Meredith Woods Campground, July 23 to 28, 2017

Rating:  4.7 on a scale of 5

Location: This campground was a great location to explore the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It is close to huge Lake Winnipesaukee as well as the town of Meredith. There are many attractions in the area (museums, hiking, boating, etc.)

Lot size: All of the lots here are very large, back ins. Our site (#218) was surrounded by woods on two sides and we could not even hear our neighbor. The privacy of every lot is so nice. Large stone fire pits and picnic tables are at each site. 

Park models and seasonal RVs can be found here, but all of them are immaculately maintained and look great. The lots here are frankly, ideal. 

Amenities: This park has lots of amenities including cable TV (with MANY channels) and wifi (at an additional cost of $10 for the week for 2 devices). Because the local cable company scramble the signal, we needed a cable box (provided by the office). A $50 hold was planed on my credit card account until we returned it. Also, there is a card provided ($10 deposit, also returned at checkout) to open the gate at the entrance. Firewood is sold at the office. There are two washers/dryers at an on-site laundry in the bath house. There also guest restrooms in the office building.

The indoor pool and hot tub are really nice amenities at this campground. They are located in the same building as the office and open the same hours. A patio and playground directly outside the doors of the pool. 

Next to the pool area, are a game room and rec room available during office hours. Also volleyball and basketball courts can be found on the grounds.

A fenced in dog run is located near the office. Our dog, Sadie, had plenty of room on our site to spend time outside.

There is a sister park (Clearwater Campground) across the street that has beach access on Lake Pemigewasset.  Boating and fishing are also popular activities on the lake. 

Family activities are planned and held at the Pavilion and Beach at Clearwater. Guests at Meredith Woods are welcomed at Clearwater Campground. 

Cost: $212 ($42.40/night) 

Management: The folks in the office were great. Everything was handled very efficiently and a nice brochure provides lots of information about both Meredith Woods and Clearwater Campground. The office was open long hours each day we were there, 9 am to 9:30 pm, which was convenient. 

General Comments: There was a really nice campground and we would definitely stay here if/when we are again in this part of the country. The size and level of privacy of the lots was probably the nicest feature along with the indoor poo/hot tub. The only real ding for this place is that laundry room was small with only 2 washers/dryers. (We went to a nearby laundromat and that worked out just fine for us. 

Website: www.meredithwoods.com

Hike to West Rattlesnake Mountain, 7/25/2017

Finally, it was a beautiful day for a hike! We drove to nearby Holderness, NH, from Meredith to the West Rattlesnake Trailhead. There are a couple of parking lots on Rte 113 north about four miles from Holderness. We parked in the one on the right, where the trail begins.

The West Rattlesnake Trail is part of the Old Bridle Path and has yellow blazes. Rated as easy/moderate, the trail is an uphill path with a number of steps. There were hikers of all ages on the trail and it is pet-friendly, too. We met this friendly foursome as we began our hike.

Before reaching the summit we hiked on a small spur trail to a rocky outcrop where there were views of the White Mountains and Squam Lake.

The elevation gain is 450' to the summit where there are spectacular, panoramic views of Squam Lake and its many islands from the open outcrops. 

There were lots of people at the summit and we all enjoyed spending some time on the rocky outcrops after our hike up the mountain. A nearby camp for kids had hiked the trail and were enjoying the views. Many of them stopped by to meet Sadie (which she loved!) We spent some time checking out the specks below that were: boats, swim platforms, houses, etc. 

Huge Lake Winnipesaukee can be seen beyond Squam Lake. 

The entire area at the top of West Rattlesnake Mountain is the Armstrong Natural Area. It is named for the original owners who generously donated the land to the University of New Hampshire. It continues to be a place for recreation and education. 

The hike back down the trail was a lot easier and faster than the hike up! Although you need to watch for rocks and roots along the path. This was a really fun hike because the view at the top is so worth the climb!

On our way back to Meredith Woods Campground, we stopped in at the Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront area in Meredith, NH. 

Public docks are available for boaters (3 hour maximum). There are many restaurants nearby and some on the water. And, of course, our sweet doggie, Sadie, had to go for a swim. 

Taking a leisurely stroll through Hesky Park, we really liked the Meredith Sculpture Walk pieces on display here (others can be seen in various locations in Meredith). 

Stephan Lockawich,  Beverly B. Seamans,

"Tiney," the Swamp Buck Harbor Seal

Rite Dee,

Tres Bien

Drew Klotz, Airblade Dale Rogers, Bird in Hand

The New Hampshire POW/MIA State Memorial is also located in the Hesky Park and was dedicated in 2008. 

Some Canadian geese make the park their home in the summer. 

The beautiful weather enabled us to see some of the beautiful lakes and islands in this scenic area of New Hampshire. 

For additional information about Meredith, NH, click on this link: www.meredithnh.org/