Garfield Ridge Shelter

Star4.63
9 reviews

Quick Facts

3,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

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Garfield Ridge 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
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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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

19 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

"User reviews are mixed but generally positive for hikers seeking respite along the Appalachian Trail. Some users praise the well-maintained facilities and the proximity to Mt. Garfield, while others criticize the cramped tent platforms and the $15 fee."

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Fees & Passes at Garfield Ridge Shelter

$15/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$15/night
Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.


Best Time to Camp at Garfield Ridge Shelter

Summer brings warm days and cool nights to this mountain perch, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. Morning mists frequently shroud the shelter before burning off to reveal spectacular views. Fall transforms the surrounding hardwood forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while early season hikers may encounter lingering snow patches well into May. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, making proper gear essential year-round.

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

    About Garfield Ridge Shelter

    Perched high on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Garfield, this mountain sanctuary offers weary hikers a welcome respite at 3,900 feet along the legendary Appalachian Trail. The campground features a classic 12-person Adirondack-style shelter that has provided refuge to countless trail adventurers, complemented by seven intimate 4-person tent platforms scattered throughout the forest clearing. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, including a composting privy, secure bear box for food storage, and a dedicated dishwashing area. A pristine mountain spring bubbles nearby, offering crystal-clear water that has refreshed generations of hikers. During the bustling summer months, a knowledgeable caretaker tends to the site, sharing local wisdom and ensuring this high-altitude haven remains pristine for all who seek its shelter.
    Garfield Ridge Shelter provides accommodations for both tent camping and a 12-person shelter for Appalachian Trail hikers.
    Historical SignificanceThis shelter stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Appalachian Trail, serving as a crucial waypoint for thru-hikers tackling the challenging Garfield Ridge traverse. The site has welcomed thousands of AT hikers since its establishment, becoming part of the living history of America's most iconic long-distance trail. The Adirondack-style architecture reflects the traditional shelter design that has defined backcountry accommodations throughout New England's mountains for generations.
    Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days and cool nights to this mountain perch, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. Morning mists frequently shroud the shelter before burning off to reveal spectacular views. Fall transforms the surrounding hardwood forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while early season hikers may encounter lingering snow patches well into May. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, making proper gear essential year-round.
    ElevationAt 3,900 feet above sea level, Garfield Ridge Shelter sits in the subalpine transition zone where northern hardwoods give way to resilient spruce and fir. This elevation places visitors above much of the summer humidity and biting insects of lower elevations, while offering cooler temperatures and clearer air. The altitude is high enough to experience dramatic weather changes and stunning cloud formations, yet remains below the harsh alpine zone of nearby peaks.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter's strategic position on Mt. Garfield's eastern shoulder provides filtered views through the canopy and occasional glimpses of distant peaks. The surrounding forest showcases the rugged beauty of New Hampshire's high country, with gnarled yellow birches and weathered spruces telling stories of harsh winters and brief growing seasons. The nearby spring, emerging from the mountainside, creates a small oasis of moss-covered rocks and delicate ferns. On clear mornings, hikers often witness a sea of clouds filling the valleys below while peaks pierce through like islands in the sky.
    Geological RegionNestled within the White Mountain National Forest, the shelter rests on the ancient granite backbone of the Presidential Range's western ridgeline. The bedrock here tells a story millions of years in the making, shaped by volcanic activity, continental collisions, and countless cycles of glaciation. The rugged terrain showcases classic White Mountain geology, with exposed ledges, glacial erratics, and the weathered granite that defines this legendary mountain range. The Garfield Ridge itself forms part of a massive ridgeline system connecting multiple 4,000-foot peaks, creating one of the most challenging and rewarding traverses in the Northeast.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
    Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates up to 12 people, and there are 7 tent platforms sized for 4 people each.
    Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that the tent platforms are close together, limiting privacy: 'our tent can fall off the side of a tiny platform with 10 other tents on it.'
    Total Campsites20 campsites

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    The site does not have specific group camping provisions beyond the 12-person shelter.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed


    Amenities available

    Food storage lockers

    Activities you can enjoy

    Garfield Ridge Shelter primarily serves as a waypoint for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With a nearby water source and scenic views from Mt. Garfield, the site is well-suited for dispersed camping and trekking enthusiasts.
    Hiking
    The shelter is located off the Garfield Ridge Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail. User reviews highlight the proximity to Mt. Garfield, which offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
    Winter Activities
    No specific winter activities are listed, though the site is open year-round and may be used by hikers during winter treks.
    Water Sports
    No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards


    Weather at Garfield Ridge Shelter

    14
    °F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%

    Strong wind, exercise caution

    Humidity: 84%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 9.4 mph

    Strong wind, exercise caution

    Overcast

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.

    Campground Map


    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.6
    9 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Garfield Ridge Shelter is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews are mixed but generally positive for hikers seeking respite along the Appalachian Trail. Some users praise the well-maintained facilities and the proximity to Mt. Garfield, while others criticize the cramped tent platforms and the $15 fee.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 9 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Highlights include the new, well-maintained shelter, clean facilities, and the spectacular views and sunrises from Mt. Garfield. One user noted, 'Great camp, camp keeper was very nice. Fit all our 3...
    Show more
    Based on 9 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Common complaints include cramped tent platforms and the $15 fee: 'Save yourself some money and go sleep literally anywhere else, it’ll be more beautiful and private.'
    Based on 9 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers recommend utilizing the nearby water source and planning for shared spaces on the tent platforms.
    Based on 9 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Summer months are busy and staffed with a caretaker, while winter sees self-service fee management. Hiking accessibility may vary based on seasonal conditions.
    Based on 9 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    - 'Shelter is brand new...in great shape (no graffiti).' - 'There is also a great water source just before entering the tentsite spur.' - '$15 per person so that our tent can fall off the side of a...
    Show more
    Based on 9 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site-specific reviews highlight the 12-person shelter as a key feature and the tent platforms as cramped but functional.
    Based on 9 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
    Based on 9 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
    Based on 9 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated November 17, 2025
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