Kinsman Pond Shelter
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The $15 per person nightly fee is collected year-round via seasonal caretaker or self-service cash box. No advance reservations accepted.
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
Kinsman Pond Shelter is a backcountry camping facility in the White Mountain National Forest, perched at 3,750 feet on the northern shore of scenic Kinsman Pond. It sits at the junction of three trails: Kinsman Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, and the Fishin' Jimmy Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. The classic Adirondack-style shelter holds up to 12 people and is complemented by four tent platforms: one shared group platform accommodating 3-5 tents and three smaller platforms for two tents each. Facilities include a composting outhouse, a designated dishwashing area, and metal bear boxes for food storage. Water must be filtered or treated from nearby sources as there is no potable water on site. A seasonal caretaker staffs the site during high-use periods. Dogs are welcome on the tent platforms when leashed or under voice command but are not permitted inside the shelter structure. Campfires are prohibited at this backcountry location, as WMNF regulations ban fires within a quarter mile of shelters and other backcountry facilities. The site operates first-come, first-served with no advance reservations. As of May 2026, campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must use IGBC-certified bear-resistant canisters instead of traditional food hangs.
Directions
Accessible via Kinsman Pond Trail from NH Route 112 (Kancamagus Highway) west of Woodstock, NH. The shelter is located at the junction of Kinsman Pond Trail, Kinsman Ridge Trail, and Fishin' Jimmy Trail on the Appalachian Trail.
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 |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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