Camp Penacook Shelter

Star4.63
11 reviews

Quick Facts

2,753 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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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

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 11 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Camp Penacook Shelter

43.9581, -71.2688


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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summertime is noted as the most popular season; warm days good for hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mountain elevation and "meadows bursting with seasonal color" indicate strong fall foliage appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Description cites spring wildflower blooms and pleasant hiking temps.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter use not mentioned; trail difficulty and lack of facilities likely make winter visits hard.

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.
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    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.
    HikingThe 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.
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    Policies & Safety

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

    Weather at Camp Penacook Shelter

    Reviews

    4.6
    11 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Camp Penacook Shelter is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 11 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...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    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...
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    Based on 11 reviews

    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 11 reviews

    Seasonal 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 11 reviews

    Camper 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 11 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific campsite reviews beyond those of the shelter and tent pad are provided.
    Based on 11 reviews

    Accessibility 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 11 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews specifically mention pets.
    Based on 11 reviews

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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