photo: Andrea Jenkins
“It is a retreat you sign up for because of the opportunity to learn from amazingly gifted teachers. But once there, you begin to slow your pace.
You notice the ferns and moss along the trails, and the way the lake changes moods and colors like a Broadway performer.
The serenity finds its way into your work.
And you are surrounded by friends and soon to be friends, and have rich meaningful conversations. That sense of joy you felt as a child returns.
You watch the sun rise and swim in the lake.
The call of the loons carry you off to sleep.
And when you leave renewed, restored, inspired—you carry that creative and connected energy out into the world. Until you can return again.
The magic of Squam is real.”
~ Elizabeth Wade
photo: Andrea Jenkins
First up, some of you might be wondering if we got the dates wrong— we understand the confusion. Since 2008, we have always begun our retreats on a Wednesday . . but last year, we started something new and began on a Saturday. We liked it— so here we go again!
UPDATE 21 September 2026:
Pre-Registration has CLOSED
General Registration will OPEN
on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1st.
Classes:
Instructors:
Register
Registration is closed.Location & Travel Info
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photo: Andrea Jenkins
How do I get there?
RDC is approximately 2.5 hrs from Boston and 1 hour north of Concord, NH. Directions: Take I-93 to Exit 24 in Ashland, NH. Take a Right off the Highway and follow US Route 3 & 25 east (approx. 4.2 miles) to Holderness. Take a Left on NH Route 113 just before the Holderness Bridge (Walter´s Basin Restaurant). Travel northeast on Route 113 for 5.0 miles to Pinehurst Road. “Rockywold Deephaven Camps” sign is on the right. Take a Right on Pinehurst Road and continue for 0.6 mile and take a right at the main entrance (Armstrong Road).
Where is the closest airport?
- Manchester Airport in Manchester, NH, is 1hr 15 mins away by car and a big hub for Southwest Airlines.
- Logan Airport in Boston is about 2.5 hours away by car.
- Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine is under 2 hours away by car.
Is there transportation to and from the airport?
Below is contact information for a shuttle service from Manchester, NH. Please contact them directly to arrange transportation. Lakes Region Airport Shuttle 603.286.8181
Concord Coach has very limited service to Center Harbor, NH, which is 15 minutes away from Squam. If you choose this option we can work with you to arrange a ride to campus.
Can I arrange carpooling or make contact with other Squammies?
YES. There is a wonderful community at the SQMlove site. This is a fabulous place to ask questions, meet new friends, and make arrangements for carpooling.
Driving Distances (approximate)
Boston, MA 2.5 hours
Portsmouth, NH 1.5 hours
Hartford, CT 3.5 hours
New York City, NY 6 hours
Montreal, Canada 4 hours
Closest Airport is Manchester, NH (MHT)
Also check out a Google map of the area.
FAQ
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photo: Andrea Jenkins
What about meals? I have food allergies / I am vegetarian/vegan.
RDC is prepared to cater to moderate food sensitivities such as gluten or lactose-intolerance. Meals are offered buffet-style and always have a wide variety of options, including a huge organic salad bar with all the fixings.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have serious food issues such as celiac disease, for example—you MUST email Elizabeth first BEFORE you register! (this includes preregistration). We must know what your full dietary restrictions are before we can assure you that we will be able to meet them.
May I bring a guest who is not taking classes?
Yes. They will need to fill out a registration form, too.
What else of interest is nearby for my guest/family to see and do while I’m in class?
Check out the list on the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. This includes area galleries, attractions, dining options, etc.
Where’s the nearest…?
Please note that RDC has an on-campus store (with limited hours) where you can get your cappuccino, sun screen, bug spray, soda, toiletries, snacks and sweatshirts.
ATM and Gas- Merrill’s Convenience Store in Holderness
General Store for snack, beer, wine and sundries – Squam Lake Marketplace,
Heath’s in Center Harbor or Hannaford’s in Meredith
Pharmacy- Rite-Aide in Meredith
Liquor Store- Ashland, NH State Liquor Store (exit 24 on RT 93)
What’s the weather like? What clothes should I bring?
Weather in NH can vary wildly in the course of a single day, from cold to hot and back to cold again. So, do like the French and bring layers. You’ll likely have a hoodie on in the morning, take that off in the afternoon, and don a fleece or jacket once evening sets. Sneakers are your best bet for footwear, but also bring something for your feet in case of rain. And speaking of rain, you’ll want an anorak or rain jacket on hand as well as umbrella to ensure that it doesn’t rain. For sleeping, consider warm socks, pjs and/or sweats, and a bathrobe for snuggling up in front of the fire with your new friends. Although the down comforters will keep you warm and cozy, cabins are not insulated. Some attendees bring a knit hat to sleep in. And dare we suggest a bathing suit?
What other things should I bring?
Flashlight (with extra batteries) can be helpful but in recent years, people just use their phone.
Also consider:
camera, alarm clock, small reading light, ear plugs, bug repellant, bottle opener, hat, phone charger, travel mug (for coffee or tea from the dining hall or in your cabin), snacks (there is no cafe on campus for in-between meals). Hot water bottle can be SOoooooo nice to heat up your bed if it is cold at night.
Cabins have small iceboxes, but no microwaves. Each cottage does have an electric hot water kettle. You may bring your own small coffee maker if you want to have coffee in bed. Don’t forget the fixings!
The paths between classrooms and cabins are lovely and blanketed with pine needles, but not paved, so a rolling cart for your art supplies would be tough to manage. We suggest a backpack or carryall bag.
May I ship my art supplies ahead of time?
You are welcome to ship your materials ahead to NH so you can travel more easily. Please follow the instructions below: Address your box clearly to: YOU, c/o Rockywold-Deephaven Camps, 18 Bacon Rd, Holderness, NH 03245 For all shipping, YOUR NAME and SAW must be clearly indicated so they know to hold it aside for you.
Please do not ship your materials more than three weeks before your session begins. Our storage space is limited! This bit is important: to ship things home again you must repack your box so it can be shipped directly from RDC. We will not have any shipping materials for you, so put them in the box you ship out. All boxes to be shipped must be left at the RDC office packed and ready to go. Once the box is in the mail we will send you a bill by email.
May I attend just one day, one workshop or an evening event?
There are no one-day classes available or single events available. This is a five-day retreat and we are not able to offer any partial attendance at this time. Thank you for your kind understanding.
What contact information should I leave for my family?
The main number for the Rockywold Office is 603.968.3313. Cell phone reception at RDC is fairly good. Wireless is available in most locations. Also, leave them with the RDC website.
Is this just for women?
No. Don’t let the photos fool you. Although it is true that, to date, the majority of people who attend Squam Art Workshops are female, we have had men at every session and their numbers are growing. To be clear, Squam Art Workshiops is open to all.
