Harkdale Farm Campsite

For Vermonters who truly embrace the spirit of primitive camping and cherish a deep connection with nature, Harkdale Farm Campsite offers a unique and secluded riverside experience in Haverhill. This isn't your typical drive-in campground with a multitude of amenities; instead, it's a dedicated paddler's campsite located directly on the scenic Connecticut River. Managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), Harkdale Farm Campsite provides a back-to-basics retreat for those who arrive by canoe or kayak, seeking tranquility and an authentic outdoor adventure.

Imagine paddling along the historic Connecticut River, finding a hidden gem tucked away on the bank, where the sounds of the river and the rustling leaves are your primary companions. Harkdale Farm Campsite embodies this vision. It's designed for adventurers who are self-sufficient and appreciate the quiet solitude that comes with a more remote, less developed camping spot. While some previous feedback mentions the site being muddy and obscured by trees from the river, and the lack of a clearly marked privy, the fundamental appeal lies in its "easy access" for paddlers and its beautiful natural setting.

This campsite is particularly suited for groups due to its "BIG site" capacity, allowing friends or family to enjoy the wilderness together. The presence of picnic tables is a welcome amenity for those carrying their gear by water, providing a convenient space for meals and gathering. While it's a primitive site, the UVLT’s management ensures basic provisions like a cleared tent area and a fire ring, inviting campers to enjoy traditional campfire experiences under the vast Vermont sky. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the simple joys of nature and companionship.

Harkdale Farm Campsite is located at 3XH8+2VR, Haverhill, VT 05051, USA. It's important to clarify that while the physical address might point to Haverhill, the campsite itself is on the Vermont side of the Connecticut River, near the town of Newbury (VT) and across from North Haverhill (NH). This unique location makes it part of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, a network of campsites accessible primarily by water.

Access to Harkdale Farm Campsite is specifically by canoe or kayak. Campers typically launch their watercraft from various public access points along the Connecticut River. For instance, the Upper Valley Land Trust, which manages the site, maintains a number of put-in and take-out points along the river. The site is located at River Mile 254 on the Connecticut River. It can be somewhat obscured from the river due to overhanging trees, requiring paddlers to keep a keen eye out for the site marker.

While the campsite is situated in a rural area, the surrounding region, known as the Upper Valley, offers a blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. The nearby towns of Newbury, Vermont, and North Haverhill, New Hampshire, offer some basic amenities and local attractions. However, the primary draw of Harkdale Farm Campsite is its direct immersion in the river environment, providing a sense of seclusion and adventure. Its placement on the Connecticut River also allows paddlers to explore other sections of the river, including other campsites along the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail. This water-based accessibility defines the experience, making it ideal for those who love to explore Vermont's waterways.

• Cleared Tent Site: The campsite provides a cleared area suitable for pitching tents.
• Box Privy: A primitive toilet facility, often a box privy, is available on site. (Note: One review mentioned difficulty finding a privy, indicating it might be less obvious or subject to maintenance variation.)
• Fire Ring: Each site includes a designated fire ring for campfires.
• Picnic Tables: At least one, and possibly a couple, of picnic tables are available for campers.
• River Access: Direct access to the Connecticut River for paddling.
• Capacity: The site is generally designed to accommodate up to 12 campers, making it suitable for groups.
• Firewood: Campers are generally expected to bring their own firewood or adhere to local regulations regarding foraging deadfall. (Given its primitive nature, it's unlikely firewood is provided).
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring all their own drinking water. The river water is not potable without treatment.
• No Showers: There are no shower facilities.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: Campers are responsible for packing out all trash and waste, as there are no trash receptacles.
• No Reservations: Harkdale Farm Campsite is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, as is common with many Upper Valley Land Trust campsites. (This can be subject to change, so verification is recommended.)

• Primitive & Secluded Camping: Offers a truly rustic and isolated camping experience, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and immerse in nature.
• Connecticut River Access: Direct access to the river for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling adventures.
• Managed by Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT): Part of a network of conserved lands, ensuring environmental preservation and responsible management.
• Suitable for Groups: With a capacity of up to 12 campers, it's well-suited for group outings.
• Picnic Tables Provided: A convenient amenity for primitive sites, offering a stable surface for meals.
• Fire Rings for Campfires: Essential for traditional camping, allowing for cooking and evening gatherings.
• "Easy Access" for Paddlers: While water-based, it's considered easily accessible by canoe or kayak from the river.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Connecticut River Valley, offering picturesque views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural riverine environment provides opportunities to observe local wildlife.
• "Big Site": Often described as a spacious site, providing ample room for tents and gear.
• Non-Motorized Access Focus: Emphasizes a quiet, human-powered outdoor experience.

As a primitive campsite managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) and part of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, Harkdale Farm Campsite does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private, amenity-rich campground might. Its primary purpose is to provide public access to outdoor recreation and support conservation efforts.

The site is generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning there is no reservation fee or per-night charge in the traditional sense, although donations to the Upper Valley Land Trust for the maintenance of these sites are always encouraged and appreciated. This model inherently makes it a very affordable option for campers who are equipped for primitive settings.

Any "value" or "special offer" from Harkdale Farm Campsite comes from the unique experience it provides:

• Free (or donation-based) access to a unique riverside camping spot.
• The opportunity for a true wilderness immersion, often difficult to find without significant cost.
• Support for the conservation work of the Upper Valley Land Trust, contributing to the preservation of natural spaces for public enjoyment.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on site availability and any suggested donations, it's advisable to check the Upper Valley Land Trust's official website or resources pertaining to the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail.

Since Harkdale Farm Campsite is a primitive paddler campsite managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust, direct contact regarding the campsite itself is usually through the UVLT. While a phone number is provided, it likely connects to a broader UVLT contact rather than a dedicated campsite manager.

Address: 3XH8+2VR, Haverhill, VT 05051, USA (This is a general location marker for the site on the river, not a physical office.)

Phone: (603) 643-6626

Mobile Phone: +1 603-643-6626

For detailed information about the campsite, its current conditions, access points, and guidelines, it is highly recommended to consult the Upper Valley Land Trust's official website or resources specifically for the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail. These online resources typically provide maps, descriptions of each site, and any important alerts regarding conditions. While you can call the provided number for general inquiries, the most specific and up-to-date information for planning a primitive river camping trip will likely be found through the UVLT's digital platforms.

For Vermonters, Harkdale Farm Campsite is a prime example of accessible wilderness that resonates deeply with the state’s outdoor-loving ethos. Its primitive, water-access-only nature means it's perfectly suited for local canoeists and kayakers who are already equipped for such adventures and value the solitude away from crowded, developed sites. This isn't a place for casual drive-up campers, but rather a rewarding destination for those who appreciate the effort involved in reaching a truly secluded spot.

The campsite's location directly on the Connecticut River, nestled in the picturesque Upper Valley, offers an authentic Vermont experience. Locals can explore familiar waterways, enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets over the river, and immerse themselves in the natural environment that defines their state. The fact that it's managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust also aligns with local values of conservation and responsible land stewardship, ensuring these beautiful spaces remain available for future generations to enjoy.

Furthermore, for those in Vermont seeking an affordable and low-key getaway, Harkdale Farm Campsite provides an excellent option. Its first-come, first-served model and the lack of traditional fees (relying instead on donations) make it a budget-friendly choice for individuals or groups. It's an opportunity to unplug, build a campfire, and truly connect with Vermont's wild side, all within a reasonable paddling distance for many residents. Harkdale Farm Campsite truly embodies the spirit of self-sufficient outdoor adventure that many Vermonters cherish.

Harkdale Farm Campsite

3XH8+2VR, Haverhill, VT 05051, USA