Ethan Pond Shelter

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Fee is $15 per person per night, collected by caretaker during summer months (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) or via self-service cash boxes when caretaker is not present. Campers should treat or filter all water from the inlet brook.

About

Ethan Pond Shelter is a backcountry camping facility located on the eastern shore of scenic Ethan Pond at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness in the White Mountain National Forest. The shelter is accessed via a short side trail off the Ethan Pond Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, approximately 2.8 miles from Route 302 in lower Crawford Notch. The site features an Adirondack-style shelter with an occupancy of 8 people, plus 5 tent platforms providing space for up to 20 additional campers. Facilities include a composting privy, a designated dishwashing area, and bear boxes for food storage. Water is available from the inlet brook but must be treated or filtered before use. During the summer months (typically Memorial Day through Columbus Day), an Appalachian Mountain Club caretaker is on-site to collect fees, maintain facilities, and provide information. This is a fee site year-round at $15 per person per night, collected by the caretaker when present or via self-service cash boxes during the off-season. The shelter offers a peaceful backcountry experience in a scenic location, popular with Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and White Mountain backpackers alike. The site provides access to nearby peaks including Mount Willey, Mount Field, and Mount Tom via the Willey Range Trail.

Directions

Located off Route 302 near Bartlett, NH. Access the shelter via the Ethan Pond Trail (Appalachian Trail) from the Ethan Pond-Ripley Falls Trailhead in lower Crawford Notch. Hike 2.8 miles on the Ethan Pond Trail, then take a short side trail to reach the shelter and pond.

Nearby Campgrounds