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.
Discovery Trail Emergency Closure
This Order closes the Forest Discover Trail for public health and safety while the trail is repaired. You are prohibited from being on any part of the 1.5 mile Forest Discovery Trail. See Exhibit A - Map below for the location of the trail.
Rattlesnake Fire – Pemigewasset Ranger District
Rattlesnake Fire Final Update: Crews continue fire line rehab in the area. Buffalo Pit and Rattlesnake parking areas, along with Rattlesnake Trail off Buffalo Road, will be reopened by end today (Aug 26).
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…
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 |
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