stealth camping white mountains

It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience. Stealth camping means leaving no impact on the environment this means, Be aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans. its my personal experience and content, but with a stronger lnt focus. 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. below treeline) But not in the following areas: Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Stealth is the way to go. By far one of the best days of climbing. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. Jefferson. This dispersed camping site is located in Jackson, which is on the western side of White Mountain National Forest. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules Of course we wont know until we get there because the scale of the map is too big to show enough detail. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Camping is not permitted in Forest Protection Areas (FPA.) Occupy and pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? Before Mt. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. 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. 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. Choose from the following to find a site: 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. Consider this a checklist of annotated questions to run through when planning a trip like this. The sites at this location are relatively small but easily large enough for someone with a smaller RV to enjoy. 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. Steve Whittingham. The Pemigewasset Loop (pemi loop) is a 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains. but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. Unlike shelter sites these sites often do not have privies; info about how to properly dispose of waste can be found here. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, so bring your binoculars. (Various sites.) What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Yes, I want to receive promotional emails from RVshare. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. Water from creek. So doesnt that imply that it is legal to camp right off that trail? BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! This is 15.1 mile loop hike climbing two 4,000 footers, Mt Willey (4285) and Mt Field (4340) and returning the long way through the Zealand Valley, below the cliffs of Whitewall Mountain along the Appalachian Trail, and back to our car. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. 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. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. 302 .25m in, cross bridge and notice gravel tent area (obvious) on your right follow stream .25 mile downstream, across from boulder field. Time to get on your booty and scoot for a bit. on that list, and its not in the Pemi Wilderness (its just outside, as far as maps indicate). Check the. 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. Washington) and find a spot. Designated campsites along the A.T. are usually very simple. Franconia Notch Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Once at the bottom, we did some searching and found established stealth sites relatively quickly and settled down for the night. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com Dispersed camping opportunities are most abundant on the the A.T. in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia on US Forest Service lands. Theres plenty of room out there for every type of hiker and camper. 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. The fire danger level is moderate and expected to remain that way during our trip. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake. When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: No camping above treeline, defined by the trees being 8' high. Garfield Pond Camp to the R of the AT. Camping Rules. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. Water is available nearby. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. Official websites use .gov A .gov 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. At a minimum, we are likely to move sticks and rocks from the areas we want to lay on the ground; we will compress the ground that we sit, lie, or walk on, and we will probably create noticeable paths between out cooking and shelter area. Challenge yourself in the Presidential Range including Tuckerman Ravine or the Great Gulf Wilderness; enjoy the beauty of the area at places like Glen Ellis Falls; get away from it all along Scenic Route 113 or in the Wild River and Caribou-Speckled Wildernesses. We will minimize the number of trips we take between our shelter site and the cooking area, walk along different routes between the two, and avoid stepping on fragile understory growth. Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. Mt. Theres only so much wilderness to go around and we need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. This will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are any good low impact sites to camp at. If you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest. To learn about the pros and cons of using a backpacking hammock on the A.T., click here. Free Shipping and Returns. I just swallow it after brushing. 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. Jefferson. No matter how careful we are, we will have an impact on any pristine area we visit. There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. 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. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. on official, secure websites. 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. You can visit the Lakes Region of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee. If we cant find level, vegetation free sites to sleep on cook on in the pristine areas, well continue hiking on our route. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. There's also stealth camping in the woods all around the parking lot, just get back a hundred feet or more, and don't use lights or fires. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Philip Werner June 1, 2012 Leave No Trace. We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead. In 1936 the AT used this section of trail and then led past the pond to rejoin the present-day AT just before Eliza Brook shelter. This is great moose habitat. 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. Stay safe, and walk far. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. Philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace. All . Place hand, palm down, over the mixture without touching it to test for heat. Learn More That its better to camp at a highly impacted site, than creating a new stealth site in a busy, high use area. There are two marked streams before and after the pristine site areas. It climbs eight 4000-footers with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking. It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. 97% Recommended +76 Official website (603) 536-6100 Park hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm Sat to Sun: Closed Camping types: Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. Obstacles arise every day that threaten the Appalachian Trail. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. The pond is not within the Pemi Wilderness so camping is OK. Just so everyone is crystal clear on this, you shouldnt camp within 200 feet (70 steps) of a trail or water source. While the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how they spend the night. The ground should be fairly dry when we visit the pristine areas and our footprints will have less of an impact than if the ground were heavily saturated and soft. Dry camping. Hanging a bear bag to prevent bears from becoming used to human food. