Russell Pond Campground
Off the beaten path, Russell Pond Campground is nestled into the hillside overlooking Russell Pond, a popular boating and fishing site (due in part to regular fish stocking by the State Fish and Game Department). The 84 campsites accommodate most any camping desires from tent camping to large RVs. 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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: electric hookups in New Hampshire · first-come in New Hampshire · reservable in New Hampshire · big rigs in New Hampshire · pets allowed in New Hampshire
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Tent-only | 47 |
| Standard, no hookups | 13 |
| Walk-in | 5 |
| Host/management | 21 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
65 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Type | Entry | Fits, ft | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Accessible | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A01 | Tent only | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A02 | Tent only | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A03 | Tent only | Back-in | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A04 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A05 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A06 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A07 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A08 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| A09 | Tent only | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard | ||
| B01 | Tent only | Gravel | Partial | 8 / 1 | Yes | Standard |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | Electric |
| Max vehicle length | 40 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Tent pads | Yes |
| Accessibility | Sites D03, E02, E03, E05 and 14 more are listed accessible |
This hidden gem of a campground has both RV and tent sites that accommodate a variety of camping preferences. Water faucets are located a short walk from the campsites. There are flush toilets and hot showers (coin-operated). You can enjoy free interpretive nature programs at the amphitheater on summer Saturday evenings. At the pond, you will find a boat ramp, dock and beach.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Season | mid-May to mid-October |
| Forest | White Mountain National Forest |
| Fees | Day Use per vehicle / per day $6.00. Single Family Site Per site / per night $30.00. Extra Vehicle (Space Permitting) Per vehicle / per night $6.00 |
Weather by month
Getting there
Located 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).
| Coordinates | 44.0087° N, 71.6489° W · Directions ↗ |
Fire nearby
- PrescribedSouth Jackman Rx
27 mi from the campground · 39 acres
- PrescribedBradley Brook Rx
34 mi from the campground · 1 acres
- PrescribedMorse Rx
41 mi from the campground · 10 acres
Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Call the managing office before you drive.
Supplies & services
| Outdoor gear | Rodgers Ski & Sport ↗ | 2.4 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 11.9 mi |
| RV sales & service | Big Moose RV ↗ | 36.1 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
My Story Of A Bear Encounter At Russell Pond Campground - New England VanLife
Worth a stop
Russell Pond Campground is only a short 6 miles from the famous Kancamagus National Scenic Byway which features many opportunities for scenic viewing, picnicking, hiking, biking and wildlife viewing. Families who need a break from the woods can explore miniature golf, a water sports park, train rides and gondolas in nearby towns. The White Mountains region hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races. The area also contains 1,200 miles of hiking trails, including 160 miles of the famous Appalachian Trail.
- 5.7 miOtter Rocks Day Use Area ↗Day use
- 9.8 miLivermore N Trailhead ↗Trailhead
- 11.6 miAlgonquin Trailhead ↗Trailhead
Trails nearby
- 1 miRussell Pond Snomo3.4 mi trail · motorcycle, ATV, e-bike, snowmobile and 2 more
- 1.4 miTripoli Rd Snomo ↗6.1 mi trail · motorcycle, ATV, e-bike, snowmobile and 2 more
- 2 miMack Brook Rd Snomo1.5 mi trail · motorcycle, ATV, e-bike, snowmobile and 2 more
- 2.2 miHix Mtn Rd Snomo2 mi trail · motorcycle, ATV, e-bike, snowmobile and 2 more
- 2.5 miMt. Cilley Snomo3.7 mi trail · motorcycle, ATV, e-bike, snowmobile and 2 more
- 3.3 miLittle East Pond1.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 2.3 miMt Cilley Trailhead ↗White Mountain National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside White Mountain National Forest.
- inWhite Mountain National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 946,821 acres
- 5.7 miPemigewasset Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 45,809 acres
- 7.9 miSandwich Range Wilderness ↗Wilderness · Forest Service · 35,301 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Lovett's by Lafayette BrookBuilding · Franconia · 14 mi
Natural features
The campground lies amidst a beautiful forest of northern hardwoods that provide plenty of shade. The 40-acre spring fed Russell Pond provides many non-motorized, water based recreation opportunities. The White Mountains are 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 forest.
Recreation
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. Many miles of hiking and mountain biking trails are within a short drive of the campground. Within the facility, nature programs are available on Saturday nights in July and August. Anglers can cast a line for trout in the pond which averages 33' in depth. Power boats are not permitted on the pond.
Guidebooks for New Hampshire
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Russell Pond Campground?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Russell Pond Campground?
Day Use per vehicle / per day $6.00. Single Family Site Per site / per night $30.00. Extra Vehicle (Space Permitting) Per vehicle / per night $6.00
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Russell Pond Campground?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Russell Pond Campground have?
86 sites, including 47 tent-only sites, 13 standard sites without power, and 5 walk-in sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Russell Pond Campground?
The longest site here provides 40 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Does Russell Pond Campground have hookups?
Yes, electric hookups at some sites.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Russell Pond Campground?
There are flush toilets and hot showers (coin-operated).
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Russell Pond Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Russell Pond Campground. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Russell Pond Campground?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions. As of 2026-10-16, there are 3 active fires within 50 miles, so check current restrictions before you light one.
Source: Fire nearby
Are there accessible sites at Russell Pond Campground?
Sites D03, E02, E03, and E05 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov, 18 sites in all. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Russell Pond Campground?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Russell Pond Campground?
The White Mountains are a favorite among hikers. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation