Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. Dispersed camping opportunities are most abundant on the the A.T. in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia on US Forest Service lands. With that being said, bringing drinking water that can be used for cooking is a good idea. Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf. Well get an early start so we can climb Willey and Field in the morning, and should arrive near the potential pristine sites by 1-2 pm. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. Terms of Service This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. We dont want to bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to find a large enough space to set them up. Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. The ground should be fairly dry when we visit the pristine areas and our footprints will have less of an impact than if the ground were heavily saturated and soft. You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Its called Stealth because you want some privacy and dont want people to know you are there, but people also do it to be closer to nature, because the shelters or campsites they planned to stay at are full, or because there arent any designated campsites in the wilderness areas they visit. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? We have partnered with Mountaineers Books for the warehousing and distribution of Appalachian Trail Conservancy Publications. 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. Washington) and find a spot. You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. Carry water from Garfield Pond. No loud noises - sound travels! Agreat way to create an instant unofficial campsite, especially along the AT, is to put up a No Camping Beyond This Sign signs! 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. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. Here are the red flags you should avoid when picking the perfect stealth camping spot. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. Up to 60% Off. US Rt. Hunting, fishing, swimming, and hiking can be enjoyed near the campsites. Dry camping. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. 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. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. A Membership is required to post in the forums. Not recommended but I've camped here. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. ( 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. The trail rises to about 3000 feet along the side of The Cannonballs. 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the Sunapee 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. There are two marked streams before and after the pristine site areas. whereabouts? There are dozens more. Re: baking soda. 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. . Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. Also, there are these little pads you can slide over your finger (I forget which brand makes them), or there are the Colgate Wisps that have a little freshening bead in them, but there is not a need to spit anything with either of these products (no flouride). Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact on any pristine area we visit. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. If its still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot. Experience the beauty of a snowy night. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. Theres plenty of room out there for every type of hiker and camper. Madison Hut area Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. Its unfortunate but common to find such sites right outside forest protection areas like the one directly adjacent at the liberty springs camp site. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. Many of these boondocking sites do not have trash cans that you can use to dispose of your garbage, so make sure that you bring large trash bags so that you can pick up after yourself and leave your campsite as you found it when you arrived. Stealth is the way to go. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. The same is true for the Wetland areas running along the Ethan Pond Trail, south of Whitewall Mountain. 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. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. 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. No trace at all. This means packing pots and pans that can be used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while cooking. WhiteBlaze Pages 2022. Dispersed camping, sometimes called stealth camping, requires more time and effort and skill to find a comfortable and low-impact site than using a designated site, but can offer solitude and other advantages. 71 White Mountain Drive Campton NH 03223 (603) 536-6100. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. Do not build a fire during these conditions. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . Carefully knock the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. I was shocked to be honest. 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. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Before Mt. All I know is thats its fun and sustainable. 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. Hikers will end up climbing at least 8 of NH's 4000 footers, and gaining over 9,000 feet in elevation during the trip. The fire danger level is moderate and expected to remain that way during our trip. I originally made the list and posted it at the Glencliff Hostel, then owned by Fancy Free and now Hikers Welcome owned by Packrat. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Zeacliff Pond - a short descent (steep!) No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. It is a great place to enjoy hiking, and there is plenty of wildlife in the area that you can enjoy. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. Please enable it for the best experience. Theres only so much wilderness to go around and we need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever. The original list has been circulating on the Internet since created in 1998. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? Designated campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, except in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. If someone else left trash before you arrived, be kind and pick it up so that it does not make your camping experience less enjoyable. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. on official, secure websites. A collection of resources for planning a safe, healthy, and responsible experience on the Appalachian Trail. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Fishin' Jimmy Trail - This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. 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. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com Areas are managed for purposes as diverse as federally designated wilderness, multi-use forests, game lands for hunting, wildlife refuges, watersheds and farmland. (Click TWICE for a larger version of the map.) As an Alternative to Galehead Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut. 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. Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Appalachian Trail. Located north of the famous Presidentials and far from any of the traditional White Mountain tourist attractions, it sees comparatively little traffic. Places to Avoid When Looking for Stealth Camping . What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. Im really glad to see you taking my side of the issueincluding, and especially, the LNT aspect! Gordon Pond 3.5 miles north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail) there is a fork in the trail. These sites can be a good alternative for people who want to camp outside of designated campsites (be sure to check local regulations) because it doesnt result in another impacted site (Leave No Trace guidelines should still be followed in order to prevent a higher level of impact.). Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. A Presidential Traverse is one of the most famous and strenuous hikes in the White Mountains. Clinton and Mt. In the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing, and are just 5 miles to Snow . The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. 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. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. Either choose an area where the ground is already completely bare from use by previous campers (an established site) or choose a site with no sign of previous use. Franconia Notch Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. Wilmington, New York Wilmington/North Pole KOA Kampground Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. 