Managed by the National Park Service along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Lyme, New Hampshire, Trapper John is a hike-in backcountry stop with no road access. The three-sided wooden shelter holds roughly six to eight people, with a limited number of tent sites outside. A privy is on-site. A water source exists nearby, but it ran dry during drought conditions in late summer 2022, so water reliability is not guaranteed. Hikers continuing north will find views at Holt's Ledge. This site works best as an overnight stop on a longer AT thru-hike or section hike, not as a standalone destination. Those planning a route through the region can explore campgrounds around Appalachian National Scenic Trail or consider the Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail roughly four miles to the southwest.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTrapper John Backcountry Campground on the AT is located in New Hampshire near Lyme
Coordinates
43.783201 N
72.111453 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 29 min from Manchester, NH
- 1 hr 41 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 22 min from Glens Falls, NY
- 3 hrs 1 min from Portland, ME







