Umbagog Lake State Park, Cambridge, New Hampshire

I found out about this campground while Googling various camping resources online in order to find the most primitive of places to camp. I tent camped there in June 2006.

Describe your camping trip:

I've actually visited Umbagog Lake twice. (pronounced UM-bay-gog) My first trip, ironically, took place at Remote site #5 as well. R5 was a spectacular site, but that's compared to other campgrounds. R5 is actually the least attractive site that's spread out along the shores of Umbagog Lake, because it's on the back (shady) side of Big Island, which is sort of kitty-corner at the end of the lake where it begins its first bend towards the east. R5 is a very dark and damp site.

That first year I opted to canoe with a buddy of mine out to R5. In a word: it sucked. Unless you are really proficient in your canoeing ability (the lake currents can be very strong in places) and have extremely good eye site (the remote site numbers are hard to see from a distance), I suggest taking the pontoon boats that are offered for $35/round trip.

The following year I went again, but this time called the campground ahead and asked for more information on the other various remote sites offered. They sent me a packet of info with specific details on each site. This time we stayed at R7. It's an unbelievable site situated right on the horn of the first bend on Tidswell Point. Diagonally across is the front (sunny) side of Big Island. We took the pontoon ferry out to the site, which got us there in about 5-10 minutes. This site actually has its own private lagoon. There's also a nice smooth ledge of rock along the shore, which is perfect for laying out in the sun.

Pros: Completely untouched by RVs, until they make ones that float. Wildlife is everywhere. Clear bright star-lit skies at night. Clean refreshing water. Friendly people, when you actually come across another human being. Leave the cell phone in the car, because it won't work here.

Cons: none

Nearby attractions: Errol NH has a nice little village store that offers meats, deli vegetables and liquor.

Further comments:

This year I'm taking another buddy of mine out there with our dogs. We're staying at R24, which is further up and situated along the western tip of Tyler Point. It should afford us with some great views down the length of the lake, which will be perfect for star gazing with the telescope.

Whenever we go, we always stay for about 4-5 days. Midway I always schedule a pontoon ferry to come pick us up so we can drive into town for more fresh supplies. Upon returning to the site, we'll take the opportunity to rent a canoe as well. They don't mind hauling it along in the ferry to your site.

This lake is expansive and is bigger than it appears on the maps. Between the campground beach and out to the Big Island the water can get very choppy with strong currents that make it extremely difficult to navigate. Once past Big Island though, the water calms way down and the experience is quite idyllic. When it's time to go, you'll miss the loons singing you to sleep each night.