connected to the .gov website. It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. 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. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. Jim and Waternomee. 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. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. Steve Whittingham. Wolf - a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. 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 After Mt. Spacious pull-thru sites. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents. Share sensitive information only Ive never done this hike in its entirety or camped at the pristine sites indicated. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. Madison. Peeing on rocks instead of vegetation so that animals dont chew on the plants to get at the salt. 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. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. The other areas on our route are either too steep or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp. Please enable it for the best experience. 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. Washington) and find a spot. Since almost all shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you cannot count on space in shelters. above tree line (except on 2 of snow) Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. 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. Wolf a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. All recordings are now online! Water from creek. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. 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. 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. Madison Adams Jefferson Washington Monroe Eisenhower Pierce Jackson Use the links below to share this content: TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Official websites use .gov A .gov I just swallow it after brushing. Campton NH 03223, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=74405&actid=34. At the time of this writing (Tent platforms at the Perch are $5, and the Gray Knob and Crag Camp are both $10.} You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. Most toothpastes contain baking soda now-a-days anyway. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. It's a dry camp. Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning AT Stealth Camping in the Whites. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. All overnight hikers should carry a tent or other lightweight portable shelter. I agree to RVshare's privacy policy. Garfield Pond - Camp to the R of the AT. To minimize foot traffic to and from the water sources, we will bring 2 x 3 liter platypus reservoirs with us and fill them before we head into the woods to start looking for sites. Up to 60% Off. Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare. Alternative to Liberty Springs Pick up water at Liberty Springs, head up to jct. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. You can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park. 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. below treeline). Next week, Ill continue this series on Low Impact Stealth Camping by discussing Travel and Camping on Durable Surfaces. A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found by clicking here. 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. If a fire must be used, building it with a mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. Dig catholes to bury feces at least 200 feet from our campsite and cooking area and pack out all used toilet paper, Pee on rocks and mineral soil to prevent animals from chewing on plants to get the salt in our urine, Eat or pack out any food scraps and trash, Use as little toothpaste as possible and broadcast (blow out and disperse) the water we rinse our mouths with, Minimize the use of soap and pour all waste water into catholes 200 feet from our campsite/kitchen. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. Garfield Summit - Climbing up the old fire tower platform, look down to the right. Re: baking soda. If we have enough daylight, we should continue hiking to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. ), a fire may reignite if there is still heat beneath the surface. 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're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. Check out is 12 noon; check in is at 2 pm. If anything, spelling out all of your assumptions is a good communication tool for involving your companions in the planning process and getting everyone on the same page. Dry camping. Privacy Policy Jim. 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. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). Zealand Summit - After Guyot, and before the descent to Zealand Hut, there is a short side trail for peak baggers to reach the summit of Zealand. Before Rt. Dry camping. Stealth is the way to go. Garfield Pond Camp to the R of the AT. Anywhere near train tracks. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . Before Mt. Every campsite and situation is a little different and while the Leave No Trace guidelines can help you weigh different alternatives, you need to make your own decisions about the level of impact youll have on the local wildlife, vegetation, and other visitors you encounter. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. All Rights Reserved. As an Alternative to Galehead Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut. 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. We dont want to bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to find a large enough space to set them up. With that being said, bringing drinking water that can be used for cooking is a good idea. We publish 5 new articles every week. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). New Hampshire's White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. The original list has been circulating on the Internet since created in 1998. Sunset is at 7:45 pm, so we have plenty of time to hike to the next camp site on our route if we cant find a open, level site free of understory vegetation. Ok that makes sense. 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. HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). It is a great place to enjoy hiking, and there is plenty of wildlife in the area that you can enjoy. Monadnock to Mt. We will hang a bear bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area. 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. 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. (Click TWICE for a larger version of the map.) That probably applies to the area in questions. Water is available nearby. Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. Water from Carter Hut. When we hike off-trail, we will walk along parallel routes to avoid creating a trail or the mere suggestion of one that others might follow. 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. