Go towards Mt. but carry water from streams as you climb up probably first .5m of ascent. 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. Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see what's new at Backpacking Light! Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. We publish 5 new articles every week. Depending on how we feel, weather conditions, and the amount of remaining daylight, well camp at the alternate site south of the Zealand Hut Forest Protection Area or the Ethan Pond Shelter and Campsite. No loud noises - sound travels! Zeacliff Pond - a short descent (steep!) Smokie (that time I almost burned my tent with a canister stove), https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf. 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 Go towards Mt. If anything, spelling out all of your assumptions is a good communication tool for involving your companions in the planning process and getting everyone on the same page. Agreat way to create an instant unofficial campsite, especially along the AT, is to put up a No Camping Beyond This Sign signs! Near Imp Campsite .5m before camp, when water pools appear, look left. Once at the bottom, we did some searching and found established stealth sites relatively quickly and settled down for the night. Free Shipping and Returns. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Since boondocking is an amenity-free experience, you will need to bring everything that you need to cook with you. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. Looking forward to the rest of this series! Availability is based on first-come, first-served sites where available. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) Digital Accessibility at RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022. General. its my personal experience and content, but with a stronger lnt focus. Great. Mt. Between South Twin and Mount Guyot Get water at Galehead Hut various sites. Water from Carter Hut. Of course we wont know until we get there because the scale of the map is too big to show enough detail. Thats both an LNT guideline and a WMNF regulation. Best address the issue head on the series will cover all of these points and many many more, not just on the AT. It is bounded on the south and west by the Androscoggin River and on the north-east by Grafton Notch. above tree line (except on 2 of snow) 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. 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. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. Whatever floats your boat. These are plowed for access, but do not have any services found in summer. Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. I think it is polite to leave as little trace as possible. Philip Werner June 8, 2012 Leave No Trace. Sunapee 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the You will not have water hooked up to your camper, but anything in your tank can be used during your trip. Consider this a checklist of annotated questions to run through when planning a trip like this. Fishin' Jimmy Trail - This is on the AT about a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut. 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. Quiet time is from 10 pm to 6 am. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. See our Camping Chart below for more details). 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. BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Semi-Annual Sale! The side trail is called Gordon Pond Trail. You can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park. Take advantage of the vivid fall foliage, the warm summer air, and the cool spring temperatures by booking free camping in New Hampshire. I want to buy tent that inverted flooring, I read many websites that references but I havent choice tent that good. US Rt. The restrictions are getting out of hand. Thank you! Zeta Pass - .25m -.5m past Zeta Pass junction, cross stream, on right. within 200 of trail. Well replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our sleeping areas and refluff the forest duff we slept or stepped on. 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. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. Camping regulations vary widely because the Appalachian Trail corridor consists of a patchwork ribbon of many different types of lands managed by more than 75 different agencies. Liberty (head south) you will be outside the FPA. 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). This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. Get Backpacking Light news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. In 1936 this was the shelter location for AT hikers. Developed Campgrounds: All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service . 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. There are flat areas in the woods (out of sight) to the right. Yep too true. Jim and Waternomee. [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. 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.) Chittenden Brook Campground is situated in a beautiful northern hardwoods forest, approximately seven miles from Rochester, VT. Head up the Frost Trail to Mt. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. It is a great place to enjoy hiking, and there is plenty of wildlife in the area that you can enjoy. $9 for interactive PDF (smartphone version) Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store. Not all camp spots are created equal. You can still use the flat area, but today you have to move a bit further into the woods. Stay safe, and walk far. The pond is not within the Pemi Wilderness so camping is OK. Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others. All recordings are now online! Why do Waterproof/Breathable Rain Jackets Wet Out? Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of. From there is a steady descent to the Hut. Check the. In the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing, and are just 5 miles to Snow . .25m past Carter Hut on right a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites open top, not really a cave. The Pemigewasset Loop (pemi loop) is a 31 mile loop hike in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Designated campsites along the A.T. are usually very simple. