3.8211 reviewsPrice
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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43.9581, -71.2688
Through-hikers and overnight trekkers tackling Mt. Chocorua in fall will get the most out of this stop. Mid-September to early October brings cool temps, dry trails, and peak foliage. It's free, and the east-facing shelter is a genuine relief after a hard push up a challenging tr
The tent pad has reportedly disappeared, so if the shelter's six to eight spots are full when you arrive, you're sleeping on open ground or hiking out. No potable water, no cell signal info, and reviews flag the trail as genuinely tough, this isn't a casual walk-in site.
Reference information about Camp Penacook Shelter sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Camp Penacook is a 3-sided shelter located on the southeast side of Mt. Chocorua, approximately 1.5 miles from the summit, off the Piper Trail. There is a small earthen tent pad located below the shelter and a pit toilet in the vicinity. The shelter holds 6-8 people and the tent pad holds one small tent. Nearby, a short distance up the Piper Trail from its junction with the shelter spur path, are gorgeous overlooks to the east on smooth granite slabs.</p>
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Fall delivers the best conditions here. Mid-September through early October brings daytime highs around 45-60°F and nights between 25-40°F, with peak foliage and fewer bugs. Trail conditions are drier than spring, making ridge walks and photography more rewarding. Weekends during peak color see heavier traffic; weekdays stay quieter. Stable fall weather and clear nights make this the ideal window for overnight trips.
Fall cited as best: peak foliage, drier trails, cool days and cold nights ideal for hikes.
Potable water is not available at this site.
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