Smarts Mountain Campsite

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served. No reservations required.

About

Smarts Mountain Campsite sits atop the 3,240-foot summit of Smarts Mountain along the Appalachian Trail in White Mountain National Forest. The site features a rustic cabin that was originally built by the NH Forest Service as a fire warden's cabin and is now maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club. The cabin accommodates eight people and provides basic shelter in this exposed summit location. For those preferring tent camping, three primitive tent sites are available just south of the cabin on the Lambert Ridge Trail. Water access is via the blue-blazed Daniel Doan Trail at the Mike Murphy spring, though this source is marginally reliable and all water must be treated before use. A privy is available on site. The highlight of this location is the refurbished fire tower that offers spectacular 260-degree views encompassing the White Mountains, Vermont's Green Mountains, and the Connecticut River Valley. As a primitive backcountry site along the Appalachian Trail, this campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or fees required. The remote summit location and limited water availability make this site best suited for experienced backcountry campers prepared for variable mountain weather conditions.

Directions

Access the campsite via the Lambert Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail) from the trailhead on Dorchester Road in Lyme, NH. The trail ascends approximately 3.3 miles to the summit of Smarts Mountain.

Nearby Campgrounds