Ethan Pond Campsite

Nestled deep within the vast and beautiful **White Mountain National Forest**, the **Ethan Pond Campsite** offers New Hampshire residents and seasoned visitors a chance to unplug and experience the pure solitude of backcountry camping. This isn't your typical roadside campground; Ethan Pond is a dedicated hike-in facility that serves as an essential stop along the world-famous Appalachian Trail (AT). Located on the eastern edge of the expansive Pemigewasset Wilderness, the campsite provides a foundational and protected place to rest, surrounded by the stunning high peaks of the Willey Range.

The site features a classic New England-style lean-to shelter and several tent platforms, designed specifically to concentrate user impact and protect the fragile sub-alpine environment. Managed collaboratively by the U.S. Forest Service and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Ethan Pond Campsite is a vital part of the region's hiking infrastructure. The environment here is characterized by the picturesque, quiet waters of Ethan Pond itself and the surrounding gnarly spruce-fir forest, creating a truly remote feeling even though it's relatively accessible by trail. It offers a much-needed break from the hustle, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the tranquil sounds and sights of the New Hampshire wilderness.

Ethan Pond Campsite is officially located within the **White Mountain National Forest**, with its nearest service town being **Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA**. However, it is primarily accessed from a trailhead on the other side of the mountains, providing a crucial entry point from Crawford Notch.

**Accessibility:** The easiest and most common way to reach the campsite is via the **Ethan Pond Trail**. The trailhead and parking area are located on Willey House Station Road, just off US Route 302 in Harts Location, within lower Crawford Notch. The hike into the campsite is considered moderate, covering a distance of approximately **2.8 to 3 miles** from the Route 302 access point. This trail initially involves a steep section with log stairs before moderating as it traverses boggy terrain (made easier by extensive log bridges, or 'puncheons') before reaching the pond and the short spur trail to the campsite.

**Appalachian Trail Connection:** A key point for hikers is that the Ethan Pond Trail coincides with the **Appalachian Trail (AT)**. Thru-hikers find this site to be a critical overnight stop, and local users can experience a small, manageable section of the legendary AT. This strategic location places campers in the heart of the White Mountains trail network, with immediate access to the Willey Range to the north and the expansive Pemigewasset Wilderness to the south.

Consistent with its backcountry nature, the services at Ethan Pond Campsite are rustic and focused on safety and environmental protection. They are intentionally minimal to preserve the wild character of the location.

• **Lean-to Shelter:** A three-sided, 'Adirondack-style' wooden shelter is available, typically with an occupancy for up to eight people, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
• **Tent Platforms:** The campsite also provides several wooden tent platforms—including a few single-occupancy and double-occupancy options—which are essential for pitching tents in the boggy, wet terrain, helping to minimize ground impact.
• **Caretaker (Seasonal):** During the peak season (typically late May to mid-October), a caretaker is usually on-site to collect fees, maintain the facilities, and provide valuable information and guidance on Leave No Trace ethics.
• **Fee Collection (Seasonal):** A fee is required for overnight use of the shelter or tent platforms during the caretaker season. Outside of this period, the site is generally free, but hikers must use the available self-service cash boxes. Hikers should check current White Mountain National Forest or AMC regulations for exact rates, which are typically per person per night.
• **Privy:** A composting outhouse is available to ensure sanitary human waste disposal away from water sources, which is critical in this high-use area.
• **Water Access:** Water is available from the adjacent Ethan Pond or its inlet stream. **Important Note:** As with all wilderness water sources, this water must be filtered, treated, or boiled before drinking.
• **Bear Protection:** Metal bear boxes are provided at the campsite to securely store food and scented items away from bears and other wildlife, ensuring a safer stay for both humans and animals.
• **Dishwashing Area:** A designated area is sometimes provided to manage gray water and prevent soap from contaminating the pond or local soil.

Guests should be aware that no running water, showers, electricity, or open campfires are permitted at this location. All users must carry out everything they carry in.

What truly distinguishes Ethan Pond Campsite is its stunning environment and its pivotal role in the region's hiking opportunities.

• **Pondside Tranquility:** The setting right on the shore of Ethan Pond provides exceptional views, especially at sunset, and offers a quiet, beautiful place for reflection that feels truly isolated from the modern world.
• **Pemigewasset Wilderness Gateway:** Located at the edge of the vast and undeveloped Pemigewasset Wilderness, it offers direct access to a network of trails leading deeper into some of the White Mountains' most remote and spectacular terrain, including Thoreau Falls.
• **Access to Iconic Peaks:** The campsite is a starting point for exploring the Willey Range, including Mount Tom, Mount Field, and Mount Willey, making it an ideal base camp for bagging some of the region's famous peaks.
• **Proximity to Ripley Falls:** Just a short distance from the trailhead lies Ripley Falls, a beautiful, high-volume waterfall that is well worth a side trip before or after your backpacking excursion.
• **Historical Trail System:** The trail system here features classic New Hampshire trail elements, including the historic use of long log bridges (puncheons) to navigate boggy sections, giving hikers an appreciation for the efforts involved in maintaining the region's trails.

As a backcountry facility within a federal forest, direct contact information is channeled through the managing government and partner organizations. There is no dedicated phone line directly at the campsite.

**Address (Approximate Trailhead Location):** Willey House Station Road, off US Route 302, Harts Location, NH 03812 (Use for GPS navigation to trailhead parking)

**Managing Authority (General Inquiries):**

For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, fees, and wilderness regulations, local hikers should contact the regional office for the White Mountain National Forest or the Appalachian Mountain Club.

**White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office Phone:** (603) 536-6100 (General Forest Information and Permits)

**What is worth choosing** Ethan Pond Campsite for your next New Hampshire adventure?

Ethan Pond Campsite should be your top choice if you are seeking a **genuine, immersive backcountry experience** with the added convenience of basic infrastructure (shelter, platforms, privy, bear box). It’s ideal for New Hampshire hikers and backpackers who desire tranquility away from car-camping areas, offering a perfect blend of solitude and accessibility. By choosing Ethan Pond, you are selecting a base that places you strategically on the Appalachian Trail, ready to tackle both the high mountains of the Willey Range and the deep wilderness of the Pemi. This site is worth choosing for the beauty of the pond itself, the vital role it plays in sustainable hiking, and the chance to truly disconnect and appreciate the wild, protected heart of the White Mountains.

Ethan Pond Campsite

Bethlehem, NH 03583, USA