Camp Penacook Shelter
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. Alpine camping restrictions apply above treeline.
Wind Advisory issued December 30 at 12:33AM EST until December 30 at 7:00PM EST by NWS Gray ME
* WHAT...West winds 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * WHERE...Portions of southwest, west central, and western Maine and central, northern, and southern New Hampshire. * WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Expect the power outage threat to continue through the rest of tonight into Tuesday morning in areas that have significant ice remaining on trees. Power outage threat will remain elevated in these areas as cold air and the gusty winds cause ice loaded branches to snap.
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
Location
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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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