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Map showing campground location near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Camper submitted image from Ethan Pond ShelterView 18 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Ethan Pond Shelter

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Free and hike-in only, Ethan Pond Shelter sits roughly three miles from the Route 302 trailhead, making it a manageable overnight destination for hikers moving through the White Mountains. The site is co-managed by the US Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club, with a seasonal AMC caretaker on hand during peak months. No reservations are taken. Fires are not permitted.

The layout includes a few tent platforms of varying sizes, a group-capable shelter that can sleep a dozen or more in a pinch, some hammock-friendly trees, a bear box, and a privy. Water is available just below the shelter along the approach trail, but it requires treatment before drinking. The site faces Ethan Pond, and sunsets over the water draw consistent mention from visitors. Proximity to the Willey Range, including Mt. Tom, Mt. Field, and Mt. Willey, makes this a useful staging point for ridge hikes. Campers who bring dogs will find the site accommodating, as pets are allowed, and those looking for dog-friendly camping near White Mountain National Forest will find several options in the surrounding area.

Crowding is a real consideration in July and August. The shelter fills quickly on summer weekends, and the caretaker manages overflow as needed. Early season visits offer a different experience: in late March, Ryan M. notes he "had to blaze our own trail on Ethan pond trail," with over four feet of snow still on the ground. Black flies near the pond can be heavy in June. For drive-up alternatives in the corridor, Crawford Notch Campground is roughly 1.4 miles east. Campers willing to earn their site with a short hike will find Ethan Pond a reliable, no-cost base in the heart of the Whites.

Fee Info

$15 per person per night during the caretaker season, Memorial Day to Columbus Day. There is no fee required outside the caretaker season.

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Map & DirectionsEthan Pond Shelter is located in New Hampshire near Bretton Woods

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

44.17619327 N
71.42631797 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Ethan Pond Shelter

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2019

Very secluded. Great camp spot

Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground. Not sure if tent platforms still available. Shelter is in decent shape. Older but good. Super quiet. No human noise. We never saw any else. Had to blaze our own trail on Ethan pond trail. New snow over a week old and no tracks

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Ryan M., April 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Ryan M., April 10, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2018

Beautiful Pond Front Tenting + Shelter

Really special spot. Beautiful sunset over the pond. Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected. 3 mile hike in from Ripley Falls parking lot, a nice spur trail to a water fall to explore on the hike up or down. Can get busy in the peak season (july), but the caretaker always finds room for all visitors! The shelter is right at the front of the site and can fit maybe 12... maybe more if it had to. Site also has some good hammock spots, but ask caretaker where to string up.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2018

Backcountry camping along the AT

Great place to set up camp either as a thru hiker or if you're passing through for a weekend in the Whites. About 3mi from the 302, and from there you're 5mi from the AMC Highland Center.

Beautiful views of Ethan pond. Close to the Willey Range (Mt Tom, Mt Field, Mt Willey, Mt Avalon).

Highly recommend!

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Emily F., June 1, 2018
Reviewed May. 27, 2018

Highly Impacted Site Along the AT

The Ethan Pond Shelter campsite is managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club as well as the US Forest Service. There are several tent platforms (2 larger ones for groups and a few smaller ones for smaller parties) as well as the shelter itself. There is a kitchen area with a bear box and a privy (not maintained in the off season so a little out of control in early May) tended to by a seasonal AMC caretaker.

There was still plenty of snow there on my last visit which softens the extent of the impact. However, when the snow melts be prepared for a highly visited and often crowded site in the heart of the summer season. The shelter is not very large and can probably sleep 6 or 7 adults snuggly, I always opt for the tent platforms personally just to have a little more space and avoid the congregation of hikers at the shelter.

The view here is incredible, however. Watch the sun set over Ethan Pond and enjoy the protection of the boreal forest as you make your way from the trailhead toward the alpine zone. Please remember that fires are NOT allowed (despite the remaining contradictory evidence). This is a first come, first serve area but be sure to check in with the AMC caretaker when you arrive (if camping during the peak season). There's fresh water available just below the shelter, on the way in to the shelter. You do need to treat your water here.

SiteTent platform
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Sarah C., May 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Sarah C., May 27, 2018
  • Review photo of Ethan Pond Shelter by Sarah C., May 27, 2018
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Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a water source at Ethan Pond Campsite?

Yes, Ethan Pond itself serves as the water source for the campsite. The pond is located adjacent to the shelter and tent platforms. As with all backcountry water sources, it's recommended to filter or treat water before consumption. The pond can be buggy with black flies, particularly in June, so take precautions when collecting water during peak insect season.

What hiking trails connect to Ethan Pond?

Ethan Pond is accessible via several interconnected trails. The Ethan Pond Trail connects to Route 302 (about a 3-mile hike) and links to the Appalachian Trail, which passes directly by the shelter. From the campsite, hikers can access the Willey Range, including Mount Tom, Mount Field, Mount Willey, and Mount Avalon. There's also a spur trail to Ripley Falls that can be explored on the hike up or down from the Ripley Falls parking lot.

What facilities are available at Ethan Pond Shelter?

Ethan Pond Shelter offers a three-sided shelter structure for overnight stays, plus several tent platforms (including two larger platforms for groups and smaller ones for individual parties). The campsite features a designated kitchen area with a bear box for food storage and a privy for bathroom needs. The site is jointly managed by the Appalachian Mountain Club and the US Forest Service, providing basic backcountry amenities for hikers.

How do I reserve a tentsite at Ethan Pond Campsite?

Ethan Pond Campsite operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations available. During peak season (July-August), the site can get busy, so arriving early is recommended to secure a spot on one of the tent platforms or in the shelter. For current policies and potential fees, contact the Appalachian Mountain Club or the White Mountain National Forest. The AMC Highland Center, located about 5 miles away, may also provide updated information about the shelter's status.

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