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Best Campgrounds near Waterville Valley, NH

1,269 Reviews

Camping near Waterville Valley, New Hampshire encompasses a range of options within the White Mountain National Forest, from established campgrounds to dispersed sites along forest roads. Waterville Campground, operated by the state, provides rustic camping with basic amenities like pit toilets and water pumps, while nearby Tripoli Road offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities. The area sits within easy access to numerous hiking trails, including popular routes to Mount Osceola and the Welch-Dickey Loop. Campers can also find more developed options at Russell Pond Campground and Lost River Valley Campground, which features 155 sites with various amenities including cabins and full hookups for RVs.

Most campgrounds in the Waterville Valley region operate seasonally from May through October, with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Tripoli Road, a popular dispersed camping area, typically opens in late May after mud season and closes in autumn when weather conditions deteriorate. Visitors should be aware that bears are active in the area, particularly along Tripoli Road, where proper food storage is essential. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with better coverage at some locations like Russell Pond for Verizon customers. Weather can change rapidly in the White Mountains, with cool nights even during summer months, requiring appropriate gear.

The camping options around Waterville Valley cater to different preferences and needs. According to reviews, Waterville Campground offers "large sites with space in between" and is "located super close to Waterville Valley ski area, hiking, golf, etc." For those seeking group camping, Osceola Vista Campground provides "large, open, and grassy sites with nice sky views." RV campers will find more amenities at Lost River Valley Campground, while tent campers might prefer the more secluded forest sites. The area serves as an excellent base for outdoor recreation, with the Pemigewasset River offering tubing and kayaking opportunities, and numerous trails providing access to the region's famed 4,000-foot peaks.

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Best Camping Sites Near Waterville Valley, New Hampshire (286)

    1. Hancock Campground

    28 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $30 / night

    "Luckily -- we were only about ten minutes from one of our favorite campgrounds in New Hampshire. Let me tell you why we like it so much."

    "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."

    2. Lost River Valley Campground

    32 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 745-8321

    $62 - $209 / night

    "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."

    3. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lincoln, NH
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 823-9513

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Dry River Campground — Crawford Notch State Park

    31 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $35 - $40 / night

    "Cool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."

    "This state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a"

    5. Russell Pond Campground

    15 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $30 / night

    "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."

    6. Waterville Campground

    11 Reviews
    Waterville Valley, NH
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $24 / night

    "Located super close to Waterville valley ski area, hiking, golf, etc."

    "The campground is nestled in the white mountains near beautiful waterville valley. Theres not much for other camping right here unless your going backcountry."

    7. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "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.)."

    8. White Lake State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    West Ossipee, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 323-7350

    $35 - $105 / night

    "Last weekend, our family stayed at White Lake State Park for four days."

    "I’ve stayed here a few times and love the location and access to White Lake."

    9. Crawford Notch Campground

    25 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 374-2272

    $25 / night

    "Our site was big and walking around the grounds the other sites appeared to all be pretty good sized as well. They are not lying when they call their sites secluded either!"

    "Cabins and RV sites with hookups are closer yo the entrance, store and road. That latter feature is a bit if a bummer bc the noise from cars and trucks zipping by on route 302 is loud."

    10. Jigger Johnson Campground

    11 Reviews
    Bartlett, NH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    $24 / night

    "Located on the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire, Jigger Johnson is one of those great sites that has close proximity to plenty of hiking, exploring, swimming and isn't too far from the hustle and bustle"

    "earlier in the day, around 1 pm when new campers are welcomed."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waterville Valley, NH

969 Photos of 286 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waterville Valley, NH

1269 Reviews of 286 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Crawford Notch Campground

    Beautiful area

    Beautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Gunstock Campground

    Great Spot

    Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Riverside Camping & RV Resort

    Impeccibly Maintained

    Easily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.

  • Oksana S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    Read before booking

    PLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Beautiful spot!!

    7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!

Guide to Waterville Valley

Camping near Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is surrounded by stunning trails. Many campers enjoy the nearby White Mountains for hiking adventures. One reviewer from Lafayette Place Campground mentioned, "The campground is close to tons of activities near White Mountains National Forest."
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, you’ll find great spots. A visitor at Moose Brook State Park Campground shared, "Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to lakes or rivers. A camper at White Lake State Park Campground noted, "The lake water is crystal clear (and warmer than expected)."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review from Moose Brook State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were clean and there is a nice wash station to do dishes."
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "The staff in the office and store has been friendly."
  • Scenic views: Campers love the natural beauty of the area. One reviewer at Dolly Copp Campground said, "The scenery is spectacular, the river is beautiful."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Dry River Campground noted, "Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud."
  • Privacy concerns: Many sites are close together, which can affect privacy. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "The sites are all nice, but they are packed together, close to the highway."
  • Reservation challenges: Some popular sites can be hard to book. A reviewer at Eastern Slope Camping Area expressed frustration, saying, "SEVEN night minimum for in-season waterfront sites. RIDICULOUS."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly amenities. A camper at Moose Hillock Camping Resort said, "The pool was amazing for the kiddos."
  • Plan for noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A visitor at Lost River Valley Campground mentioned, "Some of the sites were not really level," which can lead to disturbances.
  • Explore nearby attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A reviewer at Hancock Campground noted, "The campground is only a short drive away from an endless amount of hiking options."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Dolly Copp Campground shared, "There are a number of sites for RVs with water and electric hookups."
  • Be aware of amenities: Some campgrounds may lack full amenities. A visitor at Crawford Notch Campground mentioned, "There is no customer service if things go wrong at your site."
  • Plan for dump stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A reviewer at Moose Hillock Camping Resort noted, "The one thing that I thought was annoying was having to wear a bracelet."

Camping near Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, has its ups and downs, but with the right preparation, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Waterville Valley campground located in New Hampshire?

Waterville Campground is nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in very close proximity to Waterville Valley ski area. This strategic location makes it an ideal base for accessing numerous outdoor activities including hiking trails, golf courses, and winter sports facilities. The campground is surrounded by natural beauty and forest terrain typical of the White Mountain National Forest. For travelers seeking reference points, Sugarloaf 2 Campground is in the same general region, offering access to some of New Hampshire's best hiking. The Waterville area is relatively remote, with limited other camping options in the immediate vicinity unless you're prepared for backcountry camping experiences.

What camping options are available near Waterville Valley, NH?

Several camping options are available near Waterville Valley. Waterville Campground is the closest, offering rustic state-run campsites with affordable rates and proximity to outdoor activities. Campton Campground provides easy access from I-93 and serves as an excellent base for exploring Tripoli Road and Waterville Valley. Other nearby options include Osceola Vista Campground with group sites, and Lafayette Place Campground in Franconia Notch State Park. For those seeking private campgrounds, Country Bumpkins Campground offers spots along the river. The White Mountains National Forest surrounding Waterville Valley also permits backcountry camping in designated areas for more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.

What amenities are provided at the Waterville Valley campground?

The Waterville Campground is a rustic state-run facility with basic amenities. The campground offers large sites with good spacing between them, each equipped with a fire ring for campfires. There is access to running water and basic toilet facilities, but no showers are available. The campground enforces quiet hours, which are actively monitored by the host. For those seeking more amenities, Osceola Vista Campground nearby offers pit toilets and running water, while other campgrounds in the region like Jigger Johnson provide additional facilities. Most campers appreciate Waterville's simplicity and affordability as a trade-off for its excellent location near outdoor recreation opportunities.

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