College Camp Lore

The College Camp on Wilson Pond has a rich history. Purchased by President Wallace E. Mason in 1929, the camp was for decades an important part of KSC students' social activities.

A unique feature of the camp is the geographic fireplace, which was built in 1937. Students, faculty, alumni, and friends contributed stones from throughout New England, the United States, and Europe to create the now famous fireplace.

The camp was almost sold in the late 1960s, but President Leo Redfern and alumni rallied to save it. The College Camp remains a beloved gathering place for members of the KSC community.

The Camp Today

The College Camp underwent a complete renovation in 1999 and is experiencing renewed interest from the College community and people throughout the Monadnock Region.

The camp is an excellent place for student meetings, alumni events, and business retreats. The lodge is equipped with comfortable furniture, a gas fireplace, conference tables, a complete kitchen, and a projection screen. It is accessible to people with disabilities.

The 100-seat outdoor pavilion offers an idyllic setting for weddings and is the perfect spot for class reunions and student picnics. The wooded grounds offer unlimited possibilities for recreation and relaxation.

Scheduling and Using the College Camp

Location
The College Camp is just a few miles south of the KSC campus. Take Main Street south from Keene; it turns into Route 12 south. Turn right on Route 32. Follow Rte 32 past the airport (on your right) and Wilson Pond (on your left). Approximately 200 yards past the end of the pond turn left onto Safford Drive. Safford Drive leads you to a stop sign intersection. Turn left here and proceed 100 yards and the camp will be on your right.

Cost
The cost of using the camp for one day is $300 for businesses, for-profit organizations, and the general public; $225 for KSC employees for personal/private events ($75 is a cleaning/maintenance fee, which may be waived by the Scheduling Office); $150 for KSC alumni and students for personal/private events; and $150 for registered nonprofit organizations.

Accommodations
The camp lodge, pavilion, and grounds accommodate up to 200 people. However, there is only enough parking for 50 cars.The maximum occupancy of the lodge is 50 seated and 70 standing. Tables and chairs for 50 are available for your use. There is also a 12-foot-wide video screen; you must supply your own audiovisual equipment. The pavilion has enough picnic-table seating for 100 people.

Alcohol
Alcohol may be served only by a New Hampshire licensed caterer; you may not bring your own alcohol to the College Camp.

Recreation
Recreational opportunities include boating, swimming, and hiking. Swimming and boating are at your own risk.

Caterers/Rentals
Only one caterer is permitted per event. There is a Caterer's Addendum that is part of the scheduling process. For safety reasons, you must notify the KSC Scheduling Office if you intend to rent tents of any kind. Catering Services at Keene State College can be reached at 603-358-2677. There may be additional services in Keene and nearby communities.

Scheduling
For more information about renting the College Camp, please contact Will Howell in the KSC Scheduling Office (603-358-2323). To submit a formal reservation request please complete the Online Scheduling Request Form as well as the KSC College Camp Procedures form.