T0nyBKK
I spent 2 nights and three days camping and canoeing at Lake Umbagog State Park in early July with my son and we enjoyed every minute of it! We were riding cross country my motorcycle and I wanted to take a break from the bike and get out on the water to relax, soak in the silence and do some fishing. Lake Umbagog was perfect!We arrived with no reservation or plan and the staff at the main campground were incredibly friendly and helpful. They set us up with a rental canoe and sent us to a fantastic site that was about a mile and a half paddle across the lake. The campsite was huge and clean, secluded and private and the fishing was out of this world! My 7 year old caught more bass than we could eat. Memories we'll never forget!
oldruggedx
Lake Umbagog is a beautiful lake. Unfortunately, this campground spoils the view by allowing RVs on the grassy area in front of the beach -- and these RVs appear to be permanently there. Unless you happen to have the lakeside campsites, you are always going to have your view of the lake interrupted by the site of RVs and other campers. Be aware also that there is no cell phone reception there which might be a good thing if you want to get away from cell phones.
JulieH833
Beautiful countryside and pristine water. Great for kayaks and canoe enthusiasts. Wildlife areas to search for moose .Birdwatchers paradise.
199KimL
I searched online all over New England to find a place like this where we could paddle to a remote location and camp. We were 3 females trying to get away from civilization and back to nature. We were not disappointed. The guys in the office delivered wood to our site. We had a relaxing few days and nights on the river. We paddled around exploring the other sites and swimming at the beach. It has a private secluded feeling and it was exactly what we were looking for. We've already made plans to make this an annual event.
Clareart
I just stayed at remote site 32, an island you'll have all to yourself. It's an easy 3 mi paddle from the marina and provides you with a great site to explore the rest of the lake. With wind, the lake is large enough for some chop, although very little boat traffic. On arrival, the site was pristine with no evidence of previous campers. You'll have a fireplace with grate, picnic table with extension for cooking and an enormous platform tent site that will easily take 4 tents. Actually, it's the largest platform I've ever seen and looks brand new. Plan your stakes accordingly ;) The pit latrine (and this is the only negative I have) was bad. And I've been camping for over 30 yrs....I think they need to step up their maintenance schedule b/c it doesn't have to be like that. Wherever you are coming from, this will probably be a long trip, but make time to do it, b/c it is absolutely worth it. As others have said, the amount wildlife you will see each day will leave you with a smile on your face as you fall asleep. I've done a lot of hiking/camping, US east/Rockies, and Europe, and I saw more wildlife here per day than anywhere else. Really. Bring your binoculars, stay quiet and wait for it.
jessbrown523
There were some great pictyre opportunities while going along this lake. Beautiful. .. especially the wildlife we saw on the lake.
CampinNana
My husband and I camped at Umbagog Lake State Park campground Memorial Day weekend. This was our first time camping here and we loved it. The lake is beautiful and our campsite was great. We will definitely go back. The views are spectacular along Route 26 and Route 16 not to mention the moose and other wildlife. We saw 5 moose in 3 days!
anton_new_england
We return to this State Park at least once annually. The staff (especially Jimmy) are wonderful and will provide all the tips and information you will ever need. We drag the pop up trailer and spend most of the time either on the nearby roads and woods trails looking for Moose to view (always successful, our record was 12 different ones in one morning!) or out on the lake paddling... This visit there was a student program with naturalist there (xxxx in the parks or something like that). We had a blast and took part in the trees program, the stars program at night, and on a lake trip viewing Osprey and the Bald Eagles.Overall, we cannot recommend this place enough. Lots to do in the area, locals are very friendly, etc. Only drawback is the drive but that provides "family" time!
Turks1956
Hello,We are 2 older women, looking for peace and quiet, privacy and spots for 2 tents and 2 kayaks. any recommendationsof specific remote sites on Umbagog?? Thanks,Turks
Bill190190
I am already planning to go back in 2014 for a couple of nights at a remote campsite on Lake Umbagog. I camped for two nights and kayaked a good amount of that time, and just loved seeing the considerable wildlife and enjoying the quiet and remoteness and taking pictures. Watching sunrise Tuesday morning a bald eagle flew right over my head as I stood on the little island campsite I rented (#34). The rangers will bring you and your gear and kayak out to your campsite for fee, on their pontoon boat. The day before while kayaking I saw more eagles than humans (3 to 2). This was in mid September and it gets cold at night so be prepared with hats, gloves, blankets, ample firewood, and good equipment. I also got caught in some squalls while kayaking fairly far from my site and really had to battle some surprising surf to get back safely before dark. This is an amazingly beautiful and well kept secret in New England but people have to understand there's few, if any people out there to help them most of the time and that weather changes and conditions can be sudden. There's also a more conventional campground including cabins right off Route 26 at the main entrance. But - this place is exactly what I was looking for, about 3.5 hours north of the Boston area. I also camped at nearby Mollidgewock State Park for a night after the wilderness experience just to sort of relax and enjoy some heartier food in Errol and smoother kayaking on the Androscoggin River before heading back south.
allenw480
The lake is beautiful and the rivers into it also fascinating. Once we towed a boat to Errol and spent two days exploring the lake. I no longer have that boat and would love to rent one to take my wife out on the water for a couple of days, maybe even explore the Magalloway River.
wandag2013
This is a great lake to go boating. Hooked up with lots of friends. Water is nice and clean, Had a good day on the lake.
toujoursenroute
If possible, stay in a remote campsite. We are older ladies and were afraid to try the remote sites the first visit (no cell service). I would stay at a remote site for one night in the future for the experience. We stayed in the NH State Park Campground which was adequate but I find the northern end of the lake more interesting for paddling. New Hampshire has many beautiful lakes ( my favorite being Squam ) but Umbagog is worth a visit and you will see loons, osprey and eagles. We experienced a gorgeous sunset from our kayaks. Don't forget to bring a light for your kayak if you want to paddle at dusk or night.
cpayson
remote campsite. beautiful lake. minimal powerboat/jetski traffic. reputation as a windy lake, but it was like a bathtub for the 3 days we were there.
AnneL51
My husband did some remote camping up there. The site was beautiful! Remote is the key. Only saw people as we paddled in. The site was built up with rock steps and a small sandy like beach to it. They had a fire ring and a pit toilet. Though no walls around the pit. It's far away from anything you are not bothered. The views are breathtaking for both sunset and sunrise. The calls from the loons echo throughout the lake. Checking in and out was an easy process although parking was tight and they like to make room for boat trailers. Either way it was workable. My husband can't wait to go back!