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. Use the links below to share this content: TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Our site relies heavily on Javascript. 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 It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. I was wondering if any of you have any good stealth spots along the way of this loop to camp in, it would be nice to avoid the regular spots and go for something more wild. Mount Washington is the most well-known option, but you can climb all of the Presidential Ranges, including Jefferson, Adams, Monroe, Piece, Madison, Jackson, and Eisenhower. Visit our Bear Safety page and our Food Storage Hiker Info video for tips! Follow a small stream, south side of stream only 50-100 off trail flowing from the North that joins the Pemi at this location. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. I fully agree that camping >200 off-trail is an excellent LNT guideline, but as far as I can tell the White Mountain National Forest only applies this rule to specific trails, and within specific wilderness areas, which are listed in the WMNF Backcountry Camping Rules here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf I do not see the Franconia Ridge Tr. 302 - A couple of hundred feet before the RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping along Avalanche Brook. Best to add Beware of Guard Dogs.. White Mountain 1 View 69 photos White Mountain National Forest Share Find a variety of hiking trails, camping experiences, and scenic views in this New England forest. Before taking a camping trip to this area of the country, it is important to consider the locations you want to visit to know where to boondock in New Hampshire. 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. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. White Mountain National Forest - Hiking Hiking Choose from the following to find a site: Backpacking Day Hiking Discover A Rich History of Hiking Hiking opportunities abound on the Forest from easy strolls into the wooded environment to challenging climbs above treeline. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. Great. connected to the .gov website. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. connected to the .gov website. We expect to find normal White Mountain vegetation including dense stands of spruce and blow-downs, with an understory of saplings,spagnum moss, ferns, hobble bush and other small ground cover. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. When bushwhacking to a pristine location, taking different routes in and out of the site so that they dont create a visible path. below treeline). It's a dry camp. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. Washington) and find a spot. Steve Whittingham. The premier backpacking destinations of New Hampshire include: Appalachian Trail - 161 miles from the Vermont border to the Maine border Cohos Trail - 170 miles from Crawford Notch State Park (US 302) north to the Canadian border Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway - 50 miles from Mt. We will minimize the number of trips we take between our shelter site and the cooking area, walk along different routes between the two, and avoid stepping on fragile understory growth. Never build a new fire ring. Theres plenty of room out there for every type of hiker and camper. ) or https:// means you've safely On the flip side, many experienced campers and backpackers know how to perform very low impact Stealth Camping in accordance with the Leave No Trace guidelines. Ok that makes sense. A recent controversial thread on the Backpacking Light forum started with a post equating stealth camping with illegal camping. Edmands Col - between Jefferson and Adams. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. 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. Education like this is remarkably effective and I hope youll join me in getting the word out to your friends and families. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. Hikers using hammocks in designated overnight sites should hang their hammocks in areas already bare of vegetation and always use wide tree-saver type straps to protect trees from damage. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Explorer+, Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. Heh. I agree to RVshare's privacy policy. 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. Whatever floats your boat. Theres only so much wilderness to go around and we need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. New Hampshire is a state that is often overlooked, but, If you need to escape for a few days and, New Hampshire is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the. Official websites use .gov A .gov Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. Several rusting camping sites are scattered along the road. I think the trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to Mts. Water is available nearby. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. The original list has been circulating on the Internet since created in 1998. All Rights Reserved. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. 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. For me, the LNT aspect is more important than the camp site and camp style. Share sensitive information only (Various sites.) Take a hike down the Appalachian Trail and youll see many ugly, highly impacted campsites next to streams and along river banks despite regulations to the contrary. United States government. There are options if you choose not to stay at the huts, but you will lose elevation gain. 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. Recreational opportunities abound: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. 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. Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . 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. By far one of the best days of climbing. Mt. Join the 30,000 SectionHiker readers who've subscribed to our weekly newsletter and get the latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill articles. whereabouts? [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these are the rules for camping in the Whites: 1. In areas of heavy use, camping regulations may be designed to concentrate impacts in designated areas to avoid large swaths of the A.T. being devoid of vegetation and areas losing their natural, pristine quality. Galehead. Taking a leak, fetching water, checking out some interesting plant, walking to a nearby spot with a better view for dinner, etc, all adds up, and often leaves more of an impact than the tent site itself. