Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I need to bring?

For Around camp:

One flashlight per person with extra batteries,
Sleeping bag, although linens and blankets are provided, a sleeping bag will provide extra lightweight warmth on those cool New Hampshire nights,
Insect repellent, stick or lotion,
Comfortable casual clothes,
Bathing suit and beach towel,
Water shoes, rubber sandals or thongs,
Things to share and do (poetry, books, crafts, musical instruments for Talent Night),
Battery lantern (optional) if you choose not to use kerosene lamp in cabin. (Extra battery lanterns may be available at CRC.

For the Elements:

Sun screen and lip cream (30 spf),
Sunglasses and sun hat,
Wool or fleece sweater, hat and gloves,
Windbreaker,
Rain gear for body, head and feet.

For Hiking:

Sturdy, well broken in hiking boots and extra socks,
Daypack,
Reusable lunch bag (you can purchase one at CRC),
Water bottles (quart or liter size),
Shirts and pants for all temperatures,
Emergency whistle,
Guidebooks and maps,
Camera with extra film,
Personal first aid kit (bandages, ace bandage, moleskin, bee sting kit, antibiotic ointment).

2. What is a typical day at Cold River Camp (CRC)?

Campers are awakened by the “horn” at 7 am with breakfast at 7:30 am. Between 7 and 7:30 am, many campers enjoy their first mug of coffee in the Conant Lodge and also put together their lunch from the bountiful spread of ingredients available. During breakfast the hikes and naturalist programs for the day are announced and sign-up lists provided. After breakfast those campers who have not made their lunch may do so. Campers who have signed up for a led activity gather on the front porch of Conant Lodge at the stated time. Those choosing to do other activities are on their own until dinner. Remember to sign out on the "wanderer's list" if you leave camp on your own.

During the day cold drinks are available in Conant Lodge for those staying in camp and for returning hikers in the afternoon. For those campers not hiking, other activities include antiquing in the nearby towns, biking or running the nearby quiet roads, painting, wildlife viewing in a nearby blind maintained by the WMNF, and driving to No. Conway for golf, shopping and other activities.

Two self-guiding nature trails are located within Cold River Camp property. One, the Tea House Path, leads along the edge of the ravine to the Tea House and continues alongside Cold River to the Dam. The other, the Conant Path, wanders along Cold River from near the Dam and makes its way back to Cold River Camp behind Cox cabin. Trail maps are available in Conant Lodge and in your guest packet. Both trails can be combined into one hike of about one mile in length.

A favorite destination after returning from a hike is the Cold River Dam. In the afternoon many campers can be found sunbathing on the ledges, shooting the chutes, swimming in the pool above the Dam, or examining with a hand lens the watery inhabitants of small pools within the ledges.

Dinner is served at 6 pm, during which time reports are given for the day’s organized trips. At 7:30 pm each evening there is a planned activity held in the Recreation Hall. The activity could be a square dance or a program offered by a camper. Each Friday evening features Talent Night and campers are encouraged to participate and to bring musical instruments with them to camp.

3. How strenuous are the hikes?

Each day led hikes are offered by AMC certified leaders. The hikes vary in length and difficulty and can accommodate the abilities of most hikers. The hike leaders are knowledgeable with the trails in the nearby area and can suggest trips for those wishing to hike on their own. For the led hikes, car-pooling to the trailhead is encouraged.

In addition, during each week naturalist hike leaders will lead hikes focusing on the natural world around CRC.

During each week a guided canoe/kayak trip is offered on either the nearby Androscoggin or Saco Rivers. The canoes/kayaks are rented from a local outfitter and there is an additional charge for this event. There will be guided hikes offered on this day as well.

4. Are young children welcomed at Camp?

Yes. Keep in mind, however, that with the exception of two cabins, electricity and toilet facilities are not available in the cabins. CRC does have a sand box and swing set, as well as a lawn area for children to play on. Bicycles are also available to ride while at camp. There is a Children’s Corner in Conant Lodge that is supplied with the appropriate books, games and puzzles. Each family is solely responsible for the supervision of their children.

CRC offers the Junior Naturalist Program for children up to the age of twelve to discover more about the natural world around camp. Upon completion of their assigned projects they are awarded their Junior Naturalist badges during Talent Night.

Children are included in many of the evening programs and are encouraged to participate in the Talent Night on Friday evening.

