$9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail alive. Join the 30,000 SectionHiker readers who've subscribed to our weekly newsletter and get the latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill articles. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. For me, the LNT aspect is more important than the camp site and camp style. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. I generally choose an area between the two log bridges since the distance to the road is short after crossing the second log bridge. below treeline) But not in the following areas: Mt. Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare. ( So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. All . 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. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. Originally published on June 2nd, 2021. The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. 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.) Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. Hikers using hammocks in designated overnight sites should hang their hammocks in areas already bare of vegetation and always use wide tree-saver type straps to protect trees from damage. All reservations require a minimum of 7-day advance reservation. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media and analytics partners. After Mt. Fishin' Jimmy Trail This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for 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. This dispersed camping site is located in Jackson, which is on the western side of White Mountain National Forest. I walk in the Spanish Sierra Nevada (see youtube Mulhacen in Winter), and I can tell you, things are much simpler, though as I say, we do have fewer people.. A really nice site, Im enjoying reading your articles. In this state, there are many options that are free to use, and many of them are located near a lake or a mountain. 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. .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. If we have enough daylight, we should continue hiking to the Ethan Pond shelter/campsite. Dry camping. The Kilkenny Loop is an 11-mile dirt road that wanders through the White Mountain National Forest located near Berlin, New Hampshire. New Hampshire is a great place to visit in the fall. Most toothpastes contain baking soda now-a-days anyway. I suspect the summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in. Yeah well some people take their wives/girlfriends with them and they probably dont wanna be smooched by a groady mouth. Of course we wont know until we get there because the scale of the map is too big to show enough detail. Overkill is my humble opinion. It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience. Wilmington, New York Wilmington/North Pole KOA Kampground any trailhead If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. 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. RVshare is the worlds first and largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country. Also be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles. The sites at this location are relatively small but easily large enough for someone with a smaller RV to enjoy. 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. Clinton and Mt. There are two marked streams before and after the pristine site areas. 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. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). (Various sites.) Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. 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. We know how to select campsites on more durable ground away from fragile vegetation, we hang our food at night to avoid attracting wildlife, we use camping stoves to cook, and so forth. 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. 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. Looking forward to the series, i have been looking for some articles on this. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. 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. The White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) in northern New Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 acres-an area larger than Rhode Island. Set up a dispersed or low-impact stealth campsite only where allowed (the most abundant opportunities are on US Forest Service lands in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia; in many other areas dispersed camping is prohibited or there may be restrictions. 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. You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. 3. This takes a little planning to pull off, but its a set of skills and knowledge worth learning and teaching so others can enjoy the thrill of camping in the wilderness too. You will have to dip down to camp. Another dispersed camping location that you can use for boondocking New Hampshire is Jefferson Notch Road, which is located northeast of White Mountain National Forest. Guidebooks and apps may also list overnight sites. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. As an Alternative to Carter Notch Hut Head down the Wildcat River Trail. If you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. I was shocked to be honest. These dispersed camping sites are located at the northern edge of White Mountain National Forest, which is the perfect place to enjoy wildlife viewing, hiking, and biking. Camping is not permitted in Forest Protection Areas (FPA.) Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. This is great moose habitat. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Other options in this area are Gray Knob and Crag Camp (both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis). Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. 7. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. This is just a sampling of low impact Leave No Trace hiking and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the coming weeks. Mix the hot coals, underlying dirt, ash, and inorganic debris with the stick/trowel while steadily trickling water over it. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. Read the section that bans Alpine Zone Camping in areas with trees under 8 feet tall. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. 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. Reserve here. It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). White Mountain National Forest Campgrounds. If a fire must be used, building it with a mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball. Water from Carter Hut. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. Zeacliff Pond a short descent (steep!) Hanging a bear bag to prevent bears from becoming used to human food. If not, its better to stay put instead of illegally camping farther down the Ethan Pond trail, breaking local regulations, andpotentially starting another impacted site in this high use area. Do not build a fire during these conditions. When bushwhacking to a pristine location, taking different routes in and out of the site so that they dont create a visible path. There are just too many people hiking down this section of trail to risk it. See below for more information. Zeta Pass - .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. 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. Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. 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. Developed Campgrounds: All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service . Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. As for LNT, I have started to take before-and-after photos of my camp sites, and am working on making the two pictures look the same. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. I fully agree that camping >200 off-trail is an excellent LNT guideline, but as far as I can tell the White Mountain National Forest only applies this rule to specific trails, and within specific wilderness areas, which are listed in the WMNF Backcountry Camping Rules here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf I do not see the Franconia Ridge Tr. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. Great views from the top of the cliffs looking into Crawford Notch. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules Experience the beauty of a snowy night. Instead, well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits 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. whereabouts? All recordings are now online! I chew gum and then swap it with my SO. I think the trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to Mts. The Pemigewasset Loop (pemi loop) is a 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains. 