How much does camping cost at Rocky Branch Shelter #1?

Camping fees at Rocky Branch Shelter #1 range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rocky Branch Shelter #1 first-come first-served or reservation?

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Rocky Branch Shelter #1?

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Rocky Branch Shelter #1 have?

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rocky Branch Shelter #1?

Pets are not allowed at Rocky Branch Shelter #1. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Rocky Branch Shelter #1?

Popular activities at Rocky Branch Shelter #1 include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rocky Branch Shelter #1

0 review

Top 15%Fall

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Hampshire

Quick Facts

1,470 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,470 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Rocky Branch Shelter #1

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for staying at Rocky Branch Shelter #1.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Rocky Branch Shelter #1

44.1536, -71.2852

Nearby places

Glen (approximately 1 mile to trail junction, then 2-mile hike).

Driving directionsFrom the south end of the Rocky Branch Trail, start at Jericho Road, approximately one mile west of the junction of Routes 302 and 16 in Glen. The Rocky Branch Shelter #1 is accessible via a 2-mile hike from this trailhead.

The main access involves hiking 2 miles from the Rocky Branch Trailhead at the end of Jericho Road. No details on road quality or seasonal closures leading to the trailhead are mentioned.

Weather at Rocky Branch Shelter #1

Current alert: The Rocky Branch Trail closed from the end of Rocky Branch Road (Jericho Road) to Rocky Branch Shelter #2.

Best Time to Camp at Rocky Branch Shelter #1

Fall delivers the clearest weather and best colors. Peak foliage runs late September through mid-October, with daytime highs in the 40s to 55°F and nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. Biting insects are mostly gone, and trail conditions stay stable. Deer and raptor activity picks up. Weekends draw leaf-peepers to popular trailheads, though backcountry sites see lighter traffic. Winter brings snow and cold, but the shelter offers protection for experienced winter campers.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 15% in US

Peak foliage late Sept–mid Oct; clearest weather and excellent colors cited for fall.

Planning Tips

About Rocky Branch Shelter #1

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 sits alongside the Rocky Branch River in the Presidential-Dry River Wilderness, 15 miles from Glen. The site includes a shelter that sleeps 6-8 people and three tent platforms, with a fire ring for evening use. No fees or reservations are mentioned.

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 is a dispersed camping area featuring a rustic shelter and tent platforms.

Historical Significance

Tropical Storm Irene closed the Rocky Branch Trail in 2011 after severe damage to the surrounding landscape. Trail crews spent four years rebuilding the route, reopening it in September 2015.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the clearest weather and best colors. Peak foliage runs late September through mid-October, with daytime highs in the 40s to 55°F and nights dropping into the 20s and 30s. Biting insects are mostly gone, and trail conditions stay stable. Deer and raptor activity picks up. Weekends draw leaf-peepers to popular trailheads, though backcountry sites see lighter traffic. Winter brings snow and cold, but the shelter offers protection for experienced winter campers.

Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter sits in a river valley carved through ancient granite, where the Rocky Branch has spent millennia cutting through bedrock. Hardwoods and evergreens create thick canopy cover, and moss-covered boulders and exposed rock slabs line the riverbanks. The surrounding Presidential-Dry River Wilderness is built on some of New England's oldest exposed rock formations, with dramatic ridgelines visible from higher elevations. Morning mists often settle in the valley. Mountain laurel blooms in late spring, and hardwoods turn gold and crimson in fall.

Geological RegionCarved into the ancient granite heart of the White Mountain National Forest, this site sits at the doorstep of the Presidential-Dry River Wilderness, where millennia of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic ridgelines and deep river valleys. The Rocky Branch has spent countless centuries cutting through bedrock, creating the rugged gorges and smooth granite slabs that characterize this region. Here, hikers walk among some of New England's oldest exposed rock formations, where every boulder and cliff face tells a story written over hundreds of millions of years.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe site is limited to a shelter and tent platforms; no additional lodging options are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

6-8 guests (maximum capacity)

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned for this site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThree tent platforms sit near the main shelter, which accommodates 6-8 people.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnknown. Information on first-come, first-served availability has not been provided.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described. The site may pose challenges due to its remote location and minimal facilities.

Site SizeThe shelter accommodates 6-8 people, and three tent platforms provide additional space for tenting.

PrivacyThe campground is located in a wilderness area which likely offers high privacy but no explicit description is available.

Total Campsites3 campsites

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When to Book

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Amenities available

The Rocky Branch Shelter #1 provides very minimal amenities. It features a fire ring, three tent platforms for tenting, and the shelter itself accommodates 6-8 people. Potable water and restrooms are not available, and the facility is situated along the Rocky Branch River, just outside of the Presidential-Dry River Wilderness.

Fire rings

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Rocky Branch Shelter #1 revolve around its dispersed camping nature. Visitors can enjoy hiking along the Rocky Branch Trail and experience the wilderness setting.

Hiking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo camping-specific hazards have been detailed, but the area is situated in a wilderness setting, which may include typical risks such as unpredictable weather, wildlife, and rugged terrain.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Rocky Branch Shelter #1 has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are absent from the provided source materials.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No positive highlights from user reviews are available.

Common Concerns

No complaints or concerns have been recorded in user reviews.

Site-Specific Reviews

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Rocky Branch Shelter #1

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

There is no fee for staying at Rocky Branch Shelter #1.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

Go if

Hikers comfortable with a 2-mile trail approach from Glen who want a no-cost bunk in a 6-8 person shelter or one of three tent platforms, with fire rings and river scenery but no water or toilets.

Skip if

The Rocky Branch Trail is currently closed from Jericho Road to Shelter #2, so confirm the specific access route to Shelter #1 is open before you drive out. Anyone expecting potable water, restrooms, or cell service will be disappointed.

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