Three-dimensional network structures (hydrogels) derived from natural polymers are gaining attention for their application in the field of biomaterials, due to unique advantages such as abundant sources, non-toxicity, excellent biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in nature and is increasingly being explored for the preparation of new types of materials. In this study, hydrogels were synthesized from polyvinylpyrrolidone or poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) grafted onto cellulose using the free radical polymerization method. Hydrogels were prepared with or without the crosslinker N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide. The structural characteristics of the hydrogels were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface properties of the hydrogel samples were investigated by measuring the contact angle. Rheological studies were also conducted and the morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results obtained showed higher relative content of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the hydrogels synthesized without a crosslinker, and that an increase in the proportion of N-vinylcaprolactam in the initial mixture resulted in a higher relative content of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) in the hydrogel. All hydrogels exhibited viscoelastic behavior similar to a gel, high hydrophilicity, some degree of porosity, and a rough surface.