Peru Peak Shelter & Tent Site

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. During peak season from summer through autumn, Green Mountain Club caretakers are present to collect the $5 per person per night fee. Accessible only by hiking from Mad Tom Notch trailhead.

About

Peru Peak Shelter & Tent Site is a backcountry overnight facility located within the Peru Peak Wilderness area of Green Mountain National Forest. Accessible only by foot via the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, this shelter provides a primitive camping experience for hikers traversing Vermont's iconic trail system. The shelter, originally constructed in 1935 and rebuilt in 1979 and 2000, sits at approximately 2,600 feet elevation along a rushing brook that provides a water source and natural soundtrack for overnight guests. The site includes both a long, low-roofed shelter that can accommodate 12 or more hikers, plus designated tent sites for those preferring their own shelter. The location is positioned roughly one mile south of the Peru Peak summit and is a popular stop for both Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and Long Trail section hikers. Access requires hiking north from the Mad Tom Notch trailhead, making this a true backcountry experience with no vehicle access. During peak season (summer through autumn), the site is staffed by Green Mountain Club caretakers who collect overnight fees and maintain the facility. The composting toilet helps minimize environmental impact, while the nearby brook provides water that must be treated or filtered before consumption. This shelter serves as an important link in Vermont's backcountry shelter system, offering hikers a reliable stopping point in the southern Green Mountains.

Directions

Hike north on the Appalachian Trail from Mad Tom Notch trailhead. The shelter is accessible only by foot, with no vehicle access.

Nearby Campgrounds