You are here

Home » About

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations and Payment...

To Bring or Not to Bring...

Arrival...

The Island and its Amenities...

Activities...

Special Arrangements...

How does the reservations process work?

Starting January 1 of each year, reservations requests are accepted for camping in the summer and fall seasons. Reservations are accepted by U.S. Mail only. Reservation requests postmarked any time between January 1 and February 1 will receive equal consideration. The registrar, using a lottery system, will try to accommodate one of your three choices in the order you listed on the application. If she is unable to do so, she will contact you directly to seek alternative dates. You will receive confirmation by mid-February.

Starting in late February, remaining openings for the fall and summer will be publicized via mailings and the websites, www.outdoors.org, and 3mile.org.

For more information, see the Reservations page.

What if I don't get my first choice of dates?

The registrar uses a lottery to assign space in each week that camp is in session. Depending on your position in the lottery, you may or may not get your first choice. In case you do not, it is important to specify several alternatives. If none of your choices are available, the registrar will contact you directly.

How do I pay my bill?

For the summer season, a deposit of $100 per person per week is required with your reservation application. The balance of your bill is due on the island one day prior to your departure (on Friday of Saturday-to-Saturday camper weeks). We accept cash, personal checks, travelers checks, or money orders. Credit cards are not accepted.

For the fall season, the camping fees are payable in full at the time of reservation.

Can I bring my cell phone with me to the island?

Electronic devices such as cell phones and electronic games are strongly discouraged and are not to be used in the Main House, Retreat, on the dock, or on the trails. There is no electricity available in the cabins. If you must bring your cell phone with you, we request that you keep it out of sight and sound of other campers.

Do we need to bring bed linens?

During the summer season, sheets, blankets, pillow cases, and towels are provided. Campers should bring sleeping bags and towels during the fall season.

Do I need to bring any food with me?

No. Hearty breakfasts, lunches and dinners are served family-style at 8:00, 1:00 and 6:00 daily. Bag lunches are available upon 24 hour notice, for off-island day trips. Snacks and candy are available at the camp store.

I'd like to bring my boat with me to the island. Is that ok?

There are a few small slips available at the waterfront for small powerboats. Contact the managers at least two weeks prior to your visit to reserve a slip. Many campers also bring their own canoes or kayaks. It is sometimes difficult for the croo, on busy transition days, to transport small boats to the island. If you do bring a canoe or kayak, you might want to consider paddling out to the island. It's about 1-1/2 miles from Shep Brown's. Note that the camp has several canoes, kayaks and sailboats available for rent at nominal rates.

Where does the launch leave from?

The camp launch, the "Appy V", leaves from Shep Brown's Boat Basin on Lovejoy Sands Road in Meredith, NH. See the Directions page on this site. Directions will also be mailed to you along with the confirmation of your reservation.

What's the best time for me to arrive on a busy Saturday?

The efficiency of the camp is greatly improved if campers arrive in the afternoon and leave in the morning. There are scheduled launches at 9:00, 12:00, 2:00 (Sat only) and 5:00.

How does my luggage get out to the island?

During the summer, the TMI croo will transport your luggage on the camp launch (The Appy V) or in one of the smaller work boats. Luggage is usually delivered directly to your cabin. It is important to clearly tag your luggage (suitcases, duffels, etc.) with your name and cabin name and number.

For Fall weekends, luggage is left at the main dock. You will have to carry it to your cabin.

Will my luggage get wet?

In case of inclement weather, it is not always possible to provide shelter for your luggage en route to the island. You should consider placing your belongings in waterproof containers such as plastic bags or dry bags.

Describe the cabins and other facilities!

Two-person, 16-foot cabins, with porches, are spaced around the Island shoreline, and offer excellent views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Most cabins have small individual docks. A central lodge, where campers dine family style, also has card and central living rooms. The "Retreat" with fireplace gives the quiet reader a place to go. Horseshoe pits, tennis & volleyball courts are available on Island for more active guests. Canoes, kayaks, sunfish, & day sailing boats may be rented during the guest's stay for a nominal fee. A large central dock and raft complex along with a recreation hall is where many congregate for swimming or to talk with friends. Privies are located within a short distance from common areas and cabins.

