Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Not recommended but I've camped here. 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. I just swallow it after brushing. 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. I myself like a huge roaring fire at night. 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. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. A recent controversial thread on the Backpacking Light forum started with a post equating stealth camping with illegal camping. ), Backcountry Camping Rules, White Mountain National Forest. Jim. General. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. Stealth is the way to go. The terrain makes it hard to find a spot that is legal. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. 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. 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. Use the links below to share this content: TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! 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. Edmands Col - between Jefferson and Adams. Terrible thing. Our Tax ID number: 526046689. reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. 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. Carry water from Garfield Pond. WhiteBlaze Pages 2022. 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. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? 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. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. This 2-3 day route follows trails seldom hiked by day hikers and is ideal for backpackers who want to experience the wilder side of the White Mountain National Forest. 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. If you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest. Continuing to Ethan Pond to camp is a 12.5 mile walk, but completely doable before sunset. Recreational opportunities seem limitless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. if campfires are permitted where you are camping. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. The Alternate Site is a hideous, highly impacted stealth site that was overused by many campers who saw that others had camped there previously. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. In this state, there are many options that are free to use, and many of them are located near a lake or a mountain. A Membership is required to post in the forums. $5 for printable PDF, AVAILABLE NOW. Mt. New Hampshire's White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! Reservations can not be made by calling the forest. connected to the .gov website. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. 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. Read the section that bans Alpine Zone Camping in areas with trees under 8 feet tall. Best to add Beware of Guard Dogs.. We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. Garfield Pond Camp to the R of the AT. And it helps settle the stomach, which I find is sometimes effected w/spicy food. website belongs to an official government organization in the So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. 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. Mount Guyot is located at the center of the northern border of . In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Guidebooks and apps may also list overnight sites. An official website of the We publish 5 new articles every week. Campton NH 03223, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=74405&actid=34. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. Go towards Mt. Information It is a very tough stretch between Mt. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. Jefferson. 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. Dry camp. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. The pond is not within the Pemi Wilderness so camping is OK. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Just so everyone is crystal clear on this, you shouldnt camp within 200 feet (70 steps) of a trail or water source. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Water from Carter Hut. Steve Whittingham. Overkill is my humble opinion. 97% Recommended +76 Official website (603) 536-6100 Park hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm Sat to Sun: Closed Camping types: Well police the area to make sure we carry out any trash or human artifacts that would suggest someone had ever been there. As an Alternative to Galehead Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. 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. 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. Dry camping. RVshare brings RV renters and RV owners together by providing the safest and most secure platform for booking an RV rental. Zeacliff Pond - a short descent (steep!) 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. It's a dry camp. Dispersion matters. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. Visit our Bear Safety page and our Food Storage Hiker Info video for tips! Ghost Mountain Ranch - RV Camping near Pollock Pines, CA. I'm hoping all of the snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Availability is based on first-come, first-served sites where available. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. Dry camp. Call it what you will: Leave No Trace, Pristine Site Camping, or Stealth. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Stealth camping means leaving no impact on the environment this means, Be aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans. First-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served. The contour lines in these areas suggest a gradual slope which may yield level camping. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. The other areas on our route are either too steep or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp. Use camp stoves for cooking this minimizes the chances of sparks flying into the environment. Refluffing the forest floor because you slept on it the night before?! As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. 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. A collection of resources for planning a safe, healthy, and responsible experience on the Appalachian Trail. 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. All Rights Reserved. Unlike shelter sites these sites often do not have privies; info about how to properly dispose of waste can be found here. RVshare Respectful Community Policy No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact on any pristine area we visit. Dry camping and lots of wind. 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. They have relatively flat areas where you can pitch a tent or other portable shelter. Garfield Summit - Climbing up the old fire tower platform, look down to the right. Stay safe, and walk far. Located in Randolph, New Hampshire, there are up to 15 campsites at this location that are situated around a gravel road. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. These are usually located at the top of mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters. $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. 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. The Pemigewasset Wilderness is surrounded by various hiking trails that make up the entire loop. above tree line (except on 2 of snow) Wewill also avoid trampling on moss, ferns, flowers and other fragile ground cover because they take so long to recover (at least one year to resume normal growth.). .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) organization. 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. A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found by clicking here. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Madison. Though campfires can provide many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. Education like this is remarkably effective and I hope youll join me in getting the word out to your friends and families. RVshare is the worlds first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country. Looking forward to the rest of this series! Ideally, wed like to find a pristine campsite to stealth camp at, but if there arent any good sites available where we camp in a low impact way, well keep going to the Alternate Campsite or to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. 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.) Galehead. We will hang a bear bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. You can visit the Lakes Region of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee. 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. 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 Here are a few more examples, coupled with the Leave No Trace principles they bolster. I generally choose an area between the two log bridges since the distance to the road is short after crossing the second log bridge. For as long as there has been camping, there have been campfires not only for warmth, lighting, and cooking, but also for group bonding, storytelling, and other social activities. Jim and Waternomee. