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.
Special Weather Statement issued May 23 at 2:28AM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* Air temperatures in the lower 60s to lower 70s this weekend (50s on Sunday) 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
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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