A nice column written by Nicholas Howe of the Conway Sun provides additional background on the special TMI experience!

There are three people in our party. Can we share one cabin?

Yes. While the cabins are designed for two people, there are portable cots available to accommodate a third person. Be sure to specify your request when making your reservation.

Is the island available to the physically-challenged?

Yes. Wheelchair ramps have been installed at the Main House, NewCastle and Rec Hall. One of the cabins, Edgewater 3, has a low-angle ramp with railings. If you have any specific questions regarding access issues, contact the summer managers or off-season manager.

Is there a store on the island for day to day items?

There is a camp store located next to the main house. It carries any item that you might need during your stay; snacks and candy, shampoo and soap, books ...

Are there any showers on the island?

There are no conventional showers available. However, a "sun shower" is provided at each cabin. Sun showers are rugged plastic bags that use solar energy to warm up water for bathing. Please bathe away from the lake with biodegradable soap only (available at the camp store).

Are lifeguards on duty at the waterfront?

No. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children at the waterfront and elsewhere on the island.

Is there mail service on the island?

Yes! The U.S. Mailboat "Sophie C." visits the island Monday through Saturday during the summer season at just about noon time. Especially popular among younger campers, the Sophie C. delivers and picks up mail, and sells candy, ice cream and soft drinks.

Are there games or activities provided for children?

For the most part, there are no organized activities provided for children (as compared to a traditional children's summer camp). However, many families spend a large part of each day at the waterfront enjoying swimming, boating and the recreation hall. There is also a junior naturalist program, trips to nearby islands (such as Five Mile Island and Stonedam Island) and visiting lecturers such as the Science Center of New Hampshire and the Loon Preservation Society.

What types of activities are available at Three Mile Island?

Lakeside:
Three Mile is located at the northern end of Lake Winnipesaukee—a 26-mile-long lake with over 240 islands in the heart of New Hampshire's Lake District. There are many hour- to day-long canoe trips around the lake—only limited by the skill and imagination of the canoeist. Popular destinations include Blueberry Island, with a wide, sandy beach, and Stonedam Island, a natural preserve owned by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust. Three Mile has a small fleet of sunfish, kayaks, and small sailboats available for guests. Fishing and sailing are also popular.

Hiking:
The White, Presidentials, Ossipee and Bald Peak Mountain ranges are all an easy day trip from Three Mile. Hikes range from Mount Major, a short family hike with views of the Lake, to all-day hikes in the Presidential mountains. Although there are no camp-sponsored trips, many times a group of guests will go "off Island" for a trip together. There is a beautiful perimeter trail around Three Mile for those who want to spend a quiet couple of hours. Campers may also choose to participate in the maintenance of nearby Five Mile Island, recently acquired by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust as a nature preserve.

On Island Activities:
Three Mile has been carefully managed to conserve the Island vegetation, and there is a large variety of both animal and plant life. Often deer can be found on the Island. Nature walks and activities are conducted several times each week for children and adults by a staff naturalist. Talks are given some evenings by the New Hampshire Loon Preservation Society and the Chewonki Foundation. Friday night features a square dance and a Sunday Hymn Sing is held Sunday evening.

Off Island Activities:
The New Hampshire Lakes District is a summer vacation destination with many local recreational facilities. There are three excellent golf courses within fifteen minutes driving. The Weirs offers several theme parks with water slides, miniature golf and so on. Three cruise boats ply the lake and offer sight seeing for a half day. Squam Lakes Science and Nature Center features many excellent exhibits, including a steam engine driven saw mill. Antique and craft stores are found in large numbers throughout the area.

I am a vegetarian. Do I need to make any advance arrangements? What if I have other dietary restrictions?

Please note any dietary restrictions on your reservation form. There are vegetarian options available at all meals, but the cook and baker need to plan how much of these to make. If you have other dietary needs (such as gluten-free, lactose-free, allergies, vegan) then please contact the summer managers in advance. If you need to bring your own food, we can provide refrigerator space for it.

May I invite a guest for lunch on one of the days during my visit?

Limited space is available for guests at meals. You should contact the summer managers well in advance of your guests' visit. It is usually easier to accommodate meal-time guests mid-week.

Theme by Danetsoft and Danang Probo Sayekti inspired by Maksimer