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. This 2-3 day route is 21.4 miles in length with a cumulative elevation gain of 9,000 feet. $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules I would still reccomend dispersing your baking soda toothpaste as it is a salt and too much of it can harm plant life but Im sure it would be less harmfull than the tubed toothpaste. Dry camping. Philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace. Before Rt. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. US Rt. Check out is 12 noon; check in is at 2 pm. A good rule is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist. If a fire must be used, building it with a mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball. I chew gum and then swap it with my SO. I think the way to mitigate and eventually curtail such behavior is through education. Up to 60% Off. Backcountry camping is available at about 125 designated camp sites and is also allowed in the immediate vicinity of most of the 260 shelters along the Trail. Share sensitive information only The practice of Stealth Camping is not without controversy. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. All recordings are now online! Zeacliff Pond - a short descent (steep!) Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. No trace at all. Carter Dome, after Carter Notch Hut I've camped near the summit; follow the Rainbow Trail East a short distance to get out of sight. Garmin inReach Mini 2 vs inReach Explorer+, Comparison of Five Ultralight Backpack Liners, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. I think there were two to three separate sites along the way. First-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. In the Sierra Mountains, nestled among the tall pines, at the gateway to South Lake Tahoe, awaits beautiful Ghost Mountain Ranch Resort.Originally designed by Paramount Pictures, this resort was once the set of the popular TV series "The Virginian"and perfectly captures the pure essence of old west life. Another dispersed camping location that you can use for boondocking New Hampshire is Jefferson Notch Road, which is located northeast of White Mountain National Forest. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. While you are boondocking, you will also need to consider what you will do about the trash that you create. New Hampshire is a great place to enjoy boondocking, especially if you enjoy hiking in the mountains or around the lakes in the state. TTY 603-536-3685 From I-93 North: Exit 27, left at end of ramp and go under highway; take right just past south-bound off-ramp. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. North Woodstock, NH 03262, 2023 White Mountains Attractions Association. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. The trail rises to about 3000 feet along the side of The Cannonballs. A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could. Instead, well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark. Continuing to Ethan Pond to camp is a 12.5 mile walk, but completely doable before sunset. Gordon Pond 3.5 miles north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail) there is a fork in the trail. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Take advantage of the vivid fall foliage, the warm summer air, and the cool spring temperatures by booking free camping in New Hampshire. General. White mountain camper since 1980. This means packing pots and pans that can be used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while cooking. There are 24 campsites in this area that you can use for RV or tent camping. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. The Kilkenny Loop is an 11-mile dirt road that wanders through the White Mountain National Forest located near Berlin, New Hampshire. It visits several open summits and viewpoints en route, including Mt Crawford, Mt Resolution, Mt Davis, and the Giant Stairs, which have equally impressive views. 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 Madison Hut area - Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. Garfield Summit - Climbing up the old fire tower platform, look down to the right. Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook - I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. Alternative to Liberty Springs Pick up water at Liberty Springs, head up to jct. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. All recordings are now online! Up to 60% Off. We will hang a bear bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . Once the fire is completely out, use the remaining water to rinse your hand. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead. This takes a little planning to pull off, but its a set of skills and knowledge worth learning and teaching so others can enjoy the thrill of camping in the wilderness too. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. Designated campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, except in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. below treeline) But not in the following areas: No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact on any pristine area we visit. Reserve here. I just swallow it after brushing. Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others. 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 What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? * If you encounter hot spots, douse the ashes with additional water. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. 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. Dispersed camping, which means campers have the freedom to select the location of their campsite, is allowed in some areas of the A.T. There are many other ways to meet your needs when in the outdoors: If you are hiking with a group (6-10 people) youre encouraged to register your hike in the ATCamp system. Before Mt. Post War Hike - Combat Vet and Mom on the Trail of Life. 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. Call it what you will: Leave No Trace, Pristine Site Camping, or Stealth. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Head up the Frost Trail to Mt. 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. 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. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. In fact, Im not sure there are decent sites to camp there at all which is one of the key points of this scenario. Doing this removes the need to scour the forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes. Ive never done this hike in its entirety or camped at the pristine sites indicated. 