Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base. Daniel Webster Council, BSA, Walpole, NH

Introduction / Overview

For New Hampshire residents who seek a truly rustic, back-to-basics camping experience, the Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base in Walpole stands as a unique and treasured resource. As one of the dedicated camp properties of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), this expansive 200+ acre wilderness base is primarily designed to serve the needs of local Scouting units for troop activities, training, and conservation programs. However, its facilities are also often available for rental by other non-profit organizations and groups seeking a genuine, rugged outdoor experience.

Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base is not your typical commercial campground with full amenities and recreational halls; rather, it is intentionally kept as a wilderness-type camp. This focus on a rustic environment makes it perfect for local users who want to practice core outdoor skills, master the Patrol Method of camping, and immerse themselves in a natural New Hampshire setting with minimal distraction. The property’s defining characteristic is its commitment to conservation and providing a challenging, yet rewarding, platform for developing foundational outdoor leadership and survival skills. For local groups dedicated to education, team-building, and connecting with nature, the Hoge Base offers an unmatched opportunity within the Southwestern New Hampshire region.

Location and Accessibility

The Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base is strategically located in the quiet, scenic town of Walpole, New Hampshire, with the official address being Eaton Rd, Walpole, NH 03608, USA. Walpole is a historic and charming community situated in the Connecticut River Valley, known for its beautiful agricultural lands and proximity to the Vermont border. The camp is set on over 200 wooded acres, providing a secluded atmosphere that feels far removed from urban hustle while still being accessible to New Hampshire residents.

Access to the base typically involves travel on more rustic, rural roads—a key part of its appeal for those seeking a true wilderness experience. The camp's accessibility can be weather-dependent; for instance, it may be difficult to access during the spring 'mud season' without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, and is generally closed to campers during hunting season for safety. Its location in Walpole makes it a great resource for groups located in the Monadnock Region and beyond, providing a convenient and focused destination for outdoor education and group camping without having to journey to the larger, more program-heavy Scout Reservations elsewhere in the state. Local users are advised to contact the Daniel Webster Council directly for up-to-date directions and road conditions prior to their visit.

Services Offered (Note: Services are minimal and rustic)

Undeveloped Campsites: Features multiple undeveloped, marked sites suitable for wilderness and tent camping, encouraging units to practice basic outdoor and Leave No Trace skills.
Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available on-site during the spring through fall seasons, typically via a well pump that fills a holding tank located near the old cabin.
Latrine Facilities: Basic latrine facilities are provided, underscoring the rustic nature of the base and the emphasis on fundamental camping hygiene.
Plumb Lodge Cabin: The property features a single cabin, Plumb Lodge, which is available for rent and serves as a potential gathering spot or base of operations.
Campfire Infrastructure: Fires are permitted in existing fire pits, and groups are responsible for adhering to BSA Fireguard policies, ensuring ample fire water is present, and practicing responsible fire management.
Firewood Sourcing: Unlike some facilities, units are generally permitted to collect firewood from the grounds, using bow saws and axes to process it to the proper length, supporting self-sufficiency.
Facility Rental: The property and its Plumb Lodge are available for reservation and rental by registered Scouting Units and non-profit groups, subject to the Daniel Webster Council’s reservation and cleaning policies.

Features / Highlights

Rustic, Primitive Camping: Hoge Base’s primary highlight is its rustic, low-facility environment, which makes it ideal for true wilderness camping, survival training, and focused skills development.
Conservation Pond: The property features a dedicated conservation pond, offering opportunities for nature study and aquatic conservation projects within the camp boundaries.
Chickering Mine Access: The base is home to the famous Chickering Mine, a well-known site for local rock and mineral hunters. This unique feature makes the base an excellent, hands-on location for teaching programs like the Geology Merit Badge.
Activity Field: A designated activity field provides open space for group games, training exercises, and other unit activities outside of the wooded campsites.
Large Wooded Acreage: With over 200 acres of wooded land, the camp offers extensive space for hiking, exploring, orienting, and practicing Leave No Trace principles in a controlled but wild environment.
Geared for Training: The camp is routinely used for district-level Camp-o-rees and training events for Scout units, confirming its suitability as a functional outdoor educational setting.
Quiet and Seclusion: The remote location on Eaton Road ensures a quiet, secluded, and distraction-free environment, perfect for focused team-building and deep immersion in nature.

Contact Information

For booking, reservation inquiries, and specific information on accessibility and current policies, all local groups should direct their communication through the Daniel Webster Council, BSA.

Address: Eaton Rd, Walpole, NH 03608, USA (Property Location)

The primary method for accessing information and making reservations is generally through the Daniel Webster Council's official channels and their online camp reservation system. Local users can also contact the designated volunteer in charge of the base for specific operational questions:

Contact for Hoge Base: Call Paul Giacomo

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base is an essential local asset for New Hampshire groups, particularly those focused on youth development, conservation education, and outdoor skills. For local Scouting units, hiking clubs, or other non-profit organizations within the Granite State, the Hoge Base provides a crucial, dedicated space that cannot be easily replicated by commercial campgrounds. It offers the ideal setting for "backyard wilderness training"—a place where groups can practice true self-sufficiency without having to journey deep into the White Mountains. The rustic nature of the camp saves on costs and places the focus squarely on the skills being taught, such as fire building, wilderness cooking, and navigation. Furthermore, the base offers a unique educational feature in the form of the Chickering Mine, connecting outdoor activity directly with New Hampshire’s local geology and history. By utilizing this local base, residents and groups are supporting the Daniel Webster Council’s mission while benefiting from a pristine, protected, and purposeful outdoor environment right in the heart of the Monadnock Region. It is a fundamental piece of the New Hampshire outdoor education landscape.