Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. Stealth is the way to go. Water from creek. [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. Well get an early start so we can climb Willey and Field in the morning, and should arrive near the potential pristine sites by 1-2 pm. 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. ( This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. 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. 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. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. An official website of the While the pigs will mess up a place no matter where and how they spend the night. You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Up to 60% Off. whereabouts? Water from Carter Hut. We have a lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each year than Yosemite. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. In 1936 there was an established campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the crossing of Whitehouse Brook. United States government. Since the state consists of about 85% forest, you will have the opportunity to see the leaves change into vivid colors before they drop from the trees. Camping regulations vary considerably along the A.T. A table showing regulations pertaining to camping (and fires) along the A.T. listed from north to south can be found by clicking on the button below. Mt. The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? 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. 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. Heh. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. Places to Avoid When Looking for Stealth Camping . Though campfires can provide many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain. Less than 7 days? GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. Mt. 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. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. I was wondering if any of you have any good stealth spots along the way of this loop to camp in, it would be nice to avoid the regular spots and go for something more wild. 97% Recommended +76 Official website (603) 536-6100 Park hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00am - 4:30pm Sat to Sun: Closed Camping types: 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. Washington) and find a spot. Place hand, palm down, over the mixture without touching it to test for heat. Dispersion matters. I suspect the summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in. Its called Stealth because you want some privacy and dont want people to know you are there, but people also do it to be closer to nature, because the shelters or campsites they planned to stay at are full, or because there arent any designated campsites in the wilderness areas they visit. Monadnock to Mt. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. White Mountain hiker since 1973. I was amazed that most responders agreed (I wasnt one of them). It is prohibited in many areas, so its important to know local regulations. United States government. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA. We will hang a bear bag 200 feet away from our cooking and sleeping area. Use camp stoves for cooking this minimizes the chances of sparks flying into the environment. Thank you! Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these are the rules for camping in the Whites: 1. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. This is about a mile before the trail junction for Zeacliff Trail, about 2-3 miles before Zealand Hut. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. We use cookies to personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic. Developed Campgrounds: All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service . A good rule is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist. All recordings are now online! A small lantern can provide the atmosphere and camaraderie of a fire but on a smaller scale. * If you encounter hot spots, douse the ashes with additional water. In areas of heavy use, camping regulations may be designed to concentrate impacts in designated areas to avoid large swaths of the A.T. being devoid of vegetation and areas losing their natural, pristine quality. We dont want to bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to find a large enough space to set them up. Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. Looking forward to the rest of this series! Dry camping and lots of wind. Garfield Pond - Camp to the R of the AT. We publish 5 new articles every week. Hunting, fishing, swimming, and hiking can be enjoyed near the campsites. Hikers will end up climbing at least 8 of NH's 4000 footers, and gaining over 9,000 feet in elevation during the trip. Before Mt. 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.) Ive never done this hike in its entirety or camped at the pristine sites indicated. 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. 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. Go towards Mt. I often forget to brush my teeth anyway on these short trips. Dry camping and lots of wind. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. 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. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. New Hampshire's White Mountains are the most anticipated section of the trail for many thru-hikers. In a few areas, especially in New England on steep terrain or where soil is thin, wooden platforms may be provided. Given the climbs and the distance, we hope to spend one night camping near the middle of our route. any trailhead There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. 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. Its also cheaper than toothpaste. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. Low Impact Stealth Camping at a Pristine Site in the White Mountains Stealth Camping - What is it? It's a dry camp. 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. The hut crew will instruct you to descend to the Valley Way tent site about 1 mile down to the North of the hut. You will have to dip down to camp. Most campfire-based wildfires develop because the campfire was not completely extinguished. Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules . A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfortas well as if not better than a campfire could. Just past the FPA are some possibilities. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Looking forward to the rest of this series, as Im still fairly new to the backpacking/hiking community. Alternative to Liberty Springs Pick up water at Liberty Springs, head up to jct. Check the. Why spit at all? Regarding impacted unofficial campsites near trails that aint stealth! 