the dyrt
About
Waterville Campground
Waterville Campground is a popular home base for hikers who want to explore the southern White Mountains, including the scenic Pemigewasset Wilderness.
The tremendous choice of local attractions and the proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities - fishing, swimming, hiking and whitewater paddling to name a few - bring campers back to Waterville again and again.
The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.
Recreation
Hikers are drawn to the many trails in the area. Campers can easily access the Drakes Brook Trail (4.4 miles) and Sandwich Trail (3.9 miles), which form a loop that begins and ends near the campground.
Water sports include fishing and kayaking. Anglers can cast a line for brook trout in the Mad River. A bit farther away is the Winnipesaukee River, which has a great 2.1-mile category I-II section of whitewater.
Other activities such as summer concerts, a swimming area, golf course and the Gunstock ski resort are close by.
Learn more about recreation in the national forest.
Facilities
A mix of standard and tent-only sites are well-spaced around a single loop. The facility provides the basic amenities of restrooms and drinking water. Many other amenities such as showers and laundry facilities are within a short drive.
Natural Features
The campground sits in a thick forest of northern hardwood trees, adjacent to the Mad River and surrounded by mountains.
The national forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains.
Nearby Attractions
Campers may want to take an afternoon to visit Gilford Beach, Dixon Point and Sandwich Beach, all near Waterville Campground.
The facility is also close to Waterville Valley Resort, which offers night life, summer concert tours, restaurants, horseback riding, canoeing, mountain bike rentals and shops.
The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities.
ADA Access: N
Sites
29
Operator
National Forest
Access
Drive In
Walk In
Contact
Location
Waterville Campground
is located in
New Hampshire
Directions
From 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.
5 Reviews of Waterville Campground
Great campground! Nice wooded sites with paths going down to the mad river .
Pit toilets (always clean)No hookups.
Rustic, but not!
This was the first time i had ever visited a campground in… "the mountains". I was a little intimated at first, since i had never been to the mountains but here, there was everything from a rustic campground secluded enough that you feel like you were out in the middle of nowhere, but you were close enough to walk to what i donned "The hub' where you'll find a few restaurants, some local stores, mountain bike trails, kayaking and more. I went here during an REI Outessa Event where I was lucky enough to experience Climbing Rumney Rock to hiking up Mount Washington. It was the first time I saw sand trails littered with what looked like quarts crystals. What were those shiny things anyway!? It was magical… it really was. I hope to return again someday and Climb, hike, bike and kayak more…
Great rustic campground
Great, affordable rustic campground run by the state. There are quite hours that the host does enforce. Sites are large with space in between. No showers.
Located super close to Waterville valley ski area, hiking, golf, etc.
Great camp host!
I have stayed here several times over the years. The campground is nestled in the white mountains near beautiful waterville valley. Theres not much for other camping right here unless your going backcountry. I truly enjoy back country or free national forrest/BLM camping. Sometimes your just need to fork over a few bucks though.
There campground was quiet the last time i was there but there have been times in the past were it is run a muck with families. The sites are fairly spread out and have a fire fault. There are pit toilets and water pumps. The camp host that was here last season was absolutely great. Very friendly, truly enjoyed living in the whites.
There is amazing hiking, fishing, biking, swimming, fishing, rafting, canoeing,kayaking, all things out doors near by, As well as a skate park at near by waterville valley resort. Black bear lodge is always good for a night enjoy the heated indoor outdoor pool and hot tub.
Cheers!