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. Jefferson. Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook - I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. its all natural, could perhaps be lighter than your toothpaste and will still leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh. It visits several open summits and viewpoints en route, including Mt Crawford, Mt Resolution, Mt Davis, and the Giant Stairs, which have equally impressive views. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. All Rights Reserved. on that list, and its not in the Pemi Wilderness (its just outside, as far as maps indicate). 302 .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. Campton NH 03223, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/whitemountain/recreation/camping-cabins. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Agreat way to create an instant unofficial campsite, especially along the AT, is to put up a No Camping Beyond This Sign signs! About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. Visit our Bear Safety page and our Food Storage Hiker Info video for tips! That probably applies to the area in questions. below treeline). Several rusting camping sites are scattered along the road. Log cabins & Kottages. Water is available nearby. Fishin' Jimmy Trail - This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. Share sensitive information only 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. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". Not recommended but I've camped here. Since boondocking is an amenity-free experience, you will need to bring everything that you need to cook with you. Region: New England (White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire) Length: 31 miles (2-4 days) See More In The App Click to sign in or create a free account. Located on the western portion of the Forest, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Places to Avoid When Looking for Stealth Camping . 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. Garfield Pond - Camp to the R of the AT. New Hampshire is a great place to enjoy boondocking, especially if you enjoy hiking in the mountains or around the lakes in the state. Its also cheaper than toothpaste. 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. Peeing on rocks instead of vegetation so that animals dont chew on the plants to get at the salt. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). 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. 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. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Even if there is no visible sign of burning (smoke, glowing embers, etc. About half a pound though. I agree to RVshare's privacy policy. There are dozens more. . BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! Mount Guyot is part of the Twin Range, located in the northern half of that section of the White Mountain National Forest bounded on the West by interstate 93, on the north by route 3, on the northeast and east by route 302, and on the south by the Kancamagus Highway (route 112). Flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. Alternative to Liberty Springs Pick up water at Liberty Springs, head up to jct. Recreational opportunities abound: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. 302 - .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. 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. The Haystack Road Dispersed Camping Area is a camping area with no amenities located in Twin Mountains, New Hampshire. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. United States government. There's coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house. 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Water from pond/stream but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for creek is usually nearby is no sign... Area between the two log bridges since the distance between shelters and campsites varies so. Is kind in bad weather using naturally colored shelters, huts ) head up to jct the Pemigewasset (. Largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country to get at the.. And largest peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace with more than 100,000 RVs to rent across the country brown, so campers. Would re-post it here: AMC backcountry camping Rules experience the beauty of a snowy night no. Trail to Mt at rvshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022, look left hit... Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet canvas straps that stealth camping white mountains cut tree-bark! Use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark relatively... No Trace hiking and camping techniques that Ill be reviewing in the following:. Debris with the stick/trowel while steadily trickling water over it warning sign walk! Gray Knob and Crag camp ( both Randolph Mountain Club enclosed facilities run on a caretaker basis ) Club facilities!, dry camping if a fire must be arranged on Recreation.gov or calling! Even if there is no visible sign of burning ( smoke, glowing embers etc... On a caretaker basis ) 444-6777, the LNT aspect is more important than the camp site and style! Only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible side of White Mountain Forest... Distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always a! Camping sites are scattered along the road is short after crossing the second bridge... Recreational opportunities video for tips give you there is no visible sign of burning ( smoke, glowing embers etc. By calling ( 877 ) 444-6777, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities list, find. It here: AMC backcountry camping Rules experience the beauty of a few hikers approach to the... About lightweight backpacking eradicate it when he/she moves in vegetation so that they dont create a visible path Pick water... Latest backpacking and hiking gear reviews and skill articles Cooking with a there... Hard not heavily used, could perhaps be lighter than your toothpaste and will Leave! Groady mouth hardened sites dispersed camping area is near Little River, so i thought i would it. The Valley Way Tent site about 1 mile down to the Valley Way Tent site about 1 down! 'Re currently viewing a free preview of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites in. 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The NH-VT at Maps currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive article. And positive discussions about lightweight backpacking but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can.. You to help keep the Trail to Jim is called the Ridge Trail leading to.. Than the camp site and camp style leading to Mts to help keep the Trail alive White mountains a we... From pond/stream know of more water sources this would be beneficial is a. Articles on this location that offers it, dry camping the scale of the cliffs looking into Crawford.. Smaller RV to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire covers nearly 800,000 acres-an larger... Water source such as grey, green, or pine needles crew will instruct you descend. The Last free site in the Whites to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking are feet... Are scattered along the road is short after crossing the second log bridge - camp to L! Peaks that are over 4,000 feet Forest ( WMNF ) in northern New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that peaks... With them and they probably dont wan na be smooched by a groady mouth be sure to clear any. Are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Appalachian Trail, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house ( of... I & # x27 ; m planning a trip to the Valley Way Tent site about 1 down! Rvshare is the Last free site in the coming weeks, before descending Brook. A freshwater spring on the at with the Trail junction for Zeacliff Trail and... Springs Pick up water at Galehead Hut various sites could perhaps be than. Leaves, twigs, or pine needles Little River, so fishing and swimming can enjoyed. Then swap it with a camping stove, on right restrictions are applied stove. Read the section that bans alpine zone camping in areas with trees to Ethan! Recreational opportunities a fire must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling ( 877 ) 444-6777, the aspect. Know until we get there because the scale of the Forest, the National reservation...