Camp Creager

For families and youth organizations across the Granite State, finding a dedicated space for outdoor education and character development is paramount. Nestled in the heart of Merrimack, New Hampshire, Camp Creager stands as a testament to this commitment. Formerly known as Camp Whip-O-Will, this serene and meticulously maintained property has been a cornerstone for scouting activities for decades. It provides a unique, peaceful environment where young people can connect with nature, learn essential outdoor skills, and build a strong sense of community and self-reliance. For New Hampshire locals, Camp Creager is more than just a piece of land; it's a living legacy, a place where generations have embarked on adventures, learned valuable lessons, and forged lifelong memories.

Camp Creager is conveniently located at 9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA. This address places it squarely within Merrimack, a vibrant town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. Its location offers an ideal balance: sufficiently close to residential areas for easy access by local scout troops and packs, yet secluded enough to provide a genuine outdoor experience away from urban distractions.

Accessibility to Camp Creager is straightforward, making it a practical destination for day trips, weekend campouts, and various outdoor programs. Merrimack is well-connected by New Hampshire's road network, allowing for smooth travel from surrounding towns and cities like Nashua, Manchester, and even parts of Massachusetts. The camp’s proximity to major routes ensures that getting equipment, supplies, and participants to the site is a hassle-free process. The setting along the Souhegan River further enhances its natural appeal, though it's important for visitors to be aware of the historical note that the bend in the river can be prone to regular flooding, especially in spring. This natural characteristic, however, has also been historically embraced for its suitability for outdoor activities like canoeing, adding to the camp's unique charm and opportunities.

As a dedicated scouting camp, Camp Creager focuses on providing the fundamental infrastructure and support necessary for a safe, educational, and enjoyable outdoor experience. While it operates primarily as a resource for scouting organizations, the services are designed to facilitate various outdoor activities.

• Tent Camping Areas: The camp is primarily set up for tent camping, offering ample space for multiple troops, packs, or groups to establish their campsites. These areas are designed to accommodate group camping, providing the foundation for an immersive outdoor living experience.

• Latrine Facilities: Essential for any sustained outdoor program, Camp Creager includes latrine facilities. These are maintained to ensure hygiene and convenience for campers, with at least one latrine having been specifically constructed through a past scout project, highlighting the community involvement in the camp's development.

• Council Ring/Campfire Area: A central feature for group gatherings, storytelling, and ceremonies, the camp includes a council ring or dedicated campfire area. This serves as a focal point for evening programs and communal activities, fostering a sense of camaraderie among participants.

• Axe Yard (Seasonal): For scouts learning pioneering and woodcraft skills, an axe yard is typically reconstructed each spring. This area provides a safe and designated space for practicing axe and saw skills under proper supervision, often as a lashing project for first-year scouts, demonstrating the camp's commitment to traditional scouting skills.

• Natural Environment Management: Recognizing the importance of a safe and healthy environment, the camp has a history of managing specific concerns like tick populations through regular spraying, particularly in open areas. This proactive approach ensures a more comfortable experience for all users.

• Maintenance by Volunteer Groups: A unique aspect of Camp Creager is the involvement of various scout troops and packs in its ongoing maintenance. Each group is often requested to contribute a weekend a year to maintaining the property, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among its users.

Camp Creager is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its value as a premier outdoor destination for youth in New Hampshire.

• "Beautiful" and "Peaceful" Environment: Consistently praised by visitors as a "beautiful camp" and "peaceful," Camp Creager offers a tranquil setting conducive to learning and reflection. This calm atmosphere is ideal for breaking away from the distractions of daily life.

• "Very Well Maintained": The camp's upkeep is a significant highlight, with reviews noting it is "very well maintained." This speaks to the dedication of those involved in its care, providing a clean and safe environment for all activities.

• Dedicated to Scouting: One of the few camps in New Hampshire "dedicated exclusively for scout use," Camp Creager serves as a vital resource for various scouting organizations (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts). This focus ensures that its facilities and atmosphere are perfectly aligned with scouting principles and programs.

