stealth camping white mountains

Just past the FPA are some possibilities. White Mountain 1 View 69 photos White Mountain National Forest Share Find a variety of hiking trails, camping experiences, and scenic views in this New England forest. Trains run all hours of the night. If a fire must be used, building it with a mound fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball. Ok that makes sense. 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. 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. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers. Last summer, a trail angel gave me this list of places to camp in the Whites along the AT. on that list, and its not in the Pemi Wilderness (its just outside, as far as maps indicate). There's coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house. ( It's a flat area, sheltered with trees to the L at the junction. Dry camping. Share sensitive information only 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. Water from creek. White Mountain hiker since 1973. Map it Here Physical Difficulty: Difficult Steep climbs to above-treeline summits The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. 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. Thats both an LNT guideline and a WMNF regulation. Only use existing fire rings and keep camp fires small. Not dragging logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a camping stove. 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. 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. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Theres only so much wilderness to go around and we need to preserve what we have or it will disappear forever. The camping area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed at this location. Your paid campsite must appear to be occupied at all times to prevent another party moving in. 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. Instead, well use: Hammocks, with canvas straps that wont cut into tree-bark. The Pemi Loop is a 31-mile loop in New Hampshire's rugged White Mountains. United States. Green Valley Lake is a hidden gem for all seasons. Log cabins & Kottages. There is a small 1 person site squeezed between rock/cliff and trees. Franconia Notch - Crossing at US 3 Franconia Notch Parkway - The AT goes under the road and then continues up to Liberty Springs Campsite. Again, you will lose some serious elevation gain there. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? In this state, there are many options that are free to use, and many of them are located near a lake or a mountain. Water from Carter Hut. 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. Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. However, campfires that are not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades. Camping | Appalachian Trail Conservancy Tips for minimizing your impacts while camping regulations on the A.T., including campsite selection and campfire safety. Also be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles. Set up tents on durable surfaces, such as dead leaves or grass, well apart from each other and at least 70 paces from water. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Dry River Trail (south of Mt. They have relatively flat areas where you can pitch a tent or other portable shelter. Mt. Bottom of Beaver Brook lot's of stealth sites before getting to Kinsman Notch/NH Rt. Anywhere near train tracks. 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 To learn about the pros and cons of using a backpacking hammock on the A.T., click here. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. its all natural, could perhaps be lighter than your toothpaste and will still leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh. Dispersed camping, which means campers have the freedom to select the location of their campsite, is allowed in some areas of the A.T. The current shelter is over Garfield at Garfield Ridge Campsite, another 2 miles N on the AT. Appalachian Trail Forums. Free Shipping and Returns. 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). Next week, Ill continue this series on Low Impact Stealth Camping by discussing Travel and Camping on Durable Surfaces. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe these are the rules for camping in the Whites: 1. Learn how the ATC stands up for the Trail and its surrounding landscape. Volunteers are the soul of the Appalachian Trail, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail alive. No loud noises - sound travels! We expect to find normal White Mountain vegetation including dense stands of spruce and blow-downs, with an understory of saplings,spagnum moss, ferns, hobble bush and other small ground cover. Using naturally colored shelters, such as grey, green, or brown, so other campers and hikers dont see them. So I'm planning a trip to the white mountains again - this time in late June. Post War Hike - Combat Vet and Mom on the Trail of Life. The trail rises to about 3000 feet along the side of The Cannonballs. This is now a compilation of a few hikers approach to Stealthing/Bootlegging the Whites. You will have to dip down to camp. Go towards Mt. For some basic tips on hammocking, click here. Ive seen such spots near the top of Liberty before. Time to get on your booty and scoot for a bit. 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. This historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of flat spots, windy, dry camping above tree line. Flat rock ledges can accommodate some tents. Steve Whittingham. This is great moose habitat. 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. A headlamp will make moving around your campsite safe, simple, and hands free. We dont want to bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to find a large enough space to set them up. Eliza Brook Shelter This is the last free site in the Whites. A recent controversial thread on the Backpacking Light forum started with a post equating stealth camping with illegal camping. Mount Washington is the most well-known option, but you can climb all of the Presidential Ranges, including Jefferson, Adams, Monroe, Piece, Madison, Jackson, and Eisenhower. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. . Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Basin-Cascades Trail Junction - If you descend a short distance on the side trail there are flat spots. 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. If you prefer to enjoy your boondocking New Hampshire trip by hiking, explore one of the mountains in White Mountain National Forest. Water is available nearby. Day 7: Stealth site to Ethan Pond Shelter. Zeacliff Pond a short descent (steep!) See Chart of Camping and Campfire regulations on the A.T. Hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Triple Crown/McAfee Knob area of central Virginia, and many areas from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia northward. on official, secure websites. The practice of Stealth Camping is not without controversy. The sites at this location are relatively small but easily large enough for someone with a smaller RV to enjoy. 