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 | 407.5 | 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 | Magalloway Bridge Access | 396.5 | Improved, car-top only access, providing access to quickwater-Class IV rapids (depending on flow conditions!). | |||
| 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 | Pittsburg Access Access | 382 | An informal launch site in 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. Park in the field downstream of the access, on land recently conserved by the Vermont River Conservancy. | Town of Canaan | ||
| Access Point | Arlin Brook Access | 365.5 | 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. | NH Fish and Game Department | ||
| Access Point | Colebrook Bridge St. Access | 362.5 | A foot bridge and small set of stairs leads to a sandy area under the Lemingt0n-Colebrook Bridge, on the New Hampshire side of river. Car-top access only. Accessed off of Bill Bromage Drive. | |||
| Campsite | Holbrook Point | 361.1 | 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 | Open |
| Campsite | Columbia Campsite | 359.3 | Simple campsite on edge of field | Columbia Conservation Commission | 12 Campers | Open |
| 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. | |||
| Access Point | Lemington River Access | 355.8 | Improved access developed for paddlers, drift boats, and rafts. | State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation | ||
| Campsite | Lyman Falls State Park | 350.6 | Several campsites below breached dam. River and foot access only. | State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation | Suitable for Large Groups | Open |
| Access Point | Debanville Landing | 347.7 | Unimproved path. Car-top access only. Park by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail kiosk on the other side of RT 102. | State of Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation | ||
| Campsite | Belknap Campsite | 347.7 | 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 | N. Stratford Access | 346.8 | Across is possible from the Riverside Park playing fields. Unimproved path, for car-top access only. | |||
| Campsite | Maine Central Railroad Trestle | 340.8 | 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 |
| Access Point | Maidstone Bridge | 336.4 | Cartop access on New Hampshire side, down river of bridge. | |||
| Campsite | Samuel Benton Campsite | 333.9 | 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 |
| Campsite | Scott C. Devlin Memorial Campsite | 324.3 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | Wyoming Dam Portage and Access | 322.9 | 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 | South Guildhall Campsite | 317.4 | Beautiful campsite situated in floodplain forest, with great views of the White Mountains. | Vermont River Conservancy | 12 Campers, 3 Tents | Open |
| Access Point | US 2 Bridge Access | 313.3 | At bridge in Lancaster, one finds an improved ramp for all boats. Ask at gas station for best location to park. | Beaver Trails Campground | ||
| Campsite | Beaver Trails Campground | 313.2 | 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 | Closed for the season |
| Access Point | Mount Orne Covered Bridge | 307.3 | 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 | 304.2 | Maintained by the power company at Gilman Dam. | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | ||
| Campsite | Gilman Dam Portage Campsite | 301.7 | Camping allowed in grassy field along portage trai. No amenities. | Ampersand Energy LLC | Suitable for Large Groups | Open |
| Campsite | Dalton Primitive Campsite | 298.8 |
Located just north of high tension line that crosses the narrow, north arm of the reservoir, on the New Hampshire side. |
TransCanada Hydro Northeast | Large Groups | Open |
| Access Point | Gilman Boat Launch | 297.8 | 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. | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | ||
| Access Point | North Littleton Boat Launch | 294.7 | Improved ram for all boats. | |||
| Access Point | Pattenville Boat Launch | 292.5 | Improved ramp for all boat types | |||
| Access Point | Pine Island Boat Launch: | 292.5 | Improved ramp, accessible from the north side of NH 135/18 | |||
| Access Point | Dodge Hill Boat Launch | 292.3 | Improved ramp. | |||
| Access Point | Waterford Boat Launch | 291.6 | Improved launch, off Riverside Cemetery Rd. | |||
| Access Point | Moore Dam Portage (NH) | 291 | 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) | 290.5 | North side of Moore Dam. Well-marked. 150 yard portage trail. River access only. More popular. | |||
| Campsite | Moore Primitive Campsite | 289.9 | Recently established campsite for paddlers only. Features include five tent platforms, picnic tables, and fire rings | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | Large Groups - 5 Tents | Open |
| Access Point | Waterford Bridge Boat Launch | 289.5 | On north side of NH 135 just after NH 135 and 18 split. Improved launch. Toilets. | |||
| Access Point | Pine Grove Boat Launch | 283.5 | Off Comerford Dam Road on VT side. Improved ramp. Toilets. | |||
| Access Point | Comerford Dam - Downstream Access | 283.3 | 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 | 282.1 | Improved ramp. Steep but groomed portage trail. | |||
| Access Point | Passumpsic River Access | 281.5 | On Passumpsic River, this unimproved access is for car-top launches only. | |||
| Campsite | Stevenson Campsite | 280.2 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | Barnet-Monroe Bridge Access | 279 | 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 And Access | 276 | This short, easy portage around the dam also serves as a car-top only access point. | |||
| Campsite | Fiddlehead Island | 273.5 | Third wooded island in reach, north of Dodge Falls | Vermont River Conservancy | 12 | Closed for the season |
| Campsite | Dodge Falls Campground | 272.4 | Small campsite at the portage of Ryegate Dam, about .5 miles north of Dodge Falls. | Dodge Falls Associates, LP | 8 | Open |
| Access Point | Ryegate Dame Portage and Access Point | 272.4 | 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. | |||