• Rich History and Legacy: Formerly Camp Whip-O-Will, the camp was renamed in honor of Anita Creager, who dedicated over 50 years to scouting and was instrumental in preserving and maintaining the property. This rich history adds a profound layer of meaning to every visit.

• Ideal for Local Campouts and Day Trips: The camp's design and amenities make it an "ideal location for local campouts during all seasons" (with the exception of spring floods) and "day trips," offering flexibility for various program needs.

• Easy Access for Canoeing: Situated along the Souhegan River, the camp provides "easy access for canoeing," opening up opportunities for water-based activities and exploration of the river's unique ecosystem.

• Community Involvement: The ongoing maintenance and improvement of the camp often involve local residents, scout families, and scout projects (like latrine and council ring construction), demonstrating a strong sense of community and shared responsibility for this valuable resource.

As a camp primarily dedicated to scouting organizations and maintained through the efforts of the Daniel Webster Council (Scouting America New Hampshire), Camp Creager does not typically offer public "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense. Its value is inherent in its provision of a dedicated, well-maintained space for youth development.

However, for local New Hampshire scouting groups, the "special offers" come in the form of:

• Affordable Access: The very existence of Camp Creager as a dedicated scouting property means that local troops, packs, and crews often have access to a high-quality outdoor venue at little to no direct cost for their activities, aside from potential nominal usage fees or contributions to maintenance.

• Program Support: The Daniel Webster Council and its network of volunteers and professionals provide programmatic support, training, and resources that enhance the experience at Camp Creager. This indirect support is a significant "offer" to the scouting community.

• Volunteer Opportunities: For families and adult leaders, the opportunity to contribute to the camp's maintenance and improvement is a form of engagement that fosters community and ownership, offering intangible rewards beyond monetary savings.

For specific details on how local scouting units can utilize Camp Creager and any associated costs or scheduling procedures, the primary contact would be through the Daniel Webster Council, Scouting America New Hampshire, rather than direct public inquiry to the camp itself.

While Camp Creager is a physical location, direct public contact for general inquiries or reservations typically funnels through the managing organization, which is the Daniel Webster Council, Scouting America New Hampshire.

• Address: 9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA

• For inquiries related to booking, usage, or general information regarding Camp Creager as a scouting property, it is best to contact the Daniel Webster Council, Scouting America New Hampshire. Their main office contact details can usually be found on their official website:

  • Daniel Webster Council (Scouting America New Hampshire) Website: Look for the "Contact Us" or "Our Camp Properties" section on the Scouting America New Hampshire website (nhscouting.org or similar).

  • General Council Phone Number: While not specific to Camp Creager, a general council phone number would be the primary point of contact for property usage inquiries. (A typical example, not guaranteed for Camp Creager specifically, might be a number for their Manchester, NH headquarters, such as 603-625-6431, but always verify on their official site).

The camp itself does not typically have a publicly listed direct phone number for individual inquiries, as access and usage are managed centrally by the scouting council.

For residents of New Hampshire, particularly those involved in scouting or seeking meaningful outdoor experiences for their youth, Camp Creager stands as an invaluable local asset. Its suitability stems from its deep roots in the community and its unwavering commitment to youth development. The camp is not merely a piece of land; it is a meticulously cared-for and peaceful sanctuary designed specifically for the growth and education of young people.

The historical dedication of individuals like Anita Creager, after whom the camp is now named, highlights a legacy of selfless service and community spirit that defines this property. For local New Hampshire families, sending their children to a camp that is "very well maintained" and "peaceful" provides immense reassurance. It offers a safe and structured environment where children can learn practical outdoor skills, cultivate leadership qualities, and build character in alignment with scouting principles.

Furthermore, the accessibility of Camp Creager within Merrimack makes it a practical choice for local groups, minimizing travel time and maximizing program hours. The ongoing involvement of local scout troops in maintaining the camp fosters a unique sense of ownership and community pride. This isn't just a place to visit; it's a place to contribute to, learn from, and grow with. In an increasingly digital world, Camp Creager offers New Hampshire youth a vital opportunity to unplug, explore the natural world, and engage in experiences that build resilience, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors – making it an indispensable resource for the local community.

Camp Creager

9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA