## Overview

 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][1] 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. 

[1]: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/recreation/

Waterville Campground

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...

Rustic, but not!

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!

Great camp host!

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 rustic campground

Best in Waterville valley 

My two teenagers and I stayed for four nights in site #17. The site is large enough for us to spread out our two tents, changing/shower tent and two hammocks. The pine needle floor was soft and clean. A path leads straight down to the river, which we can hear running from the tents at night. The caretaker is one of the friendliest I’ve met, and he keeps the sites and bathrooms very clean. There are some cool looking dispersed campsites around the corner off Tripoli Road, which could make for a fun diversion one night if staying a while. It’s early July and there’s been hardly anyone staying here! Only downsides are it’s a bit off the beaten path (over an hour to Conway); there is some road noise; and the water is very brown / rusty. We didn’t feel comfortable drinking it. 

Very nice

The camp honestly is really nice and well maintained. Some Verizon work and vault toilets. 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. Local police came and said they have been having problems with the bears coming through my site particularly (they have been beam bagging the bears). The next night I felt my camper sway and a handle jiggle, so I set my car alarm off to scare whatever away. Can’t say for sure it was a bear visitor but what else can move a trailer? I left 3 days early… couldn’t shake the feeling of bears coming in and out.

Beautiful but Bears

Stayed 4 nights mid week- weekend.  Big wioded sites with some privacy. 1 mile hike into Waterville Town Square. It's bear country so plan accordingly  