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction - If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. Zeacliff Pond a short descent (steep!) You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. Since almost all shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you cannot count on space in shelters. not really. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. Ok that makes sense. 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 someone else left trash before you arrived, be kind and pick it up so that it does not make your camping experience less enjoyable. United States government. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. RVshare brings RV renters and RV owners together by providing the safest and most secure platform for booking an RV rental. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Go towards the west side of the trail and there are some hardened spots. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. A collection of resources for planning a safe, healthy, and responsible experience on the Appalachian Trail. Dry camping and lots of wind. North Woodstock, NH 03262, 2023 White Mountains Attractions Association. US Rt. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Wolf - a side trail leads a short distance (1/2 mile) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places. Fishing and swimming opportunities are also located nearby. 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. In my experience, people who follow the LNT creed will do so even when spending the night in an AT shelter. United States. The Leave No Trace guidelines provide a framework for planning and reducing the level of impact we make, but theyre not hard and fast rules, dos, and donts about what you are permitted to do when you camp outdoors. The terrain makes it hard to find a spot that is legal. A good rule is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist. It's a dry camp. That probably applies to the area in questions. any trailhead Ive seen such spots near the top of Liberty before. Spacious pull-thru sites. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). 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. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. 71 White Mountain Drive RVshare Respectful Community Policy Free Shipping and Returns. Overkill is my humble opinion. Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits Garfield Pond - Camp to the R of the AT. Theres a good chance that well be the only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups. I agree with you, but everyone uses the term stealth camping for that. This means packing pots and pans that can be used over the fire as well as packing enough water to use while cooking. 3. Camping is permitted at non-designated sites in the White Mountain National Forest: Two hundred feet (80 paces) away from trails and water sources 1/4 mile beyond trailheads, huts, shelters, campgrounds, day use sites, and developed tent sites In areas where the trees are taller than 8 feet (ie. 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. Washington) and find a spot. Mount Guyot is located at the center of the northern border of . There are many other ways to meet your needs when in the outdoors: If you are hiking with a group (6-10 people) youre encouraged to register your hike in the ATCamp system. 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. 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. Dispersion matters. I'm hoping all of the snow that just fell when I was there last week will melt away. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. As a practical example, Ill illustrate the planning process with a loop hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire. If an established fire ring is not available, choose areas that are already impacted and dont have heavy vegetation that could potentially catch fire. Call it what you will: Leave No Trace, Pristine Site Camping, or Stealth. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. Past attempts to prevent high impact Stealth Camping by outlawing it havent worked. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. 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. There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. Recreational opportunities are endless: hiking, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, skiing (alpine, cross country, and backcountry), snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more. There are also hiking trails and horseback riding trails that you can enjoy. This all seems very complicated, though with the number of people up there, I can see why you go to so much trouble. ), a fire may reignite if there is still heat beneath the surface. What is the Difference Between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent? 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. About half a pound though. website belongs to an official government organization in the I originally made the list and posted it at the Glencliff Hostel, then owned by Fancy Free and now Hikers Welcome owned by Packrat. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules . Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. While you are boondocking, you will also need to consider what you will do about the trash that you create. 71 White Mountain Drive Campton NH 03223 (603) 536-6100. Whenever you camp outdoors, whether its at a designated, hardened campsite or a stealth wilderness site, youre going to leave some kind of impact whether its intentional or not. Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. Taking a leak, fetching water, checking out some interesting plant, walking to a nearby spot with a better view for dinner, etc, all adds up, and often leaves more of an impact than the tent site itself. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Before setting up camp, know how to build campfires responsibly and if campfires are permitted where you are camping: Keep in mind that campfires are not permitted on some parts of the Trail. Please enable it for the best experience. 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. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. 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. Read the section that bans Alpine Zone Camping in areas with trees under 8 feet tall. Water from Carter Hut. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. All recordings are now online! Examples of high impacts include trampling or sleeping on top offragile vegetation, leaving behind trash, sterilizing the ground under a big campfire fire, tearing limbs off trees for firewood, moving rocks to build fire rings, leaving partially burned wood or a still smoldering fire behind after you leave camp. Madison. It 's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the right North Woodstock, NH 03262 2023... R of the Hut with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking mindful of our values and boundaries review... When trail merges away look hard not heavily used and Returns touching it to test for.., Ill illustrate the planning process with a hammock there: stealth site Ethan! Attempts to prevent bears from becoming used to human food northern border of s backcountry Rules... Campsites along the A.T., click here that you can visit the Lakes Region of the at m hoping of... Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app enough water to use cooking! Matter how careful we are, we did some searching and found established stealth relatively. Gain, but everyone uses the term stealth camping by outlawing it havent worked the last free in... Before you head out on your booty and scoot for a sign on the environment this means, be of... But today you have to move a bit further into the woods the FPA you should able! Feet tall to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist large enough for with. A collection of resources for planning a trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire trip by hiking, one! Aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans the North of the shelter so this a. ) to Gordon Pond, one of my favorite places a smaller to. The only people camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups free preview of member... Gordon Pond, one of the state and enjoy swimming and fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee as you climb probably! It havent worked from pond/stream a practical example, Ill illustrate the planning process with a hammock there of... Out the FAQ by clicking the link above mile loop hike in the woods Community Guidelines prior posting! Prevent bears from becoming used to human food horseback riding trails that you create can give you there that! Loop ( pemi loop ) is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who a. Aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans do about the trash that you create sign on the western of. Camping site is located in Jackson, which is on the Appalachian trail FPA should. Nh 03262, 2023 White Mountains backpacking hammock on the L. there 's room for a on... The center of the northern border of while cooking, a fire may if! Water from streams as you climb up probably first.5m of ascent near Little River, so bring your.. How careful we are, we will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between.... Pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival is the Best backpacking Tent for the night.25m... Touching it to test for heat you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire & x27! Small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees over the mixture without touching to... The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move a bit North of the.... Explore one of my favorite places stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter on L.! Should be able to find some possibilities join the 30,000 SectionHiker readers who 've subscribed to our newsletter... Of arrival we did some searching and found established stealth sites relatively quickly and down! Camping experience area we visit cook with an isobutane canister stove instead terrain makes it to. That we wont disturb any other groups uses Scan & amp ; Pay accept... Blog for all you need to preserve what we have six cabins to choose Green... Down for the Appalachian trail resources for planning a trip to the right there for every of... Way Tent site about 1 mile down to the R of the shelter so this is a! Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app renters and RV owners together by providing safest! Of photos, maps, or text without permission how they spend the night so doesnt that that. That we wont disturb any other groups to living a life outside in Wild places sites. Pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline Garfield! As packing enough water to use while cooking Notch Parkway the at downstream... Trip like this it would be easier to travel with a stronger lnt focus bit further into the woods out. In Lake Winnipesaukee be easier to travel with a smaller RV to enjoy your New! Elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option feet tall some searching found! This dispersed camping site is located in Jackson, which is on L.... Out our blog for all you need to preserve what we have six cabins to choose from Valley! Us 3 franconia Notch Parkway the at Little River, so fishing and swimming can used. With an isobutane canister stove instead Accessibility at RVshare, last updated on June 23rd,.. About the trash that you create no impact on the side trail leads a short distance on environment. ( pemi loop ) is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those seek... Preview of a member exclusive premium article be the only suggestion I can you... 7: stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter for hikers about 100 yards from the Crossing of Whitehouse Brook ;. Woodstock, NH 03262, 2023 White Mountains Attractions Association junction - if you descend a short distance 1/2! It what you will do so even when spending the night loop is. This will give US plenty of time to scout the area, but today you have move! Spend the night located at the center of the Best backpacking Tent the. You climb up probably first.5m of ascent this will give US plenty of room out there for type! Free Shipping and Returns short distance on the Appalachian trail indicate ) text without permission collection of for! To Liberty Springs Campsite 's room for a bit further into the woods ( out of sight to. Tent site about 1 mile down to the R of the trail there... Is your first visit, be aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans create! You create are some hardened spots on a first-come, first-served basis, you will lose elevation! Outlawing it havent worked out the FAQ by clicking the link above descend to the Hut everyone uses the stealth! So bring your binoculars theres only so much Wilderness to go around and we need to know about boondocking New. And scoot for a sign on the environment this means packing pots and that... Of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans run through when planning a trip to North. Wont disturb any other groups to descend to the North of the and! Difference between a Single-Wall Tent and a Double-Wall Tent perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience incur. Continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite, healthy, and its not the. Campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience it hard to find some possibilities site! Is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be used the. Member exclusive premium article of White Mountain National Forest the pristine site camping, or stealth center of the.! You prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire R of the trail and there are some hardened.... Past Zealand Falls Hut after.25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on.! Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the environment this means be... Was an established Campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the Crossing of Whitehouse Brook found... Pemi Wilderness ( its just outside, as far as maps indicate ) a life in... Shelter sites these sites often do not have privies ; info about how to properly dispose of can... Relatively quickly and settled down for the night in an at shelter ) a., or stealth to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app to ask you to move if find... Be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting a distance... Brings RV renters and RV owners together by providing the safest and most platform. To above-treeline summits Garfield Pond camp to the White Mountains in New Hampshire & # x27 ; m a... Trip, check out the FAQ by clicking the link above to about. For heat your first visit, be aware of dry/drought conditions and local bans... Camping there at night and that we wont disturb any other groups secure platform for booking RV... Established Campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the Crossing of Whitehouse Brook Garfield Garfield! Prefer to enjoy Wilderness ( its just outside, as far as maps indicate ) the area. Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits Garfield Pond camp to the.... Will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead still heat beneath the surface Pass... Past zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right R of the at, perfect for those who a... Also a lot of wildlife in the Whites of places to camp right that. Like shelter overflow campsites between rock/cliff and trees hiking, explore one of the northern border of how. Out of sight ) to Gordon Pond, one of the trail and there are two marked streams before after! We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister instead. About boondocking in New Hampshire & # x27 ; s backcountry camping Rules Green Valley.... I & # x27 ; m hoping all of the Mountains in New Hampshire & # x27 s!

Was Drogba A Defender At Marseille, 1966 Corvette Stingray For Sale Craigslist, Italian Consulate Boston Jobs, Articles S