A Word from the Camp Director
Welcome to Harpo Island. For over sixty years, families have come here to unplug, unwind, and rediscover the lost art of doing nothing — quietly. Our island keeps a simple tradition, older than the camp itself: when the bell tolls ten, we lower our voices, dim our lights, and let the island rest. Guests tell us they have never slept better.
If you need anything during the day, my staff and I are at the Welcome Center. If you need anything after 10 PM, please wait until morning.
We'll be listening.
— The Camp Director
The Island
🌲 The Old-Growth Forest
Southwest trails beneath pines older than the camp. Look for the Forest Shrine, a favorite quiet spot, and our historic graveyard walk.
🏖️ The South Shore
Swimming, the Broken Boat photo spot, and our working Lighthouse (tours daily). The sand here is famous for its silence — sound just doesn't carry. You'll see.
⛺ The Campsites
Tent sites, cabin ruins for the curious, the Wood Shed, and kayak rentals at the water's edge. The heart of camp life.
🏢 Welcome Center & Staff Village
Check-in, the Camp Shop, the Main Office, and our friendly staff. Radios are available free of charge for every party — stay in touch, the quiet way.
⛰️ The Peaks
The Radio Tower trail, the old Temple Ruins, and views all the way to the mainland. On a clear night you can see the lights of home. Almost close enough to touch.
Activities & Recreation
Boating at the Cove
Fix the old boat with the gang! Bring: screwdriver, screws, saw, adhesive, oars, flare gun & flares. (2 campers)
Solo Kayak Rentals
Paddle out at dawn! Bring: duct tape, adhesive, oars, flare gun & flares. (1 camper)
Hike the Radio Tower Trail
Best view on the island! Bring: adhesive, electrical tape, fuse, generator, fuel, handbook, rope. (whole group!)
Main Office — Send a Postcard Home!
Tell them you miss them! Bring: duct tape, electrical tape, fuse, generator, fuel, handbook. (whole group!)
Leadership Program
Meet our friendly Recruiter! Ask about the 3 initiation tasks. (1 camper)
Lighthouse Tours
Wave to the passing ships! Bring: flare gun, flares, map, duct tape, electrical tape, handbook. (3 campers)
Explore the Old Ruins
History comes alive! Bring: planks, duct tape, wire, fuel, map, explosive, rope. (pure of heart only!)
Island History — The God of Silence
Harpo Island takes its name from Harpocrates, the ancient god of silence and secrets, who is always shown the same way: one finger pressed gently to his lips. Shhh. The island's first settlers carved his image above their doors to remind themselves that some things are best kept quiet — and the carving above the Welcome Center door is an original. Please do not touch it.
The camp was founded in 1962, but our most cherished tradition is older. In the summer of 1974, the island began observing Quiet Hours — every night, without exception, from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Voices down. Lights out. The island sleeps, and so do we. We have not skipped a night since.
Visitors sometimes ask why. The island simply sleeps better that way. So will you.
Park Rules
- Quiet Hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM. Voices low, lights out, radios for emergencies only. This rule has no exceptions and no appeals.
- Stay on marked trails after dark. The island is bigger than it looks.
- Every party receives a complimentary radio at check-in. Keep it on. We may need to reach you.
- Use the buddy system. Count your party often. Count carefully.
- If you become separated from your party after dark, stay exactly where you are. Make no sound. We will find you.
- Staff quarters are off limits during Quiet Hours. Staff will not answer knocks after 10 PM.
- Do not feed the wildlife. Do not follow it, either.
- The last ferry departs at 9:30 PM sharp. It does not wait. Plan accordingly.