Zion's Recreation Camp Introduce
For New Hampshire residents seeking a peaceful escape from the faster pace of modern life, Zion's Recreation Camp in Raymond offers a unique blend of spiritual tranquility and classic lakeside recreation. Nestled on the scenic shores of Onway Lake, this facility serves as a multi-purpose destination that caters to families, youth groups, and individuals looking for a well-maintained, safe, and clean environment. While it is owned and professionally managed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the camp welcomes a diverse array of visitors who appreciate a wholesome atmosphere where the focus is on nature, family bonding, and respectful conduct.
The camp is situated on the site formerly known as Camp Onway, a location with a long history of outdoor education and youth development in the Granite State. Since being acquired and renovated by the LDS Church, the property has seen significant infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that guests enjoy modern comforts without losing the rustic charm of a New Hampshire woods experience. Whether you are staying in one of the meticulously maintained cabins or setting up a family campfire by the water, the overarching theme of Zion's Recreation Camp is one of "sacred space"—a place where the noise of the world is replaced by the call of loons and the gentle lap of lake waves against the shore.
Location and Accessibility are primary reasons why locals and regional travelers choose this Raymond retreat. Located at 30 Onway Lake Rd, Raymond, NH 03077, the camp is perfectly positioned in the southeastern part of the state. This makes it an ideal "day trip" distance from Manchester, Concord, or the Seacoast, yet it feels significantly more remote once you turn off the main roads and enter the forested canopy of the camp grounds.
- Conveniently situated just minutes from Route 101, providing easy highway access for travelers from across New England.
- Proximity to Pawtuckaway State Park, offering guests additional opportunities for extensive hiking and exploration in the local area.
- The campground features on-site parking designed to accommodate families and small groups efficiently.
- For guests with mobility considerations, the facility provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot and leveled pathways near the main gathering areas.
- Located directly on Onway Lake, a 200-acre body of water known for its clear depths and quiet, non-commercial atmosphere.
Services Offered at Zion's Recreation Camp are focused on providing a self-sufficient and comfortable outdoor experience. The management prides itself on maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety, with many of the daily operations supported by dedicated volunteers who ensure the grounds remain pristine.
- Professional management and maintenance of various lodging styles, ranging from rustic tent sites to fully equipped cabins.
- Access to well-developed infrastructure, including modernized latrine facilities and private shower houses.
- Waterfront services that include a private beach area for swimming and relaxation.
- Availability of watercraft, such as canoes and boats, for guest use to explore the 200 acres of Onway Lake.
- On-site Wi-Fi access for those who need to stay connected while enjoying the natural surroundings.
- Organized youth camp programs and church-affiliated retreats that utilize the camp's specialized leadership training facilities.
- General maintenance and upkeep that prioritize a "trash-free" environment, reflecting the camp's values of stewardship.
Features and Highlights of the property make it a standout choice for those who value quality over quantity in their camping experience. The combination of historical camp structures and modern renovations creates a unique aesthetic that is both nostalgic and functional.
- Beautifully maintained cabins that are frequently praised by guests for being in "amazing shape" and exceptionally clean.
- A expansive private beach with sandy access, ideal for children and safe swimming.
- Dense forestation providing plenty of privacy between campsites and lodging units.
- Spectacular sunset views over Onway Lake, which is a frequent highlight for evening campfire gatherings.
- Archery ranges and outdoor activity areas that support skill-building and physical recreation.
- A "good for kids" designation, thanks to the controlled, safe environment and lack of disruptive external noise.
- Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs, provided they are managed according to the camp's respectful community guidelines.
- A dedicated recreation hall and gathering spaces for larger group meals or indoor activities during inclement weather.
To inquire about availability, make a reservation for a family trip, or learn more about the specific guidelines for the upcoming season, you can contact the camp office directly. As this is a professionally managed facility with specific standards of conduct, it is recommended to call ahead for booking details.
Contact Information:
Address: 30 Onway Lake Rd, Raymond, NH 03077, USA
Phone: (603) 895-2354
Mobile Phone: +1 603-895-2354
What is worth choosing about Zion's Recreation Camp is the guaranteed peace of mind that comes with a professionally managed, church-owned facility. For families who are often disappointed by the rowdiness or lack of maintenance at public or commercial campgrounds, Zion's offers a "safe haven." The strict adherence to family-friendly conduct—including a focus on quiet hours and clean living—ensures that your primary memory of the trip will be the nature around you rather than the behavior of other campers. This makes it particularly worth choosing for those traveling with young children or those who want a spiritual, meditative quality to their time outdoors.
Additionally, the value of the infrastructure is significant. From the "amazing shape" of the cabins to the high-quality private showers and the well-organized waterfront, you are receiving a premium outdoor experience. The ability to use on-site boats to traverse a private-feeling lake like Onway adds a level of convenience that typically costs much more at commercial resorts. When you choose Zion's Recreation Camp, you are choosing a community-minded environment where the beauty of the New Hampshire landscape is treated with the reverence it deserves, making every sunset on the lake feel like a personal and profound experience.
Location
Customer Reviews
We came here for a family trip, not a camp. Stayed a few days in the little cabin by the lake and just enjoyed the area, the campfire, and the gorgeous sunsets on the lake. A beautiful area and a quiet place.
Great way to meet nature and an incredibly safe place. Plenty of privacy and the cabins are in amazing shape. Lots of trees and well developed infrastructure from latrine to private showers. Amazing beach and access to canoes and boats. This property is owned and managed professionally and extremely clean.
Very special place! Rustic cabins, some with stoves, beautiful lake. There's a craft house, a beach with boats, am amphitheater looking over the lake with a firepit, and more. The missionaries that oversee the camp are wonderful and many church congregations come each summer to instruct and have fun with their youth groups. The youth groups also come and take turns to get the camp ready each summer, so they are involved in serving and service as well as having fun.
I attended a church women's retreat and had a great time. I would have slept better if I had remembered how hard the mattresses are and brought my own air mattress. I went canoeing on the lake worth a buddy and participated in other activities. Great group of people.
Great place to view a sunset.
More Places to Explore Nearby
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