Ethan Pond Shelter
02 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$15/night
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open from Memorial D...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Ethan Pond Shelter
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
A fee of $15 per person per night is charged year-round.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
Most mentioned
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"User reviews highlight a positive camping experience, with specific mentions of helpful caretakers, serene views, and convenient facilities such as bear boxes and tarps. Campers praised the privacy of certain tent pads."
Fees & Passes at Ethan Pond Shelter
$15/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official White Mountain National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Ethan Pond Shelter
Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the White Mountains, where winter brings a crystalline wonderland of snow-dusted pines and frigid temperatures that test even seasoned outdoors enthusiasts. As spring melts into summer, the landscape bursts into life, with the period between Memorial Day and Columbus Day offering the most inviting conditions for camping. Moderate temperatures during these peak months create ideal conditions for swimming in the pond, wildlife watching, and comfortable nights under the stars, though mountain weather can shift quickly, adding an element of adventure to any stay.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
About Ethan Pond Shelter
Nestled on the tranquil eastern shore of Ethan Pond, this classic Adirondack-style shelter offers a perfect wilderness retreat for hikers seeking authentic backcountry experiences. The well-appointed site features five tent platforms spread throughout the forest clearing, providing ample space for groups while maintaining a sense of privacy. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the rustic setting, including a composting privy, dedicated dishwashing area, and secure bear box for food storage. During the bustling summer months, a friendly caretaker tends to the site, sharing local knowledge and ensuring the pristine environment remains protected for future adventurers.
Ethan Pond Shelter accommodates dispersed camping with options for tent platforms and an Adirondack-style shelter. The setting is remote and suited for campers seeking a basic, wilderness experience.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the White Mountains, where winter brings a crystalline wonderland of snow-dusted pines and frigid temperatures that test even seasoned outdoors enthusiasts. As spring melts into summer, the landscape bursts into life, with the period between Memorial Day and Columbus Day offering the most inviting conditions for camping. Moderate temperatures during these peak months create ideal conditions for swimming in the pond, wildlife watching, and comfortable nights under the stars, though mountain weather can shift quickly, adding an element of adventure to any stay.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to mirror-like reflections on Ethan Pond's glassy surface, where morning mist dances across the water and loons call through the dawn. This pristine mountain pond, cradled at the edge of the vast Pemigewasset Wilderness, serves as a natural amphitheater of tranquility. Ancient evergreens frame the shoreline, their branches creating a living cathedral that filters golden sunlight onto the forest floor. The shelter's strategic position offers front-row seats to nature's daily performance—from spectacular sunrises painting the pond in shades of rose and gold to evening visits from local wildlife coming to drink at water's edge.
Geological RegionPerched at the gateway to the legendary Pemigewasset Wilderness, the shelter occupies a unique ecological niche where mountain streams have carved out this hidden gem of a pond. This transitional zone between managed forest and pristine wilderness showcases the raw beauty of New Hampshire's White Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity and rugged splendor.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options for campers with disabilities are not mentioned.
Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates eight individuals, and the tent platforms can accommodate up to 20 people collectively.
Sites PrivacyOne user review mentions a tent pad at the end that felt nicely removed from others, suggesting some degree of privacy for certain sites.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider choosing tent pads that offer more privacy, such as those mentioned in user reviews.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping specifics, such as guest limits or vehicle allowances, are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site includes an 'Adirondack' style shelter and five tent platforms arranged to accommodate up to 28 people.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe fee is collected year-round, and self-service cash boxes are available when the caretaker is not present.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ethan Pond Shelter is suited for dispersed camping and offers scenic views of Ethan Pond. Activities such as hiking are likely given the Appalachian Trail's proximity, although detailed descriptions of trails or other activities are not provided.
Hiking
The shelter is accessible via the Ethan Pond Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail. Specific trail details, such as difficulty or length, are not provided.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention serene pond views, but no specific wildlife viewing opportunities or recommended areas are detailed.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include untreated water requiring treatment and the possibility of wildlife interactions (bear box provided).
Weather at Ethan Pond Shelter
19
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the sources.
Proximity to water featuresThe shelter is located at the eastern shore of Ethan Pond.
HostA caretaker is present during summer months to manage the site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe Ethan Pond Shelter is located at the eastern shore of Ethan Pond and can be accessed via a short side trail off the Ethan Pond Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail.
Accessible via a short side trail. Specific road conditions are not described.Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Ethan Pond Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a positive camping experience, with specific mentions of helpful caretakers, serene views, and convenient facilities such as bear boxes and tarps. Campers praised the privacy of certain tent pads.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciated the helpful caretaker, serene pond views, the provision of bear boxes, and tarps for food storage. Privacy was noted for certain tent pads.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
No significant complaints are mentioned in the provided reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest treating the water sourced on-site as it is tan-colored. Selecting tent pads located at the ends may provide greater privacy.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews explicitly mention the presence of a caretaker during summer months, implying seasonal operational differences.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Wonderful experience spending a night at the Ethan pond shelter. Caretaker was very helpful and very nice.' - Amanda Cheng
2. 'We got the tent pad at the end, felt nice and removed from the other...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user highlighted the tent pad at the end as offering greater privacy compared to others.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or authoritative mentions provide information on pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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