Harkdale Farm Campsite, Haverhill, VT

Harkdale Farm Campsite: Your Rustic River Retreat in the Vermont Upper Valley

For Vermonters seeking an authentic, low-impact outdoor experience, Harkdale Farm Campsite stands out as a crucial, beloved stop along the magnificent Connecticut River Paddlers Trail. Situated directly on the Vermont side of New England's longest waterway, this primitive site offers a deep connection to the state's natural heritage, specifically tailored for those exploring the river by canoe or kayak. It embodies the best of Vermont’s commitment to preserving its natural corridors while providing accessible recreation.

This campsite is renowned for its generous size, making it a rare and valuable resource for larger groups embarking on multi-day paddling journeys. Maintained by the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), the site operates under strict Leave No Trace guidelines, ensuring that its riverbank location—set amidst the iconic willows and silver maples—remains pristine for every visitor. Whether you’re launching from a local access point or traveling downriver, Harkdale Farm Campsite offers a welcoming, scenic, and well-stewarded overnight haven. It’s the perfect place for locals to reconnect with the river that defines our eastern border.

Location and Accessibility

Harkdale Farm Campsite is uniquely positioned on the Vermont bank of the Connecticut River, specifically located between the towns of Newbury, VT, and North Haverhill, NH. Its exact river mile placement is documented as 259.00 on the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail.

The site’s approximate GPS address is 3XH8+2VR, Haverhill, VT 05051, USA. It is important to note, however, that this is a river-access-only site. Local users must plan to paddle in, as land-based vehicle access is prohibited to respect the surrounding private property, which includes active farmland.

The campsite is strategically situated on the second large river meander (an oxbow) downstream of Howard Island. Paddlers should look for a high eroding sand bank on the New Hampshire side where a small brook meets the Connecticut River. Harkdale Campsite is located directly across the river from this notable landmark, nestled amongst large willow and silver maple trees on the Vermont bank. In low water conditions, the campsite sign becomes visible above a large, inviting sandy beach—the ideal spot for landing and pulling up boats. This reliance on paddling for access ensures the spot remains a quiet sanctuary, primarily utilized by dedicated outdoor enthusiasts and local paddlers.

Services Offered

As a primitive camping destination, Harkdale Farm Campsite offers essential facilities designed to support low-impact overnight stays while protecting the river environment. Campers are expected to practice complete self-sufficiency, including packing out all trash.

Key Primitive Amenities:

Cleared Tent Site: A large, level, and cleared area is maintained for pitching tents. This site is specifically noted as being "BIG" and good for groups, with a capacity suitable for up to 12 campers.
Picnic Tables: The site is equipped with at least one picnic table, a highly appreciated amenity for meal preparation and group gathering.
Fire Ring: A designated fire ring is provided for safe, contained campfires.
Box Privy: A basic, low-impact toilet facility (box privy) is provided to ensure responsible waste management, though recent reviews suggest visibility can be a challenge.
No Utility Hookups: The site is primitive; no potable water, electricity, or trash removal services are available. Campers must bring their own water and practice 'Pack It In, Pack It Out.'

Site Usage Guidelines:

First-Come, First-Served: UVLT campsites, including Harkdale, do not accept reservations for single parties. They are available to paddlers on a first-come, first-served basis.
Suggested Donation: A suggested donation of $10 per tent per night is recommended to help the Upper Valley Land Trust cover the costs of maintenance and stewardship.
Stay Limit: To allow fair access for all paddlers on the trail, stays are limited to no more than two consecutive nights per site.

Features and Highlights

The true appeal of Harkdale Farm Campsite lies in its natural features and its contribution to the overall Connecticut River experience for Vermont locals.

Exceptional Riverfront Setting:

Ideal Landing Spot: The presence of a large, sandy beach in low water conditions provides an excellent, easy-access landing for canoes and kayaks, a feature not guaranteed at every river campsite.
Covered Bank: The site is partially obscured by overhanging trees and brush along the riverbank, which can make it easy to miss, but this also contributes to its tucked-away, private feel once located.
Group Capacity: The designation as a "BIG site" suitable for up to 12 campers makes it one of the more versatile options for Vermont-based outdoor clubs or large family gatherings.
Oxbow Ecology: Its location on a large river meander (oxbow) often means calmer waters, different ecological niches, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.

Important Site Notes:

Natural Hazards: As a riverfront campsite, users should be aware of potential hazards, including muddy conditions, especially after rain, and the reported presence of poison ivy in certain areas. Awareness and proper footwear are recommended.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to the management and stewardship of Harkdale Farm Campsite, contact the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), the primary steward organization. Please remember the provided phone number is for the UVLT office, not the remote campsite itself.

Address: 3XH8+2VR, Haverhill, VT 05051, USA (Approximate River Access Point)

Stewardship Phone: (603) 643-6626 (Upper Valley Land Trust Office)

Stewardship Mobile Phone: +1 603-643-6626 (Upper Valley Land Trust Office)

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Vermont Locals

Harkdale Farm Campsite offers Vermont residents a quintessential experience on the state's eastern edge, perfectly blending accessible recreation with environmental stewardship. As Vermonters value self-sufficiency, pristine nature, and a connection to the land, this primitive, paddle-in site is an ideal fit. It removes the distractions of modern, high-amenity camping and replaces them with the genuine challenge and reward of wilderness travel.

For local adventurers, the site’s generous capacity makes planning group outings easier, while its inclusion on the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail provides a gateway to exploring a vast network of northern New England's waterways. By choosing to camp at a UVLT-stewarded site, locals contribute directly to the ongoing preservation of the river corridor, reinforcing Vermont's strong conservation ethic. This campsite is not just a stop; it is an active participation in the culture of responsible outdoor recreation that the Green Mountain State proudly embodies. For a truly authentic, river-centric adventure away from the crowds, Harkdale Farm Campsite is a local treasure that should be high on any Vermont paddler's list.