Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views
This family-ready, classic cape on Lake Winnipesaukee’s Bear Island is a vacation home where you can “get away from it all” while still being close to the main land, grocery stores, and the Lakes Region’s best restaurants and activities.
Situated on a three-acre peninsula, Camp Chaos is accessible only by boat. The expansive living space consists of a main house and a two-story addition, open kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, outdoor shower, two sizable living spaces with TVs and lending libraries, a children’s library and play nook, two large fireplaces, and more.
Western-facing views means you can enjoy spectacular sunsets from the wrap-around deck and afternoon sun. The “Rusty Anchor” outdoor bar is cocktail hour ready and the large fire pit makes nightly S’mores a must.
The Camp Chaos peninsula is a short walk from Bear Island’s miles of walking trails and an easy 15-minute hike from St. John's on the Lake, a stone chapel that hosts pet-friendly services from Memorial through Labor Day. It’s also a quick boat ride and drive from beautiful downtown Meredith and a 15-minute boat ride from the Weirs Beach boardwalk.
Additional indoor perks include:
- A main house master bedroom with French doors that open onto the front deck and a spectacular view.
- A charming main house “bunk room” with one queen and two twin beds and lots of storage space.
- A second master bedroom (sleeps two) and additional bunk room with twin trundle beds and space to sleep four in the newly constructed Bunkhouse.
- A central kitchen with counter seating and all the equipment you’ll need to cook for a large group. The huge pantry, new refrigerator, and free-standing deep freezer mean you can stock-up and keep grocery runs to a minimum.
- Two Great Rooms (one in the main house and one in the addition)that are perfect for movie nights, board game tournaments, and lounging.
- Pack 'n Play crib
Outdoor amenities also include
A sprawling wrap-around, partially covered porch with classic Adirondack furniture, outdoor dining options, and phenomenal sunset views.
- A large grill and propane tanks.
- A sizable back deck with outdoor seating, an umbrella table, and open space that’ll keep sunbathers happy.
- Horseshoe pit and hammock.
- Covered outdoor bar with a sink, polished wood counters, and electrical outlets.
- U-Shaped dock that can fit three boats as well as plenty of deck chairs and inflatable toys.
*Please note that the property is professionally cleaned between guests and that summer 2020 cleaning protocols have been updated to reflect HomeAway/VRBO and CDC recommendations.
**Guests have the option of contactless check-ins and check-outs
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Please see the Camp Handbook.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
If you bring a pet on vacation, please search the property for solid waste and dispose of it in the trash before you vacate the property.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 9408750
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Meredith
Located in Meredith, this holiday home is in the mountains and on the waterfront. Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and Meredith Historical Society are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Winnipesaukee Pier and Mill Falls Marketplace. Travelling with kids? Consider Winnipesaukee Playhouse and Kellerhaus. Jet skiing, kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Is Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views on 1 July 2026 start from AU$1,098, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Family-Friendly, Spacious Winnipesaukee Retreat with Stunning Views located?
This family-friendly holiday home is located on the waterfront, where area attractions include Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and Kellerhaus. Area attractions also include Funspot Family Fun Center and Interlakes Summer Theater.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is our sixth year at this amazing property. The interiors, views and privacy are a step above the usual island property. And the hosts could not be nicer!
Alice C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2025
The Camp was literally built by my family. It is a magical, quirky, and incredible place, and it has been a joy sharing this wonderful home with you and your guests for the past six years. A building cannot hold too many happy memories, and it's lovely to think that your wonderful summer memories and stories are a part of the Camp now, too. Thank you!
This camp was the perfect getaway for our family. The secluded feeling on the property made it feel like we were the only ones there on the busy lake. The kitchen was stocked with everything
Perfect location with plenty of privacy and easy access (by boat) to all Lake Winni hot spots. The house had everything you need and more. They even supplied some firewood for evening campfires. Kids, dogs and parents all had a great time! Would certainly go back again!
Really enjoyed our stay on Bear Island. The owner was vrey prompt in addressing concerns or questions. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is well stocked, and the front porch and views are amazing. I am hopeful to be back next year!
Another great year. This is a very unique and serene property. Two houses give our kids and their guests plenty of space. Most of our time was spent out on the lake or on the large covered porch gazing at the water all around. Thanks to the host family!
Alice C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2024
It is an absolute joy to have you and your family as our guests year after year. Your team clearly understands "The magic of The Camp." We love how you appreciate the amazing sunsets, the nights that are just chilly enough to light the fireplaces, and all the other wonderful things that make The Camp (and Lake Winnipesaukee as a whole) so extraordinary. We'll see you in 2025! Thank you for staying with us. Such a fantastic group.
Our family enjoyed staying at this house for a week. We loved the bunk house and putting our older children in there . Sitting out on the front porch having dinner every night was great. Enjoyed the fire pit too. The dock was great and kids spent time there jumping off of it! Check in and check out were very easy. Thank you for a lovely week! We will be sure to rent again next year!
Charlotte C.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Aug 2021
Your family was a joy to host! What a fantastic group.
Our family of 5 stayed at Camp Chaos at the end of July. We have vacationed on Lake Winnie for 10 years and this was one of the best! The space was perfect for our family. The wrap around porch is perfect for lake relaxing and beautiful sunsets. The location on the lake is perfect, and the camp is exactly what you would want for a week of lake living. The house was clean and all the amenities we needed. The owners were very helpful and communicative. We would love to stay at Camp Chaos again in the future.
