Waterville Campground

Star4.62
111 reviews
WHITE MOUNTAIN
Great Hiking

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April 2026

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Quick Facts

1,457 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open May 22 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Waterville Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $24 per night for both standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites. Rates do not include discounts, taxes, or...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
603-536-6100
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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 111 reviews

67 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciousfriendlywell-maintainedsites

"User reviews for Waterville Campground are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. Some critiques focus on the lack of modern amenities like showers and the water quality from hand pumps."

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Campground Map

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Waterville Campground

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Nearby places
Waterville Valley (approximately 1 mile), Plymouth (approximately 11 miles), Lincoln (approximately 28 miles)
Nearby supplies
Stores and restaurants are accessible in Waterville Valley (approximately 1 mile). For camping supplies and groceries, Plymouth is an 11-mile drive.

Best Time to Camp at Waterville Campground

Fall is the standout season. Late September through early October brings crisp days (40-60°F), chilly nights (30s-40s), and peak foliage. Trails are comfortable without summer heat. Fishing and wildlife viewing pick up as animals prepare for winter. Expect crowds on foliage weekends. Summer offers warm days and cool nights, good for stargazing. Winter buries the area in snow and cold, limiting access to serious winter campers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 9% in NH

Especially popular during fall foliage season; many reviews highlight stunning leaf colors.

Planning Tips

  • Peak Season: May 22 to October 13 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 22 to October 13 for reservable stays.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Waterville Campground

Waterville Campground sits in the southern White Mountains near Waterville Valley, offering 26 tent and primitive sites at $24/night. The single-loop layout puts campers close to the Mad River and trailheads into the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Spacious sites, vault toilets, and hand-pump water keep things simple. Cell service works (Verizon gets 2 bars).
Waterville Campground offers a mix of standard and tent-only campsites, all located in a single loop. Sites are well-spaced, providing a blend of privacy and accessibility. Primitive camping is emphasized, with amenities limited to vault toilets and hand-pump water.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in must occur by noon the day following the reservation start date.
Check-out
Scheduled check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit, total stay limit of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.

Need help booking Waterville Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.


Amenities available

Potable water
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Waterville Campground is a gateway to numerous recreational opportunities. Hiking is a primary draw, with trails like Drakes Brook Trail and Sandwich Trail offering scenic loops. Campers can also fish in the Mad River for brook trout or kayak in nearby waters. The region's proximity to the White Mountains allows access to additional activities such as golf, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Hiking
Fishing
Swimming
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to the road can pose safety challenges for children and pets. Bears are present in the area, requiring careful food storage.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.

Weather at Waterville Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

From Booking Sources
4.6
111 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Waterville Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Waterville Campground are overwhelmingly positive, praising the natural beauty, cleanliness, and friendly hosts. Some critiques focus on the lack of modern amenities like showers and the water quality from hand pumps.
Review Summaries
Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently compliment the spacious, well-maintained campsites and the scenic surroundings, including proximity to the Mad River and White Mountains. The campground hosts, notably George, are...
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Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints include the 'rusty' water quality from hand pumps, lack of showers, and occasional noise from nearby roads. Some users also expressed concerns about limited privacy between...
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Based on 111 reviews
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Last updated April 4, 2026
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