Ethan Pond Shelter
Open year-round, first-come first-served with no advance reservations. Caretaker season runs Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Fee is $15 per person per night, payable in cash. Groups of 6 or more should use the AMC Group Notification System at least two weeks in advance.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 12:09PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* The warm air temperatures this weekend in the mid 60s may cause people to underestimate the dangers of the cold water temperatures which are currently only in the mid 50s across Sebago Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee, and in the mid 50s in the regions smaller lakes and rivers. * The cold water temperatures can quickly cause hypothermia to anyone immersed in the water. When the water temperature is below 60 degrees, the average submerged person could loose dexterity within minutes and be unable to accomplish simple tasks. Anyone on small boats, canoes, or kayaks should plan accordingly if recreating this weekend and use extreme caution to avoid this threat. Paddle smart from the start and always wear your life jacket! * Generally light and variable winds shift to southerly today. Winds will be breezy this afternoon with some gusts up to 25 mph. If boating on large bodies of water, these strong winds can increase the likelihood of overturning your boat, canoe, or kayak due to increased wave heights.
About
Ethan Pond Shelter is a classic backcountry destination on the Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire's White Mountains. The site occupies a scenic location at the eastern shore of Ethan Pond, positioned at the edge of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The communal Adirondack-style shelter accommodates up to 8 people, while five tent platforms offer additional capacity for up to 20 campers total: three smaller shared platforms (2 tents each) and two larger group platforms (3-5 tents each). Facilities include a composting outhouse, a designated dishwashing area, and metal bear boxes for food storage. There is no potable water on site; campers must filter or treat water from Ethan Pond or the inlet brook. An AMC caretaker staffs the site during summer months (Memorial Day through Columbus Day) to collect fees and maintain facilities. Outside caretaker season, fees are collected via self-service cash boxes. Access is via a short side trail off the Ethan Pond Trail, which follows the Appalachian Trail corridor. The hike from the Ethan Pond-Ripley Falls Trailhead off Route 302 is approximately 2.6 miles with a gradual climb. Dogs are welcome on tent platforms when leashed or under voice command but are not permitted in the shelter itself.
Directions
From Route 302 near Bartlett, NH, access the Ethan Pond-Ripley Falls Trailhead. Hike approximately 2.6 miles on the Ethan Pond Trail (Appalachian Trail) to reach the shelter via a short side trail.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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