Camp Penacook Shelter

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. Alpine camping restrictions apply above treeline.

About

Camp Penacook is a rustic backcountry shelter situated on the southeast side of Mt. Chocorua in the White Mountain National Forest. This 3-sided lean-to is accessed via a marked spur trail from the Piper Trail, approximately 2.8 miles from the trailhead. The shelter can accommodate 6-8 people, with a small earthen tent pad located below for overflow camping that can hold one small tent. A pit toilet is located in the vicinity of the shelter. The site offers a rewarding wilderness experience with stunning views. Just a short distance up the Piper Trail from the shelter spur junction, hikers can enjoy gorgeous overlooks to the east on smooth granite slabs. The shelter serves as an excellent base for summiting Mt. Chocorua, which lies approximately 1.5 miles away and 2,700 feet higher via the Piper Trail. This is a primitive backcountry site with no potable water available on-site, though a brook flows nearby. Campers must be prepared for backcountry camping conditions and follow Leave No Trace principles. The shelter is maintained by the Chocorua Mountain Club and provides a dry sleeping option in the heart of the White Mountains.

Directions

Access via the Piper Trail from the trailhead off Route 113A. Follow the Piper Trail for 2.8 miles to a marked spur trail leading to the shelter. The hike involves 2,700 feet of elevation gain over 4.3 miles to reach Mt. Chocorua summit.

Nearby Campgrounds