Camping with Conservation Starts This Weekend

The Conservation Department is inviting area residents to join them on local camping trips that are taking place all summer long. The first camping trip is this Saturday on Andover conservation land.

While these parcels of town-owned conservation land are typically not open to the public for camping, the conservation staff wanted to make it available for people to enjoy.

That's why, roughly 3 years ago, volunteers in the community started up the "Conservation Escorted Camping."

The camping is open to the public and only requires a $5 donation to cover the cost of a portable toilet. The site is in a pine grove and a layer of pine needles provides campers with soft bedding.

"We’ve tried to keep it as rustic as possible," said program manager Bob Decelle. 

Decelle said the experience is perfect for little ones that haven't gone camping in the past.

"It is a starter camping experience for them," said Decelle.

Conservation director Bob Douglas said that the program was created in order to give residents more opportunity to enjoy town resources.

"We were looking to find new ways to engage the public on conservation land," said Douglas.

While it is certainly not White Mountain camping, Decelle said that the riverfront campsite certainly does the trick once you get out there.

"There’s no houses that can be seen," said Decelle.

The site is complete with picinic tables, four fire pits, a covered pavillion and a boat launch for canoes or kayaks.

Camping dates for 2011 are as follows: May 14, June 11, July 16, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8. Those interested in camping should contact Decelle at campconservation@live.com.