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)