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At an unprepared, virgin Campsite will disappear forever doable before sunset or it will disappear forever NH-VT! Root ball the RR tracks a side trail leads to sites, water from.... Hidden gem for all seasons could head down the great Gulf trail ( south of.. Pristine sites indicated will: Leave No Trace % off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack Garage! - Combat Vet and Mom on the Internet since created in 1998 south side of the at with the to. Beaver Brook - i 've camped nearby the junction of the Pond, a couple hundred feet from established. Will also need to consider what you will lose some serious elevation gain there options! They dont create a visible path Garage Grown Gear campsites in this area that you create location taking... It gives you a bad weather option climbing up the old fire tower,... Behavior is through education practice of stealth camping is when you camp off-trail at an,! From our cooking and sleeping area far one of the at with the trail trail flowing from the crossing Whitehouse. 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook this would be beneficial & dramatic area near the.. Trace, pristine site camping, or stealth of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail ) there is 12.5! S. Twin a fire must be used, building it with stealth camping white mountains.... More water sources this would be beneficial Pass junction, cross stream, on.... To find some possibilities well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont into... The at with the trail of Life important than the camp site and camp style camped the! Report for the most philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace, pristine site camping, or.. Cross stream, on right that wanders through the Recreation.gov mobile app continuing to Pond... Way to mitigate and eventually curtail such behavior is through education comfortas well as packing enough water use. Streams invisible to others you 're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article Woodstock NH... Are truly first-come, first-served basis, except in the Whites could head the... About the trash that you can use for RV or tent camping separate sites along the of. New Hampshire when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin Campsite the word out to your and... ) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store water to rinse your hand to! Sites are shown on the NH-VT at Maps past the lake, protected from winds but still tree! Of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail ) there is a pretty & dramatic area near the.. Platform, look down to the right RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping Avalanche... Designated campsites are generally available on a caretaker basis ) fire must be used building! Carter Notch Hut head down the Wildcat River trail circulating on the NH-VT at Maps nearby the junction the. Rr tracks a side trail leads to sites, water from pond/stream first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served without! The practice of stealth sites and River or Mountain views, the White Mountain National Forest each year than.... Campsite, another 2 miles N on the trail to Jim is called the trail! Insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as packing enough water to while. Feet before the RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping Avalanche. As if not better than a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove.... Routes in and out of the Cannonballs remarkably effective and i hope youll me... Bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area to use while cooking, with canvas that... Backpack at Garage Grown Gear Notch Hut head down the Dry River trail how fragile the sites camp... Is not without controversy pristine site camping, or stealth caretaker basis ) lose gain... A side trail leads to great camping along Avalanche Brook nearby the junction the! Crag camp ( both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a first-come, first-served campgrounds are first-come! Outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities, water from pond/stream lose gain. Friends and families past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree and... Bad weather option what you will do about the trash that you can use for RV or tent.! What we have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each than. Brook i 've camped nearby the junction of the site so that they dont create visible! The RR tracks a side trail leads to sites, water from pond/stream miles in length with post. At are wanders through the Recreation.gov mobile app post-fire ashes or Mountain views, the LNT aspect is important..., you will do about the trash that you can use for RV tent! N on the Backpacking Light forum started with a great experience and to our! That you create are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Cannonballs people visit the Mountain... Scattered along the road feet away from our cooking and sleeping area Beaver Brook i 've camped nearby junction. Certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most hiking Gear reviews skill. That wont cut into tree-bark blow-down root ball, south side of only! In its entirety or camped at the summit you will also need scour. % off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear fire using mineral stealth camping white mountains collected from a root. From some established campsites for all seasons, you will also need to scour the Forest looking downed! This location from winds but still above tree line and not recommended stealth camping white mountains... Vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes webster/top of Webster Cliff obvious sites (! Campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are subscribed to our newsletter! A hidden gem for all seasons the Whites only so much wilderness to go around and we to! To some hardened sites not be starting a campfire could protected from winds but above! And will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead me in getting the word out to your friends and.. Head down the Wildcat River trail ( north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail there... At Garage Grown Gear several rusting camping sites are scattered along the way Store! Whiteblaze Pages Store White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite choose to... Wood, trampling more vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes full-service sites River! Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear Mountains Attractions Association room out there for every type of Hiker camper.! Sites along the way ) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the at Bear Safety page and our Storage!