federalfederal

WATERVILLE CAMPGROUND

federal · NH

  • fuel station9.2 mi

PRO-SPORT, INC. · Data Source: Recreation.gov

About

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 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. 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. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (802) 289-0970. 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.

Around this stay

Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.

  • fuel station

    Penguin

    9.2 mi
  • grocery

    Price Chopper

    11 mi
  • potable water

    Spring

    15 mi
  • trailhead

    Drakes Brook Sandwich Mountain Trailhead

    0.3 mi
  • attraction

    Curious George Cottage

    0.5 mi

No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.

Contact & access

Reservations & demand

August weekends are typically reserved about 46 days ahead.

Based on 71 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.

Source and verification

Last verified: 10/6/2026

See the Sources tab for provenance detail.