Flat Mtn Pond Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations. This is a backcountry wilderness shelter requiring a 4.8-5.3 mile hike to access. Campers must be self-sufficient with no potable water or restroom facilities on site.
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
Flat Mountain Pond Shelter is a backcountry lean-to situated at the southwest edge of Flat Mountain Pond within the Sandwich Range Wilderness of White Mountain National Forest. The shelter provides a rustic overnight option for hikers exploring this 35,800-acre wilderness area, with views looking into the heart of the Sandwich Range toward peaks including the Tripyramids, Mt. Whiteface, and Mt. Passaconaway. The shelter sleeps 6-8 people and includes one designated overflow tentsite with room for two tents. Access requires a substantial hike of approximately 4.8 miles from the Bennett Street Trailhead or 5.3 miles from the Whiteface Intervale Trailhead via the Flat Mountain Pond Trail. The shelter is managed by the Saco Ranger District. As a wilderness backcountry shelter, amenities are minimal. There are no restrooms and no potable water available. Campers must bring all water and supplies and pack out all trash. Standard wilderness regulations apply, including a group size limit of 10 people and prohibitions on mechanized equipment. Bear canisters are recommended for proper food storage.
Directions
From the Bennett Street Trailhead: Follow the Flat Mountain Pond Trail approximately 4.8 miles to the shelter. From Whiteface Intervale Trailhead: Follow the Flat Mountain Pond Trail approximately 5.3 miles to the shelter. Both trailheads are accessed via Whiteface Intervale Road in Waterville Valley.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| 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 |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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