Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park

Accessible only by watercraft, these remote island and shoreline sites on Umbagog Lake require campers to paddle or boat in with all their gear. The sites sit scattered across the northern end of the expansive lake, with some positioned on small islands and others along the mainland shore. Each site includes a tent platform, picnic table, fire ring, and pit toilet housed in a small structure.

Campers typically paddle 2.5 miles from the boat launch at the National Wildlife Refuge, following Bear Brook to reach the sites. The lake's size means site markers can be difficult to spot from a distance, so bringing a detailed map and compass helps with navigation. Several reviewers mention the challenge of transporting firewood by kayak or canoe, noting that natural wood around the sites is sparse. The park offers a boat shuttle service for those who prefer to have gear transported while they paddle back unloaded.

Wildlife sightings are frequent, with eagles, ospreys, loons, and various waterfowl commonly observed from the water. The fishing draws many visitors, and the lake provides good swimming conditions. Jim H. notes that "sites are very clean and private the water is excellent for swimming." Mosquitoes can be intense during summer months, though sites on points tend to benefit from breezes that help reduce bug pressure.

These water-access sites work best for experienced paddlers comfortable with multi-mile trips and self-sufficient camping. For those seeking additional camping options in the region, campgrounds around Errol provide drive-in alternatives.

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There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

NH Senior Citizens are given a $5 per night discount to all campgrounds with the exception of Cannon Mountain RV, Ellacoya, and Hampton Beach. NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites with the exception of yurts and cabins. The discount will be provided once verified at the campground. **This bulletin only applies to camping and is not applicable to park hosted events or tours.**

RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsRemote Sites is located in New Hampshire near Errol

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From I-93: Take exit 36 onto Route 3 North. Follow Route 3, to Route 115, to Route 2, to Route 16, to Route 26. Follow Route 26 for seven miles to Umbagog Lake State Park. From I-95: Take Route 16 north to Route 26 east. Follow Route 26 for seven miles to Umbagog Lake State Park.

Address

Route 26
Cambridge, NH 03579

Coordinates

44.71643 N
71.06453 W

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Remote Sites

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4.5

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6 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned the remote island sites offering privacy, clean facilities, and excellent wildlife viewing. Several campers noted the challenge of transporting firewood by kayak or canoe to these boat-access only locations.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Breath taking!

This is the most beautiful place. The lake is very large. My son and I went took a hired boat out to an island. They boat took all our camping stuff and 2kayaks!  We stayed three nights. There are tent platforms, picnic table and fire pit at each site. We were the only ones on the island. We kayaked in the day. Was amazing! I would highly 

recommend this beautiful spot in NH!

SiteThe island
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

Remote camping win!

The remote campsites at the norther end or Umbagog Lake are wonderful. This trip consisted of my family of five with three kids (ages 5-13), our dog, and friends. We put our boats in at the National Wildlife Refuge and paddled in on Bear Brook. The paddle was just around 2.5 miles and calm flat water. Just perfect for our kids, and far enough feel remote but easy enough for our kids. The sites have a pit toilet and fire ring. While there were plenty of eagles, loons, and fish we only saw two other boats the entire weekend.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by John L., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by John L., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by John L., October 25, 2018
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

Remote site boat access

Stayed at site R18-gorgeous views, clean site with tent platform. Primitive port a potty set up. Worst part is that you will have to figure out how to get firewood there. Which is tough when you are in a kayak, canoe or other small paddle craft. We hade none and what was around to burn was sparse. Thankfully we had a jet boil for cooking or it would have been granola bars and dried fruit for dinner. The other problem was that the sign for the site is tiny, you have to be really close to shore to see it. Make sure the map you get has all of the sites marked out or you will get lost on the lake, use a compass! That being said we will be staying there again.

SiteR16
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Leslie B., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Leslie B., August 26, 2018
Reviewed May. 22, 2018

Best remote tent sites with great fishing!

Some remote sites allow dogs you can book a boat ride out and back if you want to.

We found it easier to book the boat out will all our gear and food and water and wood.

We canoed back which was easier with out the weight of the food, ice and wood.

The remote campsites have pit toilets in an outhouse, fire pits with heavy gril and picknick table w extension for camp stove. There are tent platforms.

Sites are very clean and private the water is excellent for swimming. There is plenty of wildlife including loons, ospreys, eagles and other birds. Moose and Bear maybe spotted. The fishing is excellent!

Wood needs to be purchased at the camp store and at the main campground there are coin operated hot showers! The Staf and Rangers are very helpful and extreamly polite.

Canoes can be rented there also.

We plan on going back each year!j

SiteR11
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Jim H., May 22, 2018
Reviewed May. 16, 2018

Magical

The remote sites at Umbagog are some of the best camping I have ever experienced. Take a party boat to your site and get dropped off for the time of your stay. You can kayak with Bald Eagles soaring over your head, swim in a crystal clear lake and enjoy a near wilderness camping experience. Bring the bug spray mosquitoes are fierce!

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 2, 2017

Remote sites that amaze

Be aware: the main campground (on the mainland) is closed for the 2017 season for renovations. However, backcountry sites are open for the 2017 season.

I love coming here! We load everything (and everyone) into our canoe and head out for a long weekend at the start of each season. We like going the first weekend the campground opens, as it can get super busy as the summer unfolds. There are several local operations that spend time on this lake (and many others in the area) so be advised that there may very well be large groups of teenagers out and about.

We stay at R17 and R37 a lot. We like being totally on an island so our dogs don't bother anyone else. The fishing is also really good here.

Most sites have newly renovated privies and tent platforms, picnic tables and fire rings. Be sure you take plenty of fresh water or enough to treat water from the lake.

The bugs aren't bad if you can find a campsite with a point, the wind certainly helps. Be prepared to fall asleep to the sound of loons and begin and end each day with incredible sun rises and sets.

SiteR37
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Sarah C., July 2, 2017
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Sarah C., July 2, 2017
  • Review photo of Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park by Sarah C., July 2, 2017
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available at Umbagog Lake State Park?

Umbagog Lake State Park offers remote backcountry camping experiences with island and shoreline sites. These remote sites feature tent platforms, picnic tables, and fire pits. Some sites are accessible by canoe or kayak, while others can be reached via a boat service that transports campers and their gear to and from the sites. The park offers a near-wilderness camping experience with beautiful lake views. Some remote sites allow dogs. The main campground undergoes occasional renovations, so it's advisable to check current status before planning your trip.

How do I get to Umbagog Lake State Park in New Hampshire?

Umbagog Lake State Park can be accessed via several entry points. For the remote sites, many visitors put in at the National Wildlife Refuge and paddle approximately 2.5 miles along Bear Brook to reach the northern campsites. The lake is large, so planning your route is important. Some campers arrange boat transportation through the park service to reach remote sites. If bringing gear for an extended stay, the boat service is particularly helpful for transporting equipment to your site.

Is there a map available of Umbagog Lake State Park's trails and camping areas?

While specific map details aren't directly mentioned, Umbagog Lake State Park likely has maps available through the park office or official New Hampshire State Parks website. Since the lake is large with numerous remote sites (numbered sites like R18 exist), having a map is essential for navigation. For visitors planning to paddle to their sites, knowing the layout of the lake and campsite locations is crucial. Contact the park directly to obtain the most current maps of trails, paddling routes, and camping areas before your trip.

Are there campsites near Andover close to Umbagog Lake?

The remote sites at Umbagog Lake are distributed around the lake, with some locations on islands and others along the shoreline, particularly at the northern end of the lake. While specific proximity to Andover isn't detailed, the lake offers numerous remote camping options. Campers can access sites by paddling in from various put-in locations or by using the park's boat transportation service. For exact locations relative to Andover, contacting the park office directly would provide the most accurate information about site distribution and proximity.