Camper submitted image from Valley Way Tentsite - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Valley Way Tentsite - 2
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Valley Way Tentsite - 3
Nature
Camper submitted image from Valley Way Tentsite - 4
Roads
Camper submitted image from Valley Way Tentsite - 5
Animals
Unlock Planning Tools in App
pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Valley Way Tentsite

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Valley Way Tentsite is located near the White Mountains in New Hampshire, offering a terrain of dense forests and rugged trails. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 70s during summer. Nearby attractions include Mount Madison and the Appalachian Trail, providing ample opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Valley Way Tentsite is located in New Hampshire

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

44.33456846 N
71.2872074 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Hermit Lake Shelters

Hermit Lake Shelters

21 min away

Nauman Tentsite

Nauman Tentsite

30 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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 Valley Way Tentsite needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
50%
50%
0%
0%

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2021

Raised dirt tentsites w/ fire rings, composting toilet, bear box

I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites "easy" as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area. The land is steeply sloped here but there are six level dirt pads as indicated on the map, each of which could probably accommodate two 2-person tents. There is a suspended cable for hanging food, and a locking bear box as well. The composting toilet is in a large shed with a clear roof, making it very well lit inside.

I had a few bars of service from Verizon service. It was sufficient for texting, but I did not test speed or voice.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2019

Tentsites with water from a spring and compost toilets

The Valley Way trail is a direct and easy route to the Madison Spring Hut, but if you don't have reservations or the money for a reservation, the Valley Way Tentsite may be a suitable alternative. Fallsway is a trail that runs parallel to the lower part of Valley Way and the brook, giving you a great view of small falls. 

3.1 miles from the Appalachia Trailhead you'll see a sign marking the spur path to the tentsite. There's a brief uphill and then you'll pass a spring on the left, a bearline, and then the tentsites and composting toilet. The map at the tentsite mentioned 6 sites, but I could only locate 2 tent pads and 1 fire pit; now that I'm home, I see the website also only mentions 2. I had friends waiting, so I didn't do a detailed search.

It's a quiet, sheltered spot below the treeline. It's your only tenting opportunity in the area.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Valley Way Tentsite by Jean C., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Valley Way Tentsite by Jean C., July 10, 2019
  • Review photo of Valley Way Tentsite by Jean C., July 10, 2019
  • (15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valley Way Tentsite considered free camping in the White Mountains?

Valley Way Tentsite is not free camping. While specific fee information is not detailed, backcountry sites in the White Mountain National Forest typically require either a fee or a valid recreation pass. The site serves as a more affordable alternative to staying at the nearby Madison Spring Hut, which requires reservations and has higher costs. For current fee information, check with the USFS White Mountain National Forest office before your trip, as backcountry camping regulations and fees in the area are subject to change.

What facilities are available at Valley Way Tentsite in New Hampshire?

Valley Way Tentsite offers primitive camping facilities with six level dirt tent pads suitable for backpacking tents. No running water, electricity, or flush toilets are available at this backcountry site. The tent pads are situated on steeply sloped terrain but have been leveled for comfortable camping. Each pad can accommodate a small tent. Camping here requires packing in all necessary supplies and adhering to Leave No Trace principles. The site is intended for hikers seeking a wilderness experience rather than those looking for developed campground amenities.

How do I access Valley Way Tentsite from the Valley Way Trail?

To access Valley Way Tentsite, start at the Appalachia parking area and follow the Valley Way Trail for approximately 3+ miles. This is a strenuous hike with about 2,800 feet of elevation gain. The tent sites are located off the main trail before reaching Madison Spring Hut. Alternatively, you can take the Fallsway trail, which runs parallel to the lower part of Valley Way along a brook, eventually connecting back to the main trail. Be prepared for a challenging uphill hike that requires good physical condition and appropriate hiking gear.

Are there photos of Valley Way Tentsite to view before camping?

Photos of Valley Way Tentsite may be available through the White Mountain National Forest website, hiking forums, and social media platforms where backpackers share their experiences. The site features six level dirt pads on otherwise steeply sloped terrain, surrounded by forest. For the most accurate visual representation before your trip, check official USFS resources or hiking websites focused on the White Mountains. Topographic maps of the area are also helpful for understanding the site's layout and location relative to trails and natural features.