Umbagog Lake Campground

[jarvo9]

Hi,

You all have been so great with our "newbie" questions in the past.  THANK YOU!

Here's another:   We have a trip booked at Umbagog Lake Campground the first week of July.  Having never visited this area or campground,  I was hoping you could tell me everything you know.  

I do have a couple of specific questions:  How would you rate the cleanliness/bathroom facilities?  Any recommendations on trail hikes, canoeing areas with small kids?  My sons are 5 & 8.  

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!

[ForestCreature]

If GeneF peeks in (he's on a trip) he'll be able to tell you about Umbagog. If I recall it is one of his favorite spots. I'm going to guess you wouldn't be disapointed.

[wavery]

Hi,

You all have been so great with our "newbie" questions in the past.  THANK YOU!

Here's another:   We have a trip booked at Umbagog Lake Campground the first week of July.  Having never visited this area or campground,  I was hoping you could tell me everything you know.  

I do have a couple of specific questions:  How would you rate the cleanliness/bathroom facilities?  Any recommendations on trail hikes, canoeing areas with small kids?  My sons are 5 & 8.  

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!!

Never heard of it before but after doing a Google search on, "Umbagog Lake Campground".........
I WANNA GO!!!!

My only experience with Maine in July was from my sailboat as we cruised the coast line and explored some of the more desolate areas. All I can say is...."Bring lots of insect repellent".

[garym053]

Hi Jarvo9,
My wife and I have stayed there quite a bit in the past. Actually met Gene in person there. He spotted my Pop Up Times bumper sticker!

It's 8 miles to the nearest general store. What site do you have? The campground was kept clean. Although we've heard from friends who have stayed there since that it has gone downhill somewhat, but I don't think Gene found that to be true last year.
Lake Umbagog is a big lake, and if paddling, pay attention to the winds! Waves can really build up fast.

The Magalloway River that feeds into Lake Umbagog is a beautiful river to paddle as is the Androscoggin river! This area is my favorite area of any that I've visted in the USA! I cross country ski nearby at the Balsam's in the winter and spend 6 or 8 weekends paddling and/or hiking in the area the rest of the year. Lucky it's only a 2 hour drive!

If you like the wilderness, you'll love this area!

[jarvo9]

Hi Jarvo9,
My wife and I have stayed there quite a bit in the past. Actually met Gene in person there. He spotted my Pop Up Times bumper sticker!

It's 8 miles to the nearest general store. What site do you have? The campground was kept clean. Although we've heard from friends who have stayed there since that it has gone downhill somewhat, but I don't think Gene found that to be true last year.
Lake Umbagog is a big lake, and if paddling, pay attention to the winds! Waves can really build up fast.

The Magalloway River that feeds into Lake Umbagog is a beautiful river to paddle as is the Androscoggin river! This area is my favorite area of any that I've visted in the USA! I cross country ski nearby at the Balsam's in the winter and spend 6 or 8 weekends paddling and/or hiking in the area the rest of the year. Lucky it's only a 2 hour drive!

If you like the wilderness, you'll love this area!

Gary,

Thanks for the info.  It sounds wonderful we can't wait to go!!  We have site #42.  We are staying 4 nights and will be doing some canoeing, fishing and hiking.  However,  we have sons that are 5 & 8 so are time at each or I should say our skill level at each will definately be beginner.  Any specific hikes or paddles you recommend?

My sons are ecstatic about seeing wildlife, especially a moose.  They have never seen one.  Just hoping we do this trip or we'll have some really disappointed kiddos!

Thanks again!
Heidi

[garym053]

Hi Heidi,
If my memory is correct, 42 is on the water near the boat docks. It's a great site, except for the occasional motorboat going out fishing at 5 am! HOWEVER, you want to get up then at least once and paddle East on the lake, on the side where the Osprey's nest is and you are almost assured of seeing a moose or two as you paddle down the lake. That's my favorite early morning paddle!
There are Osprey, Bald Eagles, Loon (although they seem to be in decline on the lake, probably due to an increase in the number of Bald Eagles.) One year we had a family of Otters swimming with us as we paddled.
Be careful driving at dusk or dawn, or any time for that matter, moose can be anywhere and they OWN whatever space they want!

[GeneF]

Darn, Gary, I guess the secret is out about Umbagog.

I'll be heading to Lake Frances June 12 to 14 and then over to Lake Umbagog 15 to 18 for annual fishing trip.

Okay, the beach is great for the two kids.  Sandy, shallow and roped off.  Also a nice large play area.  

Bathrooms are old but are kept very clean.  Actually cleaner than when it was a private campground.  There is one shower in the bathhouse and two outside.  Bring your quarters  I think a shower is 50 cents.

Very limited laundry facilities.  One washer and one dryer.

You can check with the rangers there, but if you take a left out of the cg and head towards Maine, you will come across the Appalachian Trail.  
A couple of short walks there and some water the kids can play in.

Check with the Ranger, I don't remember the name of the place but it is before the Appalachian Trail on the left side of the road.  Not marked but you can park there and take the trail.  About a half mile uphill trail that follows a river.  There are no signs marking this but there is a parking area.  Parking area is right after a row of guard rails.  It is fairly steep in parts. but the little one should be able to manage it.

