Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base. Daniel Webster Council, BSA

For those immersed in the tradition of New Hampshire outdoor life, the Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base offers a distinctive, wilderness-focused experience. Located in the picturesque town of Walpole, this 300-acre reservation serves as a vital resource for the Daniel Webster Council of the Scouts BSA. Unlike the highly developed summer camps found in other parts of the state, Hoge Base is a "wilderness type" camp that prioritizes preservation and back-to-basics outdoor skills. It provides a sanctuary for local scouts and families to engage with nature in its purest form, away from the hum of modern life, amidst the rolling hills of Cheshire County.

The history of the base is as fascinating as its landscape. The property was once the home of Pierre William Hoge, a Yale graduate and engineer who settled in Walpole in the late 1940s. A friend of local scout leaders, Hoge bequeathed his land to the Daniel Webster Council in his will, intending it to be a permanent resource for local youth. Since coming under scout ownership, the base has become a preferred site for district events like Camp-o-rees and the Chuckwagon Derby. For residents of the Granite State, it represents a successful bridge between private conservation and public utility, maintaining the rugged character of the New Hampshire woods for future generations of adventurers.

The location and accessibility of Hoge Base make it a prime destination for those in southwestern New Hampshire. Situated on Eaton Road in Walpole, NH 03086, the base is nestled near the Connecticut River Valley, a region known for its fertile soils and unique geological history. While the camp feels remote, it is accessible via local roads, and dedicated parking areas have been established on both sides of Eaton Road to accommodate visitors. However, because it is a wilderness camp, accessibility within the site can be rustic; during "mud season" or heavy winter snowfall, the main road can be difficult to navigate without a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Winter campers often enjoy a mile-long hike into the heart of the property when the access road becomes impassable, adding an extra layer of adventure to the trip.

The services offered at the Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base are designed for self-sufficient campers who value a primitive experience. There are no heated cabins or high-tech facilities here; instead, the focus is on maintaining the environment and providing the essentials for a safe stay. The following services are provided to those with reservations:

• Minimal-fee campsite rentals for scout units and qualifying community organizations.
• Access to a seasonal well water system, which is pumped from a well into a holding tank near the old hunting cabin.
• Provision of basic sanitary facilities, including latrines and outhouses located near the primary camping areas.
• Designated parking on-site for vehicles and group trailers.
• Reservation management through the Daniel Webster Council, including guidance on local fire permits.
• Maintenance of trail systems that traverse the 300-acre property.
• Scheduled availability for district-wide events and training sessions.

The features and highlights of Hoge Base are what truly set it apart from other campgrounds in the region. The property is not just a place to sleep, but a living laboratory for conservation and geology. One of the most notable features is the Chickering Mine, a former feldspar and mica quarry located on the grounds. This site is a major draw for local scouts working on their Geology merit badges or anyone interested in the mineral wealth of New Hampshire. Key highlights include:

• The historic Chickering Mine (Hoge Base Feldspar Quarry), where visitors can learn about pegmatite outcrops and search for minerals like tourmaline.
• A certified wilderness environment that allows for authentic "primitive" camping without tent platforms or cabins.
• Diverse flora and fauna within the 300-acre reservation, making it an excellent spot for nature study and wildlife observation.
• Winter camping opportunities in a serene, snow-covered landscape that is shielded from high-traffic noise.
• Proximity to the historic town of Walpole, which offers a charming backdrop of New England architecture and local farms.
• Educational opportunities centered around the Isaac Fisher Farm history and the local ecology of the Connecticut River Valley.
• A quiet, "secret" atmosphere that is highly valued by local troops for its privacy and seclusion.

For those looking to visit or inquire about hosting a group event, the contact information is handled through the council's central management. The physical address is Eaton Rd, Walpole, NH 03608, USA. Reservations must be made in advance through the Daniel Webster Council to ensure site availability and to receive current information regarding water access and safety protocols. You can contact the Council office or visit their online reservation portal for pricing and booking details. Since the property is occasionally closed during hunting season or mud season, it is essential to coordinate your visit through official channels.

What is worth choosing about Pierre W. Hoge Conservation Base is its uncompromising commitment to a wilderness experience. In an era where many campgrounds are becoming increasingly commercialized, Hoge Base remains a place where you can truly "leave no trace" and test your outdoor survival skills. It is worth choosing for the sense of history that permeates the land, the thrill of discovering rare minerals in an old quarry, and the deep peace that comes from a night spent under a truly dark New Hampshire sky. For local scouts and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the woods as they were meant to be seen, this conservation base is an invaluable local treasure.

Furthermore, the base serves as a community anchor for the Mount Monadnock District, providing a space where generations of New Hampshire youth have learned the values of stewardship and self-reliance. Whether you are visiting for a weekend campout or a day-trip to explore the geology of the Chickering Mine, Hoge Base offers a factual and immersive look at the natural heritage of Walpole. By choosing to camp here, you are participating in a legacy of conservation that began with Pierre Hoge’s generous gift and continues through the active care of the Daniel Webster Council.