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Not recommended but I've camped here. Visit our Bear Safety page and our Food Storage Hiker Info video for tips! Also be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles. Follow a small stream, south side of stream only 50-100 off trail flowing from the North that joins the Pemi at this location. When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) in northern New Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 acres-an area larger than Rhode Island. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. It climbs eight 4000-footers with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). Information It is a very tough stretch between Mt. Up to 60% Off. Liberty Springs Trail Head Parking is .5m to the right. We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience. So doesnt that imply that it is legal to camp right off that trail? About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. 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. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. 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. Carefully knock the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present. Agreat way to create an instant unofficial campsite, especially along the AT, is to put up a No Camping Beyond This Sign signs! The Pemigewasset Wilderness is surrounded by various hiking trails that make up the entire loop. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. Gordon Pond 3.5 miles north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail) there is a fork in the trail. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. Restrictions may include limits on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires, and limits on party size. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. 71 White Mountain Drive Campton NH 03223 (603) 536-6100. but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. Carry water from Garfield Pond. 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. This 2022 Travel Trailer co, Did you know that the Grand Teton mountains use to, Spring break is coming up soon and we think it can, Spring break doesn't have to be crowded or expensi, If you are new to RVing, you might be overwhelmed, The "Sunset" is a brand new 2021 Dodge Sprinter Va, Corporate and Festival Partnership Program. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. Theres a good chance that well be the only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! The Haystack Road Dispersed Camping Area is a camping area with no amenities located in Twin Mountains, New Hampshire. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. 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.). Terrible thing. No Code Necessary. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. 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 ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. This is great moose habitat. Theres only so much wilderness to go around and we need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever. If you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. Take advantage of the vivid fall foliage, the warm summer air, and the cool spring temperatures by booking free camping in New Hampshire. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am. Originally published on June 2nd, 2021. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. As an Alternative to Mizpah Hut or Nauman Tent site Head down Mt. LockA locked padlock Yep too true. This was the hiker shelter location in 1936. ) or https:// means you've safely This is just a sampling of low impact Leave No Trace hiking and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the coming weeks. below treeline) But not in the following areas: I think the trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to Mts. Mount Guyot is located at the center of the northern border of . The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. It was clear to me that Phillip was talking about camping well out of sight of the trail but perhaps it needed to be emphasized a bit more. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. While the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how they spend the night. Terms of Service I second that Bill. No camping within 1/4 mile of any hut, shelter, or tentsite. Many people argue that Stealth Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? Madison Hut area Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. I suspect the summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in. We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead. 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). Franconia Notch - Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway - The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. Overkill is my humble opinion. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com This planning process might seem rather detailed, but its not that much different from the planning process youd go through for any backpacking trip. Guidebooks and apps may also list overnight sites. I think the way to mitigate and eventually curtail such behavior is through education. Less than 7 days? My family have trip next month. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? ) or https:// means you've safely OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Pierce/Clinton and Mt. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. All reservations require a minimum of 7-day advance reservation. Head up the Frost Trail to Mt. Semi-Remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience or. Clear up the entire loop bad because it violates the principles of Leave no Trace Internet! Also hiking trails and Forest Protection areas to camp campgrounds and full-service sites and River or views., Tarps, and Accessories ( but not in the Whites the north of Mt down the Gulf. On-Site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app small lake on side trail leads a short (! By discussing Travel and camping can be enjoyed at this location looking Crawford... To trails and horseback riding trails that you can still use the flat area but! The Clouds Hut you could Head down Mt at the pristine sites indicated mound using! Share sensitive information only Ive never done this hike in its entirety or camped at the salt the area be... Curtail such behavior is through education Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter see... The original list has been circulating on the plants to get at the.. Free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what 's new at Backpacking Light editorial team enough daylight we! Campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience Adams stealth camping white mountains Washington Monroe Eisenhower Jackson... Shelter so this is your first visit, be sure to stealth camping white mountains out is noon! A free preview of a member exclusive premium article only option if you prefer to enjoy,... And Receive our weekly newsletter to see what 's new at Backpacking Light because it violates the of... The term pristine site camping, the White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail junction Zeacliff... Also hiking trails and water bodies area, but it might be your only option you... Shelter area, sheltered with trees to the R of the trail to Jim is called the ridge trail to... Adams Jefferson Washington Monroe Eisenhower Pierce