Baldface Shelter
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations or fees required. Winter access requires appropriate gear and backcountry skills. Bear canisters are required for overnight stays.
Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions
Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…
Lincoln Woods Trail Closure
UPDATE: Lincoln Woods Trail will close beginning June 15th through November 2026 when when restoration work commences. See the Lincoln Woods Trailhead page for more information.
Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement
Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant…
About
Baldface Shelter offers backcountry camping at the edge of treeline on the popular Baldface Circle Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. Situated below the granite ledges of South Baldface Mountain, the shelter provides sweeping views of the Evans Notch Valley. The wooden shelter sleeps 6-8 hikers and serves as a base for exploring the exposed alpine terrain above. The site includes a fire ring for campfires, a composting toilet, and access to a natural water source (which must be treated before drinking). A small designated tent camping area near the shelter accommodates additional campers. This is a primitive backcountry site with no potable water, trash service, or other developed amenities. Campers must pack out all waste and practice Leave No Trace principles. The shelter is managed by the Saco Ranger District and is free to use on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required. Dogs are permitted but must remain under control. Bear-proof food storage canisters are required for overnight backcountry trips in the White Mountain National Forest.
Directions
From the Baldface Trailhead on NH Route 113 in Chatham, hike 2.5 miles up the Baldface Circle Trail (south branch) to reach the shelter.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Baldface Shelter | |
| WMNF FAQs |
Community Posts
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