Camp Penacook Shelter
04 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Camp Penacook Shelter
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 4 reviews
8 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewswater
"User reviews largely highlight the rustic nature of Camp Penacook Shelter and its suitability for hikers. Many praise the shelter as a convenient and dry spot for overnight stays on their hikes. Reviewers have commented on the availability of water nearby and the condition of the pit toilet."
Fees & Passes at Camp Penacook Shelter
Free
Campsite fees
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Camp Penacook Shelter
Each season paints our campground with its own unique palette of experiences. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while summer brings warm days ideal for water activities and cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues, offering crisp air and fewer crowds. Winter blankets the area in serene beauty, providing opportunities for quiet reflection and cozy campfire gatherings. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can surprise even seasoned campers with refreshing afternoon showers or unexpected sunshine.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
About Camp Penacook Shelter
Discover your perfect outdoor escape where adventure meets tranquility. This hidden gem offers an authentic camping experience surrounded by pristine wilderness, where starlit nights and crackling campfires create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're seeking solitude or family fun, our campground provides the ideal basecamp for exploring nature's wonders while enjoying modern amenities that enhance your comfort without compromising the authentic outdoor experience.
Camp Penacook Shelter offers dispersed camping and is primarily designed for hikers seeking a rustic, backcountry experience.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape where centuries of human stories have unfolded. Long before modern campers pitched their tents here, indigenous peoples traveled these same paths, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy that still whispers through the wind. Early settlers and pioneers found refuge in these hills, their determination and spirit etched into old trail markers and historic sites nearby. Today's visitors become part of this continuing story, adding their own chapters to the campground's living history while respecting and preserving its heritage for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints our campground with its own unique palette of experiences. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while summer brings warm days ideal for water activities and cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Fall transforms the landscape into a tapestry of golden hues, offering crisp air and fewer crowds. Winter blankets the area in serene beauty, providing opportunities for quiet reflection and cozy campfire gatherings. Pack layers year-round, as mountain weather can surprise even seasoned campers with refreshing afternoon showers or unexpected sunshine.
ElevationPerched at an elevation that offers the best of both worlds, our campground provides refreshing mountain air without the challenges of extreme altitude. The gentle rise in elevation creates a natural climate buffer, keeping summer temperatures pleasantly cool and extending the camping season well into autumn. This sweet spot elevation means you'll enjoy spectacular vistas and diverse ecosystems while maintaining easy access to trails and activities. The subtle changes in elevation throughout the campground create unique microclimates, offering everything from sun-drenched meadows to shaded forest groves.
Natural Features and SceneryNature showcases her finest artistry here, where towering forests frame meadows bursting with seasonal color. Crystal-clear streams meander through the landscape, their gentle music providing a constant soundtrack to your outdoor adventure. Dramatic rock formations stand as ancient sentinels, offering both scenic backdrops and exciting exploration opportunities. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat – keep your camera ready for deer grazing at dawn, hawks soaring overhead, and the occasional glimpse of more elusive forest residents. Every sunrise and sunset transforms the scenery into a photographer's paradise.
Geological RegionSituated in a fascinating geological wonderland, our campground rests atop millions of years of Earth's history. The surrounding landscape tells an ancient story through its exposed rock layers, mineral deposits, and unique formations carved by time, water, and wind. This geological diversity creates not just stunning scenery but also varied terrain perfect for different camping preferences – from level, grassy sites to more adventurous spots nestled among interesting rock features. Amateur geologists and curious minds alike will find endless fascination in the area's geological treasures, making every hike a journey through deep time.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source material, and the trail to the shelter is described as challenging by reviewers.
Sites SizeThe shelter can hold 6-8 people, and the tent pad is suitable for one small tent.
Sites PrivacyThe area offers minimal privacy as it includes a single shelter and one tent pad.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group camping facilities are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camp Penacook Shelter is best suited for hikers seeking an overnight stop or a rustic camping experience. Its proximity to Mt. Chocorua's summit makes it ideal for day hikes.
Hiking
The shelter is located off the Piper Trail, about 1.5 miles from the summit of Mt. Chocorua. Reviewers highlight the challenging trail leading to the shelter, but it offers gorgeous overlooks eastward from smooth granite slabs nearby.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Camp Penacook Shelter
21
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities at this location.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
4 reviews
Camp Penacook Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews largely highlight the rustic nature of Camp Penacook Shelter and its suitability for hikers. Many praise the shelter as a convenient and dry spot for overnight stays on their hikes. Reviewers have commented on the availability of water nearby and the condition of the pit toilet.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the shelter's utility as a dry resting spot, the convenience of the nearby water source, and the beautiful views eastward. One reviewer noted, 'It is a great place when you...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative points include the absence of luxuries like potable water, the challenging trail to access the shelter, and the occasional presence of lost hikers. A reviewer remarked, 'The trail to get...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing toilet paper and preparing for a challenging hike. It’s also noted that the tent pad no longer exists as of a recent review.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summertime appears to be the most popular season for visiting the shelter. Winter use is not mentioned but would likely be challenging due to the lack of facilities and the trail's difficulty.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
'The trail to get there is far from easy.' 'There IS a great water source nearby. It even has a nice wooden sign.' 'It is a great place when you want to be dry.'
Based on 4 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite reviews beyond those of the shelter and tent pad are provided.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility reviews are available, and the trail is described as difficult, which may make it unsuitable for those with mobility challenges.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pets.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated November 17, 2025
Advertisement