Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
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43.8241, -72.0344
Hikers doing the AT or Lambert Ridge Trail who want a summit sleep-out: the restored cabin sleeps eight for free, fall weekdays hit the sweet spot of clear air and no bugs, and the fire tower puts the White Mountains and Green Mountains in front of you at sunrise.
Car campers, anyone needing potable water on tap (the Mike Murphy spring is described as 'marginally reliable'), or campers expecting flush toilets and cell service. This is a hike-in only, vault toilet, no-water primitive site.
Reference information about Smarts Mountain Campsite sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Originally built by the NH Forest Service, the former Fire Warden's cabin is now maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club. The cabin is located on the summit of Smart's Mountain (3,240 ft.). The rustic cabin accommodates eight. A privy is available on site. Three primitive tent-sites are available just south on the Lambert Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail). Water is accessed via the blue-blazed Daniel Doan Trail at the marginally reliable Mike Murphy spring. The nearby firetower has been refurbished and allows a 260 degree view of the White Mountains, Vermont, and the Connecticut River Valley.</p>
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Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime summit temperatures typically range from the 30s to 50s°F with crisp, clear air and excellent long-range views. The alpine foliage turns bright orange and red, and blackflies and mosquitoes are gone. Trails can be busy on peak-color weekends, so consider weekdays or early starts. Late-season snow is possible, so bring warm layers and wind protection. Summer afternoons can bring thunderstorms across the exposed peak. Winter turns the cabin into a snow-covered outpost accessible only to experienced winter hikers.
Overview states fall delivers best conditions and excellent long-range views with bright alpine foliage.
The rustic cabin accommodates eight. A privy is available on site. Three primitive tent-sites are available just south on the Lambert Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail). Water is accessed via the blue-blazed Daniel Doan Trail at the marginally reliable Mike Murphy spring.
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