Dry River Shelter # 3

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping. No reservations required; available first-come, first-served. Winter access requires proper snow travel equipment and navigation skills.

About

Dry River Shelter #3 is a backcountry three-sided lean-to located deep in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness at mile 6.3 along the Dry River Trail. This primitive shelter serves as a waypoint for hikers traveling the challenging 9.6-mile Dry River Trail from Crawford Notch to Lakes of the Clouds. The shelter is situated in a remote, heavily forested section of the wilderness and provides basic protection from the elements. The Dry River Trail is known for being difficult to follow in sections, particularly north of the Isolation Trail junction where the shelter is located. The trail traverses rugged terrain with multiple river crossings and significant elevation changes. This area was impacted by Hurricane Irene and trail conditions can vary. The shelter sits within designated wilderness requiring adherence to Leave No Trace principles and Forest Service backcountry regulations. As a true backcountry facility, the shelter offers only minimal amenities. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for wilderness conditions. Winter access is possible but requires proper equipment and experience for deep snow conditions and challenging navigation. The shelter provides access to some of the most remote and pristine wilderness in the White Mountains.

Directions

Located 6.3 miles north along the Dry River Trail from the trailhead near Frankenstein Cliffs in Crawford Notch. Accessible only by hiking; requires backcountry navigation skills.

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