Vaughan Meadow

For Vermonters seeking a true escape into nature, a hidden gem awaits on the banks of the Connecticut River in Newbury: Vaughan Meadow Campsite. This unique destination offers a primitive, paddle-in-only camping experience, making it an ideal retreat for canoeists, kayakers, and those who cherish solitude and the untouched beauty of the river corridor. Far from the bustling crowds of larger campgrounds, Vaughan Meadow provides an authentic wilderness feel, inviting you to disconnect from daily life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Vermont's natural landscape.

Vaughan Meadow Campsite is specifically designed for paddlers, meaning access is exclusively by canoe or kayak from the Connecticut River. This intentional design helps preserve its secluded and pristine nature, ensuring a quieter experience for those who make the journey. While some traditional amenities you might find at larger campgrounds are not present, this contributes to its charm as a truly "unplugged" destination. It’s a perfect spot for individuals or small groups looking to enjoy the river, observe wildlife, and experience camping in a more natural, undisturbed setting. Given its designation as a campsite for paddlers, it encourages a Leave No Trace ethic, fostering respect for the environment among its visitors.

Vaughan Meadow Campsite is situated in Newbury, VT 05051, USA. Its address, 2WJF+9C, refers to a Plus Code, a Google Maps identifier that pinpoints its precise location. This site is accurately placed on Google Maps, which is helpful for navigation, particularly when planning your paddle route along the Connecticut River.

The campsite's location is on the Vermont side of the Connecticut River, approximately one mile below the old Bedell Bridge abutment. For paddlers traveling south, the river makes a turn from southeast to south, and you'll notice a broad, wooded bank just above a long, curving beach. Look for yellow campsite signs and a set of wooden steps leading up the slope from the beach.

It is crucial to understand that Vaughan Meadow is accessible only from the river; land-based access is prohibited. This ensures its exclusivity for paddlers and helps maintain its secluded atmosphere. While it might be challenging to find, especially during high water levels when signage could be obscured, the reward is a truly private and peaceful camping experience. As one past visitor noted, locating the site might require careful attention, particularly after heavy rain, which can affect river levels and make the approach silty or muddy. Planning your trip with current river conditions in mind is always a good idea.

As a primitive, paddle-in campsite managed by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), Vaughan Meadow offers a foundational set of services designed to support responsible backcountry camping.

• Cleared Tent Sites: The campsite provides cleared areas suitable for setting up tents, ensuring a relatively flat and comfortable sleeping surface.

• Box Privy: For basic sanitation needs, a box privy is available on-site, contributing to the cleanliness and environmental health of the area.

• Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is provided for building campfires, allowing for safe and contained fires for cooking or warmth. Visitors are encouraged to use only downed and dead wood.

• Picnic Table: A picnic table is typically available at the campsite, offering a convenient surface for food preparation and dining.

• Campsite Maintenance: The site is maintained by UVLT staff and volunteers, ensuring its continued usability and preservation for future paddlers. They ask for a suggested donation of $10 per tent per night to help cover these maintenance costs.

Vaughan Meadow Campsite, while primitive, boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont.

• Secluded Riverfront Location: Its primary highlight is its secluded position directly on the Connecticut River. This offers unparalleled privacy and direct access to the water for paddling, fishing, and simply enjoying the river's flow.

• Paddle-Access Only: The fact that it's a paddle-in campsite ensures a tranquil environment, free from vehicle noise and large crowds. This creates a truly immersive wilderness experience.

• Scenic Views: Being on the river, the campsite offers picturesque views of the water and the surrounding forested banks, providing a beautiful backdrop for your camping adventure.

• Designated Amenities for Primitive Camping: The provision of a cleared tent site, box privy, fire ring, and picnic table offers essential comforts for a primitive camping experience without detracting from the natural setting.

• Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT) Maintained: Knowing that the campsite is cared for by the UVLT instills confidence in its preservation and commitment to environmental stewardship. Their efforts ensure the site remains clean and well-managed.

• First-Come, First-Served Basis: This operational model adds to the adventurous spirit of the campsite, although it requires flexibility in travel plans during potentially busy periods. Campers are encouraged to register in logbooks provided at each site to help monitor usage.

• Capacity for Campers: The site is noted to have a capacity for up to 12 campers, making it suitable for small groups looking for a shared, yet still secluded, experience.

Vaughan Meadow Campsite operates under a specific set of guidelines and a suggested donation system rather than traditional promotions or special offers.

• Suggested Donation: The Upper Valley Land Trust, which maintains the campsite, asks for a suggested donation of $10 per tent per night. This donation directly supports the costs associated with campsite management and helps preserve this natural resource for future paddlers.

• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites maintained by the UVLT, including Vaughan Meadow, are available on a first-come, first-served basis; reservations are not accepted. This means there are no booking-related promotions, but it offers flexibility for spontaneous trips.

• Limited Stay: To allow other paddlers to share in the enjoyment of these campsites, visitors are asked to limit their stay to two nights per site. This encourages wider access to the unique resource.

While there are no typical "discounts" or "deals," the affordable suggested donation and the unique access method can be seen as a value proposition for those seeking a specific type of outdoor experience.

Given its nature as a primitive, paddle-in campsite maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust, Vaughan Meadow does not have a dedicated phone number or typical booking office like larger campgrounds. Information and contact are generally routed through the Upper Valley Land Trust.

• Address: 2WJF+9C, Newbury, VT 05051, USA (This is a Plus Code, used for precise location on Google Maps)

For inquiries related to campsite maintenance, guidelines, or to learn more about volunteering to help maintain this site, you can typically contact the Upper Valley Land Trust directly. Their contact information can be found on their official website. They often have a Stewardship Director who can provide detailed information about their campsites. Since the provided information does not include a direct phone number for Vaughan Meadow specifically, relying on general information from the Upper Valley Land Trust, or checking their website, would be the most effective way to get updated information.

Vaughan Meadow Campsite is an ideal destination for Vermonters who truly appreciate a rugged, authentic outdoor experience and who are looking to explore the natural beauty of the Connecticut River from a unique perspective. For locals, its relative proximity within the state means a shorter drive to the launch point, allowing more time on the water and at the campsite.

This campsite is particularly suitable for those who embrace primitive camping and value solitude over amenities. If you own a canoe or kayak, and enjoy paddling as a primary mode of transportation for your outdoor adventures, Vaughan Meadow offers a rewarding and accessible option right in our backyard. It's a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from technology, observe local wildlife, and experience the tranquility of the river, especially for those in the Upper Valley region.

The fact that it is maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust also resonates with locals who care about land conservation and environmental stewardship. By utilizing and supporting such sites, Vermonters can contribute to the ongoing preservation of our beautiful natural resources. While it may require a bit more planning and self-sufficiency than a conventional campground, the unparalleled peace and natural immersion offered by Vaughan Meadow make it a truly special and suitable retreat for any Vermonter seeking an authentic river camping adventure.

Vaughan Meadow

2WJF+9C, Newbury, VT 05051, USA