Guyot Shelter
4.3317 reviewsGuyot Shelter
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$15 fee per person per night, paid year-round. Self-service cash boxes are utilized when the caretaker is absent.
About this campground
Perched high in the heart of the Pemigewasset Wilderness at 4,360 feet, Guyot Shelter offers adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. This remote mountain refuge features a sturdy open log shelter that welcomes 12-16 weary hikers, along with 10 tent platforms scattered across the mountainside. Reaching this alpine sanctuary requires determination—the steep, rugged spur trail branching off the Bondcliff Trail will test your mettle, but the rewards are worth every challenging step.
Guyot Shelter offers primitive camping with minimal amenities, including an open log shelter and tent platforms.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at this elevation, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Summer brings mild mountain air and spectacular visibility, though you'll share the experience with fellow adventurers during peak months. As autumn arrives, crisp temperatures herald the changing leaves below. Winter transforms Guyot into a frozen wonderland where snow blankets the shelter and temperatures plummet, creating conditions that demand proper gear and mountain wisdom. Spring's temperamental moods bring everything from surprise snowstorms to brilliant sunshine, keeping visitors on their toes.
ElevationAt 4,360 feet above sea level, Guyot Shelter sits in the sweet spot where the forest gives way to alpine zones. This lofty perch delivers refreshingly cool temperatures even on sultry summer days, while serving up panoramic mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon. The thin air reminds you that you've truly climbed into New Hampshire's high country, where clouds often drift past at eye level and the world below seems wonderfully distant.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled in the saddle between the commanding peaks of Mt. Guyot and Mt. Bond, this shelter occupies one of the most spectacular settings in the White Mountains. From your alpine perch, watch as morning mist rises from the valleys far below, revealing layer upon layer of blue-tinged ridges marching toward the horizon. The surrounding peaks create a natural amphitheater where sunset paints the sky in brilliant oranges and purples, while dawn brings alpenglow to the surrounding summits.
Geological RegionThis high-altitude haven at 4,360 feet showcases the raw power of the Pemigewasset Wilderness's ancient geology. Carved by glaciers and sculpted by millennia of weather, the landscape between Mt. Guyot and Mt. Bond reveals exposed bedrock, steep boulder-strewn slopes, and the rugged terrain that defines New Hampshire's alpine zone. The challenging topography tells the story of tectonic forces and ice ages that shaped these magnificent mountains into today's dramatic playground for hikers seeking authentic wilderness experiences.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified in any sources.
Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates approximately 12-16 people, and there are roughly 10 tent platforms, some of which include overflow sites along the Bondcliff Trail.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews frequently criticize the lack of privacy, especially during crowded summer weekends. 'No privacy whatsoever,' stated one user.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose tent platforms with railings for safety and those high on one side for views.
Best CampsitesPlatform 7 near the water source and shelter.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutShelter with 10 tent platforms, all located on a steep slope. Overflow tent sites are available on the Bondcliff Trail.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Guyot Shelter focus on the wilderness experience, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and communal cooking. The site itself has stunning sunset and sunrise views, as highlighted by multiple users.
Hiking
Guyot Shelter is located off the Bondcliff Trail, which is steep and rugged. Hiking is a primary activity here, and the trail provides access to Mt. Guyot, Mt. Bond, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife encounters are likely given the remote wilderness setting, though specific animals are not mentioned.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but users noted the challenging conditions in off-season hiking, including navigating fallen trees.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not applicable; there is no water source mentioned suitable for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Cooking is restricted to communal cooking areas to minimize scent dispersal.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep terrain, unreliable water sources during summer, crowded sites, and wildlife such as bears.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
48
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned; users are likely responsible for carrying out their trash.
Proximity to water featuresSpring available for water, though unreliable in summer. Water source located near shelter and communal cooking area.
Common complaints"When it's crowded, they will try to fit four tents on each tent platform." - Anne Jalbert. "Due to all the people in camp, it was rather noisy." - Dylan Welch.
Host"Shauna, the caretaker, was pleasant and made it a point to interact with guests." - Christopher Pelaia.
Campground Map
Driving directionsGuyot Shelter is accessed via a steep, rugged 0.2-mile descent off the Bondcliff Trail, near the ridge between Mt. Guyot and Mt. Bond. It is 0.6 miles from the Twinway Trail (Appalachian Trail). Parking is available at Zealand parking lot (~7.8 miles away).
Access to the shelter is challenging, requiring a hike of approximately 7.8 miles from Zealand parking lot. Roads to parking are paved, but reaching the shelter itself involves rugged trails with steep descents.Nearby places
Zealand parking lot (~7.8 miles away).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.3
17 reviews
Guyot Shelter is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty and remoteness of the site as major positives but frequently note the crowded conditions during peak seasons and weekends, as well as the lack of privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the site's beautiful views, especially sunrise and sunset. A user noted, 'According to some other backpackers it's one of the best they've seen... it was newly built in 2019.' Another...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Crowding and lack of privacy were frequent complaints: 'No privacy whatsoever,' said one user. Another noted, 'When it's crowded, they will try to fit four tents on each tent platform.'
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a water filter, as the spring water needs to be treated, and extra paracord for setting up tents on platforms. Plan for crowded weekends and arrive early to secure a spot.
Based on 17 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate the shelter is busiest in summer, with weekends being particularly crowded. Off-season visitors noted challenges such as fallen trees and lack of a caretaker.
Based on 17 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Friday night in late summer season, only one other person staying in the shelter.' 2. 'The sunrise view from the shelter near the outhouse is amazing!' 3. 'See the sunrise from your sleeping bag!'
Based on 17 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Platform 7 is noted for proximity to the water source, and users highlighted overflow sites along the Bondcliff Trail as an alternative during peak times.
Based on 17 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not reviewed by users.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pets or pet-friendly policies.
Based on 17 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025