How much does camping cost at Russell Pond Campground?

Camping fees at Russell Pond Campground range from $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Russell Pond Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Russell Pond Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Russell Pond Campground before I book?

Yes! Russell Pond Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Russell Pond Campground?

Russell Pond Campground is open May 22 - October 13.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Russell Pond Campground?

Yes, Russell Pond Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Russell Pond Campground have?

Russell Pond Campground has 84 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Russell Pond Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Russell Pond Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Russell Pond Campground?

Russell Pond Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Russell Pond Campground?

Popular activities at Russell Pond Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Russell Pond Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Russell Pond Campground?

Fire policies at Russell Pond Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings but must be extinguished after use. Firewood is available from hosts but not permitted from outside the area.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.22

340 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping New Hampshire Best Campgrounds New Hampshire Boating Camping New Hampshire +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

1,759 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

Open: May 22 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,759 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

Open: May 22 - Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on White Mountain National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Russell Pond Campground

$30.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Nightly rates for standard nonelectric, tent only nonelectric, and walk-in sites are consistently $30 during peak season. Out-of-season bookings are...

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$30.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(603) 536-6100

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 340 reviews

159 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspacioushikingwater

"Overall, Russell Pond Campground is highly rated for its serene environment, proximity to outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, issues such as limited parking, occasional noise, and malfunctioning showers have been reported."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Russell Pond Campground

44.0087, -71.6489

Nearby places

Lincoln, NH (6 miles, 15 minutes)

Woodstock, NH (8 miles, 20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Supplies can be found in Lincoln, NH, approximately 15 minutes away, including groceries and fuel. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground hosts.

Driving directionsLocated off Exit 31 (Tripoli Rd) off I-93. Head east on Tripoli Road; campground entrance on north side of road. Follow road 2 miles to campground (and a little slice of heaven).

The campground is accessed via Tripoli Road, which is a steep, winding road, surrounded by wilderness. The drive offers picturesque views but may be challenging for larger vehicles. Guests describe it as 'steep ascents.'

Best Time to Camp at Russell Pond Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Late September through mid-October brings daytime highs of 45-65°F and nights in the 30s, with peak hardwood color and no bugs. The light turns golden, the pond stays calm, and weekday visits avoid the leaf-peeper crowds. Summer offers warm days for swimming but can bring sudden storms and power outages. Winter is too cold for most campers. Spring is less predictable, though the forest greens up nicely by late May.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall foliage is a highlight and reviewers particularly praise quieter autumn stays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 - October 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open: May 22 - October 13; Closed: October 13 - May 22.
Current Alerts: No current alerts but some reviews indicate occasional power outages and issues with shower functionality.

About Russell Pond Campground

Russell Pond Campground sits on a wooded hillside above a 40-acre spring-fed pond in White Mountain National Forest. The 84 sites accommodate both tents and RVs, with a terraced layout that cascades toward the water. Nightly fees are $30. Modern amenities include flush toilets and coin-operated showers, though reviews mention occasional power outages affecting bathroom functionality.

Russell Pond Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including sites for tents, RVs, and walk-in access. Group camping is supported, but no cabin or glamping options are available.

Historical Significance

The campground sits within White Mountain National Forest, one of the East's earliest protected landscapes. The Appalachian Trail crosses nearby ridges, and the Kancamagus National Scenic Byway runs close enough to make it a convenient base for exploring one of New England's most photographed roads.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Late September through mid-October brings daytime highs of 45-65°F and nights in the 30s, with peak hardwood color and no bugs. The light turns golden, the pond stays calm, and weekday visits avoid the leaf-peeper crowds. Summer offers warm days for swimming but can bring sudden storms and power outages. Winter is too cold for most campers. Spring is less predictable, though the forest greens up nicely by late May.

ElevationThe campground's hillside setting creates a natural amphitheater of terraced campsites, each offering its own unique perspective of the surrounding forest and pond below. As you navigate the steep paths between sites, you'll feel the satisfying burn of mountain terrain while being rewarded with ever-changing views. This vertical layout not only provides natural privacy between sites but also ensures excellent drainage during rain events and creates perfect vantage points for sunset watching over the pond.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits within northern hardwood forest at 1,759 feet elevation, where oak, maple, and birch create a mature canopy. Russell Pond's clear water draws swimmers and paddlers, and the shoreline offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Moose, white-tailed deer, and black bears use the area. Nearly 200 bird species have been documented in the surrounding forest, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush. The pond reflects the surrounding peaks and provides calm water for quiet paddling. The White Mountains formed through tectonic uplift and glacial carving, creating the dramatic relief visible from camp. The pond itself was shaped by glacial activity and fed by mountain springs that keep the water cold and clear year-round.

