Camp Creager, Merrimack, NH

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents and local organizations seeking a peaceful, traditional outdoor experience right in the heart of the Merrimack Valley, Camp Creager stands as a truly unique and respected resource. Nestled along the beautiful Souhegan River in Merrimack, this 23-acre property offers a rustic, nature-focused retreat that is deeply rooted in the local community. Formerly known as Camp Whip-O-Will, the camp was officially renamed Camp Creager to honor Anita Creager, a long-time Merrimack resident and dedicated volunteer who devoted over five decades to scouting and diligently maintaining this property.

Camp Creager is primarily dedicated for use by the local Scouting America community (formerly the Daniel Webster Council/Boy Scouts of America), making it a cornerstone for youth development, character building, and outdoor education in the region. However, the property is often available for use by other local groups, providing a much-needed, accessible location for traditional, tent-based camping experiences. As one customer review attests, it is recognized as "a beautiful camp for all scouts very well maintained and peaceful," underscoring its commitment to a clean, well-preserved, and tranquil environment. This facility is the perfect answer for New Hampshire groups looking for an authentic, uncommercialized campout experience close to home.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Creager is ideally situated for easy access by residents throughout Southern New Hampshire. Its location in Merrimack places it conveniently near major population centers like Nashua and Manchester, making it an excellent spot for weekend excursions without the long drive into the more remote northern parts of the state. This proximity allows local families and groups to maximize their time in nature and minimize travel time.

The camp boasts a picturesque setting, spread across 23 acres of woodlands and featuring approximately 2,000 feet of frontage directly on the scenic Souhegan River. This river access is a major highlight, offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and riverside relaxation when the conditions are suitable, though visitors should always be mindful of seasonal changes and water levels. The camp’s address directs you right to the entrance, which is typically secured by a combination lock to manage access and preserve the property’s tranquility.

Address:

9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA

The rustic nature of the camp means accessibility is straightforward via standard vehicles to the parking area, though the campsites themselves are designed for traditional tent camping within the natural woodland setting. Its location just off main roads makes it easy to reach, yet the wooded acreage and river frontage successfully create a feeling of remoteness.

Services Offered

As a traditional scout camp maintained by a dedicated community, Camp Creager focuses on providing the essential infrastructure necessary for a comfortable and safe outdoor experience, while retaining a rustic, self-sufficient feel. The services reflect a commitment to a clean and functional environment for tent camping and group activities.

Key services and facilities available at Camp Creager include:

Designated Tent Campsites: A variety of clearings and areas throughout the 23 acres are set aside for individual groups to pitch tents, accommodating both small and large gatherings.
Fire Pits and Circles: Each designated camping area includes a fire ring for cooking and campfires, following strict fire safety guidelines and local regulations.
Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available on-site, typically via spigots or a central source, ensuring groups do not need to haul in large quantities of water.
Rustic Restrooms: The camp is equipped with outhouse-style facilities (latrines) in strategic locations to serve the camping units.
Parking Area: Designated space is available for vehicles, though groups are encouraged to minimize the number of cars to maintain the camp’s rustic atmosphere.
River Access: Easy, designated access points to the Souhegan River are available for canoeing and kayaking, allowing groups to launch their watercraft directly from the camp.
Facility Reservation: Local groups and organizations can reserve the property through the Scouting America New Hampshire Council's reservation system for weekend camping or day events.

Features / Highlights

Camp Creager’s appeal lies in its preservation of traditional camping values and its unique natural setting. It provides an excellent base for character-building activities and simple relaxation, away from the amenities and distractions of commercial campgrounds.

The main features and highlights of this beloved local camp include:

Exclusive River Frontage: The 23 acres feature an expansive 2,000 feet of private shoreline along the Souhegan River, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere for nature observation and riverside activities.
A Legacy of Community Service: The camp's history as Camp Whip-O-Will and its renaming to honor Anita Creager highlight its deep connection to Merrimack and the long-standing tradition of local volunteer stewardship.
Ideal for Youth and Group Campouts: As a dedicated scouting facility, it is perfectly laid out for patrol-style camping, leadership training, and educational programs in a safe, familiar environment.
All-Season Availability: The camp is noted as an ideal location for local campouts in all seasons, though access may be restricted during spring flooding, offering year-round training and recreational use.
Rustic and Undisturbed Nature: The property’s rustic setup, deliberately lacking full commercial amenities, ensures an authentic New Hampshire wilderness experience perfect for practicing outdoor skills and "Leave No Trace" principles.
Easy Canoeing Access: The direct river frontage provides excellent opportunities for easy access to the Souhegan River for flatwater paddling trips.

Contact Information

Since Camp Creager is an organizational property managed by the local Scouting Council, reservations and specific details are best obtained through the official channels for the Scouting America New Hampshire Council.

Camp Address (Physical Location):

9 Rivergate Rd, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA

Organizational Phone (Scouting America New Hampshire - Formerly Daniel Webster Council):

The general council phone number should be used for reservation inquiries, as the camp itself may not have a dedicated, regularly staffed line. We recommend searching the latest contact information for the organization that manages the property, which is currently Scouting America New Hampshire.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Hampshire residents, particularly those in the Southern Tier, Camp Creager is an invaluable local asset. It is uniquely suitable because it offers a traditional, rustic camping experience without the necessity of traveling hours up North. This convenience makes it perfect for quick weekend campouts, family adventures, and day-long organizational retreats, allowing locals to reconnect with nature without spending half a Saturday on I-93.

Its deep community roots—having been sustained and maintained by local volunteers for decades, and now proudly named for a Merrimack icon—make it a place where residents can feel a strong sense of ownership and connection. It’s a clean, safe, and peaceful refuge where youth groups learn essential outdoor skills and where simple, rustic camping is the priority. For New Hampshire families and local organizations seeking to instill a love of the outdoors and foster teamwork in an accessible, historically rich, and well-maintained natural environment, Camp Creager provides the perfect, tranquil setting right in their own backyard.