Pinkham parking lot and naps

[Bobby]

I'm meeting a group at Pinkham on Saturday morning. I have to work until midnite Friday, and was thinking of driving Pinkham then. I should get there about 3AM and wanted to crash in the car in the parking lot until about 7:30. How strict is the policy regarding overnighting enforced?

 

[David Metsky]

If they spot you, they may ask you to leave. If you just pull in, lean the seat back and nap, they probably won't spot you.

-dave-

 

[giggy]

I know many who have done this overnight - never heard of a problem - if your want to play it totally safe - drive another couple of miles to the great gulf trailhead and crash there.

I doubt anyone will say anything... if they do - your "waiting for freinds so you don't have to hike alone on the dangerous mt washington"

 

[cbcbd]

I've never had a problem and know of many who have also partaken in trailhead naps there.
Besides, trailhead car sleeping is part of hiking

 

[sli74]

I have taken a "nap" overnight at Pinkham 3 different times and never had any problems. But if they ask you to move just drive to one of the other close trailheads and finish your nap before driving back.

sli74

 

[Bobby]

Thanks for the info, got my blankie and pillow all ready to go. Just have to set the alarm clock.

 

[RoySwkr]

But if they ask you to move just drive to one of the other close trailheads and finish your nap before driving back.

That is also illegal, although less likely to be enforced other notes mention encounters with officialdom while sleeping at trailheads

 

[TrekMan]

car-sleepers

We were gearing up in the lot at the Jefferson Notch Rd last weekend when the car next to us started up. I looked up the trail to see if someone had a remote starter ... then the car backed up. Steam was on the INSIDE of the windows! I believe he slept well until we got there at 8:00 a.m. I think I would have a tendency to go to a quieter place that Pinkham.
Sweet dreams .... TrekMan

 

[Jkrew81]

I have slept there many times without a problem. One time while in college I was even met by one of the staff in the parking lot (older gentleman) who even wished me a good night while I was rolling out my sleeping bag in the back of my car. Granted he did stop and ask what I was doing, but he did not seem to care. Unless somthing has changed, I would not think they would care.

 

[MichaelJ]

We were gearing up in the lot at the Jefferson Notch Rd last weekend when the car next to us started up.

When I climbed Caps Ridge I pulled into the parking lot early that morning and two people were in their sleeping bags right on the ground in the lot (not that safe, mind you!)

 

[sapblatt]

When I climbed Caps Ridge I pulled into the parking lot early that morning and two people were in their sleeping bags right on the ground in the lot (not that safe, mind you!)

Saw the same thing at the Signal Ridge TH...almost ran one of them over...

 

[Kevin Rooney]

I don't think most people know that it's NOT OK to sleep in their vehicles at trailheads. Even if there are signs posted 'No Camping' I think most people interpret that to mean they can't setup a tent, and if they're sleeping in their car/truck then so what? They aren't taking up any more room, imposing on anyone, etc, so no harm no foul.

My hunch is that 10-20% of the vehicles you see at a trailhead early in the AM has a person(s) sleeping in them, especially in the warmer weather. If the windows are misty - bingo!

I think the chances of being rousted by a USFS ranger for sleeping in your vehicle are rather low. THe USFS is shedding staff rapidly, and my hunch is that patroling the parking lots for parking pass compliance, 'illegal' camping, etc is a low priority.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

If you have a higher clearance car, you may be better off sleeping UNDER the car. For me, at least, I get a much more comfortable night's sleep, and a LIGHT rain goes unnoticed. Also, you're less likely to be seen.

Just make sure that your car doesn't drip oil, and make sure you don't wke up suddenly and sit up.

 

[Bobby]

If I slept under the car, with my luck someone would steal it, then drag me down the highway by my sleeping bag. Many years ago my dad and I, in a VW camper, were tossed out of the Great Gulf trailhead by the local police.

This past weekend, I wasn't bothered at the trailhead. Next time, instead of taking my Jetta, I'll take our minivan. Live and learn, right?

 

[hikerfast]

Once at pinkham I went there to sleep...and some guy came out and said not to do it anymore. I have slept at the rocky branch trailhead a few times, in a sleeping bag outside the car. now I would just go into the woods a little bit and crash there.