Home
warning: Parameter 2 to gmap_gmap() expected to be a reference, value given in /home/wothd/public_html/includes/module.inc on line 483.

The following is a list of campsites and access points from the Connecticut River's Headwaters south to the Massachusetts border. Click on the name of the site to learn more and to view it on a map. Campsites are generally open from May-October.

Site Type Site Name River Mile Site Description Site Steward Maximum Group Size Site Status
Access Point Fourth Connecticut Lake 410

Foot access only; 0.75 mile walk to a shallow pond with a floating bog that marks the headwaters of the Connecticut River.
Campsite Deer Mountain Campground 409

Drive-in access from Route 3. Just south of the Canadian border, this 25-site primitive campground is located in Connecticut Lakes State Forest.

 New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation Suitable for Large Groups Open
Access Point Third Connecticut Lake 409

Unimproved ramp (car-top access only) provides access to a small crystalline lake, primarily used by anglers with or without motors.
Access Point Second Connecticut Lake access 401

Improved ramp providing access to a big, open, and beautiful lake. Also consider exploring East Inlet and Scott Bog, accessible from East Inlet Road.
Access Point First Connecticut Lake 392

Improved ramp for all boats
Access Point Lake Francis Ramp 388

Improved ramp providing access to Lake Francis, off south side of RT. 3.
Access Point Lake Francis State Park 388

Improved ramp providing access to a popular (and often windy) lake.
Campsite Lake Francis State Park 387.5

Drive-in access from Route 3. In the Great North Woods this lakefront park offers 45 sites for tent camping as well as some two-way hookups. The park offers excellent base for fishing, wildlife viewing and kayaking.

 New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation Suitable for Large Groups Open
Access Point Bridge Road Access 383

Dirt road, one mile south of Pittsburgh, provides access to a stretch of quickwater and Class I-II rapids, navigable at medium water levels (look for flow conditions between 200-500 cfs).
Access Point Beecher Falls Landing 374.5

Behind the closed Candlestick Restaurant, immediately downstream of the Rt 3 bridge, this access provides a take-out for groups not seeking to run the challenging Beecher Falls rapids that follow.
Access Point Canaan Access 373

Starting point for multi-day journeys. Located just below the Canaan to West Stewartstown Bridge. While the loop road is public, all land downstream is private. The landowner charges $5 per vehicle, per day, to park here. Pay in the bowling alley across the street.
Access Point Arlin Brook Access 366

Unimproved ramp. Car-top access only. Access via a dirt road leading west of US 3 across from a rest area with the Connecticut River Byway Wapoint Center for Colebrook.
Access Point Colebrook Bridge St. Access 363

Unimproved ramp on New Hampshire side of river. Car-top access only. Steep take-out.
Campsite Holbrook Point 361.5

Holbrook Point is a beautiful campsite situated under a canopy of silver maples on the edge of a floodplain forest. It is situated at a bend in the river, about 1.3 miles south of the Colebrook Bridge.

 Vermont River Conservancy 12 Campers Closed for the season
Access Point Columbia Covered Bridge 359

Access is possible on both sides of the river. However, access is easier on the Vermont side, where there is an unimproved ramp.
Campsite Columbia Campsite 359

Simple campsite on edge of field

 Columbia Conservation Commission 12 Campers Closed for the season
Access Point Lemington River Access 357

Improved access developed for paddlers, drift boats, and rafts.
Access Point Debanville Landing 349

Unimproved path. Car-top access only. Park by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk on the other side of RT 102.
Access Point N. Stratford Access 349

Across is possible from the Riverside Park playing fields. Unimproved path, for car-top access only.
Campsite Lyman Falls State Park 346.9

Several campsites below breached dam. River and foot access only.

 State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Suitable for Large Groups Open
Campsite Belknap Campsite 344.1

Small campsite, accessable by paddling or lining a boat slightly upstream on the Nulhegan River, just past the Rt 102 bridge. Foot access possible on a short trail behind a Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk. Campsite situated on the river's north shore.

 State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Small Groups - Room for Three Tents Open
Access Point Maidstone Bridge 340

Cartop access on New Hampshire side, down river of bridge.
Campsite Maine Central Railroad Trestle 337.2

Beautiful campsite maintained by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, conserved through the efforts of Bruce and Mary Sloat. The site is immediately downstream of granite railroad trestle, on the Vermont side.

 Northern Forest Canoe Trail 12 Campers, 3 Tents Open
Campsite Samuel Benton Campsite 330.6

The campsite is situated in a grove of trees on a sandy bluff, at the edge of a field, on privately owned farmland.

