Waterville Campground

Star4.62
111 reviews
WHITE MOUNTAIN
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

1,457 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open May 22 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Waterville Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $24 per night for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
603-536-6100
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 111 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlywell-maintainedsites

"User reviews for Waterville Campground are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. Some critiques focus on the lack of modern amenities like showers and the water quality from hand pumps."

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Waterville Campground

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Driving directionsFrom Highway 93, take exit 28. Follow Highway 49 east for 10 miles, then turn left on Tripoli Road. The campground is 0.25 miles on the left.
Road access is paved and accessible year-round. However, proximity to the road may pose safety concerns for children and pets, as mentioned in user reviews.
Nearby places
Waterville Valley (approximately 1 mile), Plymouth (approximately 11 miles), Lincoln (approximately 28 miles)
Nearby supplies
Stores and restaurants are accessible in Waterville Valley (approximately 1 mile). For camping supplies and groceries, Plymouth is an 11-mile drive.

Best Time to Camp at Waterville Campground

Experience the White Mountains' dramatic seasonal transformations at Waterville Campground. Summer unveils a paradise of warm days and cool mountain nights, perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. As autumn approaches, the surrounding forests explode into a breathtaking tapestry of gold, crimson, and amber. Early fall camping offers crisp, invigorating air and some of New England's most spectacular foliage displays. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, though only the heartiest adventurers brave the cold temperatures and deep snowfall that blanket the region.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm days, cool nights; popular for hiking and water access.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 9% in NH

Campground is especially popular during fall foliage; many reviews highlight stunning colors.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Open from May 22 (late spring); trails and water access available but season starts late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed in winter; open season is May 22–Oct 13.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22 to October 13 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22 to October 13 for reservable stays.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Waterville Campground

Nestled in the heart of the southern White Mountains, Waterville Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts seeking the perfect gateway to the legendary Pemigewasset Wilderness. This thoughtfully designed campground offers a harmonious blend of traditional camping experiences, with spacious standard sites and secluded tent-only options arranged along a peaceful loop road. Each site provides ample privacy among the towering trees, while modern conveniences like clean restrooms and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
Waterville Campground offers a mix of standard and tent-only campsites, all located in a single loop. Sites are well-spaced, providing a blend of privacy and accessibility. Primitive camping is emphasized, with amenities limited to vault toilets and hand-pump water.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in must occur by noon the day following the reservation start date.
Check-out
Scheduled check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit, total stay limit of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Waterville Campground is a gateway to numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking is a primary draw, with trails like Drakes Brook Trail and Sandwich Trail offering scenic loops. Campers can also fish in the Mad River for brook trout or kayak in nearby waters. The region's proximity to the White Mountains allows access to additional activities such as golf, horseback riding, and winter sports.
HikingHikers can access nearby trails, including the 4.4-mile Drakes Brook Trail and the 3.9-mile Sandwich Trail. These trails form a loop and are popular among visitors.
FishingFishing is available in the adjacent Mad River, known for brook trout. Additional opportunities exist at the Winnipesaukee River, featuring a 2.1-mile category I-II whitewater section.
SwimmingWhile the campground does not have a designated swimming area, the nearby Mad River offers spots for wading and cooling off.
BikingThe campground is near a bike trail that connects to Waterville Valley, offering a convenient and scenic option for cyclists.
BoatingBoating activities such as kayaking are supported by the nearby rivers, with easy access to water bodies suitable for these activities.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Birdwatchers may spot the rare Bicknell's Thrush among nearly 200 bird species.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to the road can pose safety challenges for children and pets. Bears are present in the area, requiring careful food storage.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

Weather at Waterville Campground

Reviews

4.6
111 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Waterville Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Waterville Campground are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. Some critiques focus on the lack of modern amenities like showers and the water quality from hand pumps.
Review Summaries
Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently compliment the spacious, well-maintained campsites and the scenic surroundings, including proximity to the Mad River and White Mountains. The campground hosts, notably George, are...
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Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the 'rusty' water quality from hand pumps, lack of showers, and occasional noise from nearby roads. Some users also expressed concerns about limited privacy between...
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Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water filtration system to address the water quality. Reserve sites in advance due to the campground's popularity. Take advantage of the nearby activities in Waterville Valley, such as hiking...
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Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is especially popular during the fall foliage season, with many reviews highlighting the stunning leaf colors. Summer is also a favored season for its accessibility to hiking and water...
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Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Mates this a hidden treasure!!! Mountains, Waterfalls, Camping, what more could you ask for???' - B K 2. 'Vault toilets and terrible water quality make tough for kids or those unprepared. Must...
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Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #017 is noted for its spaciousness and slight isolation, while #022 was described as large and wooded. #012 is convenient to water and facilities but had rusty water issues. #025 offers...
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Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally appreciated for its connection to trails and natural features. No significant accessibility complaints were noted.
Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, with several users emphasizing its suitability for pets. 'Dog-friendly. Host lives in site and is very nice.' - desarey
Based on 111 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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