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Best Campgrounds near Waterville Valley, NH

1,236 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

    30 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

966 Photos of 286 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waterville Valley, NH

1236 Reviews of 286 Waterville Valley Campgrounds

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

What camping is available near Waterville Valley, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, Waterville Valley, NH offers a wide range of camping options, with 286 campgrounds and RV parks near Waterville Valley, NH and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Waterville Valley, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Waterville Valley, NH is Hancock Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Waterville Valley, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Waterville Valley, NH.

What parks are near Waterville Valley, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Waterville Valley, NH that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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