13 Falls, Garfield Ridge Campsites

[Tuco]

Jay and I are heading up to the Pemi this weekend and are planning on staying at the campsites listed. Any comments on placing a non freestanding tents on the tent pads? Any difficulty in securing the lines?

Thanks in advance.

 

[sp1936]

Dirtforms at 13 Falls are hard. Close to impossible to drive a stake. However, there are enough trees and rocks surrounding each pad that you should be able to secure your tent.

Steve

 

[Jay H]

Oh, so it's not a wooden platform? I was reading the WMG last night and they mentioned Tent Pads, which I don't recognize as being dirt or platforms...

I am bringing a Shire's Cloudburst that needs to have three stakes minimum but I have tied it to rocks before and I've used furniture in my living room when I seam sealed it.

Jay

 

[sp1936]

Oh, so it's not a wooden platform? I was reading the WMG last night and they mentioned Tent Pads, which I don't recognize as being dirt or platforms...

Nope. I picked up the word "dirtforms" from a jolly family that was camping there when I was there last month.

Click here for pictures

Steve

 

[Mark A.]

We were at 13 Falls two summers ago. The dirt pads are hard, but we had no trouble driving our Kelty Nobendium stakes with the help of a handy flat rock.
Cheers,
Mark

 

[David Metsky]

Garfield Ridge has a shelter and wooden tent platforms. If they are busy you might be routed to overflow spots which are small dirt clearings. Some extra rope is useful to tie off to the platforms. Many have eye hooks, or you can juryrig with twigs or tie to trees.

-dave-

 

[Jay H]

On behalf of Eric and myself, thanks all!

Garfield Ridge would be on the last day before we get to our car (unless for some reason, we don't think we can make 13 Falls before nightfall) which would be on a Sunday night so might not be as busy as friday/saturday.

I'll try to pack some extra guylines then.

Jay

 

[tycho_32]

Garfield Ridge Campsite can get packed. Last time we were there we got there early and it seemed to fill up pretty fast. There is a lot to tie down your tent to. From trees to hook bolts your tent should stay where it is supposed to barring any 200 mile an hour winds that would never happen in the Whites.

 

[David Metsky]

The Garfield Ridge shelter lost its roof about 10 years ago to a windstorm, so it does get windy there. Sunday night should be OK for finding a platform.

-dave-

 

[Jay H]

Parking pass?

At the trailhead off Rt 3 for the Garfield trail, do we need to get a WMNF parking pass?

Thanks again,

Jay

 

[cooperhill]

Yes. You will need a pass or you can pay the fee at the kiosk in the parking area ($3 per day).

 

[Mike D.]

Last time I was at 13 falls it was extremely crowded and we had to find a stealth spot, that was last year on a Saturday.

 

[Tuco]

Thanks all for the info.....

 

[John S]

Jay,

definitely bring some extra lines for the Cloudburst. Mine set up fine on a platform but the poles, which are usually firm when the tent is set up on the ground, slipped on the wooden surface when the wind blew. That changed the shape and allowed much sag and wall flapping. Securing the pole tips made a big difference.

 

[dundare]

Speaking of camping on Garfield Ridge, in between its intersection with the Gale River Trail and Galehead Hut, I saw two tents pitched off to the left side of the trail (heading to the hut). It was a nice little space that fit two tents perfectly and seemed to be in a nice place to catch a breeze. Assuming this is an illegal spot to camp, is it one you can get away with easily? Even though there were tents on it, it looked like it must have been camped in before as it fit 2 tents, had no deadfalls, was very level, and very clear.

 

[MichaelJ]

I would guess this tentsite is probably just outside the 1/4 mile Forest Protection Area boundary? It's typical for there to be a ring a campsites around a hut just where it becomes legal.

As for being far enough off-trail, keep in mind that's a requirement in Wilderness areas only. I haven't seen it, and I'm not a ranger, but if it's outside the FPA this site is probably legal.

 

[dundare]

Ahh that makes sense. I cant be certain, but I think you are right. My knowledge of backcountry camping rules is limited - I just assumed it wasnt allowed along trails everywhere.