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. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. US Rt. You will have to dip down to camp. 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. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . First-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served. Once the fire is completely out, use the remaining water to rinse your hand. Not recommended but I've camped here. Madison. If you used a stick to stir the mixture, make sure its also cold. 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. The restrictions are getting out of hand. Next week, Ill continue this series on Low Impact Stealth Camping by discussing Travel and Camping on Durable Surfaces. if campfires are permitted where you are camping. 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). 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.). above tree line (except on 2 of snow) Thank you! Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, so bring your binoculars. Hikers will end up climbing at least 8 of NH's 4000 footers, and gaining over 9,000 feet in elevation during the trip. 71 White Mountain Drive We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. Never build a new fire ring. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. White Mountain National Forest - Camping & Cabins:Dispersed Camping Dispersed Camping Backpackers seeking a Wilderness or backcountry experience should consult one of the many trail guides available, and should be familiar with the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. Bisected by Interstate 93, you can jump off at exit 28 and escape up to Waterville Valley or push on a little further to exit 32 and relish the day traveling through the mountains on the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; challenge yourself at the world renowned Rumney Rocks Rock Climbing Area; seek renewal in the large and remote Pemigewasset Wilderness; brag about the one that got away at Russell Pond. Do you also breathe into a plastic bag to avoid contaminating the forest with dirty lowly human breath? How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. Occupy and pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival. 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. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. 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. The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. A flashlight or headlamp tucked under a clear Nalgene bottle full of water provides an awesome glowing centerpiece for any campsite. The pond is not within the Pemi Wilderness so camping is OK. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. 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!! 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. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. Can you give me opinions? RVshare is the worlds first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country. 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. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. With thousands of satisfied customers and a broad inventory ranging from travel trailers to luxury motorhomes, we have the perfect RV for any vacation, tailgate, or temporary lodging needs. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. Most toothpastes contain baking soda now-a-days anyway. Dispersed camping, which means campers have the freedom to select the location of their campsite, is allowed in some areas of the A.T. The contour lines in these areas suggest a gradual slope which may yield level camping. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. These are usually located at the top of mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters. There are just too many people hiking down this section of trail to risk it. United States government. This will provide us with plenty of water for drinking and cooking until the following morning when we get back on the A-Z trail and can resupply again. Guidebooks and apps may also list overnight sites. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Ok that makes sense. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. Madison Hut area - Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. If youve ever come across a Stealth Campsite thats littered with trash, shows evidence of a big fire and a crudely constructed fire ring, broken tree limbs that have been used as firewood, initials carved in trees, rope burns on trees, herd paths through virgin forest, or campsites surrounded by flattened vegetation, its easy to adopt this point of view. A Presidential Traverse is one of the most famous and strenuous hikes in the White Mountains. 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. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. 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 You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. Instead of stealth camping you might clear up the confusion by using the term pristine site camping, the purest form of dispersed camping. Heres some other considerations: 1) choose a site that has little to no vegetation, such as a really shady area w/less than 10% ground vegetation cover, 2) pick a site that is at least 100-200 ft from the A.T. that others are unlikely to ever find and reuse, 3) dont alter the site in any way, 4) hammocks are great for this but if you use a tent or tarp fluff up the leaves when you leave and throw a few branches around it to discourage its future use, 5) dont build a campfire on these sites, and 6) this is best done with a small number of people and only for one night. Its unfortunate but common to find such sites right outside forest protection areas like the one directly adjacent at the liberty springs camp site. ) or https:// means you've safely Best to add Beware of Guard Dogs.. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. Not recommended but I've camped here. Looking forward to the rest of this series, as Im still fairly new to the backpacking/hiking community. 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. RVshare brings RV renters and RV owners together by providing the safest and most secure platform for booking an RV rental. As for LNT, I have started to take before-and-after photos of my camp sites, and am working on making the two pictures look the same. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. 3. A small lantern can provide the atmosphere and camaraderie of a fire but on a smaller scale. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? Official websites use .gov A .gov Garfield Pond Camp to the R of the AT. Dispersed Camping; Group Camping . Share sensitive information only 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. United States government. There are 24 campsites in this area that you can use for RV or tent camping. Mounts Willey and Field are heavily visited during the summer and autumn, but the section of the A-Z trail where we plan to look for stealth sites is much less frequently traveled. Backpackers seeking a Wilderness or backcountry experience should consult one of the many trail guides available, and should be familiar with the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules. We know that the area north of the A-Z trail and below Mt Tom is wet and boggy due to intense beaver activity and unsuitable for camping. If we have enough daylight, we should continue hiking to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. Jim. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. 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. Only use existing fire rings and keep camp fires small. You dont see that up here in the whites. 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. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning AT Stealth Camping in the Whites. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. 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. Re: baking soda. You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. 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. Zeacliff Pond - a short descent (steep!) Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Consider this a checklist of annotated questions to run through when planning a trip like this. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Once at the bottom, we did some searching and found established stealth sites relatively quickly and settled down for the night. Located north of the famous Presidentials and far from any of the traditional White Mountain tourist attractions, it sees comparatively little traffic. To learn about the pros and cons of using a backpacking hammock on the A.T., click here. Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. ), a fire may reignite if there is still heat beneath the surface. 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. 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. Fishin' Jimmy Trail - This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. 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. If you are traveling with a tent you will be able to find some spots, but will lose some serious elevation gain in order to get a decent spot. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. Originally published on June 2nd, 2021. 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. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. The Pemigewasset Wilderness is surrounded by various hiking trails that make up the entire loop. to the Pond from the AT. Carefully knock the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. If not, its better to stay put instead of illegally camping farther down the Ethan Pond trail, breaking local regulations, andpotentially starting another impacted site in this high use area. It's a dry camp. Zeta Pass - .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. About half a pound though. While the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how they spend the night. All Rights Reserved. ( Places to Avoid When Looking for Stealth Camping . HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). There are options if you choose not to stay at the huts, but you will lose elevation gain. If its still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot. on official, secure websites. Many areas along the A.T. restrict fires to designated sites only or prohibit fires altogether. below treeline). The terrain makes it hard to find a spot that is legal. 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. Moriah Summit - historically there was a log shelter at the summit. A collection of resources for planning a safe, healthy, and responsible experience on the Appalachian Trail. My family have trip next month. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. 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. Madison Hut area Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. - The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Boondocking Sites in New Hampshire Gale River Loop Road 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. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. ), Backcountry Camping Rules, White Mountain National Forest. Set up tents on durable surfaces, such as dead leaves or grass, well apart from each other and at least 70 paces from water. Check the. Go towards Mt. Ive seen such spots near the top of Liberty before. It can be hiked in 2-4 days. 200 Kancamagus Highway, PO Box 10 Just so everyone is crystal clear on this, you shouldnt camp within 200 feet (70 steps) of a trail or water source. 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. 97% Recommended +76 Official website (603) 536-6100 Park hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm Sat to Sun: Closed Camping types: Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. So doesnt that imply that it is legal to camp right off that trail? Water from creek. This is the first post in a series of articles about Low Impact Stealth Campingthat explains how you can to minimize your impact on pristine wilderness sites so no one will know that you ever camped there. See our Camping Chart below for more details). 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. Log cabins & Kottages. 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. The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) in northern New Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 acres-an area larger than Rhode Island. If an established fire ring is not available, choose areas that are already impacted and dont have heavy vegetation that could potentially catch fire. Check out is 12 noon; check in is at 2 pm. Carry water from Garfield Pond. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Water is available nearby. The original list has been circulating on the Internet since created in 1998. Here are the red flags you should avoid when picking the perfect stealth camping spot. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Though campfires can provide many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain. 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. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. Hazard Trees:Due to an increasing number extreme weather events and invasive pests that damage or kill trees, be very careful in choosing places to camp, including at or in shelters. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. I generally choose an area between the two log bridges since the distance to the road is short after crossing the second log bridge. The Alternate Site is a hideous, highly impacted stealth site that was overused by many campers who saw that others had camped there previously. This is 15.1 mile loop hike climbing two 4,000 footers, Mt Willey (4285) and Mt Field (4340) and returning the long way through the Zealand Valley, below the cliffs of Whitewall Mountain along the Appalachian Trail, and back to our car. Dial 711 for TRS. RVshare Respectful Community Policy Peeing on rocks instead of vegetation so that animals dont chew on the plants to get at the salt. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) Madison. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. If a fire must be used, building it with a mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball. Jefferson. 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. Designated campsites along the A.T. are usually very simple. 302 - .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. 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. New TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! We will cook 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the woods. It is prohibited in many areas, so its important to know local regulations. 302 A couple of hundred feet before the RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping along Avalanche Brook. * No camping or fires within .25(1/4) mile I myself like a huge roaring fire at night. Dispersed camping opportunities are most abundant on the the A.T. in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia on US Forest Service lands. Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. Ive come across plenty of highly impacted campsites like this, and they take a lot more time and effort to restore than they did to deface. It was below treeline, in between Little Haystack and Liberty. This voluntary registration system helps you find the best places to stay overnight based on other groups plans. 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. I'm hoping all of the snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away. Your paid campsite must appear to be occupied at all times to prevent another party moving in. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs known as widowmakers or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees. Instead, well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark. 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. Education like this is remarkably effective and I hope youll join me in getting the word out to your friends and families. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. Theres plenty of room out there for every type of hiker and camper. Fishing and swimming opportunities are also located nearby. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Continuing to Ethan Pond to camp is a 12.5 mile walk, but completely doable before sunset. However, campfires that are not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades. Steve Whittingham. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Kamping Kabin Village. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction - If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. Madison Adams Jefferson Washington Monroe Eisenhower Pierce Jackson United States. If we cant find level, vegetation free sites to sleep on cook on in the pristine areas, well continue hiking on our route. 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 See Chart of Camping and Campfire regulations on the A.T. Hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Triple Crown/McAfee Knob area of central Virginia, and many areas from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia northward.