Camping on Conservation Land

We are delighted to have you camp on Conservation Land along the Shawsheen River. We will be camping on unimproved rustic land where camping will be allowed from time to time on specific dates, and will be accompanied by Conservation members. Camping on Conservation land is NOT OPEN PUBLIC CAMPING. Preregistration is necessary through the email site of rhdecelle@gmail.com

 Because the site is very rustic, (and we are trying to keep it that way) previous camping experience is preferred but not necessary. If you have never camped before and need information on what to bring we can provide a list.  Presently there are four fire pits with grates for cooking and all are welcome to use them. You can use a far site if you would prefer more privacy, or one of the close in ones and join a group. Folks can bring camp stoves if they prefer. There are 2'x3' table benches at each site that can be used for camp stoves, seven 8’ picnic tables and a 16’ X 24’ pavilion that offers protection from inclement weather. There is no water or power on the site so all provisions including water must be brought in. (Think handi-wipes for personal cleaning, appropriate utensils for cooking) There is a portable toilet on the site during the season.

While the camping is free, we ask for a donation of $5.00 per person per night to defray the cost. (this season it’s on site over the winter)

 Canoes and kayaks are welcome as we have a good launch site. There are bugs so come prepared. Bring plenty of insect repellent Campers can meet at the Ballardvale train station parking lot at an agreed time and we will proceed from there to the camp site, or you can put your canoe/kayak in the Shawsheen and paddle to the site. We will contact fire and police depts. for permits. 

Contact Bob at: rhdecelle@gmail.com or conservation office @978-623-8600

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Rules governing overnight camping on Town of Andover CONSERVATION land:

  1. You must preregister with the Andover Conservation Commission: (campconservation@live.com)
  2. Tents to be placed within designated tenting areas
  3. Cooking fires in fire rings only with permit from fire dept. No fires to be made in oraround tent area. Fire to stay within the fire ring.NO FLAME IN OR ABOUT TENTS.
  4. Any dead wood on ground may be used for fires. Campers may bring in their own firewood. Clean wood scrap and sawn lumber may be used.
    • THE FOLLOWING IS NOT TO BE BURNED FOR ANY REASON:
      • Pressure treated lumber or scraps
      • Sawn lumber with any type of finish, water based or otherwise
      • Trash or plastics
      • Aerosol cans or propane tanks
      • Garbage
    • There will be no cutting of standing trees or brush.
  5. Please carry all trash out with you when you leave.
  6. No trash, wood, brush or any foreign materials are allowed to be thrown into any body of water.
  7. No alcoholic beverages
  8. All children shall be accompanied, and supervised, by a parent (or guardian). No minors left on the site unattended.
  9. No equipment will be left on site overnight unattended.
  10. Vehicles will be parked in designated areas away from camping areas after unloading.
  11. Please do not feed the local wild life. We do not want to encourage them to scavenge on the site. It can lead to unwanted and dangerous interaction with humans. Animals can easily foul the site as well with their droppings. (Canada Geese)
  12. We ask for a $5.00 per person donation to cover the cost of the portable toilet.
  13. NO PETS

NOTE Conservation personnel are on site for protection of the land. We ask for your cooperation in adhering to our regulation so that all may have a safe and enjoyable experience. Please enjoy your stay and leave the sites clean and in good condition for others. Keeping your Town land and waterways as natural as possible affords everyone the chance to enjoy the camping experience and the outdoors. We all have the responsibility to take care of our public lands.

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