Howard Island South Campsite

For New Hampshire residents who yearn for an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience, Howard Island South Campsite in Haverhill offers a truly unique and secluded retreat. This is not your typical drive-up campground; instead, it's a dedicated paddler's campsite located directly on the majestic Connecticut River. As part of the extensive Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, and managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), this site is designed for those who arrive by canoe or kayak, seeking solitude and a genuine connection with the wilderness.

Imagine silently gliding down the Connecticut River, with the current guiding you to a hidden gem on Howard Island. Howard Island South Campsite is praised for its tranquil setting, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Reviewers consistently highlight the "nice campsite" with a "grassy area for tents" that appears well-maintained, suggesting a concerted effort to keep the site welcoming for visitors. The sandy riverbank provides easy access to the water, perfect for launching or landing your boat.

This campsite is particularly well-suited for groups, boasting a generous capacity and ample space for multiple tents. While some primitive aspects, such as locating the privy, might require a bit of adventurous spirit, the core appeal lies in its undisturbed natural beauty and the opportunity to experience New Hampshire's outdoors in its purest form. With minimal facilities, campers are encouraged to be self-sufficient and embrace the Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that this beautiful spot remains pristine for future adventurers.

Howard Island South Campsite is situated at 4XC3+R3, Haverhill, NH 03774, USA. This places it specifically on Howard Island, in the Connecticut River, near the town of Haverhill, New Hampshire. It’s important to note that this is a water-access-only campsite, meaning it is reached exclusively by canoe or kayak from the Connecticut River.

The campsite is approximately 2 miles downstream from the Woodsville Bridge. As you paddle, Howard Island will appear on your left. The southern campsite is specifically located at the southwestern corner of the island. Paddlers should look for yellow campsite signs and the distinctive features of the island, including a backwater section that flows slowly around its southern edge. This specific access method contributes significantly to its secluded and tranquil nature, making it ideal for paddlers looking for a true escape.

Haverhill, New Hampshire, is a charming town in Grafton County, part of the Upper Valley region, which spans both New Hampshire and Vermont along the Connecticut River. While the campsite itself is remote, the general area offers a blend of rural charm and natural beauty. Nearby towns like Woodsville and North Haverhill provide essential services, groceries, and local attractions, usually a short drive from various put-in points along the river. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and the expansive Connecticut River, providing ample opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond just camping. This island location truly immerses campers in the serene beauty of the New Hampshire riverside.

• Cleared Tent Site: The campsite features a mowed, grassy area specifically cleared for pitching tents, ensuring a comfortable spot for your overnight stay.
• Box Privy: A primitive toilet facility (box privy) is available on-site for human waste disposal, promoting hygiene in a remote setting. (Note: One review mentioned difficulty finding it, so familiarity with primitive privies or looking for signage may be needed).
• Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is provided for safe campfires, allowing campers to cook or simply enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire.
• Picnic Table: At least one picnic table is available, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• River Access: Direct access to the Connecticut River from the sandy riverbank for easy launching and landing of canoes and kayaks.
• Capacity for Large Groups: The campsite is noted as being suitable for large groups, providing ample space for multiple tents and campers.
• No Potable Water: Campers must bring all their own drinking water, as no potable water source is available on the island.
• No Trash Removal: Following Leave No Trace principles, campers are responsible for packing out all trash and waste. There are no trash receptacles.
• No Reservations: Howard Island South Campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are typically not accepted for these primitive UVLT sites.
• No Land-Based Access: Access to the campsite is strictly by watercraft (canoe or kayak). Land-based access is prohibited to protect the natural environment and maintain the site's secluded nature.

• Secluded Island Location: Provides a unique and highly secluded camping experience on an island in the Connecticut River, offering true escape and tranquility.
• Water-Access Only: This is a significant highlight for paddlers, ensuring a peaceful environment free from vehicle noise and foot traffic from non-paddlers.
• Part of Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail: Integrates into a larger network of primitive campsites along the Connecticut River, ideal for multi-day paddling trips.
• Managed by Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT): Benefits from the stewardship of a reputable land conservation organization, ensuring the site's natural integrity and maintenance.
• Spacious & Grassy Tent Area: Reviewers appreciate the well-maintained, grassy area for tents, which offers comfort and ample space for setup.
• Sandy Riverbank: Provides easy and pleasant access to the river, perfect for launching and landing boats, or simply enjoying the riverside view.
• Suitable for Large Groups: Designed to accommodate large groups, making it an excellent choice for family paddling trips or group adventures.
• Primitive & Rustic: Appeals to campers who prefer a minimalist, back-to-basics approach, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
• Leave No Trace Ethos: Encourages responsible outdoor ethics, preserving the beauty of the site.
• Wildlife Viewing: The island and river environment offer opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
• No Charge (Donation Encouraged): While there's no mandatory fee, a suggested donation helps support the maintenance of these valuable public sites.

As a primitive campsite managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) and part of the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, Howard Island South Campsite does not operate on a commercial model that offers "promotions" or "special offers." These sites are primarily intended to provide public access to outdoor recreation and support the conservation goals of the UVLT.

Access to Howard Island South Campsite is generally on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning there is no booking system or per-night fee in the traditional sense. This model inherently provides a highly affordable, nearly free, camping option for paddlers.

Instead of monetary promotions, the "value" or "special offer" from Howard Island South Campsite comes in the form of:

• Free (or donation-based) access to a unique and serene island camping spot.
• The opportunity for an immersive wilderness experience that is increasingly rare and valuable.
• Direct contribution to the conservation efforts of the Upper Valley Land Trust through suggested donations, helping to maintain these vital public resources.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on site availability and any suggested donations, New Hampshire residents should consult the Upper Valley Land Trust's official website or resources specifically related to the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail. These platforms will also provide essential guidelines for responsible use of these primitive sites.

Since Howard Island South Campsite is a primitive, water-access-only site managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), there isn't a direct phone number or on-site manager for the campsite itself. The provided phone number likely connects to the UVLT's general office, which oversees the network of paddler campsites.

Address: 4XC3+R3, Haverhill, NH 03774, USA (This is a general Google Maps Plus Code for the approximate location of the site on the island, not a physical office).

For specific inquiries regarding Howard Island South Campsite, including its exact location, current conditions, guidelines, or to learn more about the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail, it is highly recommended to refer to the official Upper Valley Land Trust website or the Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail website. These online resources provide detailed maps, descriptions, and any alerts pertinent to the campsites. The UVLT's general contact information (phone number for their main office, likely 603-643-6626, if one were to look it up) would be the appropriate channel for broader questions about their land management and conservation efforts.

For New Hampshire residents, Howard Island South Campsite represents an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the state's natural heritage, particularly for those who cherish the state's rivers and a more rugged outdoor experience. Its location on the Connecticut River, easily accessible by canoe or kayak from various New Hampshire launch points, makes it a convenient and unique local getaway. This water-based access ensures a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare in more developed campgrounds, appealing to locals who seek genuine tranquility and a break from the everyday.

The primitive nature of the campsite, offering basic amenities like a cleared tent area, fire ring, and privy, perfectly aligns with the self-sufficient spirit often found in New Hampshire's outdoor enthusiasts. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the environment and the practice of Leave No Trace principles, values that are often ingrained in those who regularly explore the state's wilderness areas. The fact that it's part of the broader Connecticut River Paddlers' Trail also means that locals can integrate a stay at Howard Island South into longer, multi-day paddling adventures, truly exploring the scenic beauty of their region from a unique perspective.

Furthermore, as a site managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust, it reflects a commitment to conservation that resonates with New Hampshire residents who value the preservation of their natural landscapes. The ability to enjoy such a pristine and spacious campsite, often without direct fees (though donations are encouraged for maintenance), makes it an incredibly accessible and valuable resource for local outdoor recreation, reinforcing a strong connection to the unique beauty of New Hampshire's waterways.

Howard Island South Campsite

4XC3+R3, Haverhill, NH 03774, USA