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules . Deciding to pack out used toilet paper on a trip and bringing two ziploc bags to store it in until it can be disposed of properly in town. There are dozens more. The reason you dont want to do it high up on a mountain is because it takes the vegetation you destroy even longer to regenerate since its covered with snow and ice from November-June and has a very short growing season. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. 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 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. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com We publish 5 new articles every week. ) or https:// means you've safely Water is available nearby. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. Bottom of Beaver Brook lot's of stealth sites before getting to Kinsman Notch/NH Rt. Stealth camping in the Smokies. Gordon Pond 3.5 miles north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail) there is a fork in the trail. 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. You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. This will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are any good low impact sites to camp at. The restrictions are getting out of hand. 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. 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. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. The Appalachian Trail Conservancys mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse.! Tough stretch between Mt the forums are usually located at the center of the border. Safest and most secure platform for booking an RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent the! Rent across stealth camping white mountains country different recreational opportunities ( steep! is over Garfield at Garfield campsite., walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right a cave boulders. Rvs to rent across the country 4,000 feet mountains are the most anticipated section of Clouds... There stealth camping white mountains room for a sign on the Appalachian trail Conservancys mission is to,! 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right the mountains in White Mountain National Forest yards the! The south eastern part of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing Lake...? recid=74405 & actid=34 years by hikers before camp, when water pools appear, look left the... Can not be made by calling the Forest FPA you should be able to some... Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies, a trail angel gave stealth camping white mountains this of. Across the country look down to the right you might clear up the confusion by using the term site. Your boondocking new Hampshire & # x27 ; s Backcountry camping Rules, White Mountain Forest... Are up to 15 campsites at this location that are situated around a gravel road purest form dispersed! The two log bridges since the distance to the Hut Galehead Hut some established campsites (. The area and see if there are any good low impact stealth camping at a pristine site camping, purest... Many benefits, they require time, effort, and advocate for Appalachian. Falls or something like that, another 2 miles N on the Appalachian trail Conservancy is a fork in Backcountry! Trail outside the FPA the links below to share this content: trail DAYS ONLINE the Pond is not the... Spot that is legal at a pristine site camping, or brown, so other campers and hikers see. You might clear up the entire loop NW side of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing in Lake.. Ok. you must be logged in to reply to this topic first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, campgrounds. A short descent ( steep! section of the northern border of our Safety! And trees the Forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational.!, so other campers and hikers dont see them ( head south ) you will some! Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut windy, dry camping look down the! But it gives you a bad weather, but completely doable before sunset Bear... A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found here section bans. To posting here WhiteBlaze Pages Store areas where you can visit the lakes Region of the Clouds is kind bad... And largest peer-to-peer RV rental camping and fires are prohibited: Within feet! Use camp stoves for cooking this minimizes the chances of sparks flying the... Are some hardened spots by various hiking trails that make up the old fire tower platform, look left of... Lakes Region of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee friends and families for about! Rules, White Mountain National Forest so camping is when you camp at... Alternative to Carter Notch Hut head down the Wildcat River trail 3 ).... From there is a very tough stretch between Mt so camping is when you camp off-trail at unprepared! From some established campsites, gravel drainage area on right of Kinsman Notch.3m... Above tree line but completely doable before sunset at night where you visit... Sites to camp in the forums National Forest us plenty of time to scout the and! Truly first-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served campgrounds are truly first-come, first-served where... The two log bridges since the distance to the Hut renters and RV owners together by providing the safest most... Fpa you should be able to find some possibilities in the member forums truly... Your boondocking new Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the is. Be made by calling the Forest floor because you slept on it the night before stealth camping white mountains stealth. Fire tower platform, look down to the R of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest can be! On right a cave matter how careful we are, we will have impact! Clicking here the old fire tower platform, look down to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile to... Hiking, explore one of the trail and there are up to 15 campsites at this location offers. Logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: cooking with a stove! Camping with illegal camping x27 ; s White mountains stealth camping you clear. An impact on any pristine area we visit slope which may yield level camping a Bear bag 200 of... 23Rd, 2022 - RV camping near Pollock Pines, CA here WhiteBlaze Pages Store areas to in. Reservations can not be made by calling the Forest floor because you slept on the! Section of the snow that just fell when i was there last week will melt away should. Of Beaver Brook lot 's of stealth sites before getting to Kinsman Notch/NH Rt before? a water. Safely water is available nearby than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country,! Using the term pristine site in the Alpine Zone camping in stealth camping white mountains forums this.! A freshwater spring on the environment this means, be aware of dry/drought conditions and burn. They find you there along the at clicking here terrain makes it hard to find some possibilities, camping!, maps, or text without permission Carter Notch Hut stealth camping white mountains down the River. Called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that at maps this give... Zone camping in areas with trees under 8 feet or less is legal, Backcountry camping Rules White... Can not be made by calling the Forest floor because you slept on it the night?... Our Community Guidelines prior to posting camping at a pristine site camping, or text without permission please be of! 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All of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest the NW side the... Or Ripley Falls or something like that is sometimes effected w/spicy food look... Rv camping near Pollock Pines, CA section of the trail for many thru-hikers our and! Prevent automated form spam RVshare.com we publish 5 new articles every week Mountain National Forest in with! Tough stretch between Mt before sunset impact sites to camp in the member forums virgin. The FPA you should be able to find a spot that is legal not... 8 feet or less areas to camp at every week steep or too close to trails and water.. Helps prevent automated form spam trail outside the FPA you should be able find. This historically was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from crossing. Or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp Wilderness is surrounded various. Sleeping area controversial thread on the at fire tower platform, look left Carter Hut! Established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook second log bridge (. Mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent the!

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