286 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Ellsworth, New Hampshire primarily cluster along the Pemigewasset River valley, with options ranging from established facilities to more rustic experiences. The White Mountain National Forest encompasses several developed campgrounds in the region, including Hancock Campground and Tripoli Road dispersed camping area. Most locations offer a mix of tent and RV sites, while properties like Lost River Valley Campground and Branch Brook Campground also provide cabin accommodations. The area's campgrounds serve as convenient baselines for exploring the southern White Mountains, particularly the Franconia, Waterville Valley, and Sandwich Range wilderness areas.
Roads to most established campgrounds remain accessible without specialized vehicles, though winter conditions can significantly impact accessibility. A recent review noted, "Fall camping at Branch Brook is nothing short of magical. We just happened to book a trip right at peak season for fall foliage... the colors were absolutely unreal." Camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October, with some locations like Hancock Campground remaining open year-round. Several campsites along Route 49 and Interstate 93 experience road noise, particularly those positioned on the south sides of campground loops. Cell reception varies throughout the region, with visitors reporting workable connectivity at larger facilities but limited coverage in more remote locations. Advance reservations are highly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods.
The Pemigewasset River stands out as a defining feature of the camping experience in this region. Multiple campgrounds offer direct river access with opportunities for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. A visitor commented, "The river is awesome to lounge in. The staff is friendly, the locations is nice, sites are wooded, but not hard to park." Campers frequently mention the contrast between heavily wooded sites providing privacy and more open riverfront locations. While highway proximity creates noise concerns at some campgrounds, others deeper in the forest provide a more secluded experience. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and organized activities are common at the larger established campgrounds, while the national forest sites offer a more traditional camping experience with fewer facilities but greater immersion in nature.
"The last few years, they’ve added a light display near the entrance at night, which make that last trip to the bathroom before bedtime fun!"
"Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."
from $62 - $209 / night
Check Availability"Both times were very different experiences, but overall very positive. Just because there are a few, I will mention the cons first."
"Plenty of walking for dogs with a natural pool for them to swim in and the large pool with pirate ship is perfect for little kids with the beach entry. easy location to get to with a travel trailer too"
from $49 - $129 / night
Check Availability"My first time in camping in New Hampshire, the whole area is spectacular and I felt lucky to find a spot in this campground next to the stream."
"The White Mountains stretch quite some distance. While the Presidential peaks are often considered the jewel of this range, I find the Franconia Ridge just as beautiful and stunning."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes."
"Other sites are situated on knolls that require parking below and walking a few steps up to the site. So be prepared to possibly hike your gear a short distance."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it."
"Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.)."
from $20 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This place was a great option for staying close to Rumney for climbing. They have a group campsite specifically for climbers, which was $10 a person when we stayed there."
"Some sites are more private than others but overall quiet, and in a beautiful spot right next to the river. It's in a great location being near the main roads but far enough away that it seems remote."
from $35 - $42 / night
Check Availability"The sites are clean and well kept but are close in proximity of each other. None are private. This would be great for multiple families wanting to camp together."
"Really great for access to Tripoli road, Waterville Valley. Bathrooms clean. Showers clean. Host was excellent and knowledgeable. Loved advising campers where to go, what trails to checkout."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Dump station is located smartly away from most campsites, but on site. Cammy at the office was lovely and helpful."
"The beat part is the location to the river. It wraps around the campground making it a great place to go tubing. They also have 3 great fields for rent"
from $37 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Great little campground spots for both campers and tents right along the river
ample parking with great surrounding sights of New Hampshire as well as being next door to Clark’s trading post, a New Hampshire"
"We also were in the spot right next to the walkway to the bathhouse, so had steady traffic going by. Our site #60 was gravel, back in, 30 amp, full hookup."
ScoutGenuinely one of the most fun weekends I had, staff was amazing and cordial and the other people were friendly; the only thing that I wasn’t a huge fan of was the proximity to other campers. While it’s far enough away for some privacy, at night you can hear people snoring rather loudly.
TravelerWish there was closer bathrooms.
ScoutA little expensive but worth it. The pool and staff are awesome. Everything is clean.
TravelerAmazing spot, great area! Plentyyy of room. Between sites 10 & 11 is the longest distance out the bunch and enjoyed that because it was easy to run a generator at any hour of the day with no one able to be disturbed by it. Loved Haystack Road overall. Had strong AT&T reception even with 1 - 2 bars.
TravelerSuper clean and well maintained small campground. A walking path runs in front of all the sites. Most sites have an obstructed water view of the Connecticut river. There is a vegitation barrier between the sites and the river. Canoes and kayaks are available for rental, and there is a small office with ice and wood for sale. Sites are close together but i still found it peaceful and relaxing. Mt Ascutney trail head and auto road are about a 15 minute drive and i found waterfalls and swimming holes within a 20 minute drive.
