Cliff Island

31 gilford ave rumney nh 03266

For youth groups across New Hampshire, the quest for a truly unique and memorable outdoor adventure often leads to the state's pristine lakes and hidden gems. Among these, Cliff Island stands out as an exceptional destination, offering a "fantastic camping" experience specifically tailored for Scouts and other youth organizations. Located on beautiful Newfound Lake, this island campsite provides a rare opportunity for young adventurers to immerse themselves in nature, fostering teamwork, resilience, and a deep appreciation for New Hampshire's wilderness. It's a place where the sounds of the lake replace city noise, and the focus shifts to exploration, camaraderie, and the principles of responsible outdoor living.

Cliff Island is not your typical drive-up campground; its island location requires boat access, adding an element of adventure from the very start. This exclusivity contributes to its serene and well-preserved environment, making it an ideal setting for educational and character-building outdoor programs. The emphasis here is on self-sufficiency and respecting the natural world, aligning perfectly with the values often taught by youth organizations. This article will delve into what makes Cliff Island an outstanding choice for New Hampshire's youth groups, exploring its unique location, the amenities it provides, its standout features, and how it embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure in the Granite State.

Cliff Island is a distinct island campsite located within Newfound Lake, specifically accessible from Wellington State Park. While its physical address is associated with 2 Ledgeview Shore Dr, Alexandria, NH 03222, USA, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that direct road access to the island itself is not available. This campsite is exclusively accessible by boat, which adds to its secluded charm and provides an authentic island camping experience.

Newfound Lake is renowned as one of New Hampshire's deepest and clearest lakes, situated in the Lakes Region. Its pristine waters and surrounding natural beauty make it a highly sought-after destination for various water-based activities. Wellington State Park, located on the shores of Newfound Lake, serves as the primary gateway to Cliff Island. Youth groups must arrange for their own boat transportation (e.g., canoes, kayaks, or other small boats) to reach the island from the mainland.

The location offers a sense of true wilderness immersion while still being part of the New Hampshire State Park system, which implies a level of oversight and maintenance. This balance allows groups to feel truly "away from it all" while benefiting from the infrastructure of a state park system. The setting provides ample opportunities for exploring the island's natural features and enjoying the expansive lake, making it an ideal base for water activities, hiking within the park before or after the island stay, and stargazing away from light pollution.

Cliff Island, as a primitive island campsite primarily for youth groups, focuses on providing fundamental services while emphasizing self-sufficiency and "Leave No Trace" ethics. Campers should be prepared to pack in all their necessary supplies and pack out all their waste. Key services and provisions typically found on Cliff Island include:

• Designated Tent Pitching Areas: Ample space is available to "pitch tents," ensuring groups can find suitable, level spots for their shelters.
• Picnic Tables: Numerous picnic tables are provided around the island, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation, dining, and group activities.
• Latrines: The island is equipped with "2 latrines (one per site)," providing basic, essential toilet facilities for campers.
• Ample Deadfall for Firewood: A significant advantage mentioned by reviewers is the presence of "ample deadfall," which can be collected and used for campfires, reducing the need to transport firewood to the island.
• Water Access: Being an island in Newfound Lake, the primary "service" is access to the lake for swimming (water temperature was noted as 70 degrees Fahrenheit in early September in one review) and other water-based activities. However, groups must bring their own potable water.
• "Pack-in, Pack-out" Ethos: This is a core service philosophy, where campers are expected to carry in all their supplies and carry out all their trash, minimizing environmental impact.

It's important to note that youth group camping at Wellington State Park (which includes Cliff Island) allows tents only, and pets are generally not permitted on these specific youth group sites. There are no full hookups for RVs or showers on the island; it's a true primitive camping experience.

Cliff Island boasts several distinctive features that contribute to its "fantastic" reputation, especially for youth groups seeking an adventurous and educational outdoor experience:

• Exclusive Youth Group Camping: This is a major highlight. Cliff Island, along with Belle Island, is exclusively designated for youth group camping. This ensures an environment tailored to the needs of organizations like Scouts, focusing on group activities and safety without the distractions of family campers. Family camping is explicitly not available on this island.
• Island Seclusion and Boat Access: The fact that it's an island accessible only by boat immediately creates an adventurous and secluded feel. This adds an exciting logistical challenge for groups and enhances the sense of being "away from it all," fostering independence and teamwork.
• Mosquito-Free Environment (Seasonally): A notable and highly appreciated feature is that in "early September the water was 70, and the island was completely mosquito free." This significantly enhances the comfort and enjoyment of outdoor activities, particularly during warmer months.
• Abundant Deadfall for Campfires: The presence of "ample deadfall" means groups have a readily available source of firewood, making campfire building and cooking convenient and authentic. This also supports responsible forest management by utilizing fallen wood.
• Plenty of Space to Explore: Reviewers mention "plenty of space to explore," indicating that the island offers diverse terrain and areas for youth groups to engage in nature exploration, games, and outdoor education.
• Adirondack on the South Side: The mention of an "Adirondack on the south side" suggests a thoughtful amenity, providing a comfortable spot to relax and take in the views, perhaps for leaders or for quiet contemplation.
• Pristine Water Quality: Being on Newfound Lake, known for being one of the clearest lakes in New Hampshire, offers exceptional opportunities for swimming and water-based activities in clean, refreshing water.
• Emphasis on "Leave No Trace": While a general outdoor ethic, its explicit mention in reviews highlights that the environment at Cliff Island encourages and facilitates responsible camping practices, which is a valuable educational aspect for youth groups.