 Northern Forest Canoe Trail 12 Campers, 3 Tents Open
Access Point Wyoming Dam Portage and Access 326

The breached Wyoming Dam is a hazard due to rebar jutting into the river. A take out is located immediately upstream on the Vermont side. A portage trail takes paddlers acros Route 105 to a put-in downstream of the dam. Please be considerate of adjacent landowners and stay on the portage trail. Limited parking is available for those seeking to begin a river trip here.
Campsite Scott C. Devlin Memorial Campsite 322

Situated in a shady stand of pines about two miles below the confluence of the Upper Ammonusooc, after the river makes a tight 180 degree turn near 102.

 Vermont River Conservancy 12 Closed for the season
Access Point US 2 Bridge Access 315.5

At bridge in Lancaster, one finds an improved ramp for all boats. Ask at gas station for best location to park.
Campsite South Guildhall Campsite 314.7

Beautiful campsite situated in floodplain forest, with great views of the White Mountains.

 Vermont River Conservancy 12 Campers, 3 Tents Closed for the season
Campsite Beaver Trails Campground 310.8

Private riverside campground. Caters to RVs, but grassy meadow provided for tent camping. For reservations and info call 888-788-3815 or visit www.beavertrailsnh.com

 Beaver Trails Campground Large Groups Open
Access Point Mount Orne Covered Bridge 308.5

Small parking area and hand-carry launch, just south of the Mount Orne Covered Bridge on the Vermont side of the river.
Access Point John's River Ramp 305

Maintained by the power company at Gilman Dam.
Access Point Gilman Boat Launch 301

This launch site, provided by TransCanada Hydro is suitable for all boats. It somewhat difficult to find and can be shallow and muddy at low water.
Campsite Gilman Dam Portage Campsite 299

Camping allowed in grassy field along portage trai. No amenities.

 Ampersand Energy LLC Suitable for Large Groups Open
Campsite Dalton Primitive Campsite 297.7

Located just north of high tension line that goes over the reservoir, on an island close to the New Hampshire side.

 TransCanada Hydro Northeast Large Groups Open
Access Point North Littleton Boat Launch 295

Improved ram for all boats.
Access Point Dodge Hill Boat Launch 292.5

Improved ramp.
Access Point Waterford Boat Launch 292.5

Improved launch, off Riverside Cemetery Rd.
Access Point Pattenville Boat Launch 291

Improved ramp for all boat types
Access Point Pine Island Boat Launch: 290

Improved ramp, accessible from the north side of NH 135/18
Access Point Moore Dam Portage (NH) 289

Located on the south side of Moore Dam. Location of well-marked. 400 yard portage trail. Improved ramp for all boats.
Access Point Moore Dam Portage (VT) 289

North side of Moore Dam. Well-marked. 150 yard portage trail. River access only. More popular.
Access Point Waterford Bridge Boat Launch 288

On north side of NH 135 just after NH 135 and 18 split. Improved launch. Toilets.
Campsite Moore Primitive Campsite 286.6

Newly established campsite for paddlers only. Features include five tent platforms, five picnic tables, fire rings, and a composting toilet.

 TransCanada Hydro Northeast Large Groups - 5 Tents Open
Access Point Pine Grove Boat Launch 283

Off Comerford Dam Road on VT side. Improved ramp. Toilets.
Access Point Comerford Dam - Downstream Access 282.5

For whitewater canoes and kayaks. Water levels can rise up to six feet and create Class III rapids. Difficult going at low water because of boulders and shallows.
Access Point Comerford Dam - Reservoir Access 282.5

Improved ramp. Steep but groomed portage trail.
Access Point Passumpsic River Access 281

On Passumpsic River, this unimproved access is for car-top launches only.
Campsite Stevenson Campsite 279.75

Located on a shady river terrace on the New Hampshire side of the river, across from the north end of Stevens Island.

 Vermont River Conservancy 3 tents Closed for the season
Access Point Barnet-Monroe Bridge Access 278.5

At base of bridge connecting US 5 and NH 135 on NH side. Small launch - unimproved ramp, car top only
Access Point McIndoe Falls Portage 276

This short, easy portage around the dam also serves as a car-top only access point.
Access Point Ryegate Dame Portage and Access Point 272

Unimproved ramp, car-top access only. Well marked, short portage trail on NH side, around "run of the river" dam built for the now inactive paper company.
Campsite Fiddlehead Island 270

Third wooded island in reach, north of Dodge Falls

 Ammonoosuc Conservation Trust 12 Open
Campsite Dodge Falls Campground 269

Small campsite at the portage of Ryegate Dam, about .5 miles north of Dodge Falls.

 Dodge Falls Associates, LP 8 Open
Access Point Woodsville Access 268

Small, sandy beach in town of Woodsville. Downstream of bridge, on Connecticut Street. Unimproved ramp, car-top access only.
Access Point Knoxland Cartop Boat Lauch 265

Steep bank provides limited public access point across conserved land. Knoxland Farm provides a public boat launch site for muscle powered cartop boats such as canoes and kayaks. Please note that when we say "muscle-powered," we mean it! While this is a great place to leave your car as you start a paddle, the actual access to the river is very steep and may not be suitable for all. Taking out is particularly difficult. The surrounding 280 acres of farmland has a historic round barn and currently operates as a dairy farm. The fields around the farm buildings are used to grow forage (livestock food) so it is important to minimize any damage to these crops when you are looking for the launch site. Please park in the designated parking area located back at the edge of the farmstead. Overnight camping is not allowed at this site.
Campsite Howard Island Campground 261.7

In Haverhill, about 2 miles below the Woodsville Bridge. The northern campsite is located at the northwest end of this island with access on a moderately-sloped cobblestone bank. The southern campsite is at the southwestern corner of the island.

 Upper Valley Land Trust Large Groups Closed for the season
Access Point Newbury-Haverhill Bridge Access 257.5

Improved ramp for all boat types.
Campsite Harkdale Farm Campsite 255.5

Access on Vermont side at second large oxbow downstream of Howard Island, across from high eroding sand bank that meets small brook with fallen trees.

 Upper Valley Land Trust 12 Closed for the season
Access Point Bedell Bridge State Park 255

Boat ramp and picnic area at premier birding site.
Campsite Vaughan Meadow Campsite 249.7

Located on the Vermont side one mile below the old Bedell Bridge abutment. Located on a wooded bank after the river turns from SE to S, a few hundred yards north of the Bradford line.

 Upper Valley Land Trust 12 Closed for the season
Access Point Bugbee Landing Access Point 248

Small dock and unimproved ramp at the mouth of Waits River. Access off Doe Meadow Rd by driving through fairgrounds.
Campsite Bugbee Landing Campsite 244.5

Campsite managed by Bradford Elementary School.

 Bradford Elementary School 12 Open
Campsite Underhill Campsite 241.4

Past Bug's Island. Located at the mouth of Eastman Brook, before the river veers west.

 Piermont Conservation Commission 12 Open
Access Point Orford Boat Landing 239

Improved ramp and dock
Campsite Pastures Campground 235.3

Private campground.Learn more at: www.thepastures.com.

 The Pastures Campground Large Groups Open
Campsite Birch Meadow Campsite 233.5

Two miles below the arch bridge, on a low wooded point just above the marshland at the outlet of Lake Morey.

 Upper Valley Land Trust 12 Closed for the season
Access Point North Thetford Landing 232.5

Improved ramp for all boat types.
Campsite Roaring Brook Campsite 231

Grassy site between two brooks. The stairs were lost in the October 2010 floods. The take out has been moved to the upstream brook to prevent further bank erosion on the downstream banks.

 Upper Valley Land Trust 12 Closed for the season
Access Point Hewes Brook Boat Launch 228

Located on River Rd. in Lyme, this site provides car-top access to the Connecticut River at the mouth of Hewes Brook.
Access Point Ompompanoosuc Launch 225

Unimproved ramp for all boat types
Access Point Lebanon Public Boat Launch 221.5

Near wastewater treatment facility.
Access Point Lebanon Public Boat Launch 221.5

Near wastewater treatment facility.
Access Point Ledyard Canoe Club 218.5

The Ledyard Canoe Club allows the public to use their launch, located in Hanover, NH
Access Point Wilder Picnic Area 216.5

On Vermont shore. Small dock and picnic area.
Access Point East Wilder Boat Launch 216

Off Rt 10 N, take a left on Wilder Rd
Access Point Wilder Dam Boat Launch 216

The town of Hartford, VT, is working to expand the boating facility and public recreation area here.
Campsite Gilman Island 216

Group campsite managed by Darmouth College's Ledyard Canoe Club, on land provided by TransCanada Hydro Northeast.

