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

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground is located near the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in New Hampshire. The area features forested terrain with trails suitable for hiking. Temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, and nearby attractions include the Dartmouth College campus and the Connecticut River.

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Location

Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail is located in New Hampshire

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

43.702663 N
72.264746 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

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Rest N Nest Campground

Rest N Nest Campground

7 min away

Baker Rocks

Baker Rocks

43 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    Verizon5G
    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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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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.