5. What happens on rainy days?

Rainy days offer a quiet, slower pace from the active sunny day activities. While led hikes will be offered, guests can also enjoy joining others in Conant Lodge to work on a large jig-saw puzzle, curl up with a good book in the woodstove warmed library, catch up on sleep, go antiquing in the nearby towns, or drive over to the No. Conway area for shopping and other activities. Most likely there will be a welcoming fire in Conant Lodge’s fireplace. A table in the Conant Lodge will provide hot and cold drinks during the day for campers remaining in camp.

6. Describe the shower and bathroom facilities

The camp has three central bath and shower facilities conveniently located within camp. The newest, for women, offers four showers with private changing room area, four toilets and a tub in a separate room. In addition, there is a separate men’s shower offering three showers and toilets, as well as a tub. The third facility is located across the camp from the previous two and offers showers and toilets, separately, for men and women.

7. Describe the cabins

There are 26 cabins that can accommodate one to six people depending on the cabin. Trees that provide privacy and a sense of being within the natural environment surround each cabin. Half of the cabins are family cabins located along the south side of camp and extending down towards the dam, see map. These cabins are located on a flat area and are designed to accommodate families of up to six people. The other cabins are located along the edge of a ravine with views toward the mountains. While one ravine cabin will accommodate only one person, the other ravine cabins will accommodate two.

In addition, the Barracks and the Tower also offer lodging for up to six people. Each has inside plumbing and electricity.

Each cabin contains bed, mattress, pillow, blankets, linens and a set of towels for each person. In addition, each cabin has a closet, bureau, chair, bedside table, pitcher with fresh water, bowl, kerosene lamp, waste basket, fire extinguisher, smoke detector, fireplace, wood and matches. The ravine cabins also have decks. A towel change is made part way through each week.

8. What is the camp policy regarding alcohol?

While alcohol is allowed in camp, it must be consumed only in the privacy of your cabin.

9. What is the camp policy regarding pets?

Campers and visitors are not allowed to bring pets to Cold River Camp.

10. Can CRC accommodate my special diet?

CRC has always prided itself in trying to serve good tasting and healthful family-style meals. While we strive to provide a variety of options to respond to as many tastes as possible, we are limited to a set menu for each meal. If you do have specific dietary needs, such as food allergies or a medically restricted diet, please let us know about them when you arrive. We will try to accommodate you as best we can.

11. Is there anything for sale at CRC?

Reusable lunch bags, AMC trail guidebooks, CTA trail maps, CRC bandanas, CRC patches, CRC T-shirts, CRC mugs, postcards, stationary and stamps.

12. Can I bring a musical instrument?

Yes. Many people bring along something to play at sing-alongs, at pick up jam sessions, or at the traditional Friday night talent show. All instruments are welcome. There is a tuned piano in the Recreation Hall.

13. Is CRC only available for summer use?

This year, 2009, CRC will be open as a full-service facility from June 27th to August 29th. From August 29th to September 14th it will be open as Extension Week where campers need to bring along their own sleeping bags and towels, and meals will be provided.

Beginning on October 1st, the Winter Cabin (Convent, "C" on the CRC map) will be available for rental. This facility offers electricity, a toaster, microwave, and a woodstove. Winter Cabin provides a convenient base to explore the area on snowshoes or skis, or a quiet winter retreat for relaxation and observing wildlife. The Winter Cabin closes on May 1st.

14. What are the rates?

All-inclusive summer and extension rates cover all meals, lodging, taxes, firewood, ice and support of AMC programs.

15. How do I make a reservation for Summer or Extension?

To apply for a reservation, you need both the AMC Reservations Form and the AMC Liability-Waiver Form. Both forms must be filled in and mailed to the registrar to make a reservation. Maximum 10 (ten) names per reservation envelope. The reservation forms are processed by lottery in postmark order commencing April 1. Do not mail before April 1. A deposit if $200/person/week ($100/person for extension season) is required. For payment, only cash or checks are accepted. Camp cannot accept credit cards. Make checks payable to AMC-Cold River Camp. Please provide a self-addressed-stamped-envelope for confirmation/reply. Please ensure that each and every person registering has provided an appropriately signed AMC release form. Without these forms, the reservation request will be rejected.

July/August reservations are for a full-week, Saturday to Saturday. Partial week reservations will only be accepted after 6/20 with a minimum stay of 3 nights.

Mail reservations from April 1 to June 20 to:
Lois Winkler, Registrar, 17 Southview St., Pleasantville, NY 10570, (914) 747-3194, before 9 PM, please.

Mail reservations after June 20 to:
Managers, Cold River Camp, 32 AMC Rd., Chatham, NH 03813-5201, (603) 694-3291