How much does camping cost at Imp Shelter?

Camping fees at Imp Shelter range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Imp Shelter first-come first-served or reservation?

Imp Shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Normal local ranger noted

What is the best time to visit Imp Shelter?

Imp Shelter is open June summer .. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Imp Shelter?

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

Can I have a campfire at Imp Shelter?

Fire policies at Imp Shelter: follow ranger accommodation. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Imp Shelter have?

Imp Shelter has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Imp Shelter?

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

What activities can I do at Imp Shelter?

Popular activities at Imp Shelter include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Imp Shelter

4.27

22 reviews

Top 15% in NHSummer

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Hampshire Mountain Camping New Hampshire Tent Camping New Hampshire

Quick Facts

3,166 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Entire updated/peak ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,166 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Entire updated/peak ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Imp Shelter

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee is $15 per person per night and is collected year-round. Utilize self-service cash boxes when caretaker is not present.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Imp Shelter

44.3291, -71.1502

Weather at Imp Shelter

Best Time to Camp at Imp Shelter

Summer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run low 60s to mid 70s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Trails stay snow-free, making ridge hikes and AT sections more accessible. Winter brings heavy snow and ice above 3,000 feet, turning this into snowshoe and ski terrain but complicating access. Fall colors peak in late September through early October. Spring can be muddy and unpredictable.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in NH

Summer offers best conditions; trails snow-free and caretaker presence improves experience.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June summer .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Entire updated/peak visit with wilderness relocation

About Imp Shelter

Imp Shelter sits at 3,166 feet in the White Mountain National Forest, a backcountry stop on the Appalachian Trail in the Carter-Moriah range. The main shelter sleeps eight, with tent platforms nearby. Sites run $15 per night and include vault toilets and bear lockers.

Imp Shelter caters to backcountry and primitive camping enthusiasts, offering tent platforms, one cabin, and dispersed camping opportunities.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs run low 60s to mid 70s°F, with nights cooling into the 40s and 50s. Trails stay snow-free, making ridge hikes and AT sections more accessible. Winter brings heavy snow and ice above 3,000 feet, turning this into snowshoe and ski terrain but complicating access. Fall colors peak in late September through early October. Spring can be muddy and unpredictable.

ElevationPerched at a moderate elevation that offers refreshing mountain air and stunning vistas, the campground provides easy access to both gentle valley trails and challenging summit ascents. The elevation creates a natural climate buffer, keeping temperatures comfortable even during summer's warmest days.

Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter occupies a forested ridgeline in the Carter-Moriah range, surrounded by mixed hardwoods and conifers typical of this elevation. A lookout point near the shelter offers views across the surrounding peaks. Terrain is rocky and rooted, characteristic of White Mountain trail systems. Streams flow nearby, fed by snowmelt and rain.

Geological RegionStrategically positioned in the heart of the magnificent Carter-Moriah range, this location serves as a crucial junction where backcountry wilderness seamlessly connects with the legendary Appalachian Trail ecosystem. The ancient geological forces that shaped these mountains have created a landscape of dramatic ridgelines, hidden valleys, and exposed granite faces that tell the story of millions of years of Earth's evolution.

Scenic Views_peak peak

Lodging & AccommodationsOne cabin is available next to a stunning lookout point, according to user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

09:00 am

Check-out

Stay Limit

Hike/bike format limit. null ,

Groups

No group-specific facilities were mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation Platforms3 party helpful to new.

Walk-in AvailabilityNormal local ranger noted

Cancellation PolicyFlexible

AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features were mentioned in available sources.

Site SizeReviews highlight that the shelter is quite large, accommodating up to 8 people, with additional tent platforms available.

PrivacySites are described as sufficiently spaced out, although privacy levels are not explicitly detailed.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Best Campsites30.

Amenities available

The Imp Shelter provides backcountry camping in the White Mountain National Forest, specifically in the Carter-Moriah range, accessible via a spur trail from the Appalachian Trail. The area has caretaker presence during summer months. Amenities are minimal and geared toward experienced campers and backpackers. Restrooms and potable water are explicitly unavailable, but user reviews confirm the presence of a mountain water source, an outhouse for solid waste only, a dishwashing station, and a bear box for food storage.

Food storage lockers

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at the Imp Shelter focus on backcountry camping and daytime hikes. Day hiking opportunities include trails along the Carter-Moriah range. User reviews confirm the availability of a lookout point for scenic mountain views.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertswild animal

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available.

Food Storage Requirednull full, locker

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Imp Shelter is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, appreciating the peacefulness, scenic views, and functionality of the shelter and tent platforms. Some highlight the presence of a large shelter accommodating eight people and a cabin next to a lookout point.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include: a large shelter accommodating up to eight people, a scenic lookout point next to the cabin, a dishwashing station, and a bear box for food storage.

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

No explicit complaints were noted in provided reviews.

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site feedback includes mention of the large shelter and the cabin adjacent to a scenic lookout point.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include dropping backpacking packs to enjoy day hikes and ensuring to use the bear box for food storage overnight.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer months feature caretaker presence, enhancing the camping experience. Winter camping may be challenging due to minimal amenities and frigid conditions, as inferred from...

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The shelter is quite large, easily accommodating 8 or so people, thanks to the lofted platform sleeping area. The view overlooking the mountains afforded one of the most spectacular sunsets I've...

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were provided.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mentioned pet-related experiences.

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

AT thru-hikers and backpackers doing the Carters-Wildcats ridge are the natural fit here. Drop your pack at the shelter and day-hike the surrounding peaks without carrying full load. Summer is the sweet spot, with snow-free trails and temps that cool into the 40s at night.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means you're filtering from the mountain stream, and there are no flush toilets or any hookups. Car campers, RV travelers, or anyone expecting developed amenities will find nothing here for them.

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