established in 1919
The mountain trails of the Evans Notch area were first explored by members of the Appalachian Mountain Club (Appies) in 1879. In 1919, through the generosity of Theodore Conant, they were able to purchase the “Ledges” - a church camp located alongside Cold River consisting of six buildings, a tennis court and a cold spring situated on 38 acres of land.
During the initial camp summer of 1919 thirty-seven guests explored the nearby trails and found lifetime friends at the newly named Cold River Camp (CRC). By the following year seven cabins alongside the ravine had been built, welcoming 472 guests for the summer of 1920 with a weekly charge of $18 for a cabin, $16 for a tent. Today, Cold River boasts 26 cabins ranging from single occupancy Chalet and Villa, to large family cabins like Speckled and Caribou that sleep 6 or more, and welcomes up to 70 campers for each of the 9 full service weeks of our summer season and 2 partial service Extension weeks.
As we steward this historic place beloved to so many, we strive to balance honoring history with necessary improvements. Historic buildings are lovingly maintained and carefully updated, while new structures are designed to integrate into camp and the environment. In 2022 the much anticipated Lodge Improvement Project will update and expand Conant Lodge, allowing us to serve generations of campers for the next 100 years.
A Tradition of Friendship
Cold River Camp is not only the buildings, charming as they are… It’s the enduring friendships and connections between guests that have created a Cold River Camp family. Families and friends of all generations hike the many trails in the area, swim in Cold River, or in restful moments enjoy chatting in the Lodge porch’s comfortable rocking chairs while enjoying the antics of the local hummingbirds, or quiet companionship in the Library with a favorite book.
A Tradition of Hiking
Since our beginning in 1879 hikers have been drawn to this magical spot in the White Mountains for its unique setting within a panorama of lovely peaks. The many trails in Evans Notch offer adventures and exploration for every level of ability, right out of camp. Cold pools to swim and cool off in, bubbling springs, above tree line hiking, scrambles up rocky ledges, old mines to explore, artifacts dating back to the logging days, numerous waterfalls and quiet times spent walking along Cold River or our two nature trails, and nearby adventures in The Presidential, Carter, Mohoosuc and Wildcat ranges invite you to discover what this gem of the White Mountains has to offer.
A Tradition of Outdoor Education
Each week at Camp always includes a volunteer naturalist, who not only leads hikes and nature discovery activities but is a resource for questions about the natural world surrounding us at Cold River Camp. Children can become Jr. Naturalists by completing projects related to nature such as identifying trees by their leaves, observing water striders in Cold River and nocturnal walks to hear the barred owls.
a tradition of volunteer work
Cold River Camp would not exist without its committed volunteers who contribute their time, energy and skills to maintain this beloved treasure of the AMC. Dedicated volunteers range from those involved with Open and Closing Weekends in the spring and fall, to summer season hike leaders and naturalists, to campers who work to maintain the gardens and do trail work, to the Cold River Camp Committee (CRCC) - a volunteer board which overseas all facets of Camp management and stewards it’s finances and operations. The CRCC hires professional staff to manage the summer season and off-season use.
and of course, camp traditions
Camp traditions dating back many generations include square dances, poetry readings, BBQs twice a week, the Baldface Circle hike on Thursday, a dip or swim in Cold River before breakfast, a flower show, a day on the Saco or Androscoggin River, shooting the chutes below the dam, the talent show on Friday night, the kerosene lamps in the cabins, sing alongs and the wake up horn in the morning announcing the start of a busy day. Multi generational families return year after year to this home away from home, spending time among friends new and old who share a love of the mountains and a commitment to conservation.
If you are interested in the deeper history of the land around Camp and what is now known as New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Folk Life Learning Center has a breadth of information on Native Americans in New Hampshire.
This interactive Native Land Map can also help you visually explore the lands around Cold River and to learn more about the peoples that inhabited it.
before crc
Twice a year Camp publishes the “Little Deer Dispatch”, a short pamphlet letting Campers and prospective guests learn about goings-on at Camp, news for the season, and other updates from the Camp community. See below for a PDF copy:
Summer LDD 2023: CRC Summer LDD 2023
Winter LDD 2023: CRC Winter LDD 2023