Russell Pond Campground

- North Woodstock, NH 03262

Introduction / Overview

Nestled deep within the northern hardwood forest of the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), Russell Pond Campground offers New Hampshire locals a traditional and fully developed camping experience far removed from the highway hustle. As one of the WMNF’s established destinations, this campground provides a reserved, family-friendly environment with many of the essential amenities that make for a comfortable stay. It is the perfect blend of natural seclusion and necessary infrastructure, making it a reliable choice for families, RV enthusiasts, and hikers looking for a basecamp to explore the central White Mountains.

The campground sits on a hillside overlooking the 40-acre, spring-fed Russell Pond, an area specifically managed for non-motorized recreation like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The 84 campsites are well-spaced and mostly shaded by a dense canopy of trees, offering a sense of privacy often missing in more open campgrounds. Unlike the nearby, more rustic, first-come, first-served Tripoli Road camping areas, Russell Pond typically requires reservations and provides a higher level of dedicated facilities, including flush toilets and showers. However, local user reviews suggest that while the scenery is unmatched and the sites themselves are excellent, visitors should be prepared for the realities of facility maintenance in a high-use Forest Service setting. Despite occasional maintenance challenges, the campground’s beautiful natural features, recreational access, and proximity to major scenic areas solidify its reputation as a cherished New Hampshire escape.

Location and Accessibility

Russell Pond Campground is situated in a relatively remote but accessible corner of the Pemigewasset Ranger District. Its location off a seasonal road maintains a peaceful distance from major thoroughfares while still providing easy access.

• Address: North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA. The campground is officially located in North Woodstock but is accessed via Tripoli Road (Forest Road 30), which connects I-93 with Waterville Valley.
• Driving Access: The most straightforward route for locals is to take Exit 31 off Interstate 93 (I-93). You then follow Tripoli Road east for approximately two miles to the campground entrance road on the north side. While Tripoli Road is a scenic, unpaved gravel road, it is generally suitable for all vehicles when open seasonally.
• Seasonal Operation: Like many White Mountain Forest Service roads, access is strictly seasonal, typically opening from mid-to-late May through early-to-mid October. The gates are closed outside of this window due to snow and mud conditions.
• Proximity: The campground is only about 6 miles from the legendary Kancamagus National Scenic Byway and the amenities available in the nearby towns of Lincoln and North Woodstock, making it easy to stock up on supplies or explore local attractions.

Services Offered

Russell Pond is a developed campground designed to accommodate both tent and RV campers, featuring an array of services that enhance comfort in the wilderness setting.

• Potable Water: Community water faucets are available throughout the campground loops for drinking and cooking purposes.
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are provided in bathhouses located across the various loops. Note that user feedback frequently points to inconsistent functionality across all facilities, and portable restrooms (Porta-Potties) may be temporarily stationed to supplement services during busy periods or maintenance.
• Showers: The campground provides coin-operated hot showers. However, visitors should be aware that, based on recent customer reviews, the number of working showers can be very limited, sometimes restricted to a single functioning unit for the entire campground.
• Campsite Features: Each of the 84 sites—which accommodate both RVs (up to 65ft) and tents—includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grate for cooking.
• Bear Boxes: Due to the White Mountains being active bear country, some sites are equipped with bear-proof food storage lockers (bear boxes) for the safe storage of food and scented items, in addition to requiring items to be secured in vehicles.
• Trash Disposal: Bear-proof trash receptacles and recycling containers are available for campers to dispose of waste properly.
• Camp Host: A Camp Host is typically on-site to assist with general inquiries and management, though the level of active enforcement or check-ins can vary.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Russell Pond apart are its unique recreational and scenic features, making it a favorite for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Russell Pond: The centerpiece is the 40-acre spring-fed pond itself. It is regularly stocked with fish, making it a popular spot for trout fishing. A boat ramp and dock are available, and use is restricted to non-motorized watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards) to maintain tranquility.
• Recreational Beach: The pond features a designated sand/dirt beach area. While not a perfectly manicured swimming hole, it is an accessible spot for sunbathing, wading, or launching a kayak.
• Interpretive Programs: During the summer season, the campground often hosts free interpretive nature programs at its amphitheater on Saturday evenings, providing educational and engaging activities for families.
• Secluded Tent Sites: Many of the tent-specific sites are thoughtfully separated from the parking areas, often requiring a short walk up or down stairs/inclines, which enhances privacy and a feeling of seclusion but requires extra effort for loading/unloading gear.
• Hiking Basecamp: The campground serves as an excellent starting point for exploring numerous hiking trails in the surrounding forest, including access to the trails leading up to Mount Osceola and other peaks in the southern part of the WMNF.

Contact Information

For booking, current conditions, and general inquiries, use the following contact details for the White Mountain National Forest Pemigewasset Ranger District.

Address: North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA

Phone: (603) 536-6100 (Pemigewasset Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 603-536-6100

Reservations: Sites at Russell Pond Campground can generally be reserved up to six months in advance through the U.S. Forest Service reservation system, which is highly recommended due to the campground's popularity.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Russell Pond Campground is uniquely suitable for New Hampshire residents who value the beauty of the White Mountains but prefer the stability of a reserved site and the security of some basic facilities. It’s an ideal place for families to introduce children to the outdoors, where they can fish in the pond, explore the woods, and attend a Saturday night nature program. While recent user experiences highlight that the facilities—particularly the showers and toilets—may occasionally be dated or under maintenance, the core value proposition remains strong: spacious, naturally shaded sites in a beautiful location with great access to the trails and the water. It requires a bit of that familiar Granite State grit (be prepared to pack in your own water for dish cleaning, be mindful of bears, and be ready to wait for the single working shower), but the reward is an unforgettable White Mountain camping trip with the loons calling on the pond and the peaks soaring above the canopy. It’s a local favorite precisely because it offers the WMNF experience without fully sacrificing the comforts of home, provided you arrive prepared and keep your expectations realistic regarding the public facilities.

Russell Pond Campground

North Woodstock, NH 03262, USA