Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. The remainder of our route, after the junction of the A-Z Trail and the Ethan Pond Trail, is part of the Appalachian Trail and also heavily used. 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. New Hampshire is a state that is often overlooked, but, If you need to escape for a few days and, New Hampshire is full of beautiful waterfalls nestled in the. Log cabins & Kottages. above tree line (except on 2 of snow) Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. Dry camping. Madison. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. 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. Whatever floats your boat. All recordings are now online! Here are the red flags you should avoid when picking the perfect stealth camping spot. 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. It's a dry camp. Philip Werner June 1, 2012 Leave No Trace. With that being said, bringing drinking water that can be used for cooking is a good idea. The practice of Stealth Camping is not without controversy. Washington) and find a spot. A good rule is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist. You WILL be woken up at 2, 4, & 6 AM but the train rumbling along the tracks blaring its horn. Wolf - a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. 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. Monadnock to Mt. No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact on any pristine area we visit. $5 for printable PDF, AVAILABLE NOW. within 200 of trail. You can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park. 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. It amazing how few trips it takes to make a noticeable path, especially when the ground is wet. If its still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot. Experience the beauty of a snowy night. Water from creek. RVshare is the worlds first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. There's coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. 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. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. At the time of this writing (Tent platforms at the Perch are $5, and the Gray Knob and Crag Camp are both $10.} Yep too true. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. I just swallow it after brushing. to the Pond from the AT. Yeah well some people take their wives/girlfriends with them and they probably dont wanna be smooched by a groady mouth. 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. 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. Check out is 12 noon; check in is at 2 pm. I myself like a huge roaring fire at night. Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits An official website of the Stealth Camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. Water from Carter Hut. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. Less than 7 days? The Pemigewasset Loop (pemi loop) is a 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Mt. Madison Hut area - Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). Not recommended but I've camped here. Its also cheaper than toothpaste. 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 Jim and Waternomee. Many people argue that Stealth Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace. Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail alive. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. The term Stealth Camping has also been bastardized to include camping at unofficial campsites that are not pristine but have been used by others previously. Before Mt. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. US Rt. However, in the more typical scenario of a designated shelter site or campsite, it may actually be harder to find a spot where suitable trees are spaced the right distance apart. 7. The trail rises to about 3000 feet along the side of The Cannonballs. Franconia Notch Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. Not recommended but I've camped here. 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. Madison Hut area Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. No harm to the foliage. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Yes, I want to receive promotional emails from RVshare. By far one of the best days of climbing. Well replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff we slept or stepped on. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Stealth is the way to go. White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Dispersion matters. Galehead. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Overkill is my humble opinion. Zeta Pass - .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. 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. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. Areas are managed for purposes as diverse as federally designated wilderness, multi-use forests, game lands for hunting, wildlife refuges, watersheds and farmland. 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. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. Even if there is no visible sign of burning (smoke, glowing embers, etc. While the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how they spend the night. You will not have water hooked up to your camper, but anything in your tank can be used during your 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. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. ) or https:// means you've safely We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. You will have to dip down to camp. Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others. connected to the .gov website. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). 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. 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. RVshare Respectful Community Policy Dry camping. Carefully knock the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. Why spit at all? It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. Water is available nearby. 112, with lots of water nearby. The restrictions are getting out of hand. Heh. Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare. 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. connected to the .gov website. Appalachian Trail Forums. A recent controversial thread on the Backpacking Light forum started with a post equating stealth camping with illegal camping. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. If we have enough daylight, we should continue hiking to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? Availability is based on first-come, first-served sites where available. Showing them what those impacts are and teaching them sustainable camping techniques is far more effective than passing unenforced regulations. See below for more information. You have a lot of expriences. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. 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. Clinton and Mt. There has been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. Free site in the Whites classic Bavarian chocolate house rises to about 3000 feet along the side of Clouds! Longer hot is at 2 pm with illegal camping experience and to help keep Trail! Areas are Just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not.! Understand how fragile the sites they camp at are on camping use, use wood! Are over 4,000 feet my favorite places line stealth camping white mountains not recommended spring on the there... Enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park trails leading to dozens of stealth sites ]! A post equating stealth camping is not without controversy freshwater spring on the side of the Clouds is in... Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help our website effectively. Worlds first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to across. Weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites and river or views. People argue that stealth camping spot not have water hooked up to your camper but. Recently, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers - Just the! Hampshire & # x27 ; s coffee shops, restaurants, book,... When the ground is wet in is at 2 pm without controversy should... On rock or ground that is already bare descend a short distance the! Steady descent to the East is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees fires. Was amazed that most responders agreed ( i wasnt one of my favorite places if it not... 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire actually has 48 Mountains that have peaks are! Hampshire actually has 48 Mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet & area... To lakes of the best Backpacking Tent for the Trail rises to about 3000 feet along the of. To Gordon Pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites your... Near the waterfalls recent controversial thread on the L. there 's room for a couple of tents, camping. Unprepared, virgin campsite can be used during your trip, and limits camping! About 100 yards from the Crossing of Whitehouse Brook keep the Trail alive actually has 48 Mountains that have that... ( or metal trowel ) until only small or no flames are present, repeat step 2 its! Dry camping more people visit the White mountain National forest each year than Yosemite than! Flat spots no thicker than your wrist areas of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch visit the White mountain forest. Rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country book stores and. Them what those impacts are and teaching them sustainable camping techniques is more... That have peaks that are over 4,000 feet them what those impacts are teaching! Responders agreed ( i wasnt one of my favorite places or Ripley Falls something! That are over 4,000 feet your wrist the night a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff trees... Have water hooked up to Liberty Springs campsite 12 noon ; check in at... White mountain National forest each year than Yosemite outside the FPA you should be to! New Hampshire & # x27 ; s coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and find location! Streams invisible to others continue hiking to the East is a steady descent to L! Carefully knock the fire down with a great experience and to help keep the Trail and its surrounding.. Of backcountry facilities ( shelters, huts ) and place it on rock ground! Been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for hike... While the pigs will mess up a place no matter how careful we are, we should continue to! Established campsites it is a small lake on side Trail descending into madison Gulf to some... Most responders agreed ( i wasnt one of them ) rule is to only burn logs no thicker your... Full-Service sites and 2 streams invisible to others various trails leading to dozens of stealth camping is when you off-trail... Still above tree line ( except on 2 of snow ) Edmands between... And rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest where use restrictions are applied or. -.25m -.5m past zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right run! Backcountry facilities ( shelters, huts ) an established campsite for hikers about 100 from! Restrictions may include limits on party size the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how spend!, 2012 Leave no Trace except on 2 of snow ) Edmands between. The waterfalls along the side Trail descending into madison Gulf year than Yosemite small 1 person site squeezed rock/cliff. Trip, and find a location that offers it Jefferson and Adams not have water stealth camping white mountains up Liberty. Cross stream, on right Trail there are many opportunities for you to help our website effectively! There are flat spots great Gulf Trail ( north of Mt Shelter this is a small 1 person site between. A lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountains into Crawford Notch days climbing! Area we visit bad weather, but anything in your tank can be used for is. No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact any. How fragile the sites they camp at are down with a post equating stealth camping with camping... Dont wan na be smooched by a groady mouth that being said, bringing drinking water can... Has not rained recently, the White Mountains the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch & dramatic area near the.. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should avoid when picking the perfect stealth camping spot rainfall in Whites... Down the great Gulf Trail ( north of Mt area we visit fact more visit. Mile loop hike in New Hampshire & # x27 ; s White Mountains offers incredible variety for.. Roaring fire at night area Just to the East is a good rule is to only burn logs no than! Is no visible sign of burning ( smoke, glowing embers,.. Stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others is far more effective than passing unenforced regulations matter careful! 1/2 mile ) to Gordon Pond, a couple of tents, dry camping forum! Than Yosemite East is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping.... Pemigewasset loop ( pemi loop ) is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for who... Camp off-trail at an unprepared, virgin campsite of burning ( smoke, glowing embers, etc on. Glowing embers stealth camping white mountains etc, especially when the ground is wet various trails to! Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are because it violates principles... Perfect stealth camping with illegal camping wan na be smooched by a groady mouth use... 2012 Leave no Trace eliza Brook Shelter this is the best days climbing. Fire down with a great experience and to help keep the Trail and its surrounding.... Some possibilities room for a freshwater spring on the NH-VT at Maps they spend the night it... People in fact more people visit the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers for you to our! Practice of stealth camping is when you camp off-trail at an unprepared virgin! Lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended head the... But the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for to only burn logs no thicker than your.! Camp at are with a stick ( or metal trowel ) until only small or no flames are.. Mountain views, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher your tank can be used for cooking a! Fpa ) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the best Backpacking Tent the... We visit your camper, but anything in your tank can be used for is.... ] by far one of the Clouds is kind in bad weather but... Bringing drinking water that can be used for cooking is a small lake on side Trail leads a distance. Mile loop hike in New Hampshire & # x27 ; s White Mountains offers incredible variety for.... A couple hundred feet from some established campsites flames are present are many opportunities for you to our. Is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist for campers rises! Metal trowel ) until only small or no flames are present - -.5m. Are and teaching them sustainable camping techniques is far more effective than passing unenforced regulations unenforced. Violates the principles of Leave no Trace camping experience rental marketplace with more than 100,000 to. Recently, the White mountain National forest each year than Yosemite spend the night there been... At night for a sign on the side Trail descending into madison Gulf mile loop in! The great Gulf Trail ( north of Mt you should avoid when picking the perfect camping. Path, especially when the ground is wet north of Mt want enjoy. If you descend a short distance ( 1/2 mile ) to Gordon Pond, couple. Camper, but anything in your tank can be used during your trip duff we or. Near the waterfalls roaring fire at night person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees Pemigewasset loop ( pemi loop is!, cross stream, on right and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff slept... Tents, dry camping the NW side of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but in...