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Map showing campground location near Hanover, New Hampshire
Camper submitted image from Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic TrailView 9 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Hanover, New Hampshire

Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground provides a basic overnight stop for thru-hikers and section hikers. This hike-in site requires carrying all gear and supplies, as no road access exists. The three-sided wooden shelter follows standard AT design and remains in good condition.

Tent sites around the shelter area sit on slightly slanted ground. A privy serves the area, though no bear box is available. Water sources can run dry during drought conditions, particularly in late summer. The site lacks scenic views and functions primarily as a practical waypoint rather than a destination campground for camping near Hanover visitors. Pack extra water during dry seasons.

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Map & DirectionsVelvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT is located in New Hampshire near Hanover

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

43.702663 N
72.264746 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Good Coverage
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    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

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FREE established camping

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

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT

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1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 25, 2022

Standard AT back country shelter on the limited site of tent camping

Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy.

I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont.

The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape.

The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022).

The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area.

There was no real view from the shelter.  There was also a basic privvy available.

This was a decent shelter to stop at along the AT, but I would not consider it a weekend destination.

There was no bear box onsite.

SiteMisc. tent site by the shelter
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Frequently Asked Questions

What hiking trails connect to Velvet Rocks shelter?

The primary trail connecting to Velvet Rocks shelter is the Appalachian Trail (AT). This iconic long-distance hiking path runs directly past the shelter, making it accessible for both thru-hikers and day hikers. The shelter serves as a waypoint for those section hiking between Lyme, NH and Vermont. Local access trails from Hanover likely connect to the AT near this shelter, though hikers should prepare for a significant trek as this is a true backcountry destination.

Where is Velvet Rocks shelter located near Hanover, NH?

Velvet Rocks shelter is located along the Appalachian Trail just outside of Hanover, NH. It's a backcountry shelter that requires a hike to access, as it's situated along the AT trail system. The shelter serves as a resting point for thru-hikers and section hikers traversing this portion of the famous long-distance trail. The site features a basic three-sided wooden shelter structure typical of AT accommodations.

How far is Velvet Rocks from Dartmouth College?

Velvet Rocks shelter is relatively close to Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. While the exact mileage isn't specified, the shelter is accessible as a day hike from Hanover, making it potentially within a few miles of campus. However, as a backcountry shelter on the Appalachian Trail, reaching it requires hiking along trail systems rather than direct road access. The proximity to Dartmouth makes it a popular outdoor destination for students and faculty interested in hiking or overnight backcountry experiences.

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