Geological RegionCarved by ancient glaciers and shaped by millions of years of geological drama, the White Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop for your camping adventure. Russell Pond, a 40-acre gem fed by pure mountain springs, exemplifies the pristine water bodies that make this region famous. The surrounding peaks tell the story of tectonic forces and erosion that created one of the East Coast's most dramatic mountain ranges. The northern hardwood forests that blanket these slopes represent one of the most diverse and beautiful temperate forest ecosystems in North America, where the interplay of elevation, climate, and geology creates a wonderland of natural beauty that changes with every season and every trail you explore.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

12:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during any visit at this campground, and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite unless otherwise stated. Some reviews recommend reducing the guest limit for quieter experiences.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe terraced layout spreads sites across the hillside in sections, with some connected by stairs to amenities. Spacing varies. Most sites have good tree cover and privacy, though certain pairs like D9 and D10 sit closer together. Size ranges from compact tent spots to larger pads that fit RVs.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or the mobile app. Walk-up sites are also available but limited.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served sites are available closer to the pond and are popular among campers. Reservable sites are farther from the pond but still within walking distance.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional charges, including the forfeit of the first night's fees. No-show reservations are penalized with a $20 fee.

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible, but several reviewers mention that many sites involve stairs or steep slopes to access facilities, which may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating a mix of tent campers and RVs. Some users note that certain sites are spacious, while others are better suited for smaller setups.

PrivacyGenerally, sites are well-spaced and wooded, offering a good degree of privacy. However, certain sites are closer together, such as D9 and D10.

Total Campsites84 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the pond offer more tranquility but are first-come, first-served. Reservable sites like D09 and D10 are smaller but still well-spaced. Larger sites, such as G03, provide good privacy.

Need help booking Russell Pond Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Russell Pond Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming. The nearby White Mountains provide additional opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include black bears and wildlife encounters. Campers are advised to store food in approved containers. Slippery boat ramps with exposed rebar present a safety risk.

Active AlertsNo current alerts but some reviews indicate occasional power outages and issues with shower functionality.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings but must be extinguished after use. Firewood is available from hosts but not permitted from outside the area.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are expected but not consistently enforced, as several reviews mention disruptions late into the night.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Lincoln, NH, which includes hospitals, police stations, and urgent care facilities.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, with multiple areas designated for waste disposal.

Water FeaturesRussell Pond is a 40-acre spring-fed pond providing swimming, fishing (trout), and paddling opportunities. It features a dock and boat ramp.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and assistance, providing firewood and helping with setup. Host availability may vary, with no posted hours for coin exchange.

Weather at Russell Pond Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

340 reviews

Satisfactory

Russell Pond Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Russell Pond Campground is highly rated for its serene environment, proximity to outdoor activities, and clean facilities. However, issues such as limited parking, occasional noise, and malfunctioning showers have been reported.

Review Summaries

Based on 340 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's spacious and private sites, clean bathrooms, and scenic Russell Pond with clear water. Hosts are described as friendly and helpful. Many visitors appreciate the...

Based on 340 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include limited parking at campsites, occasional racetrack noise, and steep access to some facilities. Malfunctioning showers and challenges with coin availability have also been...

Based on 340 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers ($2.50 for 5 minutes). Consider weekday stays to avoid crowds and racetrack noise. Choose sites closer to the pond for better access, but note that first-come-first-serve...

Based on 340 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly appreciated for its foliage and quieter atmosphere. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier, with occasional noise from nearby racetracks.

Based on 340 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The pond water is crystal clear!" - Michael D. "The hosts were friendly and helpful." - Anastasiya M. "Bathrooms were clean, but showers can be cold." - Elizabeth M.

Based on 340 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite D01 is a short walk to the lake and near bathrooms. D9 and D10 are noted to be less private. E14 is praised for its proximity to attractions. Sites like A09 are known for good privacy.

Based on 340 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some users mention challenges with stairs and slopes, which may impact accessibility. Bathrooms are clean but may be difficult to reach in certain areas.

Based on 340 reviews