Eliza Brook Shelter
03 reviewsEliza Brook 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
No Fee Required.
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About this campground
Nestled along the gentle waters of Eliza Brook, this backcountry haven serves as a welcoming waypoint for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and weekend adventurers alike. The rustic log lean-to shelter, crafted to blend seamlessly with its forest surroundings, accommodates up to 8 weary travelers under its protective roof. Four carefully positioned tent pads offer additional camping options for those who prefer sleeping under the stars. Modern backcountry amenities include a composting privy, secure bear box for food storage, and a dedicated dishwashing station. The babbling brook provides a reliable water source just steps away. To preserve the delicate alpine environment and encourage natural forest regeneration, campfires are not permitted at this pristine location.
Eliza Brook Shelter caters to hikers and dispersed campers looking for a primitive camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsThe ridge experiences the full drama of New England's changing seasons. Summer brings refreshing mountain breezes and comfortable temperatures that offer sweet relief from valley heat. As autumn arrives, crisp air and the possibility of early snow transform the landscape. Winter through early spring can be particularly challenging, with frigid temperatures and significant snowfall creating a true wilderness experience. Rain and mist frequently shroud the ridge during transitional seasons, adding an ethereal quality to the forest while reminding visitors to pack appropriate gear.
ElevationPerched high on the scenic Kinsman Ridge, this shelter site offers the exhilarating experience of mountain camping without specific elevation markers. The surrounding mountainous terrain creates a natural amphitheater of peaks and valleys, placing visitors firmly within the heart of New Hampshire's legendary high country.
Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter sits in a pocket of pristine wilderness where the White Mountain National Forest reveals its most intimate charms. Towering conifers and hardy deciduous trees create a living cathedral around the camping area, while Eliza Brook provides both a soothing soundtrack and vital water source. The surrounding forest ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and offers glimpses of the rugged mountain landscape that defines this section of the Appalachian Trail.
Geological RegionThis remarkable camping spot occupies a special place within the White Mountain National Forest's vast wilderness, specifically along the dramatic Kinsman Ridge section of the Appalachian Trail. The area showcases the ancient geological forces that shaped these mountains, with exposed granite ledges and glacially carved valleys telling the story of millennia. Dense forest ecosystems thrive in the mountain soils, creating a rich tapestry of northern hardwoods and evergreens that characterize this iconic New England landscape. Eliza Brook itself has carved its own gentle path through this rugged terrain, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the surrounding peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the available information.
Sites SizeThe site includes a log shelter accommodating up to 8 people, along with 4 hardened tent pads, and an additional one referenced in user reviews.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as being minimal and functional but with limited privacy due to their proximity to each other and the shelter.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
The site does not explicitly cater to group camping, though the presence of multiple tent pads may accommodate smaller groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutIncludes 4 hardened tent pads and a log lean-to shelter.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen 24 hours/day
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served occupancy, no reservations required for shelter or tent pads.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides access to dispersed camping activities suitable for hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Fires are prohibited to support environmental conservation.
Hiking
The campsite is located along the Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail), 2.5 miles from South Kinsman summit. This makes it a prime location for hiking enthusiasts seeking to explore this section of the Appalachian Trail.Winter Activities
While no specific winter activities are detailed, the site’s location along the Appalachian Trail may appeal to winter hikers.Water Sports
Water sports are not available; however, there is a reliable stream nearby for water filtration purposes.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are prohibited at this site.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of bears indicated by the inclusion of a bear box.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers are likely expected to follow 'pack it in, pack it out' principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Eliza Brook, which serves as a reliable water source.
HostRoving caretaker visits the site.
Campground Map
Driving directionsEliza Brook Shelter is accessible via the Kinsman Ridge Trail (Appalachian Trail), approximately 2.5 miles south of the South Kinsman summit on the mountain's southern ridge.
Access is via hiking trails, specifically the Kinsman Ridge Trail. No mention of paved or unpaved roads, seasonal closures, or terrain challenges.Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Eliza Brook Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the shelter’s sturdy build, location along the Appalachian Trail, and the availability of a composting privy and bear box. The presence of a reliable water source (Eliza Brook) is frequently mentioned. Fires are prohibited, which some campers appreciate for environmental reasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
- Sturdy shelter capable of accommodating up to 8 people.
- Availability of a composting privy and bear box.
- Reliable water source from Eliza Brook.
- Proximity to the Appalachian Trail makes it...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Lack of potable water; campers need to filter water from the stream.
- No privacy between campsites.
- Prohibition of campfires, which some may find inconvenient.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring a water filtration system to make use of Eliza Brook as a water source.
- Plan for colder nights due to the mountainous location.
- Be prepared to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends are mentioned in user reviews, but the location and weather data suggest that summer and fall may be the most popular seasons for camping.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Lovely shelter with several tent sites. Steady river for water source. Bear box. Outhouse.'
- 'This Appalachian Trail shelter is a large, log lean-to with space for 8 people, with five earthen...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Shelter accommodates 8 people.
- Four hardened tent pads are available, with an additional earthen pad mentioned by users.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were found.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025