Camp Whip-O-Will

For residents and youth organizations throughout New Hampshire, the name Camp Whip-O-Will in Merrimack may evoke memories of traditional, rustic outdoor experiences. Today, this location is officially known as Camp Creager, a cherished 23-acre parcel of land dedicated for use by the local Scouting community. It is a unique and primitive campground, specifically managed for Scout troops, packs, and groups associated with the Daniel Webster Council (Scouting America New Hampshire). This site stands as a vital piece of conservation property, set apart from the commercial campground experience, focusing instead on rugged group camping and outdoor education, which aligns perfectly with the adventurous spirit of the Granite State.

The camp, nestled along the Souhegan River, is not a typical public-access facility with modern RV hookups or developed resort amenities. Instead, it offers a throwback to a simpler style of camping—focusing on wilderness skills, teamwork, and enjoying the natural environment. The property was thoughtfully set aside many years ago by the Gates family to ensure that this land, particularly the flood plain area not suitable for permanent construction, would forever remain available for the youth of Merrimack and surrounding towns to learn and camp.

Its identity as a dedicated facility for youth organizations is what makes it so special to the New Hampshire community. It serves as an accessible local venue for weekend campouts, skills training, and day trips, fulfilling a crucial role in providing essential outdoor leadership opportunities for the next generation of New Hampshire citizens. Due to its specific mission and ownership, interested parties are primarily Scouting groups who register through the Council's established reservation system.

Camp Creager is located at the address associated with the former Camp Whip-O-Will: 9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA. Situated in Merrimack, a town conveniently located in the Southern Tier of New Hampshire, the camp is easily reachable for Scout units across the region, being close to major state routes like the F.E. Everett Turnpike (Route 3) and US Route 3.

The 23-acre parcel is positioned alongside a picturesque bend in the Souhegan River. Access to the camp is controlled via a gate with a combination lock, ensuring privacy and security for the groups utilizing the property. This controlled access is essential for managing the facility, which is primarily a rustic setup on a flood plain. Groups must register with the Daniel Webster Council Camping Division to obtain the necessary information, including the lock combination, to access the site.

While the property is known to be subject to flooding, particularly during the spring thaw, making it unsuitable for camping during those times, the rest of the year it serves as an excellent, easily accessed training ground. Its location makes it a practical choice for local troops who may hike five miles from the Town Hall area for a true "hike-in" experience or for troops driving in from nearby towns across the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border region.

As a rustic camp dedicated to the Scouting experience, Camp Creager intentionally offers limited, essential services to promote self-reliance and traditional camping skills. It is not designed for family or public RV camping and does not feature developed amenities like electricity, running water, or sewer hookups at individual sites.

• Group Camping Capacity: The property is suited to accommodate group camping, with a listed capacity of approximately 60 individuals, making it ideal for large troop or multi-unit campouts.
• Rustic Setup: The camping areas themselves are primitive, intended for tent camping and reliance on individual or patrol gear. The site is a "leave no trace" environment where groups are responsible for their own sanitation and waste removal.
• Natural Resources: Its location on the Souhegan River makes it a prime location for canoeing and related water activities, which are highly valued in New Hampshire outdoor programs.
• Designated Features: Past structures have included a Council Ring, which serves as a central meeting place for ceremonies and instruction, and fire pits for cooking and warmth, which are central to the group camping experience.
• Reservations and Management: All usage is managed through the Scouting America New Hampshire Council's reservation platform, ensuring proper scheduling and compliance with the property's trust guidelines, including the critical stipulation that no permanent structures or trailers may be built on the land.

The distinguishing features of Camp Creager are rooted in its dedication to conservation, its history, and its emphasis on traditional Scouting values, offering New Hampshire's youth a truly unique experience away from commercialization.

• Unique History: The camp, formerly named Camp Whip-O-Will, has a rich local history tied to the early days of Scouting in Merrimack, with some Scout troops using the land since the 1960s. It was generously donated to remain an outdoor space for "Merrimack Scouts," reflecting a deep community commitment.
• Riverside Conservation: The 23 acres are designated conservation property, posted against hunting to protect both the wildlife and the campers. Its location along the Souhegan River provides natural beauty and opportunities for ecology lessons and riparian zone exploration.
• Emphasis on Skill Development: The primitive nature of the site forces groups to focus on core outdoor skills—setting up temporary shelters, cooking over an open fire, navigation, and group responsibility—which are cornerstones of Scouting and valuable life skills for New Hampshire youth.
• Co-Ed Friendly: The facility is noted as being co-ed friendly, reflecting modern Scouting practices and ensuring that all youth in the community have access to this important outdoor space.
• The Creager Legacy: The renaming to Camp Creager honors Anita Creager, a highly respected figure who dedicated over 50 years to Scouting in New Hampshire, giving the camp an immediate and meaningful connection to the state's Scouting history.

Access to Camp Creager is managed centrally through the regional Scouting Council. Direct site access is generally not available to the general public or non-affiliated organizations.

• Address: 9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA (Site location for navigation)
• Managing Organization: Scouting America New Hampshire (Daniel Webster Council)
• Reservations and Contact: Groups interested in using the facility must contact the Council’s Camping Division directly for current reservation procedures, availability, and specific guidelines, as booking is restricted to registered Scouting groups.

For a New Hampshire Scout troop or youth leader, Camp Creager is worth choosing precisely because it offers a unique, dedicated, and deeply historical setting for traditional, rustic group camping. Unlike the many public parks or developed private campgrounds in the state, this site is reserved entirely for the purpose of fostering youth development. It removes the distractions of modern amenities, allowing groups to fully concentrate on outdoor skills, leadership development, and the camaraderie that comes from facing and overcoming challenges together in a natural, rugged environment.

The commitment of the land to the community's youth, upheld through the conservation trust, gives every campout a sense of purpose and tradition. Its location on the Souhegan River adds an invaluable layer of natural activity, from watercraft training to environmental studies. For the New Hampshire Scouting community, choosing Camp Creager means choosing an authentic, educational, and historically significant outdoor experience that honors the legacy of those who preserved the land for this exact purpose. It is a true 'home camp' for many local units, providing consistency and a place where deep-rooted camp traditions can be established year after year.

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Camp Whip-O-Will

9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA