Moon Island

For residents of New Hampshire, the Squam Lakes region represents a pristine and cherished natural treasure. While many enjoy its clear waters from the shore, a select few get to experience its beauty from a truly unique perspective: camping on an island. Moon Island, located on Squam Lake in Holderness, offers a secluded and rustic camping experience that is unlike any other. This is not a typical drive-up campground with modern amenities. Instead, it is a primitive, boat-in site that promises a genuine sense of remote adventure and tranquility.

This article is a guide for locals, written to provide a clear and factual overview of what makes Moon Island such a special destination. Its defining feature is its inaccessibility by car, which naturally filters out casual visitors and ensures a peaceful and private atmosphere. Managed by the Squam Lakes Association (SLA), the island and its designated campsites are part of a larger effort to preserve the natural beauty of the area while allowing for responsible recreational use. This management ensures the island remains a pristine wilderness haven.

Camping on Moon Island is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural world. Waking up to the sounds of loons calling across the water, spending your day swimming in the clear lake, and falling asleep under a blanket of stars are all part of the unique experience. It’s an ideal spot for those who are prepared for self-sufficient camping and who find joy in the quiet simplicity of nature.

The surrounding lake and its islands are part of a rich ecosystem. The Squam Lakes Association works diligently to protect the lake’s water quality and the surrounding habitats. By choosing to camp on Moon Island, you are not only enjoying its beauty but also supporting the mission of an organization dedicated to its preservation. This sense of stewardship adds a meaningful layer to the camping experience, making it more than just a trip—it’s a connection to the environment.

In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of Moon Island, from its location and accessibility to the services it offers, and the highlights that make it a truly worthwhile and unforgettable choice for your next New Hampshire camping adventure.

Moon Island is located on Squam Lake in Holderness, NH 03226, USA. As an island, it is only accessible by watercraft. Visitors must have their own boat—be it a canoe, kayak, or a small motorboat—to reach the site. The nearest public boat launch is the Squam Lakes Association launch located at their headquarters in Holderness, which provides convenient access. There are also a number of private launches and liveries around the lake that can be used.

The unique accessibility of Moon Island is what contributes to its secluded nature. It ensures that the island remains a quiet and low-impact environment. The remoteness of the site means that campers must be prepared to carry all their gear from their boat to the campsite, which is typically a short distance. It is not a place for those who prefer to drive right up to their site. The effort required to get to the island is a small price to pay for the privacy and tranquility that awaits.

Moon Island is a primitive campground, and its services are minimal. This is a deliberate choice to maintain the natural integrity of the island and to provide a true wilderness experience.

• Primitive Campsites: The island has designated campsites. These sites are typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit or ring.
• No Running Water: There is no running water available on the island. Campers must bring all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. It is recommended to bring more water than you think you will need.
• No Restrooms: There are no public restrooms or vault toilets. Campers must be prepared to use Leave No Trace principles for sanitation, including packing out all waste.
• No Electricity: There are no electric hookups or power sources. The camping is completely off-grid.
• Firewood: Campers should not collect firewood from the island. It is required to either bring your own wood from outside the area or purchase local, certified firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species.

The lack of modern amenities is what makes camping on Moon Island so appealing to those who seek a genuine rustic experience. It forces a level of self-reliance and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.

• Exclusive Island Camping: The most significant highlight is the unique opportunity to camp on a private island. This provides a level of solitude and quiet that is virtually impossible to find at a drive-up campground.
• Secluded Atmosphere: The boat-in access ensures the island remains secluded. There is no vehicle noise, and the only sounds you will hear are those of the lake and its wildlife.
• Stunning Lake Views: The campsites offer beautiful views of Squam Lake, and campers can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and fishing right from their site.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Moon Island is incredible. It's a perfect spot for stargazing and appreciating the vastness of the cosmos.
• Wildlife Viewing: The island and surrounding lake are home to a variety of wildlife, including loons, bald eagles, and other native species. It is a fantastic place for bird watching and nature observation.
• Rustic Charm: For those who love simple, no-frills camping, the rustic charm of Moon Island is its greatest asset.

Moon Island is a Squam Lakes Association (SLA) property. All reservations and inquiries should be directed to them.

Address: Holderness, NH 03226, USA

Phone: (603) 968-7336. The SLA's headquarters can provide the most accurate information on availability, reservation procedures, and specific rules for camping on the island. Reservations are required and can be made through the SLA's website or by phone.

For New Hampshire locals, choosing Moon Island is a decision to embrace a truly special and memorable outdoor experience. It is worth choosing for the sense of adventure that comes with boat-in camping. The effort required to get there is a small price for the reward of complete seclusion and a profound connection to the natural environment. Unlike crowded lake-side campgrounds, Moon Island offers an escape where you can feel like you have the entire lake to yourself.

The primitive nature of the site is not a drawback but a central part of its appeal. It fosters a sense of self-reliance and simplicity that is often lost in our modern lives. The lack of electricity, running water, and other modern comforts encourages campers to focus on the basics: a campfire, good company, and the unparalleled beauty of the New Hampshire wilderness. The fact that the campground is managed by a non-profit organization dedicated to conservation also adds a layer of purpose to your trip, as your camping fee directly supports the preservation of this incredible resource.

Moon Island is the ideal choice for experienced campers, canoe and kayak enthusiasts, and anyone who dreams of a peaceful retreat where the only neighbors are the loons and the occasional bald eagle. It offers a unique and unforgettable glimpse into the wild heart of New Hampshire, making it a perfect spot for your next great adventure.

Moon Island

Holderness, NH 03226, USA