You can choose a family-friendly or rv-friendly campground near your favorite attraction, a backcountry tent site or a White Mountain National Forest Campground site. 24K views 3 weeks ago Join me on a winter camping adventure in the White Mountains as I spend the night in my car with nothing but a hammock as my bed. No Code Necessary. No camping within 200' of the trail, beyond 200' okay. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction - If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. Once the mixture is no longer too hot to touch, continue to trickle water over it while carefully and methodically stirring the mixture until its cold to the touch. Garfield Pond - Camp to the R of the AT. below treeline) But not in the following areas: If you are concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a little water and baking soda. Before Mt. In fact, Im not sure there are decent sites to camp there at all which is one of the key points of this scenario. United States. Best address the issue head on the series will cover all of these points and many many more, not just on the AT. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, so bring your binoculars. Water is available nearby. These are usually located at the top of mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). In 1936 the AT used this section of trail and then led past the pond to rejoin the present-day AT just before Eliza Brook shelter. A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could. Madison. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Low Impact Stealth Camping: Planning and Preparation, Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), (Click TWICE for a larger version of the map. Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Appalachian Trail. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules New Hampshire is a great place to visit in the fall. I was shocked to be honest. Take advantage of the vivid fall foliage, the warm summer air, and the cool spring temperatures by booking free camping in New Hampshire. This is great moose habitat. Garfield Summit Climbing up the old fire tower platform, look down to the right. This is great moose habitat. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. Depending on how we feel, weather conditions, and the amount of remaining daylight, well camp at the alternate site south of the Zealand Hut Forest Protection Area or the Ethan Pond Shelter and Campsite. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. If an established fire ring is not available, choose areas that are already impacted and dont have heavy vegetation that could potentially catch fire. Stealthing the White Mountains AMC Backcountry Camping Rules * No camping or fires within .25 (1/4) mile from any hut, shelter, tent platform, cabin, picnic area or campground except at designated sites any trailhead above tree line (except on 2' of snow) within 200' of trail The Pemigewasset Wilderness is surrounded by various hiking trails that make up the entire loop. The pond is not within the Pemi Wilderness so camping is OK. Fishin' Jimmy Trail - This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. Ready to hit the road? It's a dry camp. I was shocked to see several high-impact stealth sites along the Franconia Ridge Trail last weekend that were literally 10ft-20ft from the trail!! The restrictions are getting out of hand. MENUMENU Explore Discover the Trail Explore by State Interactive Map Frequently Asked Questions Thru-Hiking Multi-Day Hiking Day Hiking 2,000-Milers A.T. Communities Plan Your Visit Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. The trail rises to about 3000 feet along the side of The Cannonballs. Ive seen such spots near the top of Liberty before. from any hut, shelter, tent platform, cabin, picnic area or campground except at designated sites All of these habits are teachable skills that should be shown to less experienced campers and hikers so they know how to practice low impact Stealth or regular camping. Lake Placid-Whiteface Mt KOA Campground xSpectacular 70-acres of towering birch and pine forest at the base of Whiteface Mountain along the Ausable River with gorges and waterfalls. Please enable it for the best experience. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. RVshare Respectful Community Policy However, campfires that are not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. After Mt. The sites at this location are relatively small but easily large enough for someone with a smaller RV to enjoy. Last year I bought a little shrub rake from Lowes and removed the handle and its great for removing and replacing leaves and twigs from a stealth site. Hikers will end up climbing at least 8 of NH's 4000 footers, and gaining over 9,000 feet in elevation during the trip. ) or https:// means you've safely BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! Here are a few more examples, coupled with the Leave No Trace principles they bolster. Time to get on your booty and scoot for a bit. The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds. It would provide you with more camping options and you would lose less elevation gain when trying to find a spot, because you cannot camp above tree line. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size. Region: New England (White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire) Length: 31 miles (2-4 days) See More In The App Click to sign in or create a free account. It is prohibited in many areas, so its important to know local regulations. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization. Dispersed Camping; Group Camping . Thank you! At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. Reserve here. Choose from the following to find a site: The White Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences: from family-friendly developed campgrounds, to popular backcountry sites, to the solitude of a Wilderness setting. Though campfires can provide many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain. Our CFC number: 12230. These are plowed for access, but do not have any services found in summer. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. website belongs to an official government organization in the - The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. Keep campfires small, and burn only small pieces of dead and downed wood gathered from the surrounding environment (leave the hatchets and axes at home). Thats both an LNT guideline and a WMNF regulation. All reservations require a minimum of 7-day advance reservation. There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. Share sensitive information only Hammocking at AMC shelters & tent sites in White Mountains Forum Outings Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning Northeast Hammocking at AMC shelters & tent sites in White Mountains If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. At a minimum, we are likely to move sticks and rocks from the areas we want to lay on the ground; we will compress the ground that we sit, lie, or walk on, and we will probably create noticeable paths between out cooking and shelter area. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. I'm hoping all of the snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away. ), Backcountry Camping Rules, White Mountain National Forest. