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Best Campgrounds near Waterville Valley, NH

1,252 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.

Map showing campgrounds near Waterville Valley, New HampshireExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Waterville Valley, New Hampshire (285)

    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. 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."

    10. Crawford Notch Campground

    24 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waterville Valley, NH

968 Photos of 285 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waterville Valley, NH

1252 Reviews of 285 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

  • Erin D.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lost River Valley Campground

    Dirty and Disappointing

    Here’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?

  • Josh S.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mountain Lake Camping Resort

    Great campground for families!

    If you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.

    Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.

    Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.

    Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.

    10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Chill spots with nearby creek and river

    Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.

  • Dale S.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Nauman Tentsite

    Perfect Camping Adventure in White Mountains

    This campsite sounds like a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings. The mix of wooden platforms, nearby water sources, and bear protection measures shows how well-prepared it is for group camping. Exploring trails like the Appalachian or enjoying the views from Mount Washington would make the trip even more memorable— almost like the adventure and excitement you find in an android game.

  • Amanda B.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    Fabulous Front Backcountry Camping

    8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.

  • W
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Good location

    The park is in a good location; it is right next to the road. We were at sight #3.  We were able to walk to the gorge as well as to the Antique mall.  The staff was very friendly and accommodating with us. My wife really enjoyed it and had a lot of fun. The ice cream was really close and really good. 

    The issue I had was the camp next to ours had the generator on all night long and I had a hard time getting back to sleep after going to the bathroom. Next time I will get a volunteer or park ranger to get it turned off.

  • J
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Plymouth Sands Camping Area

    Nice campground with amenities and friendly owners

    The campground is in a convenient location near lots of hiking trails and attractions. The sites are decently spacious and have various configurations for utilities. There is a nice beach on the river with a rope swing and ability to swim. We were there while the water was fairly low, so it was great for kids. Firewood is available on site. There is a bathroom with a few stalls and sinks that is well kept and clean. The showers are quarter operated with a coin heat lamp as well for the colder seasons. The office has a lending library of games available. The couple that owns the campground are very friendly and have owned it for 3 seasons now and they have done a great job making sure that amenities are kept up and upgrades are being made.

  • bwillz1986 W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Gem

    Nice gem. Toilets were pristine. Very peaceful. Not all sights have drive in access so get here early

  • Jim S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Happy Hill Maple Farms

    Offseason

    Quiet spot just off the Hwy. you can hear traffic but not many cars out this time of year(August). They had a fire pit and picnic table . No electricity so we used the generator. We the only one here so the noise should not bother anyone. Great pace for fall visits

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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