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.
Heat Advisory issued June 12 at 2:29AM EDT until June 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Gray ME
* WHAT...Heat index values of 95 to 100 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southwest and western Maine and central, northern, and southern New Hampshire. * WHEN...From noon today to 8 PM EDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
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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