Camp Penacook Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Campers must bring their own water and bear-proof food storage. Forest-wide fire danger is currently low.
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
Camp Penacook Shelter is a backcountry 3-sided shelter located on the southeast slopes of Mt. Chocorua within the Mount Chocorua Scenic Area of the White Mountain National Forest. Positioned roughly 1.5 miles from the summit, the shelter provides a base for hikers exploring this popular peak via the Piper Trail. The shelter accommodates 6-8 people and features a small earthen tent pad below that can fit one small tent. A pit toilet is located in the vicinity. There is no potable water at the site, so hikers must pack in all drinking water. Scenic granite slab overlooks to the east near the Piper Trail junction offer rewarding views. As a primitive backcountry shelter, Camp Penacook operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. Standard White Mountain National Forest backcountry regulations apply, including the requirement to carry a bear-proof canister for food storage.
Directions
From NH Route 16 in Albany, take the Piper Trail to access Camp Penacook Shelter, located approximately 1.5 miles below the summit of Mt. Chocorua on the southeast side of the mountain.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| USFS Camp Penacook Shelter | |
| WMNF Camping & Cabins |
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