Had a full family with ages ranging from young children to grand-parents, and two golden retrievers, and everyone seemed to have a great time (especially the dogs). Location is central to all the main spots, yet island location provides some privacy. Kitchen had everything you may need for cooking, as well as a grill on the deck. Owner was very responsive and easy to deal with. Only thing I would change, if I could, would be to screen in the porch, and maybe add screens to the bunkhouse. It does get super buggy out there at night, and a lot end up getting inside if you're not smart about turning off the lights (ie… don't attract the bugs). But other than that the camp checked all the boxes for us.
casey m.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2020
Hi Casey,
Thank you for your kind words and helpful advice!
There will be more screens in summer 2021, and other guests will have you to thank. :)
It was a joy to share the Camp with you! Please come back anytime.
Cheers!
Verified
8/10 Good
Raya G.
23 July 2024
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
Pros and Cons
Pros: Great location and privacy. Plenty of linens and towels. It was great to be able to bring both our dog and cat. Cattle landing is close and convenient.
Cons:We chose this property in large part because the description said it had air conditioning. The reality was that only the bedrooms had window units and barely kept up with cooling.
Beware the stairs in the bunkhouse, some are uneven and dangerous.
There weren’t enough chairs to accommodate indoor dining and seating.
The listing amenities could use updating.
As with all island properties, you must bring your drinking water and take home your trash.
It was such a beautiful, peaceful place. I loved it. We all did. The only issue is the parking and permits. It’s a collosul pain in the butt. Now that we’ve done it and we know what’s involved it’d be much less stressful. The property is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thanks for allowing us to share your home.
As life-long lake people, we loved Camp Chaos. It's definitely a *camp* -- things aren't perfect, but that means you can breath a sign of relief and truly relax on vacation. Plenty of space, including different quiet sleeping spaces. Stunning sunsets and close to Cattle Landing (mainland) and all the Bear Island trails. Great communication from hosts, and super private location. Only downside for us was lack of a sandy beach, but nothing watershoes couldn't solve.
Our third year at this property. Views, privacy, plenty of space for our grown children in the separate bunkhouse and a short trip to the mainland for supplies. Thanks again to the owners for our wonderful family vacation!
We had a wonderful time on bear island at camp chaos. Rental was easy in and out. I wish I had read that trash is carry out and water needs to be carried in. Such is island living! Will be back.
Our family had a great time with lots of boating, fishing and floating in the lake. The property is amazing, 270 degree water views and in an ideal location on the lake. The house is indeed "campy" as it was built by owners and there are a number of things that need repair. But overall the house was quite spacious and the rustic aspects add to its appeal. All communications and preparation were wonderful.
This was our first time staying on Bear Island and overall it was a great experience for our family. We enjoyed Camp Chaos' private location (only one house nearby and wouldn't know it's there), nice dock, plenty of porch / deck space, fire pit, and great hiking. Would have liked more space in some rooms to store clothes and only place to sit down for a family meal is on the front porch which was not a problem for us at all ... wind helped keep bugs at bay.
We stayed at this house for one week with a number of teenage children and have enjoyed every minute of our time there. It is definitely campy but very fun.
Location is on a Large Island, Very nice location. Property could use a few upgrades but overall very nice for pricing. beds in bunkhouse need upgrade. We had a great time and owners are nice to deal with. We would return.
Michael F.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
About the host
Hosted by Chelsey & Margot F.
Why they chose this property
F.A.Q. DO YOU HAVE A DOCK OR BEACH? Camp Chaos does indeed have a dock. It's U-shaped and located on the western side of the peninsula, which means that it's a great place to hang out and catch the sunset. There's enough space for three boats and the base of the dock has room for deck chairs, coolers, etc. We don't have a beach. There is a sandy, underwater area on the side of the dock closest to the cove where we launch our kayaks and the canoe.
HOW STRONG IS YOUR WIFI AND CELLULAR RECEPTION? My family uses Verizon for our cellular service and we have never had any trouble getting a signal at Camp Chaos. Friends who use Sprint haven't had any trouble either. Unfortunately, I cannot vouch for other carriers other than to say that guests have not mentioned signal problems. As for the wireless Internet, it can reach all the way from the house down to the dock.
WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY We follow HomeAway’s standard cancellation policy:
100% refund for cancellations more than 30 days before check-in date 50% refund for cancellations more than 14 days before check-in date
I suggest setting a reminder through a digital calendar about when payments are due. We’d prefer not to charge guests for vacations they don’t end up taking, and would rather help you reschedule than charge.
HOW MANY BATHROOMS DO YOU HAVE? The Camp has 1.5 bathrooms: a full bath in the main house and a half bathroom in the addition. There is one shower in the full bathroom and an outdoor shower on the back deck.
What makes this property unique
DOES THE PROPERTY COME WITH A BOAT? In short, no. Insurance won't cover us renting or even loaning our boat. That said, we're very close to an excellent marina: Shep Brown's Boat Basin, which has public parking and is a 10-minute boat ride from the Camp.
WHAT IS THE BOAT LAUNCH AND PARKING SITUATION? There is a public boat launch and public docks at Shep Brown's Boat Basin in Meredith, NH. This location also has public parking and space to park a trailer. Shep Brown's is about a 10-minute boat ride from Camp Chaos.
Down the road from Shep's, there is additional parking at Cattle Landing Public Docks (cars only, no trailers). Cattle Landing is about an 8-minute boat ride from Camp Chaos.
Public docking at both locations is limited to three hours, but that's enough time to run into town for groceries, more floats, etc.
DO YOU PROVIDE LINENS? Yes, we provide linens, towels, blankets, etc. There's also a washer and dryer on site if you need to do laundry.
HOW DO YOU ACCESS THE WATER? We’ve added a picture from Google that shows an aerial view of the Camp Chaos dock. There's a ladder at the end for getting in and out of the water. You can also access the water via a sandy area on the cove side of the dock. It's a steep incline/decline to get to the water directly from the land, but this is how we put our kayaks in and it's good to have a walk-in option.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests