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Map showing campground location near Lincoln, New Hampshire
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FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Lincoln, New Hampshire

Lonesome Lake Hut

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Accessible via a 1.6-mile hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain from Lafayette Place trailhead, this Appalachian Mountain Club hut operates as a reservable mountain accommodation from May through October. The facility provides bunk-style lodging with wool blankets, family-style meals during peak season, running water, and composting toilets. Bunkrooms house 3-6 people each with mostly double-stacked beds rather than triple deckers found at other AMC locations.

Rates of $120-$140 per night include dinner and breakfast during peak season, though off-season visitors must bring their own food and bedding. The hut sits beside Lonesome Lake with deck seating and lake access for guests. Parking at the trailhead fills quickly, potentially requiring use of the hiker shuttle from Cannon Mountain. For a more traditional camping experience, Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park offers standard sites nearby.

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Map & DirectionsLonesome Lake Hut is located in New Hampshire near Lincoln

Detail location of campground
Private Campground

Coordinates

44.13862139 N
71.70301936 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

Drive Time

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Lonesome Lake Hut

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5.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 30, 2019

Family friendly destination and great base for hiking Kinsman Ridge

Lonesome Lake hut is one of three AMC huts open year-round. During peak season, your rate includes dinner, breakfast, a bunk with 3 wool blankets. Meals are served family style; if you have food restrictions, let them know when you make your reservation. There's running water in the sinks (peak season) and composting toilets. Bunkrooms are smaller here than at other huts; you'll be sharing a room with 3-6 others and most of the bunks are only two high rather than the triple deckers you'll see elsewhere. During the off-season, a caretaker may start a fire, but you're on your own for meals and bedding. Sit on the deck or down by the lake and enjoy the views, maybe some wildlike. If you're not an AMC member, join and you'll get a discount on the rate while also supporting their work.

It's about 1.6 miles and 1000' elevation gain from Lafayette Place trailhead, making it a family-friendly destination. NOTE: parking at the trailhead is at a premium and you may need to park at the hiker shuttle at Cannon Mountain. If that's the case, drop off the majority of your crew so that only 1 person has to pay the shuttle fee.

In winter the trail is so frequently travelled that you may not need snowshoes, but I would definitely recommend spikes to minimize the risk of sliding on ice.  Your reward is a beautiful view (on a clear day) across the notch to Franconia Ridge. The Kinsman Ridge towers over you to the west. If you're bagging 4000-footers, it's great to hike up here in the evening one day and then head up to the ridge for the Kinsmans and Cannon the next, to make it just a little easier.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lonesome Lake Hut by Jean C., September 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Lonesome Lake Hut by Jean C., September 30, 2019
  • Review photo of Lonesome Lake Hut by Jean C., September 30, 2019
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Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lonesome Lake Campground located in New Hampshire?

Lonesome Lake Hut is located in Franconia Notch State Park in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The hut sits beside beautiful Lonesome Lake at an elevation providing scenic views of the surrounding mountains, particularly Franconia Ridge. It's accessible via a hiking trail that begins at the Lafayette Place Campground off Interstate 93 (I-93) in Franconia Notch. This makes it a convenient but secluded destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of the White Mountains.

What amenities does the AMC Lonesome Lake Hut offer compared to the campground?

Lonesome Lake Hut, operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), offers significantly more amenities than standard backcountry camping. During peak season, the full-service hut provides dinner and breakfast served family-style, bunk accommodations with wool blankets, and running water in the sinks. The hut has composting toilets and is staffed by a caretaker. In self-service season, guests can use the kitchen facilities to prepare their own meals. The hut is one of only three AMC huts open year-round, making it accessible for winter adventures as well.

How do I make reservations for the Lonesome Lake Hut?

Reservations for Lonesome Lake Hut must be made in advance through the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). Booking is essential, especially during peak summer months when the hut can be quite crowded. When making reservations, specify any dietary restrictions so the staff can accommodate your needs during family-style meals. For self-service season stays, you'll still need to reserve your spot. Contact the AMC directly through their website or by phone to check availability and secure your reservation.

What is the Lonesome Lake trail like and how do you access the trailhead?

The Lonesome Lake trail is considered a fairly easy to moderate hike, making it accessible for most skill levels. The trailhead is located at Lafayette Place Campground just off I-93 in Franconia Notch State Park. The hike to the hut is approximately 1.5 miles with moderate elevation gain. The trail winds through beautiful forest before opening up to views of Lonesome Lake and the surrounding mountains. While manageable for beginners, proper hiking footwear is recommended as some sections can be rocky or muddy depending on conditions.

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