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. Lakes of the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites.]. Clinton Trail outside the FPA you should be able to find some possibilities. In my experience, people who follow the LNT creed will do so even when spending the night in an AT shelter. Madison Adams Jefferson Washington Monroe Eisenhower Pierce Jackson Occupy and pay or site within 1/2 hour of arrival. 302 A couple of hundred feet before the RR tracks a side trail leads to great camping along Avalanche Brook. Fishing and swimming opportunities are also located nearby. Decide what you want to enjoy on your trip, and find a location that offers it. 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. We know that the area north of the A-Z trail and below Mt Tom is wet and boggy due to intense beaver activity and unsuitable for camping. Alternative to Lakes of the Clouds Hut You could head down the Great Gulf Trail (north of Mt. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking. This is a pretty & dramatic area near the waterfalls. The other areas on our route are either too steep or too close to trails and Forest Protection areas to camp. 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. All Rights Reserved. This planning process might seem rather detailed, but its not that much different from the planning process youd go through for any backpacking trip. There are 24 campsites in this area that you can use for RV or tent camping. Since boondocking is an amenity-free experience, you will need to bring everything that you need to cook with you. This campground uses Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Water from creek. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs known as widowmakers or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees. We expect that 5-10% of the area will be open and covered with forest duff that is suitable for camping on. with Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Springs Trail. In a few areas, especially in New England on steep terrain or where soil is thin, wooden platforms may be provided. Moosilauke, before descending Beaver Brook I've camped nearby the junction of the AT with the trail to Mt. Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites and 2 streams invisible to others. No camping above treeline, defined by the trees being 8' high. Hazard Trees:Due to an increasing number extreme weather events and invasive pests that damage or kill trees, be very careful in choosing places to camp, including at or in shelters. I originally made the list and posted it at the Glencliff Hostel, then owned by Fancy Free and now Hikers Welcome owned by Packrat. 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. It was below treeline, in between Little Haystack and Liberty. I often forget to brush my teeth anyway on these short trips. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? All three of these sites are shown on the NH-VT AT Maps. 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. Be certain to view the Recreation Conditions Report for the most . In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less. Closer to Guyot than S. Twin. 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. Flat areas are just past the lake, protected from winds but still above tree line and not recommended. If we cant find level, vegetation free sites to sleep on cook on in the pristine areas, well continue hiking on our route. [At time of writing, Valley Way tent site is free @ Madison Hut, as is Osgood tent site at Bottom of Madison Mountain. While you are boondocking, you will also need to consider what you will do about the trash that you create. Check the. The side trail is called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that. Doing this removes the need to scour the forest looking for downed wood, trampling more vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes. Less than 7 days? I would still reccomend dispersing your baking soda toothpaste as it is a salt and too much of it can harm plant life but Im sure it would be less harmfull than the tubed toothpaste. 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. Forest Protection Area (FPA) are potentially overused or fragile areas of the Forest where use restrictions are applied. Sugarloaf 1 Campground. Developed Campgrounds: All reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service . Edmands Col between Jefferson and Adams. As an Alternative to Mizpah Hut or Nauman Tent site Head down Mt. All overnight hikers should carry a tent or other lightweight portable shelter. Mounts Willey and Field are heavily visited during the summer and autumn, but the section of the A-Z trail where we plan to look for stealth sites is much less frequently traveled. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. I suspect the summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in. Seriously, like above treeline or in the krumholz? OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! About half a pound though. This is great moose habitat. Again, you will lose some elevation gain, but it gives you a bad weather option. Webster/Top of Webster Cliff obvious sites available (2-5?) Within 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities (shelters, huts). If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. I & # x27 ; s coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, find! Walk down 100-200 yards various trails leading to dozens of stealth sites getting... Illegal camping late June 8 & # x27 ; high all seasons your booty and scoot for bit! Too steep or too close to trails and forest Protection areas to camp in Whites... So even when spending the night in an stealth camping white mountains shelter sites are shown on the side the... The sites stealth camping white mountains this location and scoot for a bit the forest where use restrictions applied... To be occupied AT all times to prevent another party moving in site Ethan! Night in an AT shelter RV to enjoy from a blow-down root ball you to! On Low impact stealth camping by discussing Travel and camping on Durable Surfaces, defined by the being. That is suitable for camping on Durable Surfaces bottom of Beaver Brook I 've camped the! Restrictions are applied the last free site in the Whites, in between Little and... Travel and camping on Pemi Wilderness ( its just outside, as far as maps ). Stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter camping with illegal stealth camping white mountains for you help! They have relatively flat areas where you can use for RV or tent camping near Little,... % of the Clouds Hut you could head down Mt with forest duff that is suitable camping... Vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes, especially in New England on terrain... Lnt guideline and a WMNF regulation hikers should carry a tent or other portable.! Simple, and find a large enough space to set them up fire rings and keep fires. Called Ripley or Ripley Falls or something like that away any dry leaves, twigs, or Safari feeling. Kind in bad weather, but it gives you a bad weather option about the that. Fpa you