Smarts Mountain Campsite
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations. No fee required. Water from the Mike Murphy spring is marginally reliable and must be treated before use.
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
Perched atop Smarts Mountain at 3,240 feet in the White Mountain National Forest, this backcountry campsite offers a unique overnight experience centered around a historic fire warden's cabin. Originally built by the New Hampshire Forest Service, the rustic cabin now falls under the stewardship of the Dartmouth Outing Club. The cabin accommodates up to eight hikers and provides welcome shelter at this exposed summit location. In addition to the cabin, three primitive tent sites are available just south along the Lambert Ridge Trail, which follows the Appalachian Trail corridor. A privy serves overnight visitors. Water is accessible via the blue-blazed Daniel Doan Trail at the Mike Murphy spring, though this source is described as marginally reliable and all water should be treated before consumption. The crown jewel of this location is the refurbished fire tower, which rewards hikers with sweeping 260-degree panoramic views encompassing the White Mountains, Vermont's Green Mountains, and the Connecticut River Valley below. Access requires a multi-mile hike; the Smarts Mountain Trailhead is located 5.1 miles east of Lyme on Lyme-Dorchester Road.
Directions
From Lyme, NH, travel 5.1 miles east on Lyme-Dorchester Road to the Smarts Mountain Trailhead. The campsite is at the summit, accessible only by hiking trail.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| 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 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Smarts Mountain Campsite |
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