How much does camping cost at Dry River Shelter #3?

Camping fees at Dry River Shelter #3 range from $25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dry River Shelter #3 first-come first-served or reservation?

Dry River Shelter #3 accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Dry River Shelter #3?

Dry River Shelter #3 is open "null". The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dry River Shelter #3?

Dry River Shelter #3 does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Dry River Shelter #3?

Fire policies at Dry River Shelter #3: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Dry River Shelter #3 have?

Dry River Shelter #3 has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dry River Shelter #3?

Pets are not allowed at Dry River Shelter #3. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What activities can I do at Dry River Shelter #3?

Popular activities at Dry River Shelter #3 include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dry River Shelter #3

4.51

109 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Hampshire Family-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire

Quick Facts

3,199 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

"null"

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,199 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

"null"

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Dry River Shelter #3

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

"Users reviews indicate $25 per night for a no amenities site".

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

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What Campers Say

4.51

Top-Rated

Based on 109 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefullocationhiking

Some mention

noise

"Reviews for Dry River Shelter #3 primarily describe its remoteness, lack of amenities, and proximity to hiking trails. Some users appreciate the peaceful setting and opportunity to disconnect, while others mention challenges like the lack of facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Dry River Shelter #3

44.2287, -71.3255

Nearby places

"Town of Bartlett (approximately X miles and X minutes)"

Nearby supplies

"A grocery and camping supply store lies 2 miles south."

Best Time to Camp at Dry River Shelter #3

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the low 60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early and pack rain layers. The shelter sits half an hour from Cannon Mountain and 40 minutes from Mount Washington, making it a central base for exploring multiple trail systems. Trails and waterfalls are fully accessible during summer months, though the Dry River corridor sees fewer crowds than the region's marquee routes.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Better suited to warmer weather; summer offers accessible hiking and milder conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: "null". Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: "null"
Current Alerts: "null

About Dry River Shelter #3

Dry River Shelter #3 sits 6.3 miles up the Dry River Trail from Route 302, deep in White Mountain National Forest at 3,199 feet. This primitive eight-person shelter offers a genuine backcountry disconnect with no cell service and minimal amenities. It costs $25 per night and serves hikers looking for remote access to the Dry River valley and surrounding high-country trails.

Dry River Shelter #3 offers a primitive camping experience along the Dry River Trail.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the low 60s to mid-70s°F and cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early and pack rain layers. The shelter sits half an hour from Cannon Mountain and 40 minutes from Mount Washington, making it a central base for exploring multiple trail systems. Trails and waterfalls are fully accessible during summer months, though the Dry River corridor sees fewer crowds than the region's marquee routes.

ElevationPerched at a moderate elevation in the Dry River valley, the shelter occupies a strategic position that offers protection from harsh alpine weather while still providing access to higher peaks. The location strikes an ideal balance - high enough to escape the summer heat and humidity of the valleys below, yet sheltered enough to avoid the extreme conditions found above treeline.

Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter occupies a glacially carved valley where exposed granite, polished rock faces, and erratic boulders tell the story of ancient ice ages. Classic U-shaped valley topography surrounds the site, with the Dry River running nearby. Hardwood and evergreen forest provides cover, though the remoteness doesn't eliminate all human intrusion. Highway noise from Route 302 carries into the valley despite the 6.3-mile separation, an honest tradeoff of this location's accessibility.

Geological RegionThe White Mountain National Forest encompasses some of the most dramatic and geologically fascinating terrain in the northeastern United States. This ancient mountain range, carved by glaciers and shaped by millions of years of erosion, features exposed granite peaks, deep U-shaped valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The Dry River valley itself showcases classic glacial geology, with polished rock faces and erratic boulders telling the story of ice ages past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

"8 guests according to authoritative reviews"

Groups

Group camping is not available at this shelter.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutnull

Reservation Platformsnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described for Dry River Shelter #3.

Site SizeThe shelter can accommodate up to eight people.

PrivacyAs a remote shelter located deep in the wilderness, the site offers significant privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesFor larger rigs Site 22 and 17 has been mentionable

Need help booking Dry River Shelter #3?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The activities at Dry River Shelter #3 are centered around hiking due to its remote location, which is close to the treeline and alpine zone near Mt. Washington.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts""Safety Bear Awareness"

Active Alerts"null

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dry River Shelter #3

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

109 reviews

Top-Rated

Dry River Shelter #3 is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Dry River Shelter #3 primarily describe its remoteness, lack of amenities, and proximity to hiking trails. Some users appreciate the peaceful setting and opportunity to disconnect, while others mention challenges like the lack of facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Users often highlight the shelter's remote location, proximity to excellent hiking, and peaceful surroundings. "6.3 miles along the Dry River Trail from Rt. 302 will bring you to one of the more...

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of restrooms, potable water, and cell service. One user noted, "There is no cell service, so you're really disconnected from the world." Another added that there...

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including drinking water and a means to dispose of waste, due to the lack of provided amenities. The remote location makes it essential to plan...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal variations are not explicitly reviewed, but the shelter's remote location and lack of heating suggest it is better suited for warmer weather.

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

"6.3 miles along the Dry River Trail from Rt. 302 will bring you to one of the more remote shelters." - Official Source. "There is no cell service, so you're really disconnected from the world!" -...

Based on 109 reviews