WMNF Backcountry Campsite Options

[doobe01]

Hi All,

I am taking 2 people on their first overnight backpacking trip and they would prefer not to stay at official tent-sites, huts, or shelters. They are being picky... I know they want to have a fire. Not something I have done much of in my backpacking but figured I would reach out to see if anyone is willing to share some unofficial sites that have good views, easy access to water, and not a super tough hike. Maybe around a river or backcountry pond. I would take them to a spot on the Dry River Trail, if the erosion was not so bad, as I know of a few spots out there that are pretty great but a bit over these 2 newbies abilities I think.

I looked at heading into the Thoreau Falls trail area, Nancy Pond, Shoal pond but cannot really find much information regarding sites. I know the regulations in WMNF and Wilderness areas and can read a topo and could wing it, but for their first trip I want them to get hooked. Hoping to do that with a great camping experience in a beautiful area.

Thanks much!

 

[Ear Drum]

I think if you really want them to get into backpacking, then do something that's more likely to be successful and fun - camp at an official tentsite or shelter. It's really nice to have a bear box, tent platform, reliable water, and privy. As well as a legal fire ring (in some cases), and all the conversations at the place.

The true wilderness will still be there for another time, and going to an established official site makes a lot of what you're doing so much easier. And if they've never camped, start at a roadside state park or USFS campground. You can do the gear shakedown by going on a day hike with a full backpack, by setting up tents and trying stoves in a local state forest, and so on. I saw new backpackers trying out their gear on a hike up to the Franconia Ridge this past weekend.

Also I feel it's important for a newbie to understand and abide by the regulations. Get them hooked as you say with the knowledge, respect and enthusiasm for doing it right. The regs are in place to preserve the environment, and a beginner backpack trip is a great time to learn about and practice Leave No Trace, for instance. If you're not at an official site, then they should learn about making and then leaving a legal campsite, digging and pooping in a cathole, using a bear canister, making fire only if allowed and then properly extinguishing it, etc.

As part of their first time out, they can read the regulations here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whitemountain/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5186032
Generally, fires must be 200 feet off trail or from water, or are not allowed at all.

 

[JoshandBaron]

Wachipauka Pond and Webster Slide is one of my goto spots that's not too difficult. You can camp at the pond and do a quick 1.5mi RT hike up to Webster Slide for a severely underrated view towards the pond and Carr.

There are some sites around Shoal Pond up on the east shore. Nancy and Norcross also have sites, some of questionable legality, and Norcross might be the best sunset in the Whites.

The East Branch and Carrigain Branch in the Stillwater area have many options. TFT doesn't have a whole lot of interest except around Jumping Brook.

Black Mtn Pond and Flat Mtn Pond might be official sites to consider.

Access is tough right now but Moriah Brook has a bunch.

Pretty much any trail along a stream will have abundant camping, you just might need to cross it.

Nice thing about the Sandwich, Wild River, and Caribou is there are no blanket rules about camping on water or trails.

 

[jfb2]

Unknown Pond has a campsite near the pond.

 

[sierra]

If you hike into the Hancocks, that valley is perfect for camping and there are streams everywhere low down. You could get up early and do the loop over the two peaks with a small pack, then break camp on your way out.

 

[Cartophile]

I hiked down the Dry River Cutoff a week ago Sunday. There's an unofficial campsite near the bottom, just before the crossing of the large tributary that flows into the Dry River. It's large and level, and there is a small fire pit. But the location is in violation of the rule that it must be more than 200 feet from a trail. It is, however, more than 200 feet from the Dry River, and it looks very pleasant.

You would have to hike either the Dry River Trail or the Dry River Cutoff to get there. The latter is muddy--I fell in once--and the trail is obvious until it suddenly isn't, in a number of places.

 

[JoshandBaron]

I hiked down the Dry River Cutoff a week ago Sunday. There's an unofficial campsite near the bottom, just before the crossing of the large tributary that flows into the Dry River. It's large and level, and there is a small fire pit. But the location is in violation of the rule that it must be more than 200 feet from a trail. It is, however, more than 200 feet from the Dry River, and it looks very pleasant.

You would have to hike either the Dry River Trail or the Dry River Cutoff to get there. The latter is muddy--I fell in once--and the trail is obvious until it suddenly isn't, in a number of places.

I think the OPs reluctance to take a first timer into the DR is warranted. There is a washout between the bridge and Mt Clinton that someone who isn't used to carrying weight should probably avoid. There are also 2 official sites within .25 of the location you describe.