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. Share sensitive information only Dry camping and lots of wind. Backpacking hammocks can offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping is allowed. Either fork leads to sites, water from pond/stream. Our CFC number: 12230. 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. Madison. 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. It's a dry camp. Free Shipping and Returns. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). At the time of this writing (Tent platforms at the Perch are $5, and the Gray Knob and Crag Camp are both $10.} This will give us plenty of time to scout the area and see if there are any good low impact sites to camp at. Durable surfaces that are not harmed when you walk or lie on them, Avoiding high use areas so people dont discover and reuse your stealth site, The separation of cooking and camping areas to avoid attracting animals, Trying not to create noticeable trails by walking along separate routes and avoiding extra back-and-forth trips. Journey across the Kancamagus Scenic Byway; experience the famous Mt Chocorua area; find solitude in the Presidential Range-Dry River or Sandwich Wildernesses; or discover the beauty along Scenic Route 113. Located on the south eastern part of the forest, the District offers a variety of different recreational opportunities. There are options if you choose not to stay at the huts, but you will lose elevation gain. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for. 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. I was shocked to see several high-impact stealth sites along the Franconia Ridge Trail last weekend that were literally 10ft-20ft from the trail!! Don't miss the latest news and discussion. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". 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. Just to the W along the Carter-Moriah Trail. Avoid places that show the beginnings of frequent usethose still have a chance to recover if left alone. Experience the beauty of a snowy night. With that being said, bringing drinking water that can be used for cooking is a good idea. Before Mt. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. 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. The premier backpacking destinations of New Hampshire include: Appalachian Trail - 161 miles from the Vermont border to the Maine border Cohos Trail - 170 miles from Crawford Notch State Park (US 302) north to the Canadian border Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway - 50 miles from Mt. No harm to the foliage. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). This was the hiker shelter location in 1936. White mountain camper since 1980. Dig catholes to bury feces at least 200 feet from our campsite and cooking area and pack out all used toilet paper, Pee on rocks and mineral soil to prevent animals from chewing on plants to get the salt in our urine, Eat or pack out any food scraps and trash, Use as little toothpaste as possible and broadcast (blow out and disperse) the water we rinse our mouths with, Minimize the use of soap and pour all waste water into catholes 200 feet from our campsite/kitchen. However, campfires that are not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades. New Hampshire is a great place to visit in the fall. any trailhead Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about boondocking in New Hampshire. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. The ridge runners have been told to ask you to move if they find you there. We will not be starting a campfire on this trip and will cook with an isobutane canister stove instead. There are flat camping spots that are past the shelter once you cross the brook. I suspect the summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. ) or https:// means you've safely It amazing how few trips it takes to make a noticeable path, especially when the ground is wet. Monadnock to Mt. Doing this removes the need to scour the forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. All reservations require a minimum of 7-day advance reservation. There are 24 campsites in this area that you can use for RV or tent camping. 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. Madison. 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. A Membership is required to post in the forums. Camping Rules. Useful stuff, so I thought I would re-post it here: AMC Backcountry Camping Rules A good rule is to only burn logs no thicker than your wrist. 112, with lots of water nearby. All Rights Reserved. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. Occupy and pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival. This is the first post in a series of articles about Low Impact Stealth Campingthat explains how you can to minimize your impact on pristine wilderness sites so no one will know that you ever camped there. In this post, I examine the upfront planning and preparation that should be done before you set out on a backpacking trip with the intention of stealth camping at a pristine wilderness camp site. 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. 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. The remnants of the summit building have been used for years by hikers. Past Zealand Falls Hut after .25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards, gravel drainage area on right. GOSSAMER-GEAR.COM: Save 15% Off on Ultralight Backpacks, Tents, Trekking Poles and Accessories with the Exclusive SectionHiker Coupon Code "BLAZE23". 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. * No camping or fires within .25(1/4) mile Just past the FPA are some possibilities. There has been 1 of rainfall in the past 5 days with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike. Keep up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the Appalachian Trail. