Kinsman Pond Shelter

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.