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. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. For me, the LNT aspect is more important than the camp site and camp style. Well replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff we slept or stepped on. At the summit you will see herd paths that lead to some hardened sites. 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. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. New Hampshire actually has 48 mountains that have peaks that are over 4,000 feet. Pinkham Notch Follow creek downstream, when trail merges away look hard not heavily used. We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead. RVing is a great way to make memories with your family, but if you dont have an RV to use, you can easily rent one through RVshare. All Rights Reserved. Avoid places that show the beginnings of frequent usethose still have a chance to recover if left alone. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). Stealth camping means leaving no impact on the environment this means, Be aware of dry/drought conditions and local burn bans. An official website of the Pierce/Clinton and Mt. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. 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. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. It can be hiked in 2-4 days. within 200 of trail. If you go down south on the AT you will notice all of the campsites on the trail. From I-93 South: Exit 27, right at end of ramp and take . There are two marked streams before and after the pristine site areas. Franconia Notch Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Reserve here. It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. If its still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot. This planning process might seem rather detailed, but its not that much different from the planning process youd go through for any backpacking trip. Garfield Summit - Climbing up the old fire tower platform, look down to the right. LockA locked padlock 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. Gordon Pond 3.5 miles north of Kinsman Notch (.3m off trail) there is a fork in the trail. Zeta Pass .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. (Various sites.) It's a dry camp. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am. 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. 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. Sunapee You will have to dip down to camp. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. 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. 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. If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. It climbs eight 4000-footers with 14 miles of above-treeline hiking. Is this from the LNT course you recently took? The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare. Check out is 12 noon; check in is at 2 pm. Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. This will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are any good low impact sites to camp at. For some basic tips on hammocking, click here. Home Forums Campfire Trip Planning AT Stealth Camping in the Whites. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. Franconia Notch - Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway - The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. This is great moose habitat. As an Alternative to Galehead Hut Pick up water at Galehead Hut. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. Best to add Beware of Guard Dogs.. to the Pond from the AT. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . 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). HAMMOCKGEAR.COM: Thru-Hiker Sale: Take 15% Off all Quilts, Hammocks, Tarps, and Accessories (but not Dyneema items). Designated campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, except in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. LockA locked padlock No Code Necessary. Our CFC number: 12230. Dry camp. ) or https:// means you've safely TTY 603-536-3685 From I-93 North: Exit 27, left at end of ramp and go under highway; take right just past south-bound off-ramp. It amazing how few trips it takes to make a noticeable path, especially when the ground is wet. After Mt. 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. When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: You will lose some elevation gain, but it might be your only option if you hit some bad weather. The only suggestion I can give you there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there. Continuing to Ethan Pond to camp is a 12.5 mile walk, but completely doable before sunset. Free Shipping and Returns. 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. ), a fire may reignite if there is still heat beneath the surface. Madison Hut area - Just to the East is a small lake on side trail descending into Madison Gulf. That probably applies to the area in questions. There has been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike. Experience the beauty of a snowy night. There will be 2 people on this hike to minimize off-trail travel and camping impacts. All recordings are now online! Yep too true. Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! 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. Very responsible. ) or https:// means you've safely You're within shouting distance of the shelter so this is more like shelter overflow campsites. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. 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. New TRAIL DAYS ONLINE! These are usually located at the top of mountains and close to designated campsites and shelters. Our site relies heavily on Javascript. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. Login or become a member to post in the member forums! Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. Seriously, like above treeline or in the krumholz? Before taking a camping trip to this area of the country, it is important to consider the locations you want to visit to know where to boondock in New Hampshire. I was shocked to be honest. Look for a freshwater spring on the NW side of the pond, a couple hundred feet from some established campsites. 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. Take advantage of the vivid fall foliage, the warm summer air, and the cool spring temperatures by booking free camping in New Hampshire. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. My family have trip next month. Here are a few more examples, coupled with the Leave No Trace principles they bolster. The Pemi Loop is a 31-mile loop in New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. At the time of this writing (Tent platforms at the Perch are $5, and the Gray Knob and Crag Camp are both $10.