As you go along the road, you will see a sign for a Moose Cave.  Plenty of parking and a fun walk.  Easy trail with wooden trails to walk on for a good distance.

You won't have far to go for fishing.  Good bass fishing all over the lake.  I have caught some nice bass right in the marina area and along the shore line to the right of the cg.

The river is great for trout but watch your step.  Lots of drop offs if you do not know the river.

Also,  be careful, a trip to Errol and the LL Cote store can be expensive.

We are currently in Saint Augustine FL until April 10 and then a slow trip back to NH.  We are really enjoying ourselves and this cg.  We have already main ressies for two months next year.

Enjoy your trip and be sure to watch a sunset from the beach. One of the best you will ever see.

PS  I do want to restate what Gary has said.  Watch the skies above the lake, wind can come up pretty fast and the lake can get rough.  Best canoeing is early in the morning before a gentle wind comes up.

Also, the moose can be anywhere, especially around dusk and they are hard to see.  Be vigilant when driving.  There are a couple of moose watching (road crossings) on the way to the campground.  You will know where they are by the skid marks in the road or the driver doing 5 mph while you are doing 40 mph behnd him.  Please be careful and enjoy the area.

[jarvo9]

Darn, Gary, I guess the secret is out about Umbagog.

I'll be heading to Lake Frances June 12 to 14 and then over to Lake Umbagog 15 to 18 for annual fishing trip.

Okay, the beach is great for the two kids.  Sandy, shallow and roped off.  Also a nice large play area.  

Bathrooms are old but are kept very clean.  Actually cleaner than when it was a private campground.  There is one shower in the bathhouse and two outside.  Bring your quarters  I think a shower is 50 cents.

Very limited laundry facilities.  One washer and one dryer.

You can check with the rangers there, but if you take a left out of the cg and head towards Maine, you will come across the Appalachian Trail.  
A couple of short walks there and some water the kids can play in.

Check with the Ranger, I don't remember the name of the place but it is before the Appalachian Trail on the left side of the road.  Not marked but you can park there and take the trail.  About a half mile uphill trail that follows a river.  There are no signs marking this but there is a parking area.  Parking area is right after a row of guard rails.  It is fairly steep in parts. but the little one should be able to manage it.

As you go along the road, you will see a sign for a Moose Cave.  Plenty of parking and a fun walk.  Easy trail with wooden trails to walk on for a good distance.

You won't have far to go for fishing.  Good bass fishing all over the lake.  I have caught some nice bass right in the marina area and along the shore line to the right of the cg.

The river is great for trout but watch your step.  Lots of drop offs if you do not know the river.

Also,  be careful, a trip to Errol and the LL Cote store can be expensive.

We are currently in Saint Augustine FL until April 10 and then a slow trip back to NH.  We are really enjoying ourselves and this cg.  We have already main ressies for two months next year.

Enjoy your trip and be sure to watch a sunset from the beach. One of the best you will ever see.

PS  I do want to restate what Gary has said.  Watch the skies above the lake, wind can come up pretty fast and the lake can get rough.  Best canoeing is early in the morning before a gentle wind comes up.

Also, the moose can be anywhere, especially around dusk and they are hard to see.  Be vigilant when driving.  There are a couple of moose watching (road crossings) on the way to the campground.  You will know where they are by the skid marks in the road or the driver doing 5 mph while you are doing 40 mph behnd him.  Please be careful and enjoy the area.

Gary & Gene,

Thank you SOOOO much for all of your info.  It has made me even more anxious to go!   I'm sure my kids and hubby, HUGE fisherman/Kayaker, are going to love this place just as you both do.  It will probably become one of our staple camping trips each year, especially as the boys get older.

Again,  thank you!!! You guys are awesome!

Heidi

[garym053]

You're welcome Heidi! You'll all enjoy the trip I'm sure!

Hey Gene, glad you are enjoying St. Augustine so much! I always loved it theer when I was a kid traveling to FL with my parents.
Wanted MY kids to love it too, but during the 80's much of the tourist traps- Fountain of Youth in particular, had fallen into disrepair. Poor Ponce De Leon's head was sitting on the ground at the base of his statue! Used to be a cigar maker in the old section that I used to buy cigars from for one of my friends here in Vermont.

We're camping at Aziscohos Valley CG on Memorial day weekend and then we'll be back up to either Aziscohos or Umbagog 3 or 4 more weekends over the summer. It's beautiful country up there!

Sorry to "borrow" the thread so blatantly Heidi!

[GeneF]

Heidi

Dw did some digging in our camping log.  Here are the names of the places you might like to hike.  I didn't know the names but good dw keeps track of these things.

Mother Walker Falls.  

Moose Cave

Screw Auger Falls

Steep Falls  (This is the one that is not marked.  Ranger may be able to help you out on directions or another camper at the park.)

I believe they are all within the Grafton Notch State Park.

Enjoy Heidi


Gary

Evidently they have done a lot of work fixing up St. Augustine since you have been here.  City is clean and tourist stuff is in fine shape.  I think your kids would like the area now.  Mine did the week they were here.