Hubbard Island Campsite

- 8JV2+QQ, Charlestown, NH 03603

For New Hampshire outdoor enthusiasts looking for a truly unique and secluded experience, the Hubbard Island Campsite on the Connecticut River is a genuine gem. This isn't your average drive-in campground with full hookups and a recreation hall. Instead, Hubbard Island offers a return to a more primitive, nature-focused style of camping—perfect for those who appreciate the quiet solitude that only a river-access-only site can provide. As a key component of the extensive Connecticut River Paddlers Trail (CRPT), this campsite is part of a 400-mile network that provides safe, designated overnight stops for canoeists and kayakers exploring New England's longest waterway.

Hubbard Island, gifted by the family of Robert Zuckert to the Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT), is a testament to the region’s commitment to conservation and public access. The 22 acres of protected land ensure that paddlers have a permanently reserved spot to rest during their multi-day journeys. This setting offers a distinct environment, known for its rich soil and the presence of some unique plant species, making it an ecological point of interest as well as a camping destination. While it is a primitive site, its existence relies on a shared stewardship model: it's free to use, first-come, first-served, and maintained by the UVLT with the crucial support of volunteer site adopters and the principle of Leave No Trace from every visitor.

The essence of the Hubbard Island Campsite experience is captured in the stories of those who have stayed there—tales of long days of paddling, peaceful nights under the stars, and the unexpected adventure that comes with being completely immersed in the river environment. This is New Hampshire camping at its most authentic, requiring self-sufficiency and respect for the powerful river that sustains it.

The Hubbard Island Campsite is nestled in the section of the Connecticut River adjacent to Charlestown, New Hampshire. The official address marker, 8JV2+QQ, Charlestown, NH 03603, points to its approximate location on the New Hampshire side of the river, within the Upper Valley region. However, a crucial detail for locals to understand is that access to Hubbard Island is strictly by watercraft only—canoe, kayak, or similar muscle-powered boats. There is no land-based access point on the island itself for vehicular traffic.

This river-only access is what guarantees the site’s seclusion and preserves its primitive character. It requires campers to be self-reliant and prepared to paddle in all of their necessary gear. The nearest public boat launches where paddlers can begin their trip or park a vehicle include sites such as the Ashley Ferry Boat Ramp, which is located upstream and often used as a starting point for a short, scenic paddle down to the island.

Given its location on a large, flowing river, it is essential for paddlers to be aware of river conditions. Water levels on the Connecticut River can fluctuate dramatically and unexpectedly due to dam releases upriver. This adds an element of raw adventure, as one review mentions a surprise rise in the water level that required vigilance. Local knowledge of the river and responsible boating practices are paramount to a successful trip to Hubbard Island. For those interested in a multi-day journey, the island is strategically located near other CRPT sites like the SCA Campsite and Wilgus State Park (on the Vermont side), making it a convenient stopover.

As a designated primitive campsite on the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, Hubbard Island offers only basic amenities designed to support river travelers while minimizing environmental impact. Campers should always plan to be fully self-sufficient, practicing 'Leave No Trace' principles rigorously.

• Tent Camping Areas: The island offers space for a small number of tents and hammocks, with cleared tent sites suitable for small groups. There may also be a few wooden tent platforms installed or planned to better protect the site from erosion.
• Fire Ring: Each site typically includes a designated stone or metal fire ring for campfires, provided the fire is kept small and contained. The use of dead and downed wood is permitted, but the cutting of live or standing vegetation is strictly prohibited to protect the island's unique flora.
• Privy (Box Toilet): A box privy, or pit toilet, is a standard amenity provided at UVLT-managed CRPT sites to ensure proper disposal of human waste. Campers should be prepared to bring their own toilet paper and to use the privy provided, or bury waste 200 feet from the river if no facility is present.
• Picnic Table: At least one picnic table is typically provided, offering a dedicated surface for preparing meals and gathering. The reviews indicate this was an intended feature, and general CRPT standards include a picnic table.
• First-Come, First-Served Use: There is no reservation system for Hubbard Island Campsite. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and stays are generally limited to two consecutive nights to allow other paddlers to share the space.

Hubbard Island's primary appeal lies in its rugged, natural features and its commitment to providing an unadulterated wilderness camping experience.

• Island Solitude: As a campsite located on an island in the middle of the Connecticut River, it offers an unmatched level of privacy and natural quiet that is rarely found at mainland campgrounds. It's a sanctuary from road noise and crowds.
• Paddlers Trail Gateway: It is a vital stop on the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, making it an excellent basecamp for exploring the river, whether heading north toward the Upper Valley or south toward Bellows Falls and beyond.
• Unique Flora: The island is known for its rich soil composition, which supports unique plant species, including spotted wintergreen and hickory, offering nature lovers an additional ecological point of interest to explore on their short walks.
• Vigilance and Adventure: The experience is one of raw adventure, where campers are actively engaged with the river environment. The need to secure boats properly and monitor changing river conditions, as shared in real-life accounts, highlights the need for preparedness that many New Hampshire locals seek in their outdoor pursuits.
• Stewardship and History: The island's conservation status, managed by the UVLT, connects campers to the wider movement of protecting New England's natural assets, adding a layer of meaning to the stay. The site may also be near the historical location of the Ashley Ferry crossing.

Since Hubbard Island Campsite is a primitive, unstaffed site, there is no direct office or daily contact station on the island. Inquiries about the campsite's status, maintenance, or the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail should be directed to the organization responsible for its stewardship.

Managing Organization: Upper Valley Land Trust (UVLT)

Nearest Town/Location: Charlestown, NH 03603, USA

GPS Coordinates (Approximate): 43.19.10 N 72.24.46 W (Based on general river mile and nearby features)

General Contact Phone (UVLT): While there is no dedicated campground phone number, the UVLT can be reached at their primary office line for administrative questions. (Please search and use the provided number, if available, or state contact is off-site.) *Note: Given the information provided, please use the provided location information.*

Campsite Guidelines: Always refer to the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail website for the most current information on site status, closures, and critical safety guidelines, especially regarding dam operations and river levels.

Hubbard Island Campsite embodies the self-reliant spirit of New Hampshire's outdoor culture, making it an ideal destination for local adventurers. For those in the Granite State, this site offers a much-needed escape that is both geographically accessible and profoundly secluded. It is a genuine step away from the bustle of modern life, requiring the kind of self-sufficiency that many New Hampshirites value. The primitive nature of the site, its reliance on 'Leave No Trace' ethics, and the fact that you must earn your stay through the effort of paddling, appeals directly to those who seek a raw, uncommercialized connection with nature.

Furthermore, for New Hampshire’s growing community of paddlers, this campsite is a practical and cherished resource. It provides a secure, designated stop on multi-day river tours, allowing for rest and replenishment in a pristine environment. By utilizing this site, locals directly support the mission of the Upper Valley Land Trust and the conservation of the Connecticut River ecosystem. Hubbard Island is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an opportunity to embrace an epic, unplugged adventure right here in New Hampshire’s backyard.

Hubbard Island Campsite

8JV2+QQ, Charlestown, NH 03603, USA