Trapper John Shelter

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Quick Facts

1,381 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Dartmouth Outing Club site

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Trapper John Shelter
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fee is required to use the Trapper John Shelter.
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

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Campground Map

Trapper John Shelter

43.7832, -72.1115

Driving directionsFrom Dorchester Road, follow the Holts Ledge Trail (part of the Appalachian Trail) for 1.1 miles. A spur trail leads to the shelter.
Access to the shelter is via a hiking trail (Holts Ledge Trail on the Appalachian Trail). The trail is unpaved and requires hiking, making it unsuitable for vehicles. There are no seasonal closures mentioned.
Nearby places
Dorchester (exact distance not provided), potentially other nearby towns in the White Mountain National Forest region.
Nearby supplies
Information on the nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is not available.

Best Time to Camp at Trapper John Shelter

Experience the full drama of New England's ever-changing seasons at Trapper John Shelter. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where freezing temperatures and pristine snowfall create a challenging yet rewarding backdrop for cold-weather adventurers. As spring awakens the forest, expect refreshing rains that nourish the emerging wildflowers and fill the mountain streams. Summer brings gentle warmth perfect for trail hiking, though late spring and early summer showers keep the forest lush and vibrant. Each season paints the shelter's surroundings with its own unique palette, offering hikers a different adventure with every visit.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Trail access and temperate weather make it well suited to summer hiking/shelter use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

New England foliage season likely enhances scenery and hiking appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable spring conditions (mud, thaw); hiking possible but unpredictable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter is harsh with deep snow and freezing temps; usable by experienced winter hikers only.

Planning Tips

    About Trapper John Shelter

    Nestled deep in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, the Trapper John Shelter offers weary hikers a rustic retreat along the legendary Appalachian Trail. This charming three-sided shelter, lovingly maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club, sits just 1.1 miles from Dorchester Road, welcoming up to eight adventurers seeking refuge from their trail journey. With its thoughtfully placed composting privy, inviting fire ring for evening gatherings, and reliable water source nearby, this backcountry haven provides all the essentials for a memorable night under the stars. Best of all, this wilderness sanctuary operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees required—just pure, accessible adventure for those ready to embrace the trail life.
    The Trapper John Shelter is a primitive camping site maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club. It caters to dispersed campers and hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
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    Stay Limit
    Stay limit information is not specified.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings

    Activities you can enjoy

    The campground is designed for dispersed camping and offers a primitive camping experience. Its location along the Appalachian Trail makes it appealing for hikers and those seeking a rustic outdoor experience.
    HikingThe Trapper John Shelter is accessible via the Holts Ledge Trail (part of the Appalachian Trail) and a spur trail, making it ideal for hikers. No further details about the trail's difficulty or length beyond the 1.1-mile distance from Dorchester Road are provided.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards are mentioned, but potential risks include rugged terrain, wildlife encounters, and exposure to inclement weather.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Trapper John Shelter

    Reviews

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    Limited Reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Trapper John Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
    No user reviews or ratings were provided in the source materials.
    Review Summaries

    What Campers Love

    No direct user feedback is available to highlight positive aspects.

    Common Concerns

    No common complaints are documented.

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    No user-provided tips or recommendations are included.

    Seasonal Insights

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    Camper Quotes

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    Site-Specific Reviews

    No reviews specific to the Trapper John Shelter or its surrounding area are provided.

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews address accessibility experiences for individuals with disabilities.

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No feedback regarding pet policies or experiences is available.

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    Last updated January 5, 2026
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