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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is located near varied terrain with forests and hills. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Dartmouth Skiway and the Connecticut River, offering opportunities for skiing and water activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

​Built and maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club, the Trapper John Shelter is located 1.1 miles from Dorchester Road via Holts Ledge Trail (Appalachian Trail) and spur trail. The 3-walled shelter can accommodate 8 people. The site has a composting privy and a fire ring. There is a water source nearby.

Stream. Regardless of the source, remember to boil, filter, or chemically purify water before use.

Fee Info

No Fee Required.

Reservation Info

First Come, First Served. Reservations are not taken.

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Location

Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail is located in New Hampshire

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.783201 N
72.111453 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets

FREE established camping

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


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail needs a permit.

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General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 27, 2022

Good, average back country shelter in the AT

Note this is a back country shelter along the AT in New Hampshire so it is entirely hike in.

The shelter was a standard 3-sided wooden shelter, and was on the medium side with plenty of space for maybe 6-8 folks.

I set up my tent in one of the tent areas outside the shelter. There were a few spots for tenting but not a lot.

There was a standard back country privacy here as well.

There is a water source in the area but it did not have water when I visited (probably on account of the drought)

There was no view or other point of interest here, though a bit further up the trail there were good views at Holt’s Ledge.

All-in this was a decent place to stop along the AT but I wouldn’t consider it as a destination hike.

SiteTent site
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail by Justin P., August 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail by Justin P., August 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail by Justin P., August 27, 2022
  • (11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Trapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail does not have wifi.