TravelerEnjoyed staying here. Very quiet. But lot more expensive than it says.
ScoutThe cleanest, nicest shower room we’ve ever experienced. The staff is exceptionally welcoming and friendly. The mini golf is decent but gold panning in the Wild Ammonusuc is the tourist draw. The salt water pool is sparkling cleaning. We enjoyed our visit very much and will come again.
GuideThis is a ski resort trying to make money in the summer. The campground feels like an afterthought. Facilities were not clean Or modern. There are 2 small bathhouses for 250 sites and they are right next to each other in the middle of the campground. Sometimes only one would be open. We camped in the BW area which is just a field. Other areas have many sites very close together. We left 2 days early.
ScoutKids and dog loved the campground and floating on the river. Lots to do nearby with little kids too, story land only about 20min drive away
Camping near Ellsworth, New Hampshire centers around the White Mountain National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet across most campgrounds. Winter temperatures routinely drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs typically between 65-80°F. Campgrounds often feature natural soundscapes dominated by running water, as the region's watersheds feed multiple rivers including the Pemigewasset, Mad River, and Baker River.
Riverside relaxation: Access at Lost River Valley Campground provides opportunities for casual wading. "You can't really swim much in the river, but the kids had a blast playing in it and fishing for little trout," notes Michele S., highlighting the family-friendly water activities available without deep swimming areas.
Mountain biking trails: 15-20 minutes from Branch Brook Campground to Waterville Valley's mountain biking network. "Excellent river access, a pool, small camp store tons of activities for the kids," writes Lorraine F., mentioning the convenient amenities that make it practical for active families.
Rock climbing: Under 10 miles from Baker River Campground to Rumney Rocks, a premier climbing destination. "This place was a great option for staying close to Rumney for climbing. They have a group campsite specifically for climbers, which was $10 a person when we stayed there," explains Kel K.
Winter camping opportunities: Hancock Campground remains open year-round with limited services. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Heather B., who added that "water would have earned it five stars."
Privacy between sites: At Moose Hillock Camping Resort, campers appreciate the site layout. "I'll mention the privacy of sites again because it truly is worth mentioning. Avoid 37 and 40 though- expert opinion," advises Jessica W., demonstrating the thoughtful site planning at this campground.
Fall foliage viewing: Early October offers peak color viewing opportunities across the region. A camper at Russell Pond noted, "I got there on Thursday during the peak fall foliage season but I was able to snag a ff spot next to the pond (maybe like 20 steps away). Waking up for a sunrise was never easier than this."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by provider and exact location. "No cell service on the south side of campground," reports Dawn D. from Lost River Valley, while another camper at Moose Hillock mentioned, "No WiFi or cell service except by the pool which can be hard if you need to be contacted."
Bear activity awareness: Waterville Campground and surrounding areas require proper food storage. "The first day I got there at around 5:30 I was sitting in my hammock reading when a black bear cub strolled through my campsite. We scared the poop out of each other," recounts Kitty, who ended up cutting her trip short.
Winter road conditions: Winter campers should be prepared for variable access. A camper at Branch Brook noted, "They do a bad job plowing (my rig bottomed out twice on snow banks) and I fishtailed on the access road. They don't salt or sand anywhere on the premises."
Pool facilities: Moose Hillock Camping Resort features an elaborate pool area popular with children. "The pool really is as awesome as it looks. The playground is amazing," confirms Jessica W., though another camper cautions, "No one was controlling the slides so kids were going down in multiples and not making sure no one was at the bottom."
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds feature elevation changes challenging for young children. At Russell Pond, a visitor observed, "Does have some hike in spots and spots that require you to take stairs so just be aware when you book."
Playground access: Safety concerns exist at some locations. A visitor to Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The playground is across this busy road which I find very dangerous IMO," highlighting the need for parental supervision when crossing to amenities.
Site selection challenges: Most forest campgrounds have limited level sites suitable for larger RVs. "Some sites are flat, others tiered and divided making your site not always a drive up," notes Monica S. about Russell Pond, which has implications for vehicle access.
Winter hookup limitations: Seasonal RVers should research winterization options. "I was on site 17. Water+electric only. $25 per night," reports Mara S. about Branch Brook in October, demonstrating the limited utility access in shoulder season.
Size restrictions: Forest service campgrounds typically accommodate smaller rigs. At Waterville Campground, "Most of campsites are not rv/trailer friendly since they are tucked into the hillside and usually have a few stairs either up or down to the tent sites and the few that are trailer/rv friendly are small, won't fit much more than a pop up."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ellsworth, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ellsworth, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 286 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellsworth, NH and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ellsworth, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellsworth, NH is Lost River Valley Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ellsworth, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Ellsworth, NH.
What parks are near Ellsworth, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Ellsworth, NH that allow camping, notably White Mountain National Forest and Union Village Dam.
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