How much does camping cost at Waterville Campground?

Camping fees at Waterville Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Waterville Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Waterville 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 Waterville Campground before I book?

Yes! Waterville Campground has 6 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 Waterville Campground?

Waterville Campground is open May 22 to October 13 annually.. 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 Waterville Campground?

Waterville Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Waterville Campground?

Cell phone service at Waterville Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Waterville Campground have?

Waterville Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Waterville Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Waterville 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 Waterville Campground?

Waterville Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Waterville Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Waterville Campground?

Fire policies at Waterville Campground: Campfires are allowed but must comply with local regulations and safety guidelines. Firewood must be sourced nearby to prevent invasive species.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.62

111 reviews

WHITE MOUNTAIN

Great Hiking

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Hampshire#2 Fall Camping New Hampshire#2 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire +10 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

Book on White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,457 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open May 22 to Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds Official Website

Get Directions

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...

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

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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See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

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."

Read all reviews

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.

Weather and SeasonsFall 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.

ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery, the campground's mountain setting provides that quintessential high-country atmosphere where the air feels fresher and the stars shine brighter.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,457 feet, surrounded by northern hardwoods: sugar maples, yellow birches, and American beeches. The Mad River runs nearby, its mountain water tumbling over granite boulders. Privacy varies by site. Some are well-screened by trees, others sit closer together. Wildlife includes moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, and nearly 200 bird species. The White Mountains rise around the valley, their peaks visible through the canopy.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent White Mountains, Waterville Campground occupies one of the Northeast's most spectacular geological treasures. These ancient peaks, the tallest in the northeastern United States, rise dramatically from valleys carved by glaciers and time. The campground itself is embraced by dense forests of northern hardwoods – sugar maples, yellow birches, and American beeches that have thrived here for centuries. The adjacent Mad River, with its pristine mountain waters tumbling over granite boulders, exemplifies the raw beauty of this rugged landscape where every stream runs clear and every vista takes your breath away.

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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is not explicitly stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites loop around a single road. Mix of standard and tent-only options. Natural screening varies. Some sites sit closer together than others. The Mad River defines one edge of the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are designated as first-come-first-served, but specific numbers are not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations carry a $10 fee, and late cancellations will subtract the first night's recreation use fee. Full refunds are not available for cancellations on or after the check-in date.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are unspecified in the authoritative text but user reviews do not mention significant challenges.

Site SizeCampers have noted that campsites are spacious and well-maintained, with some offering good privacy due to natural screening.

PrivacyThe sites offer a mix of privacy levels. Some are well-screened with trees, while others are closer together.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesReserve sites near the Mad River for proximity to water and scenic surroundings.

Need help booking Waterville 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

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

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but must comply with local regulations and safety guidelines. Firewood must be sourced nearby to prevent invasive species.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Campground observes quiet hours beginning at 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital and police station are in Plymouth, approximately 11 miles away. Ranger stations are available within the White Mountain National Forest.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities, including dumpsters, are available on-site. Recycling options were not specified.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Mad River, which offers fishing and kayaking opportunities.

Camp HostThe campground host, George, is frequently praised for being friendly and accommodating. He sells firewood on-site.

Weather at Waterville 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

4.6

111 reviews

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...

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...

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a water filtration system to address the water quality. Reserve sites in advance due to the campground's popularity. Take advantage of the nearby activities in Waterville Valley, such as hiking...

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is especially popular during the fall foliage season, with many reviews highlighting the stunning leaf colors. Summer is also a favored season for its accessibility to hiking and water...

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Mates this a hidden treasure!!! Mountains, Waterfalls, Camping, what more could you ask for???' - B K 2. 'Vault toilets and terrible water quality make tough for kids or those unprepared. Must...

Based on 111 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite #017 is noted for its spaciousness and slight isolation, while #022 was described as large and wooded. #012 is convenient to water and facilities but had rusty water issues. #025 offers...

Based on 111 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is generally appreciated for its connection to trails and natural features. No significant accessibility complaints were noted.

Based on 111 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, with several users emphasizing its suitability for pets. 'Dog-friendly. Host lives in site and is very nice.' - desarey

Based on 111 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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