Summary

Join us for a summer weekend of camping, canoeing, swimming, campfires and camaraderie on Squam Lake in Holderness, NH.   We had a blast in 2016 and have again reserved Bowman Island # 4 for 12 people.  Bowman Island is a 23-acre island located across a narrow channel from Moon Island. There is a dock and small beach at the northwest end of the island and a dock right near our site at the southeast side of the island.

Our spacious site is set-off from the others on the island.   Each site has a fire ring, no grate and nearby composting toilet. 

This trip requires previous paddling or kayaking experience and the physical ability to paddle with gear and provisions. 

On Saturday we will tour the lake by canoe visiting scenic, historic and swimming spots.  

For our trip report and pictures from 2016 please go to

https://www.gayoutdoors.org/page.cfm?typeofsite=trip-report&id=4228

The Squam Lakes Association rents canoes and kayaks to the public at the SLA Resource Center on Route 3 in Holderness, NH.   Participants should contact others to partner for shared canoe rentals, tents and other shared gear.  Boat reservations in advance are suggested.  Anyone planning to kayak should be aware of limitations of space for overnight camping gear.

Information can be found at http://www.squamlakes.org/natural-areas-trails-and-recreation/boat-rentals.

Shared costs for the site will be $25 / person for Friday through Sunday and must be remitted to trip leader by May 1 to confirm a spot.   No refunds after May 1 unless someone takes your spot.  Details for the payment will follow by email.  Canoe rental is not included.

We are required to use the site’s 3 wooden, raised platforms to prevent damage to the ground, so we will try to coordinate tents.   

Suggested Shared Gear: 

• 3 season tent + ground cloth
• Tarp
• Camp stove & fuel
• Cookware
• Pot holder
• Water containers
• Water Filter

Other Gear:

• Dry bags or heavy plastic trash bags
• Sleeping bag / sleeping pad
• Bowl / plate / mug
• Spork or spoon /  knife and fork
• Water bottles
• Sunglasses
• Scrub pads
• Straps / bungee cords
• Camp chair
• Flashlight /head lamp
• Summer appropriate, synthetic or wool (fast drying) base layers plus insulation and wind/water proof layers for mixing and matching.
• Camp shoes, water shoes
• Bathing suit
• Toiletries, sunsreen, wide brimmed hat, 10 + essentials, etc.
• Camp food, festive beverages and Saturday trip lunch

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

Park in the lot in front of the SLA Resource Center on Route 3 in Holderness, NH at 1 PM and meet on the lake side by the canoe shed.  We will pick up our canoes and pack gear for the group paddle to Bowman Island.  Please be prompt for efficient departure, so we can make camp in time for a relaxing happy hour and dinner.