Baldface Shelter
02 reviewsBaldface Shelter
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"Not a fee site."
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Nestled beneath the dramatic granite ledges of South Baldface Mountain, the Baldface Shelter offers adventurers an authentic backcountry experience in the heart of the White Mountains. This rustic mountain refuge welcomes 6-8 hikers seeking respite along their journey, providing essential amenities including a warming fire ring, reliable water source, and composting toilet facilities. From this strategic perch, visitors can easily access the treeline and drink in sweeping vistas of the picturesque Evan's Notch Valley spreading out below.
The Baldface Shelter offers primitive accommodations in a dispersed camping environment. It is specifically designed for hikers seeking a rustic overnight stop.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's mountain weather at Baldface Shelter, where each season paints a distinct portrait. Winter transforms this alpine refuge into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures plummeting to a bracing 5°F and frequent snowfall blanketing the granite peaks. As summer arrives, the mountain mellows to pleasant conditions reaching 74°F, offering ideal hiking weather with minimal precipitation. Spring and fall serve as dramatic transition periods, when rapidly changing conditions remind visitors why proper preparation is essential for any White Mountain adventure.
ElevationPerched strategically beneath the iconic smooth granite ledges of South Baldface Mountain, the shelter occupies a sweet spot in the vertical landscape. While the precise elevation remains unspecified, its position offers the perfect balance—high enough to provide spectacular valley views and quick access to the exposed ridgeline above, yet sheltered enough to offer protection from the elements that regularly sweep across these ancient peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Baldface Shelter serves as your gateway to one of New England's most striking geological features—the smooth, weathered granite ledges of South Baldface Mountain that rise dramatically above. Surrounded by the vast wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest, visitors are immersed in a landscape where ancient bedrock meets thriving forest ecosystems. The shelter's location provides unparalleled access to stunning natural vistas, from intimate forest scenes to expansive panoramas that showcase the raw beauty of New Hampshire's mountain country.
Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent White Mountain National Forest, the shelter rests in the shadow of South Baldface Mountain's distinctive granite ledges. This region showcases the powerful geological forces that shaped New England, where ancient bedrock has been sculpted by millennia of weathering into the smooth, exposed granite faces that give Baldface its name. The surrounding forest represents a classic northern hardwood and spruce-fir ecosystem, creating a diverse tapestry of habitats that change dramatically with elevation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for this site.
Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates 6-8 people. Additional space for camping is designated nearby.
Sites PrivacyThe site is described as being close to the Baldface ledges with no specific mention of privacy levels.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended Campsites"It looks like it would sleep between 6 and 8 and has a good roof and a fire pit out front."
Best CampsitesOnly one shelter available, which sleeps 6-8 people.
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Cabin is at a nice location about 3 miles from Route 113" and 2.5 miles up the Baldface Circle Trail. However, detailed layout information is unavailable.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Baldface Shelter provides a gateway for outdoor activities such as hiking with stunning views from South Baldface Mountain. User reviews emphasize its accessibility to natural features like granite ledges and nearby water sources that vary by season.
Hiking
The shelter is located along the Baldface Circle Trail, 2.5 miles from the trailhead, providing excellent hiking opportunities with scenic views.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the site's rugged location may attract winter hikers or snowshoers.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned as an activity at this site.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- A fire ring is available onsite for campfires.
Hazards
General hazardsLimited water supply in late summer, as noted in user reviews: "The water supply can be somewhat limited depending on the summer weather."
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities at this site.
Proximity to water features"Water source" is included within the facility, though its reliability may vary, especially during dry summer months.
Common complaintsReviews mention challenges regarding water availability during dry periods, such as late August.
Campground Map
Driving directions2.5 miles up the Baldface Circle Trail from the trail head.
The Baldface Shelter is accessible via a hike of approximately 2.5 miles on the Baldface Circle Trail. There does not appear to be vehicular access directly to the site.Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Baldface Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the shelter's convenient location near the Baldface ledges and its suitability for hikers seeking a rustic experience. Seasonal variability in water availability is noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praise the shelter's location for its proximity to granite ledges and stunning views of Evan's Notch Valley. The shelter's roof and fire pit are also positively mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
A recurring concern among users is the variability in the site's water source, especially during late summer when the flow may reduce to a trickle.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend visiting earlier in the season for better water availability. Bringing a reliable water filtration system is advised due to limited water flow during dry periods.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late summer appears to be less favorable due to reduced water availability, while early to mid-summer offers better conditions for water access.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The cabin is at a nice location about 3 miles from Route 113. It looks like it would sleep between 6 and 8 and has a good roof and a fire pit out front. It is very close to the beautiful old face...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site information is limited to the shelter itself, which accommodates 6-8 people and includes a fire pit.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews address accessibility features for people with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no user reviews discussing pet policies or experiences for pet owners.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025