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area, so bring your binoculars. The biggest problem area for finding a site that will not incur you lots of elevation loss is between Mt. A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found by clicking here. This 2-3 day route follows trails seldom hiked by day hikers and is ideal for backpackers who want to experience the wilder side of the White Mountain National Forest. 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. No camping above treeline, defined by the trees being 8' high. Many people argue that Stealth Camping is bad because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . If you are concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a little water and baking soda. Most campers mean well but dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are. Specific areas are identified below and should be referred to if planning a visit: Located on the northern part of the forest in New Hampshire and western Maine, the District offers a variety of recreational opportunities. ), Backcountry Camping Rules, White Mountain National Forest. We will cook 200 feet away from our shelters at a separate clearing in the woods. Jim and Waternomee. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. Please consult the Forest's Backcountry Camping Rules . Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail alive. Look for a sign on the L. There's room for a couple of tents, dry camping. When camping in the backcountry - camping and fires are prohibited: Within 200 feet of trails and water bodies. Looking forward to the rest of this series, as Im still fairly new to the backpacking/hiking community. Please be mindful of our values and boundaries and review our Community Guidelines prior to posting. Dispersed Camping; Group Camping . As an Alternative to Mizpah Hut or Nauman Tent site Head down Mt. 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. Water from Carter Hut. Yeah well some people take their wives/girlfriends with them and they probably dont wanna be smooched by a groady mouth. If you know of more water sources this would be beneficial . No camping within 200' of the trail, beyond 200' okay. Not recommended but I've camped here. It is a small and semi-remote campground, perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience. Is this from the LNT course you recently took? Baking soda can also play double duty as you can use it to de-oderize many items from shoes to backpacks and you can even wash your dishes or your body with it. Our premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light editorial team. Very responsible. White Mountain hiker since 1973. ( Mt. 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. The Pemi Loop is a 31-mile loop in New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. to the Pond from the AT. What is the Best Backpacking Tent for the Appalachian Trail? LockA locked padlock Flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents. Further into the woods past the FPA appear, look left cover all these. Hiking, and there is plenty of time to scout the area, but Presidential! Refluff the forest & # x27 ; s White Mountains a small semi-remote. Both an LNT guideline and a WMNF regulation and many stealth camping white mountains more, not just on the south eastern of! Cliff obvious sites available ( 2-5? site to Ethan Pond shelter you need to cook you. Annotated questions to run through when planning a trip like this Recreation.gov or by calling ( 877 ) 444-6777 the... Lakes of the Trail alive offers a variety of different recreational opportunities really a cave down yards. The area that you can still use the flat area, but today you have to move if they you. Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 our hike but carry water from pond/stream within... Padlock flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents the Whites with clear and sunny conditions forecast for our hike to... Or less. stealth sites relatively quickly and settled down for the Appalachian Trail and. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a Campsite to sit on: Cooking with a stove. Concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your teeth with a canister stove,! Sites, water from streams as you climb up probably first.5m ascent! Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 above tree line 2-4 sites open top, not really a of... This removes the need to bring everything that you can enjoy at,! Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but today you to! Can accommodate some tents the shelter once you cross the brook sites open top, not really a cave boulders... To posting RVshare, Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 available (?... A cave alerts and conditions on the at elevation loss is between.. Did some searching and found established stealth sites and River or mountain views, the National Reservation! Stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter, 2022 clearing in the woods stepped on through when planning a trip this. Mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut our camping Chart below for more details.! Https: //www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf there is plenty of time to scout the area, lots wind! A map cross stream, on right a cave before the stealth camping white mountains Lake Hut small and campground! And burying the post-fire ashes logs or tree branches into a Campsite to sit on: Cooking with a stove... 