Garfield Ridge Shelter
4.639 reviewsGarfield Ridge Shelter
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Fee is $15 per person per night and is collected year-round. Utilize self-service cash boxes when caretaker is not present.
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About this campground
Perched high on the eastern shoulder of Mt. Garfield, this mountain sanctuary offers weary hikers a welcome respite at 3,900 feet along the legendary Appalachian Trail. The campground features a classic 12-person Adirondack-style shelter that has provided refuge to countless trail adventurers, complemented by seven intimate 4-person tent platforms scattered throughout the forest clearing. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wilderness setting, including a composting privy, secure bear box for food storage, and a dedicated dishwashing area. A pristine mountain spring bubbles nearby, offering crystal-clear water that has refreshed generations of hikers. During the bustling summer months, a knowledgeable caretaker tends to the site, sharing local wisdom and ensuring this high-altitude haven remains pristine for all who seek its shelter.
Garfield Ridge Shelter provides accommodations for both tent camping and a 12-person shelter for Appalachian Trail hikers.
Historical SignificanceThis shelter stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Appalachian Trail, serving as a crucial waypoint for thru-hikers tackling the challenging Garfield Ridge traverse. The site has welcomed thousands of AT hikers since its establishment, becoming part of the living history of America's most iconic long-distance trail. The Adirondack-style architecture reflects the traditional shelter design that has defined backcountry accommodations throughout New England's mountains for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings warm days and cool nights to this mountain perch, with temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than the valleys below. Morning mists frequently shroud the shelter before burning off to reveal spectacular views. Fall transforms the surrounding hardwood forests into a tapestry of gold and crimson, while early season hikers may encounter lingering snow patches well into May. Weather can change rapidly at this elevation, making proper gear essential year-round.
ElevationAt 3,900 feet above sea level, Garfield Ridge Shelter sits in the subalpine transition zone where northern hardwoods give way to resilient spruce and fir. This elevation places visitors above much of the summer humidity and biting insects of lower elevations, while offering cooler temperatures and clearer air. The altitude is high enough to experience dramatic weather changes and stunning cloud formations, yet remains below the harsh alpine zone of nearby peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryThe shelter's strategic position on Mt. Garfield's eastern shoulder provides filtered views through the canopy and occasional glimpses of distant peaks. The surrounding forest showcases the rugged beauty of New Hampshire's high country, with gnarled yellow birches and weathered spruces telling stories of harsh winters and brief growing seasons. The nearby spring, emerging from the mountainside, creates a small oasis of moss-covered rocks and delicate ferns. On clear mornings, hikers often witness a sea of clouds filling the valleys below while peaks pierce through like islands in the sky.
Geological RegionNestled within the White Mountain National Forest, the shelter rests on the ancient granite backbone of the Presidential Range's western ridgeline. The bedrock here tells a story millions of years in the making, shaped by volcanic activity, continental collisions, and countless cycles of glaciation. The rugged terrain showcases classic White Mountain geology, with exposed ledges, glacial erratics, and the weathered granite that defines this legendary mountain range. The Garfield Ridge itself forms part of a massive ridgeline system connecting multiple 4,000-foot peaks, creating one of the most challenging and rewarding traverses in the Northeast.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates up to 12 people, and there are 7 tent platforms sized for 4 people each.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate that the tent platforms are close together, limiting privacy: 'our tent can fall off the side of a tiny platform with 10 other tents on it.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
The site does not have specific group camping provisions beyond the 12-person shelter.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Activities you can enjoy
Garfield Ridge Shelter primarily serves as a waypoint for hikers on the Appalachian Trail. With a nearby water source and scenic views from Mt. Garfield, the site is well-suited for dispersed camping and trekking enthusiasts.
Hiking
The shelter is located off the Garfield Ridge Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail. User reviews highlight the proximity to Mt. Garfield, which offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are listed, though the site is open year-round and may be used by hikers during winter treks.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
51
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.9 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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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.6
9 reviews
Garfield Ridge Shelter is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed but generally positive for hikers seeking respite along the Appalachian Trail. Some users praise the well-maintained facilities and the proximity to Mt. Garfield, while others criticize the cramped tent platforms and the $15 fee.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the new, well-maintained shelter, clean facilities, and the spectacular views and sunrises from Mt. Garfield. One user noted, 'Great camp, camp keeper was very nice. Fit all our 3...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include cramped tent platforms and the $15 fee: 'Save yourself some money and go sleep literally anywhere else, it’ll be more beautiful and private.'
Based on 9 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend utilizing the nearby water source and planning for shared spaces on the tent platforms.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are busy and staffed with a caretaker, while winter sees self-service fee management. Hiking accessibility may vary based on seasonal conditions.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Shelter is brand new...in great shape (no graffiti).' - 'There is also a great water source just before entering the tentsite spur.' - '$15 per person so that our tent can fall off the side of a...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews highlight the 12-person shelter as a key feature and the tent platforms as cramped but functional.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention pet policies or experiences.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025