near the Kancamagus Highway.

Skip if

You need guaranteed power reliability or free showers, or you're sensitive to campground noise during peak season.

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Tripoli Road Camping Area sits at 1,237 feet in White Mountain National Forest, offering dispersed, first-come, first-served primitive camping for $25 per vehicle. The sites are large and spread out, attracting groups looking for a rustic backcountry experience. It's genuinely primitive: no amenities, bring your own water and firewood, and be ready for bears.