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A gray 4x4 Sprinter with a roof rack on a two-track through a wildflower meadow, cloud sitting on the mountains behind.

Forest Service campground

Russell Pond Campground

Forest Service campground in White Mountain National Forest, Grafton County, New Hampshire. 1,770 feet.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service White Mountain National Forest
Elevation
1,770 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
65 47 tent only non-electric, 13 standard non-electric, 5 walk to
Longest rig
40 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Grafton County

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • day use area

The land around Russell Pond Campground

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated September 3, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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