Need Advice for Franconia Notch Camping

**Demeter** · 03-08-2015, 08:38

Hi guys, hoping you can help me out. I scheduled a Meetup group hut-to-hut of the southern Whites this summer. We need a place to camp out near Lafayette for a Saturday night only (we will be staging our car shuttle that evening to start first thing up trail Sunday morning). Problem is, everything I found is for 3 night minimum, except for Russell Pond, which doesn't take reservations.

Does anyone from the area have any ideas?

Thanks!

**sunshower** · 03-08-2015, 22:12

Russell Pond has so many spots I'd be shocked if it were full. I've gone on Memorial and Labor Day weekends and gotten spots.

**sunshower** · 03-08-2015, 22:13

Also, What about Campton Campground? That's off of exit 28 towards WAtervilke Valley. I've stayed there in a pinch too.
I've camped at most every campground in the Whites except for Lafayette itself (no dogs) and Russell Pond is the nicest.

**Rain Man** · 03-09-2015, 11:18

Have you spoken with the AMC?

As much as they aggravate folks with policies and fees and "quirky" (to be nice) web site reservation system for dealing with the masses, when I had an acute hut reservation problem August before last, the higher-ups came through like understanding angels for me.

So, I'd say in spite of their reputation to many, don't give up on them. (Not saying you have.)

**Demeter** · 03-11-2015, 09:58

Originally Posted by sunshower

Russell Pond has so many spots I'd be shocked if it were full. I've gone on Memorial and Labor Day weekends and gotten spots.

If it was just me, I would take my chances. I have about 15 ppl driving from DC, so don't want to worry about that many people getting a site. I will let them know, though!

Originally Posted by sunshower

Also, What about Campton Campground? That's off of exit 28 towards WAtervilke Valley. I've stayed there in a pinch too.
I've camped at most every campground in the Whites except for Lafayette itself (no dogs) and Russell Pond is the nicest.

Campton may work! Thanks for the info. only 20 minutes from the trailhead, and only a 2 night minimum. For that price, we can afford to lose a night!

Originally Posted by Rain Man

Have you spoken with the AMC?

As much as they aggravate folks with policies and fees and "quirky" (to be nice) web site reservation system for dealing with the masses, when I had an acute hut reservation problem August before last, the higher-ups came through like understanding angels for me.

So, I'd say in spite of their reputation to many, don't give up on them. (Not saying you have.)

Rain Man, we have AMC reservations Sunday and Monday at the huts, but they don't run the campground at Franconia Notch (unless I am missing something): Lafayette campground is a state park campground.

**Sclboud** · 03-11-2015, 19:57

What are you looking for for facilities. I live 40 minutes from there and can make some calls. Know plenty of people with fields. And land. When is the trip planned

**Demeter** · 03-13-2015, 05:03

Originally Posted by Sclboud

What are you looking for for facilities. I live 40 minutes from there and can make some calls. Know plenty of people with fields. And land. When is the trip planned

Sclboud, Very very kind of you. I already have a hotel room booked in Lincoln (traveling with my family), so there are 13 others. I don't know, however, what they are looking for in terms of lodging, since I left the ball in their court to procure lodging at this point. Some people need facilities. Strange, I know, since it's a backpacking group, but this is one of those trips that can offer bathrooms and beds at the top of the mountain, so we have others besides hardcore backpackers signing up (like my dad!

)

Thanks so much for the offer!