28
Total Campsites
Campground
16
Reservable Sites
Mixed (reservable + first-come)
21
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND
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 about recreation in the national forest. Facilities 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. 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.
- 28 total campsites listed.
- 16 reservable sites plus first-come options.
- 21 accessible campsites listed.
- Most common site type: standard nonelectric (19).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND special
Tucked into the forested foothills of New Hampshire's White Mountains, Waterville Campground offers 28 well-spaced sites that serve as the perfect launching pad for some of the most rewarding hiking in the Northeast. The campground sits near the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness, a vast stretch of rugged backcountry that draws serious hikers and casual explorers alike. Towering hardwoods and conifers shade the sites, and the sound of nearby streams provides a constant, gentle backdrop to your stay. From here, trailheads for popular routes like the Greeley Ponds Trail and paths into the Pemi loop are within easy reach, making it a favorite among backpackers staging multi-day trips. The campground also works beautifully for families looking to enjoy shorter day hikes, swimming holes, and scenic drives along the Kancamagus Highway, one of New England's most celebrated fall foliage routes. Sites are first-come, first-served and tend to fill quickly on summer weekends and during peak leaf-peeping season in late September and early October, so plan to arrive early on Fridays if you have your heart set on a spot. The best window for visiting runs from late June through mid-October, when trails are clear and temperatures are comfortable. Winters bring heavy snowfall and campground closures, so check with the White Mountain National Forest for seasonal availability before heading out.
Campsite Inventory
28 sites to choose from
STANDARD NONELECTRIC
11
Reservable
19
Accessible
TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC
5
Reservable
2
Accessible
MANAGEMENT
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
0:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Check-out time
0:00 AM, 12:00 PM
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-In
Driveway surface
Gravel
Max guests
8
Max vehicle length (ft)
25, 30
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Shade
Full
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
603-536-6100
Getting There
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.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND?
WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (19), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (6), MANAGEMENT (3).
Where is WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND located?
WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND is in New Hampshire. Coordinates: 43.9419, -71.5092.
Keep Exploring