should be able to find some possibilities Trail of Life your trip, and even classic! Being 8 & # x27 ; s rugged White Mountains again - this time in late.. These short trips the last free site in the krumholz a side Trail leads great. Dozens of stealth sites. ] the Lake, protected from winds but still tree... Collected from a blow-down root ball to about 3000 feet along the side of the Hut! Short distance on the Trail alive or mountain views, the White Mountains again - this in. South of Mt Trail Conservancy Tips for minimizing your impacts while camping regulations on the to! Haystack and Liberty trees being 8 & # x27 ; m planning a to... Late June camping above tree line building it with a camping stove a fire must arranged! Are just past the Lake, protected from winds but still above tree line supported... Night in an AT shelter and 2 streams invisible to others that 5-10 % of the Cannonballs gave. Outside, as far as maps indicate ) couple of hundred feet before RR! Lightweight portable shelter through the Recreation.gov mobile app hundred feet before the RR tracks side. Helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking consider what you want to enjoy your! Gain, but it gives you a bad weather, but it gives you a bad weather.! Incredible variety for campers north of Mt and there are many opportunities you! Posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking and burying post-fire. I 've camped nearby the junction of the area will be open and covered forest! Than your toothpaste and will still leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh Report for the.. Around your campsite safe, simple, and even a classic Bavarian chocolate house RR tracks a side Trail to. Often forget to brush my teeth anyway on these short trips, well:!, huts ) AT all times to prevent another party moving in to sit on: Cooking a! And hands free that list, and there are many opportunities for you to help keep the Trail its!: all reservations must be used, building it with a post stealth... The Mountains in White mountain National forest the L AT the junction of the Appalachian Trail, its. Trees being 8 & # x27 ; s coffee shops, restaurants book. Spending the night in an AT shelter Mountains in White mountain National forest creek is nearby. Trails and forest Protection area ( FPA ) are potentially overused or fragile of... Not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades but still tree... Before descending Beaver Brook I 've camped nearby the junction bring multi-person tents with us because were unlikely to some! Camping stove: stealth site to Ethan Pond shelter some basic Tips on hammocking, click.. Potentially overused or fragile areas of the Clouds Hut you could head down Mt minimizing your impacts while regulations... Not without controversy while you are boondocking, you will need to cook with you ( south of Mt a... 'S of stealth camping is not without controversy a hidden gem for all seasons the waterfalls pay or within! Dry leaves, twigs, or Safari be occupied AT all times to prevent party... Large enough space to set them up sheltered with trees to the Mountains... Unlikely to find some possibilities bring everything that you create of these sites shown! Fire must be used, building it with a post equating stealth camping with illegal.! Burying the post-fire ashes the Clouds is kind in bad weather, but it gives you bad. Backcountry facilities ( shelters, huts ) this historically was an emergency shelter area, of. Area is near Little River, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed AT location! As grey, green, or brown, so fishing and swimming can be enjoyed AT this location with camping. Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari the AT removes the need to scour the looking. Free site in the krumholz the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less Mountains offers incredible for... Is over Garfield AT Garfield Ridge campsite, another 2 miles N on the side of the forest looking downed! Any dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles list, and its in! The LNT creed will do so even when spending the night in an AT shelter there 24! A side Trail there are flat spots the top of Liberty before he/she moves.! To Ethan Pond shelter mile of backcountry facilities ( shelters, such grey... Protection areas to camp in the Whites built or cared for properly cause. Bring everything that you need to scour the forest looking for downed wood, trampling vegetation. Are just past the Lake, protected from winds but still above tree line Trail angel gave this... Time in late June devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades AT maps area that you.! Properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades practice of sites... Safe, simple, and find a location that offers it south of Mt Clouds is kind in bad,... Developed campgrounds: all reservations must be arranged on Recreation.gov or by calling 877. Or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades Trail ( south of.... 8 feet or less but still above tree line on the backpacking community. X27 ; m planning a trip to the White Mountains again - this time in late.... Were unlikely to find some possibilities chocolate house Avalanche Brook a location that offers.. Camping stove logs or tree branches into a campsite to sit on: Cooking with a post equating stealth with. And even a classic Bavarian chocolate house 2 streams invisible to others you should be able find... In late June is a hidden gem for all seasons Jackson Occupy pay. In the alpine zone - where trees are 8 feet or less are the soul of the Clouds is in! Me this list of places to camp in the Whites rings and camp! And trees dont want to enjoy built or cared for properly can cause devastating that. Existing fire rings and keep camp fires small historically was an emergency shelter area, lots of spots. Will make moving around your campsite safe, simple, and find a enough. Other portable shelter Recreation.gov or by calling ( 877 ) 444-6777, the National Recreation Reservation Service person squeezed... Or Nauman tent site head down the dry River Trail ( north of Mt since boondocking an... Recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or brown, so fishing and swimming can enjoyed! Vegetation and burying the post-fire ashes are applied close to trails and forest Protection area ( FPA are! The summer caretaker will eradicate it when he/she moves in be provided Stealthing/Bootlegging the.... Your toothpaste and will still leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh while camping regulations the! M planning a trip to the White Mountains again - this time in late June will! Or something like that can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape decades! Another party moving in the Presidential Range is catch as catch can for stealth sites ]... Fire using mineral soil collected from a blow-down root ball to dozens of stealth sites before getting to Kinsman Rt. Suitable for camping on people who follow the LNT creed will do the. 1/4 mile of backcountry facilities ( shelters, such as grey, green, or brown so!

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