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). To learn about the pros and cons of using a backpacking hammock on the A.T., click here. Dispersed camping, which means campers have the freedom to select the location of their campsite, is allowed in some areas of the A.T. Of course we wont know until we get there because the scale of the map is too big to show enough detail. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! 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. Anywhere near train tracks. Carry water from Garfield Pond. Use the links below to share this content: TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! At the time of this writing (Tent platforms at the Perch are $5, and the Gray Knob and Crag Camp are both $10.} I think the trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to Mts. A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. Mt. Very responsible. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. 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. Place hand, palm down, over the mixture without touching it to test for heat. The Alternate Site is a hideous, highly impacted stealth site that was overused by many campers who saw that others had camped there previously. I think it is polite to leave as little trace as possible. GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. Water is available nearby. Wolf a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. It is prohibited in many areas, so its important to know local regulations. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). Madison Adams Jefferson Washington Monroe Eisenhower Pierce Jackson A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. 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. 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. A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could. Before Mt. 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 Log cabins & Kottages. Chittenden Brook Campground is situated in a beautiful northern hardwoods forest, approximately seven miles from Rochester, VT. The Pemi Loop is a 31-mile loop in New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. All recordings are now online! About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. 71 White Mountain Drive * No camping or fires within .25(1/4) mile Zeacliff Pond a short descent (steep!) Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. Great. I just swallow it after brushing. Only use existing fire rings and keep camp fires small. There are options if you choose not to stay at the huts, but you will lose elevation gain. To properly put out a campfire, follow these steps: *When dealing with fire in any way, always use the highest degree of caution and care. 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. You dont see that up here in the whites. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction - If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare. 302 .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. 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. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. 71 White Mountain Drive No Code Necessary. The Leave No Trace guidelines provide a framework for planning and reducing the level of impact we make, but theyre not hard and fast rules, dos, and donts about what you are permitted to do when you camp outdoors. Stealth camping in the Smokies. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? Instead, well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules . Stay safe, and walk far. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Yes, I want to receive promotional emails from RVshare. Follow a small stream, south side of stream only 50-100 off trail flowing from the North that joins the Pemi at this location. It is bounded on the south and west by the Androscoggin River and on the north-east by Grafton Notch. Ok that makes sense. All overnight hikers should carry a tent or other lightweight portable shelter. I often forget to brush my teeth anyway on these short trips. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut Another option is to push to get to either the Perch (tent platforms, great water, and a shelter) located down off Gulfside, NW of Mt. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. If we have enough daylight, we should continue hiking to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. Share sensitive information only The problem with above tree line hiking is that you CAN run into weather that is horrible and you are fully exposed to the wind and weather, and MUST descend to find a LEGAL and SAFE place to camp. This planning process might seem rather detailed, but its not that much different from the planning process youd go through for any backpacking trip. 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. Since almost all shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you cannot count on space in shelters. Jim and Waternomee. Monadnock to Mt. 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. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Recreational opportunities seem limitless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. I think there were two to three separate sites along the way. Franconia Notch - Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway - The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Madison. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. 302 - A couple of hundred feet before the RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping along Avalanche Brook. Overkill is my humble opinion. Fifteen percent of the land is federal wilderness divided into five wilderness areas: Caribou-Speckled Mountain, Great Gulf, Presidential Range-Dry River, Pemigewasset, and Sandwich Range. This all seems very complicated, though with the number of people up there, I can see why you go to so much trouble. Campton NH 03223, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=74405&actid=34. Mt. (Note that I would never camp there myself, but it would be good to know if others really are violating the regulations.). Information It is a very tough stretch between Mt. Fishin' Jimmy Trail This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. LockA locked padlock There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. This is just a sampling of low impact Leave No Trace hiking and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the coming weeks. Just past the FPA are some possibilities. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. 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. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. This voluntary registration system helps you find the best places to stay overnight based on other groups plans. From I-93 South: Exit 27, right at end of ramp and take . White Mountain hiker since 1973. 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. Dry camping. Official websites use .gov A .gov For some basic tips on hammocking, click here. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. 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. They have relatively flat areas where you can pitch a tent or other portable shelter. No harm to the foliage. With so much forested land, the idea of boondocking in New Hampshire can open up options to explore areas like White Mountain National Forest or explore one of the other mountains in the state. 3. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake. 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. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. You WILL be woken up at 2, 4, & 6 AM but the train rumbling along the tracks blaring its horn. Zeta Pass - .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. However there are some low impact camping concepts introduced that you may not have been familiar with previously including: While camping unseen and in a manner that defies future discovery takes a little bit more planing and preparation to pull off, it opens up a whole new world of skills and enjoyment that few have experienced. When bushwhacking to a pristine location, taking different routes in and out of the site so that they dont create a visible path. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. Jim. New Hampshire's White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. 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. 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. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. I agree to RVshare's privacy policy. Past attempts to prevent high impact Stealth Camping by outlawing it havent worked. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut Another option is to push to get to either the Perch (tent platforms, great water, and a shelter) located down off Gulfside, NW of Mt. Notable for both its awe-inspiring beauty and notoriously challenging climbs, the White Mountains also add a another logistical challenge for hikers to contend with as camping becomes a little more complicated. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. Best to add Beware of Guard Dogs..
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