Garfield Ridge Shelter
Open year-round, first-come, first-served. A caretaker is on-site during summer months; self-service fee boxes available otherwise. As of May 1, 2026, IGBC-certified bear canisters are required for all food and scented items in the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
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
Garfield Ridge Shelter is a premier backcountry destination in the White Mountain National Forest, positioned at approximately 3,900 feet on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Garfield along the Garfield Ridge Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. The shelter offers a classic 12-person Adirondack-style structure constructed of white pine and cedar, alongside seven tent platforms each accommodating up to four people. Facilities include a composting privy, a metal bear box for food storage, and a dedicated dishwashing area. A reliable spring nearby provides water, though campers must filter or treat it before drinking. The site is staffed by an AMC caretaker during summer months who collects the $15 per person nightly fee; self-service cash boxes handle payment when the caretaker is absent. Beginning May 1, 2026, all campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store food and scented items in IGBC-certified bear-resistant canisters. Dogs are welcome at tent platforms if leashed or under voice command but are not permitted inside the shelter. Groups of six or more affiliated with organizations should use the Group Notification System at least two weeks before arrival.
Directions
Access via the Garfield Trail from Route 3 near Franconia, NH. The shelter is located on the Garfield Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Garfield.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
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