ERROL HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Nightfall at Cedar Stump: Boat‑access camping on Lake Umbagog
A boat‑accessible primitive campsite in the northeast corner of Lake Umbagog; this guide explains what to expect, site rules and logistics for stays of one to seven days.
Nightfall at Cedar Stump: Boat‑access camping on Lake Umbagog.
Adventure brief
Nightfall at Cedar Stump: Boat‑access camping on Lake Umbagog
Cedar Stump is a small, boat‑accessible tent‑camping site on the northeast corner of Lake Umbagog operated by Northern Waters Outfitters. The setting is quietly managed: the operator asks visitors to respect site rules, keep the area clean, and observe quiet hours so that campers can enjoy a peaceful backcountry experience.
Lake Umbagog, straddling the New Hampshire-Maine border, offers a quiet refuge from the noise of everyday life, and Northern Waters Outfitters taps into this wild sanctuary with its Cedar Stump Tent Camping experience. Accessible only by boat, this remote site on the lake's northeast corner sets the stage for a pure, undisturbed wilderness escape. The gentle lapping of water against the shore, the towering spruce and cedar framing the campsite, and the vast dark sky overhead create a landscape that feels far removed from modern distractions.
Cedar Stump features six reserved campsites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and nearby outhouses designed to blend into the environment while maintaining comfort. The lake itself is rich with native brook trout and supports a quiet ecosystem where loons call through the dawn mist. Campers here respect a strict code: no disturbing the fire rings, no cutting live trees or peeling birch bark, and quiet hours observed from 10 PM to 6 AM, preserving the tranquility that defines this spot.
Northern Waters Outfitters anchors this experience from their base in Errol, New Hampshire, a gateway town for adventures on Lake Umbagog. They provide flexible booking and essential gear guidance, understanding that visitors come prepared to embrace backcountry camping without the hustle of long hikes—just a peaceful boat ride followed by a night under the stars.
What sets Cedar Stump apart is its blend of solitude and accessibility. Unlike many backcountry campgrounds, you won’t face a rugged trek carrying heavy packs, but you’ll still feel the profound quiet and natural beauty that only a protected wilderness can offer. Whether paddling at dawn or settling in by firelight, campers find a deep connection to a landscape where human presence is gentle and fleeting.
Route Schematic
Route schematic and stops
Typical movements and stops for the outing, from meeting point to campsite.
Northern Waters Outfitters (meeting point)
Groups meet at Northern Waters Outfitters for departure and any trip briefings prior to water transfer to the site.
Crossing Lake Umbagog
A water transfer across Lake Umbagog brings campers to the lake’s northeast shoreline near Cedar Stump; some trip descriptions also reference an overland option of roughly five miles.
Cedar Stump campsite
Arrive at the primitive campsite with a fire pit and picnic tables; campers are expected to follow site rules about fires, tree protection, trash removal and quiet hours.
Site access is presented as boat‑based in the operator description; headline material also cites a five‑mile hike option—confirm access method and any changes with Northern Waters Outfitters before travel, and be prepared to follow on‑site rules regarding fires, trees and quiet hours.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Listed as boat access (and a five‑mile hike option in some notes)
Operator materials note Cedar Stump as reachable by boat; headline information also lists 'Accessible by boat or 5 mile hike' as part of the site description.
Fire pit and picnic tables on site
The site is described as having a fire pit and picnic tables available to campers—amenities explicitly mentioned in the trip headline context.
A tranquil corner of Lake Umbagog
Cedar Stump sits in the northeast corner of Lake Umbagog and is presented as a serene, boat‑accessible camping spot where visitors are encouraged to leave no trace and respect site rules.
What the day feels like
How the outing unfolds
Begin at Northern Waters Outfitters and continue across Lake Umbagog to Cedar Stump, where tent camping centers around a maintained fire ring and picnic table. Time at the site is framed by the operator’s site rules—leave no trash, do not damage live trees or peel bark, clean up after pets, and keep noise down during quiet hours—so the experience tends toward a deliberate, low‑impact escape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits—and who should take extra care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Standard trip duration is 1–7 days; requests for longer stays (CTB) must be coordinated with the operator.
Follow operator guidance: do not move rocks around fire rings or disturb the rings; do not cut live trees or peel birch bark; remove all trash; clean up after dogs; and observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Meet at Northern Waters Outfitters for departure details and any final briefings prior to travel to Cedar Stump.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I camp at Cedar Stump?
Standard stays are 1–7 days; arrangements for longer stays should be coordinated (CTB) with the operator.
How do I get to Cedar Stump?
Materials describe the site as boat‑accessible on Lake Umbagog; headline notes also list an option of a five‑mile hike—confirm the access method with Northern Waters Outfitters.
Are there any amenities at the campsite?
The site is described as having a fire pit and picnic tables available to campers.
Can I move or rebuild the fire ring?
Do not move the rocks around the fire rings or the rings themselves; leave the fire ring as you find it.
Are there quiet hours?
Yes—campers are asked to observe quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes—bring pets but clean up after your dog and remove all pet waste from the site.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T01:51:02.542Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.