These features combine to create an immersive and beneficial outdoor experience for youth organizations.

As a New Hampshire State Park campground primarily focused on organized youth group camping, Cliff Island does not typically offer commercial promotions or discount codes akin to private campgrounds. Its pricing structure is specific to youth groups and is already designed to be accessible for educational and recreational purposes. However, it's important to be aware of the booking and fee structure:

• Reservation Deposit: A $25.00 deposit is required to reserve the site. $18.50 goes towards the nightly fee, and $7.00 towards the reservation fee.
• Per-Person Nightly Fee: For every 4 children (17 years old and younger), 1 adult chaperone pays $5.00 per night. Additional adults beyond this 4-to-1 ratio are charged $10.00 per night.
• No Family Camping: It's critical to remember that "Family camping is not available at this park" on Cliff Island. This site is exclusively for organized youth groups.
• Discounts for NH Senior Citizens and State Employees: While not directly for youth groups, it's worth noting that NH State Parks often offer discounts for NH Senior Citizens ($5 per night) and NH State Employees (50% discount) at their campgrounds. However, it's unclear if these apply directly to the youth group pricing on Cliff Island.

Any specific fee details or policies are best confirmed directly when making a reservation through the New Hampshire State Parks reservation system. The value offered by Cliff Island lies in its unique, dedicated environment for youth development rather than traditional promotional discounts.

For youth groups interested in reserving a spot at Cliff Island, the booking process is managed through the New Hampshire State Parks system, specifically by calling their central reservation office. As an island campsite, there is no direct phone number for the island itself.

Address: 2 Ledgeview Shore Dr, Alexandria, NH 03222, USA (This is the address for Wellington State Park, which serves as the access point for Cliff Island.)

To Make Reservations for Youth Group Camping at Cliff Island:

Organized youth group camping on Cliff Island requires advance reservations. These reservations can be made by calling the New Hampshire State Parks headquarters office:

Phone: (603) 271-3556

Reservations are typically made Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. It's recommended to call well in advance, especially for popular dates, as availability can be limited. The park staff can provide all necessary details regarding booking procedures, fees, group size requirements, and any specific rules for camping on the island. Any questions about the amenities, access (including boat requirements), or "Leave No Trace" policies should be discussed with park staff during the reservation process.

For youth groups across New Hampshire, Cliff Island offers an exceptionally suitable and enriching outdoor experience, perfectly aligned with the state's love for its natural landscapes and commitment to youth development. Its unique characteristics make it an ideal choice for local organizations like the Scouts, schools, and other youth clubs seeking a truly impactful adventure.

Firstly, the exclusive designation of Cliff Island for "youth group camping only" is a paramount advantage. This means the environment is specifically curated for the needs of young people and their chaperones, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning, teamwork, and responsible outdoor practices without the distractions or differing priorities of family campers. This focus allows leaders to concentrate on their programs, knowing the facilities and setting are optimized for their group.

Secondly, the very nature of an island campsite, accessible only by boat from Wellington State Park, provides an inherent element of adventure and challenge that is incredibly beneficial for youth development. The process of getting to the island fosters teamwork, planning skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Once on the island, the seclusion and natural beauty of Newfound Lake offer an unparalleled backdrop for activities like hiking, exploring, and connecting with nature in a way that is increasingly rare in today's world. The comfort of a "mosquito-free" experience in early September, as noted by a reviewer, further enhances the appeal of this natural setting.

Moreover, the primitive nature of Cliff Island, with its "ample deadfall" for campfires, picnic tables, and latrines, encourages self-sufficiency and an adherence to "Leave No Trace" ethics. These are critical skills and values for young people to learn, promoting environmental stewardship and personal responsibility. For New Hampshire organizations, instilling these principles in the next generation is vital, and Cliff Island provides a practical, hands-on classroom for such lessons.

Finally, the consistent positive feedback, describing the camping as "fantastic" and the experience as consistently excellent year after year, speaks volumes about the quality and effectiveness of this unique campground. It's a cherished resource that provides a safe, engaging, and memorable setting for New Hampshire's youth to grow, learn, and fall in love with the outdoors. For local youth groups, Cliff Island is not just a destination; it's a developmental experience wrapped in adventure.

Cliff Island

2 Ledgeview Shore Dr, Alexandria, NH 03222, USA