For those who attend, Lantern Light Camps at Wah-Tut-Ca is a mystical, magical place located on Northwood Lake in Northwood, New Hampshire. Adventure is just waiting for you in Southern NH. Nestled between Concord and Portsmouth, Wah-Tut-Ca offers more than 325 acres of heavily wooded forest, bordered by thousands of acres of parks and natural protected easements. Its rich natural beauty and historical roots create a special setting for campers to explore and connect with the outdoors.
Natural Wonders of Wah-Tut-Ca
One of the camp’s most striking features is its more than a mile of shoreline along Northwood Lake. The lake itself is nearly three miles long and up to a mile and a half wide, oriented in an east-to-west alignment. Lantern Light Camps at Wah-Tut-Ca occupies much of the eastern shoreline, providing unparalleled lake access for swimming, boating, and lakeside exploration.
The camp’s landscape includes natural wonders such as a 700-foot talus forested cliff face, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for adventurous hikes. Several pristine high-basin vernal pools add seasonal beauty and provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Additionally, four brooks wind through the camp, feeding into Northwood Lake and creating tranquil spots for exploration and reflection.
Biodiversity and Wildlife
Wah-Tut-Ca’s diverse landscape supports an impressive array of plant and animal life. The camp is home to 27 species of trees and shrubs, offering a rich tapestry of greenery that changes with the seasons. Wildlife sightings are common and add to the magic of the camp experience, with campers often spotting deer, foxes, birds of prey, and smaller woodland creatures.
Northwood Lake itself is classified as a warm-water fishery, and its waters are teeming with life. Fish species include smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, and white perch, providing exciting fishing opportunities for campers and visitors.
A Journey Through History
Wah-Tut-Ca’s land was once an 18th-century farm, making it an ideal place to witness the forest-to-farm-to-forest transformation that has taken place over the last 400 years. Remnants of old stone walls and foundations scattered across the property tell the story of New England’s farming past and offer a window into the region’s cultural heritage.
Exploring Northwood Lake
Northwood Lake is a 653-acre water body located in Rockingham and Merrimack counties in southern New Hampshire, spanning the towns of Deerfield, Epsom, and Northwood. Its outlet, the Little Suncook River, flows west to the Suncook River, a tributary of the Merrimack River. This connection to larger waterways underscores the lake’s ecological importance and historical significance in local transportation and trade.
The lake’s size and shape make it a perfect setting for various aquatic activities. Whether campers are learning to paddle, casting a fishing line, or simply enjoying a sunset from the shore, Northwood Lake offers endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
The Spirit of Wah-Tut-Ca
Beyond its natural beauty and historical significance, Wah-Tut-Ca embodies the spirit of adventure, community, and personal growth that defines the Lantern Light Camps experience. Every trail, waterfront, and gathering spot on the property has been shaped by generations of campers who have explored its woods, shared stories around campfires, and forged lifelong friendships.
At Lantern Light Camps, we are committed to preserving the magic of Wah-Tut-Ca for future generations. Our programs are designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a deep connection to nature, ensuring that every camper leaves with cherished memories and new skills.
Visit Wah-Tut-Ca
Whether you’re a returning camper or visiting for the first time, Wah-Tut-Ca is a place where adventure awaits and every moment is filled with discovery. Come experience the magic of Lantern Light Camps at Wah-Tut-Ca and create memories that will last a lifetime.