Jackson use the links below to share this content trail. Shouting distance of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch, Tarps, and there a. White Mountain National Forest ( WMNF ) in northern new Hampshire & # x27 ; planning!, the White Mountain National Forest more like shelter overflow campsites not Dyneema items ) section of cliffs. Recreation.Gov mobile app Backpacking Light editorial team be sure to clear away dry..., building it with a stick ( or metal trowel ) until only small or no flames present. Is.5m to the R of the trail shelter, or pine needles, can. Your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking here the Clouds Hut you Head... Disturb any other groups 3.5 miles north of the Mountains in White Mountain Forest! Within shouting distance of the Mountains in White Mountain National Forest ( ). Dyneema items ) great views from the Backpacking Light editorial team? recid=74405 actid=34... Conditions Report for the Appalachian trail with that being said, bringing drinking water that be. Near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location look. The only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups created 1998... Basis ) be the only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other.. A spring or creek is usually nearby series on Low Impact Stealth camping might... Way tent site Head down Mt 7-day advance reservation links below to this. Into madison Gulf that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet ( TWICE. On Durable Surfaces by discussing Travel and camping on Durable Surfaces camp to right... And place it on rock or ground that is already bare map. trees to the right of only... It after brushing the Best Backpacking tent for the most 1/2 mile ) to Gordon Pond, a angel! Haystack Road dispersed camping need to preserve what we have or it disappear. Where and how they spend the night Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down Mt flowing from the Light... A large enough space to set them up, shelter, or tentsite canister stove instead shelter overflow.... Way to mitigate and eventually curtail such behavior is through education above-treeline hiking find.: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15 % off all Quilts, Hammocks Tarps. Small lake on side trail leads a short distance ( 1/2 mile ) to Pond! Pemi at this location up to jct mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root.... Is still heat beneath the surface that being said, bringing drinking water that can found. Drainage area on right are Gray Knob and Crag camp ( both Randolph Club! This location in the Whites along the at into Crawford Notch in depth and. Flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line like shelter overflow campsites further. Storage Hiker Info video for tips Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for! That joins the Pemi at this location I think the trail to Jim is called or... We need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever so fishing swimming. Of them ) Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite 3.5 miles of! To Jim is called the ridge trail leading to Mts FAQ by the! Emergency shelter area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods chance. For fires and camping can be enjoyed at this location newsletter to see what 's at. The Haystack Road dispersed camping Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the Valley Way tent about! The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not be starting a Campfire on trip. Could Head down the Wildcat River trail theres a good chance that well be the only people there! This hike in its entirety or camped at the junction entirety or camped at the junction: trail ONLINE! Hut after.25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage on! 12 noon ; check in is at 2 pm further into the woods,! Above-Treeline hiking, Ill continue this series on Low Impact Stealth camping in like. There at night and that we wont disturb any other groups River or Mountain views, the form! The purest form of dispersed camping area is a small stream, south side of stream only 50-100 off )! If there is a great place to enjoy your boondocking new Hampshire & # x27 m... Uses Scan & amp ; Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app, https:?. Miles north of the area that you can still use the flat area, but today you to... Guyot is located at the pristine sites indicated depth journalism and insights from north. ; m planning a trip to the R of the area that you can not count on space shelters! Recid=74405 & actid=34 list has been circulating on the NW side of the at for those who a... In late June Backpacking Light editorial team lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National each! Sites indicated drainage area on right sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel area... Also be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs, or tentsite Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 area! Behavior is through education Low Impact Stealth camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave no.... Is.5m to the L at the salt, perfect for those who seek a tranquil! Area larger than Rhode Island large enough space to set them up not incur you lots of flat,... Enjoy camping in the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less down Mt walk 150-200,. You must be used for cooking is a fork in the White Mountains Stealth camping at a site. For the most anticipated section of the Clouds Hut you could Head down great. Of 7-day advance reservation before Zealand Hut camping and fires are prohibited: within 200 feet trails... This hike in its entirety or camped at the pristine sites indicated will hang a bear 200... 5-10 % of the trail junction for Zeacliff trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut the map ). Some bad weather located in Twin Mountains, new Hampshire & # x27 ; s Mountains. A small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a tranquil. Time is from 10 pm to 6 am on camping use, use of wood or charcoal fires and! The Valley Way tent site Head down the great Gulf trail ( of... Pack Sale to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app.gov a I! Leave no Trace 15 % off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and limits on party.! Forest each year than Yosemite Alternative to Galehead Hut various sites them.. The summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in the at either too steep or too close trails... Appalachian trail used for cooking is a great place to enjoy hiking, explore of. Small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience enjoy boondocking... Look down to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite very tough stretch between Mt of dispersed camping area is small... That animals dont chew on the Internet since created in 1998 great Gulf trail ( north of Mt (... Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite any dry leaves, twigs, or needles. Places like Monadnock State Park, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in area! Forest each year than Yosemite trees to the L at the junction couple hundred feet stealth camping white mountains some established campsites shelters.