By:
Submission
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.
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](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/whitemountain/recreation) about recreation in the national forest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Such a great experience! Gorgeous view and access to Mad River. The host was particularly wonderful and his dog, Rocky was super friendly. Would so stay here again!
Mates this a hidden treasure!!! Mountains, Waterfalls, Camping, what more could you ask for??? Love this place, took the little ones here and will be coming back, there's too much to do in just one day. Very clean, great camping sites, highly recommend to any travelers in the area looking for a peaceful, relaxing just an awesome time all around.
Beautiful campground. No showers. Basic toilets. Lots of trees. Spiders. So many spiders. daddy long legs. Everywhere. Once night fell, they covered the ground. We could not be outside at night. They covered the tent. They are friendly of course but there was just so many that it detracted from the experience. We saw a bear here. It was a few campsites over
It's a nice little campground. However, quite general and basic. No frills here. I expected a prettier setting. No complaints. Pretty low key. Quiet.
