created: May 2004
Below you'll find information on campgrounds we visited during our first year with the Chalet;
which happened to be in NH, VT, & Maine. Campground web site links are provided when available.
Our own preferences run toward state and federal campgrounds,
as while providing fewer amenities, they generally provide more privacy
and communion with nature. They are also often in closer proximity to our
favorite activity: fishing. That said; we've come across some very nice
private campgrounds as well. Listed here are only those campgrounds we've
visited with our Chalet a-frame camper; listed by state in the order we visited them.
New Hampshire Campgrounds
The Crow's Nest
Newport, NH, USA
http://www.crowsnestcampground.com/
The Crow's Nest campground is located on the South Branch of the Sugar River. Ray grew up in Newport
fishing all three branches of that river. Just downstream of the campground is a section called Pollard's Mills.
It is know for its numerous waterfalls and deep pools carved out of granite. The lower pool is a favorite
swimming hole. Ray spent many happy days there as a kid; both swimming and fishing.
In addition to river front sites in the pines; there are two fields with drive through sites. Everyone has river access;
the folks in the fields simply have to walk to get there. The bath house we used was new and clean as a whistle.
See pictures on our photo page.
Pillsbury State Park
Washington, NH, USA
http://www.nhstateparks.org/ParksPages/Pillsbury/Pillsbury.html
Just eight miles south of the Crow's Nest is Pillsbury State Park. South on route 10 then south on route 31.
There are four ponds in the park with campsites on all of them. There are also numerous hiking trails.
In addition to camp sites there is a picnic area and day use parking for the hiking trails.
This is a primitive area, with no hook ups or bath house, just pit toilets. Some sites can be reserved while others cannot.
This is a very popular place for tenters; with many walk to and hike to sites on and off the water.
See pictures on our photo page.
Lost River Valley Campground
North Woodstock, NH, USA
http://www.lostriver.com/
Lost River Valley Campground, nestled between Lost River and Walker Brook, is surrounded on three sides by National Forest.
We were amazed at how much this private campground resembled state campgrounds re: privacy and communion with nature.
We remarked to one another that it was like a state campground with electricity! We can't wait to go back.
All the exceptionally well-maintained sites are wooded and there are numerous brook front sites.
They can accommodate trailers up to 32 ft. in length with full hookups, and have sites with just water & electric,
as well as tent sites and cabin rentals. We were extremely pleased with our site on Walker Brook,
but noted that the sites on Lost River could hear the noise of the light traffic on Lost River Road (state route 112).
See pictures on our photo page.
Vermont Campgrounds
Lazy Lion
Graniteville, Vermont, USA
http://www.lazylions.com/
Located high above, yet minutes away from Barre, at 281 Middle Road in Graniteville.
The Lazy Lion is described as an adult oriented campground where you'll find "the calm you're looking for".
We had a spacious grassy site with electricity (see photos section). This is a small private campground,
with a clean restroom/bathhouse, and separate rv-tenting areas. While there is no playground or video parlor
for the kids; we recommend this as a quiet retreat for adults or a pleasant stay for families who spend most
of the day out-and-about this historical area. We were there for an art reception at the SPA Gallery in Barre;
where I have two paintings on exhibit (till July 2, 2004).
See pictures on our photo page.
Maine Campgrounds
Rangeley Lake State Park
Rangeley, Maine, USA
try this website link
or simply call 207-864-3858
Named the number one state park in the August 2004 issue of Field & Stream magazine,
Rangeley Lake State Park offers better than average bathhouse facilities and extensive day use areas
open to all campers at no additional charge, including a paved boat ramp, a beach, and picnic areas.
With a mix of tents, campers, and large rv's Rangeley offers special handicapped sites close to accessible facilities.
The map of the campground area specifies site sizes, the size rv they will accommodate, and which are for the handicapped.
The charming town of Rangeley, a short drive around the lake, has interesting shops and restaurants.
You can find me at the art show the first Thursday of August each year.
See pictures on our photo page.
Wild Duck Campground
Scarborough, Maine, USA
http://www.wildduckcampground.com/
The Wild Duck Campground emphasizes fine adult camping (no one under 21 allowed).
Located on the edge of a salt marsh, the wild duck provides a sense of seclusion on the crowded Maine coast.
There is a launch area for canoes and kayaks, kayak and bike rentals (including electric bikes), and a nearby nature trail.
The main area provides full hookups for big rigs, while a small peninsula is reserved for pop-ups, and another area is reserved for tenting.
The bath house facilities are extremely well maintained and see minimal use due to the number of self contained RV's.
The campground has close access to US Route 1; which takes you into Portland in about ten minutes.
We stay here when I do the art shows in Portland and South Portland.
See pictures on our photo page.
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