| 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 Campsite | 265 | In Haverhill, about 2 miles below the Woodsville Bridge. The northern campsite is located at the northeast 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 | Open |
| Campsite | Harkdale Farm Campsite | 259 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | Newbury-Haverhill Bridge Access | 257.5 | Improved ramp for all boat types. | |||
| Access Point | Bedell Bridge State Park | 254.5 | Boat ramp and picnic area at premier birding site. | |||
| Campsite | Vaughan Meadow Campsite | 253.2 | 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 | Open |
| 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 | Underhill Campsite | 245.6 | 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 | 239.5 | Improved ramp and dock | |||
| Campsite | Pastures Campground | 239.5 | Private campground with hot showers, dishwashing facilities, w-fi, and more. Learn more at www.thepastures.com. | The Pastures Campground | Large Groups | Closed for the season |
| Campsite | Birch Meadow Campsite | 237.8 | 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 | Open |
| Campsite | Roaring Brook Campsite | 235.3 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | North Thetford Landing | 233.8 | Improved ramp for all boat types. | |||
| Access Point | Hewes Brook Boat Launch | 229.8 | 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 | 226.5 | Unimproved ramp for all boat types | |||
| Access Point | Ledyard Canoe Club | 221.3 | The Ledyard Canoe Club allows the public to use their launch, located in Hanover, NH | |||
| Campsite | Gilman Island | 220.4 | 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 Picnic Area | 219.3 | On Vermont shore. Small dock and picnic area. | |||
| Access Point | Wilder Dam Boat Launch | 219.1 | The town of Hartford, VT, is working to expand the boating facility and public recreation area here. | |||
| Access Point | East Wilder Boat Launch | 219 | Off Rt 10 N, take a left on Wilder Rd | |||
| Access Point | Wilder Dam Portage | 218.6 | Unimproved path, car-top access only. | |||
| Access Point | Lyman Point Park Launch | 217.1 | Unimproved path provides access from a town park. | |||
| Access Point | Lebanon Public Boat Launch | 215.7 | Near wastewater treatment facility. | |||
| Access Point | Blood's Brook Launch | 213.5 | In Lebanon Wildlife Management Area. Unimproved path. Cartop only. | |||
| Campsite | Burnaps Island Campsite | 212.1 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | Ottauquechee Launch | 211.8 | Unimproved ramp for cartop launches only. | |||
| Access Point | Sumner Falls Portage and Access | 209.3 | Well marked portage trail. Fantastic white water play reach. Dangerous Rapids For Open Boats. Unimproved path. Unmarked road provides access from the Vermont side to a picnic area and launch point. | |||
| Campsite | Burnham Meadow Campsite | 205.3 | 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 | Open |
| Access Point | Cornish Boat Landing | 202.3 | Unimproved ramp just north of covered bridge. | |||
| Access Point | Wilgus State Park Access | 196.3 | Small park with campgrounds just past the mouth of the Sugar River. Steep and muddy takeout. | |||
| Campsite | Wilgus State Park Campground | 196.3 | 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 | 192.8 | Only improved boat ramp between Cornish and Chesire. | |||
| Campsite | SCA Campsite | 189.5 | 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. Access to the site is up a short, but somewhat steep trail with box/check steps. The site sits in an area with hemlocks adjacent to a field. It includes three tent platforms, a composting toilet, and a small network of trails. Fires are not permitted - stoves only.Call ahead for availability - (603) 504-3264. | Student Conservation Association | 2 Small Groups | Open |
| Access Point | Hoyt's Landing | 185.1 | 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 | 184.5 | Expansive, grassy picnic area and playing field with a unimproved ramp that accommodates small boats. | |||
| Access Point | Charlestown Lower Landing | 182.7 | Maintained by the power company for all types of boats. | |||
| Access Point | Herrick's Cove Picnic Area ad Boat Launch | 178.8 | Peaceful park on Vermont side, maintained by power company. | |||
| Campsite | Lower Meadow Campground | 177.6 | Designed for one-night stays by nonmotorized boaters. | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | 10 | Open |
| Access Point | Pine Street Boat Launch | 176.1 | Small ramp next to an old brick building. | |||
| Access Point | Pine Street Boat Launch | 176.1 | Small ramp next to an old brick building. | |||
| Access Point | Connecticut River Car-Top Access | 171.6 | 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 | 165.1 | A primitive campsite open to the public, only for nonmotorized boats. | Vermont River Conservancy | 12 | Open |
| Access Point | Putney Landing | 158.8 | Improved ramp for car-top and small motorboats. | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | ||
| Access Point | Dummerston Landing | 158.3 | Small access point maintained by VT Fish and Game. | Vermont Fish and Wildlife | ||
| Access Point | Chesterfield River Road Boat Access | 155.2 | Improved ramp for all boat types. | |||
| Access Point | Old Ferry Road Boat Access | 153.2 | Improved ramp for all boat types. | |||
| Access Point | Retreat Meadows | 150.5 | Limited parking along road. Improved ramp for car-top boats. | |||
| Campsite | Wantastiquet Campsite | 148 | Primitive campsite that accomodates small groups of canoeists and kayakers. | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | 8 | Open |
| Access Point | Broad Brook | 147.6 | Unimproved cartop launch | |||
| Access Point | Hinsdale Access | 144.7 | Muddy beach in cove serves as an informal access point for small boats. | |||
| Access Point | Retreat Meadows | 144.5 | Limited parking along road. Improved ramp for car-top boats. | |||
| Access Point | Governor Hunt Recreation Area | 143.7 | Provides access below the Vernon dam | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | ||
| Campsite | Stebbins Island Campsite | 142.5 | Located .8 mile downstream of Vernon Dam. | TransCanada Hydro Northeast | Small groups | Open |
| Access Point | Pauchaug Brook | 132.5 | Improved ramp for all boat types. Ample parking. |
