Map showing campground location near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Camper submitted image from Hermit Lake Shelters

Hermit Lake Shelters

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Roughly 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center along the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, Hermit Lake Shelters sits within White Mountain National Forest at around the halfway point to the summit of Mount Washington. The site has tent platforms, lean-to shelters, and flushing toilets, with a spring water pump a short distance up the trail. Bear lockers are on-site. Platforms are set below the AMC caretaker station on a rocky, root-covered descent from the main trail, which keeps foot traffic noise minimal. Moose, black bears, red squirrels, and birds are regularly spotted in the area. Reservations are available, and campers planning a sunrise summit attempt tend to book early in the summer season.

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Map & DirectionsHermit Lake Shelters is located in New Hampshire near Bretton Woods

Public Campground

Coordinates

44.26009945 N
71.28559967 W

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Access

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

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+16034662727

Drive Time

1 hr 41 min from Lewiston, ME
1 hr 59 min from Portland, ME
2 hrs 11 min from Manchester, NH
2 hrs 39 min from Burlington, VT

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Hermit Lake Shelters

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Roger F.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2021

Great dispersed camping at the base of Tuckerman

Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike.

Restrooms, tent platforms and lean to shelters are all available at this USFS dispersed camping site right next to the AMC caretaker station.

We had two platforms and a hammock in between, great location to watch the night skies. Then checked out one of the shelters, which is a super option if you don't want to pack a tent.

Also a plus, fresh spring water is available just up the trail at the water pump.

And like the previous reviewer, we used the bear locker (definitely black bears in the area)

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Sable W.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2018

Off the grid on Mt Washington

The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine. You may think, being off Tuckerman's Ravine, they would be noisy, but all of the tent platforms and lean-tos are removed from the trail, usually involving a rocky, steep, root-y descent from the caretaker cabin. We never heard passing hikers from our tent platforms (#2 and #3). The caretaker is friendly and knowledgeable; there is potable water in summer, and there are FLUSHING toilets. The lake is pretty, and there is tons of wildlife around, from birds to red squirrels to moose, who often go for a dip in the lake. There is also a bear locker near the tent platforms! When I called Pinkham Notch (twice), they weren't sure if there was a bear locker, so I hiked in a bear can, but there was in fact a locker.

SitePlatform 2

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Hermit Lake Shelter in New Hampshire?

Hermit Lake Shelters offers rustic but functional amenities for backcountry campers. The site features both tent platforms and lean-to shelters for overnight stays. Restroom facilities are available near the AMC caretaker station. This is an off-the-grid location with no electricity or running water, so be prepared for a primitive camping experience. The shelters are secluded and set back from the main trail, providing a peaceful atmosphere despite being along a popular hiking route.

How do I reserve a spot at Hermit Lake Shelter?

Hermit Lake Shelter is managed by the US Forest Service as a dispersed camping site. Reservations can be made through the USFS system or at the Pinkham Visitor Center before heading up the trail. During peak seasons, it's advisable to reserve well in advance as this is a popular stopping point for hikers. Check with the AMC caretaker upon arrival to confirm your reserved shelter or tent platform.

What is the best time of year to stay at Hermit Lake Shelter?

Late spring through early fall provides the most pleasant conditions for staying at Hermit Lake Shelter. Summer offers comfortable temperatures and easier trail conditions. Many visitors prefer June through September when the weather is more predictable and amenities are fully operational. Winter camping is possible for experienced backcountry users but requires specialized equipment and knowledge of winter mountain safety.

What hiking trails are accessible from Hermit Lake in NH?

Hermit Lake serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring multiple trails in the White Mountains. The shelter is located directly on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, approximately 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center, making it an ideal starting point for summit attempts of Mount Washington. From Hermit Lake, you can continue up Tuckerman Ravine to the summit or connect to other trails in the Presidential Range. It's perfectly positioned for early morning summit hikes, allowing you to reach the peak for sunrise.

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