 Ledyard Canoe Club Two Sites, 10 Campers each Open
Access Point Wilder Dam Portage 215.5

Unimproved path, car-top access only.
Access Point Lyman Point Park Launch 214

Unimproved path provides access from a town park.
Access Point Blood's Brook Launch 210

In Lebanon Wildlife Management Area. Unimproved path. Cartop only.
Access Point Ottauquechee Launch 208

Unimproved ramp for cartop launches only.
Campsite Burnaps Island Campsite 207.7

Located about 3 miles below the mouth of the Mascoma River and the I-89 bridge at West Lebanon, and just above the mouth of the Ottauquechee River. Access is from the west side of the island, on the main channel.

 Upper Valley Land Trust 8 Closed for the season
Access Point Sumner Falls Portage 205

Well marked portage trail. Fantastic white water play reach. Unimproved path. Toilets.
Campsite Burnham Meadow Campsite 200.9

Located on the Vermont side four miles below Sumner’s Falls, 1 mile below Hart Island, and 3 miles above the Windsor-Cornish covered bridge. On an elevated bench just south of Bashan Brook, where the river bends to the east. Take out is about 50 yards south of Bashan Brook.

 Upper Valley Land Trust Large Groups Closed for the season
Access Point Cornish Boat Landing 199

Unimproved ramp just north of covered bridge.
Access Point Wilgus State Park Access 192.5

Small park with campgrounds just past the mouth of the Sugar River. Steep and muddy takeout.
Campsite Wilgus State Park Campground 192.5

Small park with campgrounds just past the mouth of the Sugar River, NH. Steep and muddy takeout.

 State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation Eight Campsites Open
Access Point Ashley Ferry State Park 189

Only improved boat ramp between Cornish and Chesire.
Access Point Ashley Ferry State Park 189

Only improved boat ramp between Cornish and Chesire.
Campsite SCA Campsite 185.3

Two miles below Hubbard Island. Managed by the Student Conservation Association, who occasionally may use it for short durations in the summer to house crews. Call ahead for availability - (603) 504-3264.

 Student Conservation Association 2 Small Groups Closed for the season
Access Point Hoyt's Landing 181

Improved ramp for all boating types. One of the few spots on the river that is wheelchair accessible. Geared toward anglers. Toilets.
Access Point Patch Park 180.5

Expansive, grassy picnic area and playing field with a unimproved ramp that accommodates small boats.
Access Point Charlestown Lower Landing 178.5

Maintained by the power company for all types of boats.
Access Point Charlestown Lower Landing 178.5

Maintained by the power company for all types of boats.
Access Point Herrick's Cove Picnic Area ad Boat Launch 174

Peaceful park on Vermont side, maintained by power company.
Campsite Lower Meadow Campground 173

Designed for one-night stays by nonmotorized boaters.

 TransCanada Hydro Northeast 10 Closed for the season
Access Point Pine Street Boat Launch 171

Small ramp next to an old brick building.
Access Point Pine Street Boat Launch 171

Small ramp next to an old brick building.
Access Point Connecticut River Car-Top Access 166.5

Shaded by enormous siler maples, which help stabilize banks against erosion.
Access Point Connecticut River Car-Top Access 166.5

Shaded by enormous siler maples, which help stabilize banks against erosion.
Campsite Windyhurst Campsite 160.4

A primitive campsite open to the public, only for nonmotorized boats.

 Windyhurst Farm 12 Closed for the season
Access Point Dummerston Landing 153.5

Small access point maintained by VT Fish and Game.
Access Point Putney Landing 153.5

Improved ramp for car-top and small motorboats.
Access Point Dummerston Landing 153.5

Small access point maintained by VT Fish and Game.
Access Point Putney Landing 153.5

Improved ramp for car-top and small motorboats.
Access Point Chesterfield River Road Boat Access 150

Improved ramp for all boat types.
Access Point Old Ferry Road Boat Access 147

Improved ramp for all boat types.
Access Point Old Ferry Road Boat Access 147

Improved ramp for all boat types.
Access Point Retreat Meadows 144.5

Limited parking along road. Improved ramp for car-top boats.
Access Point Retreat Meadows 144.5

Limited parking along road. Improved ramp for car-top boats.
Access Point Hinsdale Access 143.5

Muddy beach in cove serves as an informal access point for small boats.
Campsite Wantastiquet Campsite 143.2

Primitive campsite that accomodates small groups of canoeists and kayakers.

 TransCanada Hydro Northeast 8 Closed for the season
Access Point Broad Brook 142

Unimproved cartop launch
Campsite Stebbins Island Campsite 137.8

Located .8 mile downstream of Vernon Dam.

 TransCanada Hydro Northeast Small groups Open
Access Point Magalloway Bridge Access

Improved, car-top only access, providing access to quickwater-Class IV rapids (depending on flow conditions!).