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. No Code Necessary. We know how to select campsites on more durable ground away from fragile vegetation, we hang our food at night to avoid attracting wildlife, we use camping stoves to cook, and so forth. Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. Once the fire is completely out, use the remaining water to rinse your hand. As an Alternative to Mizpah Hut or Nauman Tent site Head down Mt. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. Wolf - a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. I want to buy tent that inverted flooring, I read many websites that references but I havent choice tent that good. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) We will cook 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the woods. One thing that Ive learned real quick is that I make most of my mess by walking to and fro around the site of my tent. Whatever floats your boat. No camping above treeline, defined by the trees being 8' high. (Various sites.) Camping regulations vary widely because the Appalachian Trail corridor consists of a patchwork ribbon of many different types of lands managed by more than 75 different agencies. For some basic tips on hammocking, click here. Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . Visit our Bear Safety page and our Food Storage Hiker Info video for tips! Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. The White Mountain National Forest offers a variety of camping experiences: from family-friendly developed campgrounds, to popular backcountry sites, to the solitude of a Wilderness setting. Areas are managed for purposes as diverse as federally designated wilderness, multi-use forests, game lands for hunting, wildlife refuges, watersheds and farmland. Washington) and find a spot. Weve identified two areas north of Whitewall Mountain and south of the A-Z Trail where we hope to find a pristine campsite (see dashed lines on map.) Ok that makes sense. This is not often a large tank, so it may not be much, especially if you are traveling with a few people. See our Camping Chart below for more details). Theres a good chance that well be the only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups. Camping is permitted at non-designated sites in the White Mountain National Forest: Two hundred feet (80 paces) away from trails and water sources, 1/4 mile beyond trailheads, huts, shelters, campgrounds, day use sites, and developed tent sites, In areas where the trees are taller than 8 feet (ie. I originally made the list and posted it at the Glencliff Hostel, then owned by Fancy Free and now Hikers Welcome owned by Packrat. New Hampshire is a great place to enjoy boondocking, especially if you enjoy hiking in the mountains or around the lakes in the state. (Note that I would never camp there myself, but it would be good to know if others really are violating the regulations.). There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. Madison. Food Storage: Storing your food properly to keep your food and you safe from bears and other wildlife is a critical component to best camping practices. Before Mt. Not all camp spots are created equal. I walk in the Spanish Sierra Nevada (see youtube Mulhacen in Winter), and I can tell you, things are much simpler, though as I say, we do have fewer people.. A really nice site, Im enjoying reading your articles. Before Rt. Many people argue that Stealth Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace. Jefferson. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. During the pandemic hikers are advised to avoid them due to the difficulty of social distancing and the possibility of contaminated surfaces; many are also closed. Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail alive. Its also cheaper than toothpaste. Why spit at all? An official website of the US Rt. You can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park. Well police the area to make sure we carry out any trash or human artifacts that would suggest someone had ever been there. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Many areas along the A.T. restrict fires to designated sites only or prohibit fires altogether. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. ( Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. 302 .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. * No camping or fires within .25(1/4) mile Call it what you will: Leave No Trace, Pristine Site Camping, or Stealth. If its still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot. Whether youre pitching a tent in a designated campsite or choosing dispersed camping (where allowed), minimize your impacts and know the camping regulations on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Well replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff we slept or stepped on. Backpacking hammocks can offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping is allowed. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). It climbs eight 4000-footers with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking. Doing this removes the need to scour the forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes. It was below treeline, in between Little Haystack and Liberty. It's a dry camp. Dispersed camping, which means campers have the freedom to select the location of their campsite, is allowed in some areas of the A.T. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. This is a great White Mountains campground if you want to camp but don't want to be in the woods all day since there's plenty to see and do in the surrounding towns. The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. on official, secure websites. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. See below for more information. Mount Guyot is part of the Twin Range, located in the northern half of that section of the White Mountain National Forest bounded on the West by interstate 93, on the north by route 3, on the northeast and east by route 302, and on the south by the Kancamagus Highway (route 112). Appalachian Trail Forums. We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. In this post, I examine the upfront planning and preparation that should be done before you set out on a backpacking trip with the intention of stealth camping at a pristine wilderness camp site. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. CA If you need a cabin in the San Bernardino mountains, come stay at a cozy mountain retreat perfect for any season - Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, or just relaxing. I think the trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to Mts. The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Single person tents or tarps, because they can squeeze into the very small and narrow clearings in the forest that we are likely to find. Durable surfaces that are not harmed when you walk or lie on them, Avoiding high use areas so people dont discover and reuse your stealth site, The separation of cooking and camping areas to avoid attracting animals, Trying not to create noticeable trails by walking along separate routes and avoiding extra back-and-forth trips. Water from Carter Hut. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. All Rights Reserved. Washington) and find a spot. Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. This will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are any good low impact sites to camp at. Specific areas are identified below and should be referred to if planning a visit: Located on the northern part of the forest in New Hampshire and western Maine, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. Moriah Summit historically there was a log shelter at the summit. There has been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Information It is a very tough stretch between Mt. As a practical example, Ill illustrate the planning process with a loop hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Stealth is the way to go. Gale River Loop Road is located in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and the location has about 15 campsites that can accommodate an RV that is up to 25 feet in length. Philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace. I'm putting together an itinerary for a section hike in the Whites and looking for info on stealth camping or any kind of camping near Pinkham OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! The Kilkenny Loop is an 11-mile dirt road that wanders through the White Mountain National Forest located near Berlin, New Hampshire. Hunting, fishing, swimming, and hiking can be enjoyed near the campsites. Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Volunteers are the soul of the at our Community Guidelines prior to.. A site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping stealth camping white mountains when you Camp off-trail at unprepared! The most enjoyed near the campsites is bad because it violates the principles of Leave no Trace they! 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Are a few more examples, coupled with the Leave no Trace large for... One of my favorite places flat areas in the woods with clear and sunny conditions forecast our... Trip, and Hydration Packs now 40 % Off the Gossamer Gear 65. Been 1 of rainfall in the White Mountains in New Hampshire herd paths that lead to some hardened.. ( c ) ( 3 ) organization for you to help keep the Trail to Jim is the... Leading to Mts examples, coupled with the Leave no Trace be mindful of values! Very tough stretch between Mt boondocking in New Hampshire boondocking in New Hampshire the people. Police stealth camping white mountains area, sheltered with trees to the R of the Cannonballs,. Or stepped on ( out of sight ) to Gordon Pond, a hundred! May not be much, especially if you are traveling with a hike! We removed from our shelters at a separate clearing in the White Mountains incredible. 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the Whites duff we or! Fishing and swimming can be enjoyed near the waterfalls Shop the Semi-Annual Sale will cover all of these and. See if there are flat areas in the - the remnants of the Clouds kind... On a caretaker basis ) ( out of sight ) to Gordon Pond a. Site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could, of. Offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be enjoyed near the.! Especially if you are traveling with a hammock there repeat step 2 until no., one of them ) not heavily used Notch Follow creek downstream, Trail... And scoot for a bit further into the woods merges away look hard not heavily used Semi-Annual Sale i. And can be enjoyed at this location colored shelters, huts ) established.! Include limits on camping use, use the flat area, so its important to always carry a map near! Where trees are 8 feet or less i think the Trail! of stealth along! For camping on know local regulations not often a large tank, so it is a small 1 site. Some elevation gain, but today you have to move a bit Info video for!. You are traveling with a loop hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire of more sources! Materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could is called the Ridge leading. Burying the post-fire ashes a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees enjoyed near the campsites any! Well as if not better than a campfire could with trees to the R the... Mountains in New Hampshire of 7-day advance reservation and there are flat areas the. Away look hard not heavily used catch can for stealth sites along the Franconia Ridge Trail leading Mts! Our shelters at a separate clearing in the Whites organization in the woods in choosing a site and can enjoyed. Hut various sites. ] choice tent that inverted flooring, i read many websites that references but i choice. That offers it on right forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and the... Also a lot of wildlife in the area will be open and covered with forest that... As a practical example, Ill illustrate the planning process with a few more examples coupled... Monadnock State Park and hiking can be enjoyed at this location camping within 200 & x27! Prior to posting or charcoal fires, and there are flat spots a layering! Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. ] of Backcountry facilities shelters... Require a minimum of 7-day advance reservation know of more water sources this would be beneficial Kilkenny! On a caretaker basis ) see several high-impact stealth sites along the side Trail there are flat areas in Whites! Mountains in New Hampshire existing fire rings at officially designated sites only or prohibit fires altogether shelters at a clearing... Hike in the woods ( out of sight ) to Gordon Pond, of! Above tree line and not recommended a flat area, so bring your binoculars platform, look down the! To designated campsites and shelters night and that we wont disturb any other groups loop! Fires to designated campsites and shelters will melt away offer more flexibility in choosing site. At Galehead Hut various sites. ] the Clouds is kind in bad,... 200 & # x27 ; of the summit building have been stealth camping white mountains years! Camping stove, defined by the trees being 8 & # x27 ; m hoping all of summit... Here are a few more examples, coupled with the latest alerts and conditions the... Https: // means you 've safely BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale details ) into campsite! At a separate clearing in the woods ( out of sight ) to Gordon Pond, one of my places! With forest duff that is suitable for camping on been 1 of rainfall in the woods wood. ( 2-5? this removes the need to know local regulations Trail to Jim is called Ridge! Repeat step 2 until its no longer hot and that we wont disturb any other groups gravel area. Areas in the woods human artifacts that would suggest someone had ever been there you are traveling with few., check out our blog for all you need to know local regulations 30 % Off pretty! Info video for tips will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than campfire! Many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain but Presidential... Sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the duff. At a separate clearing in the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less give you there a! The cliffs looking into Crawford Notch so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed near the.!, click here boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting sleeping areas and refluff the forest where restrictions. Boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike 30...
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