Cold River Camp

- 32 AMC Rd N, Chatham, NH 03813

Introduction / Overview

For generations of New Hampshire families and outdoor enthusiasts, the **Cold River Camp (CRC)** is not just a place to stay—it is an enduring White Mountains tradition. Affiliated with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and operating since 1919, CRC offers a unique, all-inclusive, and intentionally rustic family-camp experience nestled in the picturesque **Evans Notch** region of the White Mountain National Forest. It's a cherished retreat that promises a genuine escape from the demands of the modern world, encouraging guests to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature, community, and the timeless beauty of the Granite State’s mountains.

Unlike typical campgrounds that cater to RVs and traditional tent sites, Cold River Camp provides accommodation in charming, rustic cabins—often featuring wood stoves or fireplaces—and a central hub of activity. The experience is designed to minimize the logistical stress of a vacation; guests enjoy home-style meals served daily, allowing them to focus entirely on relaxation and exploration. With a strong emphasis on outdoor activities, from swimming in the Cold River to guided hikes led by experienced trip leaders, CRC is often described by local users as a return to the golden age of summer camp, ideal for creating annual family memories that span generations. As many local reviews attest, the sense of welcoming community, the simplicity of cabin life, and the focus on shared outdoor adventure make this Chatham, NH gem a highlight of the New England summer calendar.

Location and Accessibility

Cold River Camp enjoys a secluded and spectacular location deep within the **White Mountain National Forest**, positioned in the scenic Evans Notch area near the Maine border. This placement makes it a perfect basecamp for exploring some of the less-traveled, yet equally magnificent, parts of New Hampshire’s mountains, including the Mahoosuc, Presidential, and Carter Ranges.

The official address for the facility is: **32 AMC Rd N, Chatham, NH 03813, USA**.

Located in the North Chatham area, the camp is accessible via winding, scenic roads that underscore the remoteness of the setting. While the area is surrounded by wilderness, its location provides excellent access to a variety of trails, rivers, and ponds. Guests should note that the secluded nature of the camp means cell service is typically minimal or nonexistent, contributing intentionally to the "unplugged" nature of the experience. Guests often carpool to various trailheads for guided excursions, encouraging camaraderie and making remote hiking destinations highly accessible. This tucked-away setting ensures that the noise and light pollution of more developed areas are left far behind, delivering the pristine New Hampshire nature experience locals treasure.

Services Offered

Cold River Camp operates on a unique model that provides a comfortable and comprehensive experience focused on hospitality and guided outdoor activity.

• **Lodging:** Accommodation in 26 charming, rustic cabins, ranging from single to family occupancy (sleeping up to six people). Cabins include mattresses, pillows, blankets, linens, and towels.
• **Meals:** Two hearty, hot, home-style meals (breakfast and dinner) served daily, typically family or cafeteria-style in the historic central Lodge dining room.
• **Trail Lunches:** Fixings for daily trail lunches are provided each morning, allowing guests to pack their own custom sandwich and snacks for their day's adventures.
• **Central Facilities:** Access to the historic Lodge (featuring living and dining rooms), a Recreation Hall, and a Library, all with electricity for evening use.
• **Bathroom Facilities:** Centrally located, well-maintained indoor bathhouses with toilets and hot showers are available to all cabin guests (most cabins do not have private plumbing, with exceptions for a few special units).
• **Guided Hikes:** Daily guided excursions led by experienced AMC trip leaders. Hikes are offered at various lengths and difficulty levels to suit all abilities, from gentle forest walks to challenging summit climbs.
• **Ice:** A self-serve ice dispenser is available near the main restrooms for guests to use in their coolers.
• **Off-Season Rental:** The "Winter Cabin" is available for rental from October through early May, featuring a woodstove, electricity, and outhouse facilities (no running water during the off-season).

Features / Highlights

The defining features of Cold River Camp lie in its blend of natural beauty, shared activities, and preserved tradition.

• **Authentic Community Vibe:** A strong focus on community, with shared meal times, evening programs (such as campfires, sing-alongs, games, and presentations), and the celebrated **Friday Night Talent Show** where guests of all ages participate.
• **Riverfront Recreation:** Direct access to the **Cold River** and its natural swimming holes, including a pool above the dam and sun-warmed ledges for relaxing, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of hiking.
• **Junior Naturalist Program:** A dedicated, engaging program for children up to age twelve, offering hands-on, nature-based learning and activities with the goal of earning a Junior Naturalist badge.
• **“Screen-Free” Environment:** The remote location and rustic nature of the cabins encourage a full digital detox, providing a rare opportunity for families to genuinely unplug and bond without digital distractions.
• **Evans Notch Gateway:** An ideal starting point for hiking the peaks of Evans Notch, including the Baldface Circle Trail and trails in the Caribou Speckled Mountain Wilderness. The camp often provides free-to-borrow bikes for exploring the quiet camp roads.

Contact Information

For reservations, seasonal availability, or group inquiries, please use the following contact details.

Address: 32 AMC Rd N, Chatham, NH 03813, USA

Phone (Summer/General Inquiries): (603) 694-3291

Mobile Phone: +1 603-694-3291

*Note: As this is a seasonal camp experience, it is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for the popular summer weeks. Contact the camp registrar for the most accurate availability and booking process.*

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Cold River Camp is a perfect, unique destination for New Hampshire locals because it offers a fully supported, yet wonderfully rustic, week-long retreat right in their backyard. The all-inclusive nature—with lodging, delicious home-cooked meals, and daily led excursions all taken care of—removes the planning fatigue typically associated with family vacations. This convenience allows busy New Hampshire families to fully immerse themselves in the spectacular **White Mountain National Forest** without needing to coordinate every meal, trail map, or activity. As noted by a local reviewer, the experience is like "travel back in time to a life without screens," offering a safe, supervised environment where children can roam freely, make new friends, and explore the woods, swimming holes, and trails. It’s an authentic taste of New England's outdoors, preserved for its local community, and a truly effective way for residents to feel "renewed" and deeply connected to their home state's natural heritage. By returning to this rustic, family-centric model, Cold River Camp provides an accessible, annual tradition that enriches the lives of local outdoor enthusiasts.

Cold River Camp

32 AMC Rd N, Chatham, NH 03813, USA