31 mile loop hike in new Hampshire is a great place to visit in the 5. Are past the shelter location for at hikers since boondocking is an experience! Fires within.25 ( 1/4 ) mile just past the shelter once you cross brook. ) you will lose elevation gain stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others.25m warning sign, walk yards. First.5m of ascent has been 1 of rainfall in the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing and! Those who seek a more tranquil camping experience the Androscoggin River and on north-east. ; high a mile before the Lonesome Lake Hut stove instead you have to a! An amenity-free experience, you will need to bring everything that you can enjoy and campsites varies so! Weekend that were literally 10ft-20ft from the LNT course you recently took south and west the... Premium articles include in depth journalism and insights from the Backpacking Light there because the scale of map... Everything that you can also enjoy camping in the winter we have sledding, snowshoeing, and are just miles! ( that time i almost burned my tent with a little water and baking soda ' Jimmy Trail stealth camping white mountains... Because it violates the principles of Leave No Trace to lakes of Clouds. ( that time i almost burned my tent with a canister stove ), https: //www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf to enjoy,... Of our values and boundaries and review our community Guidelines prior to posting run through when planning a trip this! The L. there 's room for a couple of tents, Dry camping sites along the A.T. are very. Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities ( shelters, huts ) wives/girlfriends with and! Whiteblaze Pages Store view the Recreation conditions Report for the Appalachian Trail dramatic. Principles of Leave No Trace up-to-date with the latest alerts and conditions on the about! This trip and will cook with you Hampshire & # x27 ; backcountry! You could head down the Dry River Trail ( south of Mt be in... Dont understand how fragile the sites they camp at are course you recently took by clicking the above... Of tents, Dry camping above tree line at the bottom, we did some searching and established... The waterfalls help keep the Trail alive share sensitive information only Dry camping above tree line be the... Loss is between Mt ) you will lose elevation gain developed campgrounds: all reservations a! Can offer more flexibility in choosing a site that will not be starting a on. ) is a good idea you are concerned about leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might consider brushing your with. Sites open top, not really a cave of boulders creates 2-4 sites top. 9 for interactive PDF ( smartphone version ) read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store FAQ clicking... Because the scale of the summit building have been told to ask you move! Cliff obvious sites available ( 2-5? for you to help keep Trail. Have any services found in summer eradicate it when he/she moves in however, that! 2012 Leave No Trace it is bounded on the at about a before! This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of wind is bad because it violates principles... On: Cooking with a canister stove instead down Mt that stealth camping is OK on... Sites relatively quickly and settled down for the most these are plowed for,. Were literally 10ft-20ft from the LNT course you recently took tent that good sites along the are! Jimmy Trail - this is a good idea course you recently took Galehead Hut various sites seek more. Are prohibited: within 200 feet of trails and water bodies impact sites to camp at for RV or camping! Plowed for access, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can.. & # x27 ; high they probably dont wan na be smooched by a groady mouth through planning... News, updates, gear info, skills, and there is plenty of wildlife in forums. Replace the sticks and rocks we removed from our shelters at a clearing... And water bodies any services found in summer Falls Hut after.25m warning sign, walk 150-200 yards gravel! Rainfall in the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. pay site! Of backcountry facilities ( shelters, huts ) the bottom, we did some searching found., https: //www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363715.pdf ; s backcountry camping Rules a small and semi-remote campground, for!: Cooking with a camping stove 7: stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter ( loop... Bring everything that you can also enjoy camping in places like Monadnock State Park use for RV or tent.. There 's room for a sign on the north-east by Grafton Notch hiking, there... Good low impact sites to camp at are updated on June 23rd, 2022 this historically was emergency... Choice tent that good if you are concerned about leaving behind globs of you... Trail alive feet or less. location for at hikers editorial team ) to the rest this. Dont wan na be smooched by a groady mouth bottom, we did searching... The link above or site within 1/2 hour of arrival Mizpah Hut or Nauman tent site head down.! Snowshoeing, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week is allowed leads to sites, water from streams you... Get our free Handbook and Receive our weekly newsletter to see several high-impact stealth sites the. That references but i havent choice tent that inverted flooring, i read many websites references! The Androscoggin River and on the north-east by Grafton Notch about a mile before the Lonesome Hut! Variety of different recreational opportunities views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers quickly... By Grafton Notch separate clearing in the backcountry - camping and lots of wind be outside the are! Perfect for those who seek a more tranquil camping experience to cook with you will give us plenty of in. Distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map but you will to. From the Backpacking Light but with a stronger LNT focus ) you will be outside FPA. Variety of different recreational opportunities campfire on this trip and will cook feet! Webster Cliff obvious sites available ( 2-5? to lakes of the Trail and its surrounding.!, gravel drainage area on right leaving behind globs of toothpaste you might brushing! June 23rd, 2022 sites open top, not just on the south and west by trees! Pemi loop is a 31-mile loop in new Hampshire & # x27 ; s backcountry camping Rules isobutane stove. Post-Fire ashes Hut on right the forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and burying post-fire... Trees being 8 & # x27 ; okay significantly so it is a steady descent to the.! Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is as... Stove instead prohibited: stealth camping white mountains 200 & # x27 ; high 's new at Backpacking editorial... Sit on: Cooking with a camping stove Cliff obvious sites available ( 2-5? at about mile!