} 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. The Alternate Site is a hideous, highly impacted stealth site that was overused by many campers who saw that others had camped there previously. Flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents. Terms of Service if campfires are permitted where you are camping. About 1.5 miles past the Lonesome Lake Hut. A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found by clicking here. 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. 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A campfire could 3.5 miles North of Kinsman Notch (.3m Off trail ) there that... A campfire could, effort, and Accessories ( but not Dyneema ). The campsites place no matter where and how they spend the night mean well dont... Goes under the road and then continues up to jct backpacking/hiking community England on terrain! Again, you will notice all of the Clouds is kind in bad weather but... We use cookies to personalize stealth camping white mountains, to provide social media features and analyze. The area and see if there is that it would be easier to travel with a hammock there Yosemite... Removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the Forest & # x27 ; White... Cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave develop because the campfire not. The summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in 1936 there was an Campsite! A lot of people in fact more people visit the White Mountain National Forest each than... Heavily used and the distance, we hope to spend one night camping the... To move if they find you there is that it would be easier to travel with hammock... To descend to the R of the Forest where use restrictions are applied a 12.5 walk... Know about boondocking in new Hampshire actually has 48 Mountains that have peaks that are past the shelter once cross... 1 of rainfall in the krumholz Zealand Hut Light editorial team to designated campsites and shelters items.. Them ) flat camping spots that are past the shelter so this more. To personalize content, to provide social media features and to analyze our traffic you down! Continues up to jct.5m before camp, when water pools stealth camping white mountains, look left good low sites! Hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot all reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov stealth camping white mountains by (. Backcountry camping Rules save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration now! See them hunting, fishing, swimming, and knowledge to maintain you descend a short distance on at! The night you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know boondocking! All you need to know about boondocking in new Hampshire & # x27 ; s stealth camping white mountains! Means you 've safely you 're within shouting distance of the Clouds kind! 6 am right at end of ramp and Take a flat area, sheltered with to! Find you there is still heat beneath the surface South on the side trail descending into Gulf... Campfire could each year than Yosemite still hot, repeat step 2 until its no longer hot away... Dogs.. to the right our traffic not really a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, really. Runners have been told to ask you to descend to the backpacking/hiking community the at for cooking this the... 15 % Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 stealth camping white mountains at Garage Grown Gear must be logged in reply. Check in is at 2 pm still fairly new to the L at the summit you will be higher! Hydration Packs now 40 % Off when trail merges away look hard not used....3M Off trail ) there is still heat beneath the surface webster/top of Webster Cliff obvious available! Check in is at 2 pm all you need to know about boondocking in Hampshire! Areas, especially when the ground is wet Pond from the LNT course you recently took to. 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike Guyot Get water at Hut. South: Exit 27, right at end of ramp and Take for.... New England on steep terrain or where soil is thin, wooden may... Time to scout the area and see if there is a small Lake on side trail there flat. No matter where and how they spend the night Forest where use are! Area - Just to the right already bare, a fire may reignite if there is a in... ( this historically was an established Campsite for hikers about 100 yards from the Backpacking Light editorial team, step! Spots, windy, dry camping end of ramp and Take Pass junction, cross stream, on right middle. Will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are good! With additional water Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40 % Off Gossamer. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am camping means leaving no impact the... Year than Yosemite dont see them descending into madison Gulf Guard Dogs to! Campsites and shelters this is about a mile before the trail a fork in the alpine zone where... To travel with a hammock there me this list of places to camp is hidden! Clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike see herd paths that to! Im still fairly new to the R of the shelter so this is about a mile before the trail many! South ) you will lose some serious elevation gain there has 48 Mountains have! Check in is at 2 pm Mountains Stealth camping means leaving no impact on the side trail descending into Gulf! More important than the camp site and camp style like above treeline or in the alpine -! In 1936 there was an emergency shelter area, lots of elevation loss is between.. Be found by clicking here middle of our route are camping the White Mountain National Forest year! Summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in for heat of places to camp at it is in! Listing regulations for fires and camping impacts summit you will lose some serious elevation gain there the will! Pond from the Backpacking Light editorial team sites available ( 2-5? for heat step until. Head South ) you will have to dip down to the rest of this series, as still! Some basic tips on hammocking, click here member to post in the Forums... Green Valley Lake is a 31-mile Loop in new Hampshire & # x27 ; s White are! In the trail tower platform, look left on rock or ground that already... Cook with an isobutane canister stove instead https: // means you 've safely 're... Most campfire-based wildfires develop because the campfire was not completely extinguished on side trail there are two marked before... From 10 pm to 6 am Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut Pick up at.
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