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Camp Penacook Shelter

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Hikers tackling Mount Chocorua will find Camp Penacook Shelter positioned along the Piper Trail at the three-mile mark, accessible via a short spur trail detour. This three-sided shelter accommodates up to seven people sleeping side by side, with room for one large tent or two smaller ones under its low-peaked roof. The structure includes a covered area extending beyond the sleeping space and features a fire pit with grill rack.

A brook runs nearby for water access with proper filtration, though snow cover can make the bank difficult to locate during spring conditions. The site includes a pit toilet reached by a social trail that can be challenging to spot in low light. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, the shelter serves as a strategic basecamp for the final mile-and-a-half scramble to Chocorua's summit over slick rock sections. Campers exploring campgrounds around Albany will find this free backcountry option requires moderate hiking ability and self-sufficiency.

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Location

Public Campground

Camp Penacook Shelter is located in New Hampshire

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.95706849 N
71.269138 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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1 Review

Maddie R.
Reviewed May. 11, 2019

Cozy Hideaway on Awesome Hike!

The Camp Penacook Shelter is a nice stopping point on a moderately difficult hike up to the peak of Mt. Chocorua. As you head up the Piper Trail, as you're nearing the 3 mile mark, it starts to get steep and mostly stone steps. Luckily, right as you begin to tire, the branch for the Spur Trail appears! A little bit down this trail, and boom, you can see the Camp Penacook shelter tucked away in a little clearing with a vista.

This is a 3-sided shelter with a fairly low roof. You could fit one larger tent or two smaller tents, but I highly suggest sleeping in the open air! When I stayed here, there were 7 of us, and we comfortably laid side by side with our packs tucked against the back wall. The roof peaks in the middle, and it was nice to have the extra space in front of the shelter that is still covered by the roof (it was a little drizzly the morning we left). There is a fire pit with a grill rack, but I highly recommend a personal camp stove for reliability.

Back towards the main piper trail is a brook where you can pump water if you have a filter. It can be hard to determine where the bank is if there's still snow on the ground, so be careful! But the proximity of the stream was very convenient. Also nearby the shelter is a pit toilet. There's a social trail down to the toilet which is kind of tough to spot, so make sure you find it in the daylight! And bring your own TP.

The Camp Penacook Shelter is a first-come, first-serve deal, so get there first! It's not really out of the way, so drop your big packs off in the shelter to mark your spot, and then finish the hike to the top with just your water bottle (and camera!). The mile and a half to the summit is scrambles up some slick rock, which can still be icy in spots in the spring. It was very helpful that I removed my pack to do this! The views from the summit are breathtaking, and with a place to sleep not far below, you can stay at the summit as long as you want. This shelter has many amenities for being stuck on the side of a mountain, and I highly recommend making the trip with some friends.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Camp Penacook Shelter by Maddie R., May 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Camp Penacook Shelter by Maddie R., May 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Camp Penacook Shelter by Maddie R., May 11, 2019
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Frequently Asked Questions

What facilities are available at Camp Penacook's shelter?

Camp Penacook Shelter is a basic backcountry shelter located along the Piper Trail en route to Mt. Chocorua. The shelter provides a simple roof structure for hikers to rest or take shelter during inclement weather. It's a minimalist facility designed for brief stops rather than overnight stays, serving primarily as a waypoint for hikers. No running water, electricity, or modern amenities are available, so come prepared with all necessary supplies. The shelter is strategically positioned to offer hikers a resting point before tackling the steeper sections of the trail.

When is Camp Penacook open for visitors?

Camp Penacook Shelter is typically accessible during the regular hiking season in the White Mountains, roughly from late spring through early fall when Piper Trail is clear of snow. Weather conditions in the White Mountains can vary significantly, with winter conditions possible outside summer months. The shelter may not be maintained or safely accessible during winter when the trail could be snow-covered and icy. Check with White Mountain National Forest for seasonal advisories and current trail conditions before planning your hike.

How do I make reservations for Camp Penacook?

Camp Penacook Shelter doesn't require reservations as it functions as a trail shelter rather than a formal campground. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis for day use. Since it's primarily a resting point along the Piper Trail to Mt. Chocorua rather than an overnight destination, no reservation system is in place. For current information about trail conditions or shelter status, contact White Mountain National Forest management offices before your hike.

What activities are offered at Camp Penacook?

Camp Penacook Shelter serves hikers on the popular Piper Trail to Mt. Chocorua. The primary activity is hiking, with the shelter positioned at a strategic point where the trail begins to get steeper with stone steps. It's an ideal spot for a brief rest, having a snack, or enjoying the surrounding forest before continuing the moderately difficult climb to Mt. Chocorua's peak. Wildlife observation and nature photography are also possible while taking a break at the shelter. The location is purely a waypoint for outdoor recreation rather than an activity destination.

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