Osgood Tent Site, Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, NH

Introduction / Overview

For seasoned New Hampshire outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic, high-country backpacking experience, the Osgood Tent Site is an essential destination. Unlike the larger, amenity-rich drive-up campgrounds, Osgood is a designated backcountry site, accessible only by foot, deep within the rugged Presidential Range of the White Mountain National Forest. It offers a vital stopping point for those tackling multi-day traverses, including hikers on the iconic Appalachian Trail (AT).

Situated near the border of the Great Gulf Wilderness and below the imposing slopes of Mount Madison, the tent site provides a structured yet primitive camping experience. The site is a key component of the protected infrastructure that allows hikers to practice Leave No Trace principles in a fragile environment. The setting is dramatic, surrounded by dense boreal forest and offering relatively reliable water access, which is a major logistical advantage in this strenuous hiking region. It is a place where the solitude of the wilderness truly defines the overnight experience, allowing local users to test their backpacking skills and truly immerse themselves in the Granite State’s most challenging terrain. This is not car camping—it is a true backcountry adventure, offering a place to pitch a tent on one of the site's platforms, rest weary legs, and prepare for the next day's climb into the high Presidential Range.

Managed and maintained with assistance from organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Osgood Tent Site upholds the highest standards of backcountry ethics, ensuring its continued preservation for future generations of New Hampshire hikers. This site stands as a testament to the region's commitment to maintaining wild, unimpaired spaces while providing necessary facilities for safety and conservation.

Location and Accessibility

The Osgood Tent Site is officially located in the unorganized territory of Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, NH 03593. This geographic area places it high in the northern White Mountains, specifically on the eastern slope of Mount Madison, near the entrance to the vast and remote Great Gulf Wilderness.

Accessibility is strictly by trail. There are no roads leading directly to the campsite. This inherent remoteness is what makes it such a special, secluded destination for local backpackers. The site is situated near the junction of several important trails, including the Osgood Trail and the Osgood Cutoff, and it lies directly on the Appalachian Trail footpath.

For New Hampshire locals planning an overnight trip, access is most commonly achieved via trailheads in the Randolph or Pinkham Notch area. For example, a common approach would be the Great Gulf Trailhead, which involves a hike of approximately 2.6 miles one-way to reach the site. Another popular route is via the Osgood Trail from Route 16, which is a key path for hikers ascending or descending Mount Madison. The elevation of the tent site is approximately 2,473 feet (or 754 meters), a respectable climb that puts it squarely in a beautiful, forested zone just below treeline, offering a significant sense of accomplishment upon arrival. Due to its location on a major ridgeline, prospective visitors must be prepared for the logistical and physical demands of true mountain hiking.

Services Offered

The Osgood Tent Site provides essential, minimalist amenities designed to support a low-impact backcountry experience while complying with land use regulations in the White Mountain National Forest. It is important to note that this is a primitive tent site, not a full-service campground. All users must be fully self-sufficient, carrying in all food, gear, and supplies.

Designated Tenting Platforms/Pads: The site features designated tenting areas, often in the form of wooden platforms or hardened tent pads. This prevents erosion and soil damage in the surrounding forest, allowing for minimal ecological impact.
Capacity: The site typically has capacity for up to 20 people spread across a limited number of platforms (often reported as five platforms). Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.
Water Access: A reliable, natural water source (usually a nearby stream or spring) is available via a short side trail. Water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
Outhouse Facilities: A composting outhouse (privy) is provided to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain sanitary conditions in the high-use backcountry area.
Fire Safety: Campfires are generally allowed only in designated fire rings, but hikers are strongly encouraged to use camping stoves for cooking to minimize impact and reduce fire risk in the forest environment.
Caretaker Presence: While not a continuously staffed AMC Hut, the site is often maintained by a seasonal caretaker or ranger who helps hikers with information, collects any required camping fee, and ensures adherence to Leave No Trace ethics.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of the Osgood Tent Site lies in its strategic location and the surrounding natural splendor:

Appalachian Trail Access: Its location directly on the AT makes it a perfect stop for New Hampshire hikers completing section hikes of the legendary trail, offering a chance to meet thru-hikers and be part of the trail community.
Gateway to the Northern Presidential Peaks: The campsite serves as an ideal basecamp for summiting the northern Presidential Range, including Mount Madison, which is one of the most rugged and magnificent 4,000-footers in the state.
Proximity to Great Gulf Wilderness: The site is located near the boundary of the Great Gulf Wilderness, one of the most remote and federally protected areas in New Hampshire, offering unparalleled opportunities for extended exploration and solitude.
Essential Infrastructure: The provision of tent platforms and a composting outhouse minimizes the impact on the delicate forest environment, allowing hikers to adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles while enjoying a night under the stars.
Reliable Water Source: Access to a stream or spring is a critical feature in the mountains, significantly reducing the amount of water a hiker must carry on a multi-day trip.

Contact Information

As a remote backcountry site managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF), Osgood Tent Site does not have a direct contact number or address for mail service. All official inquiries, permits, and trail condition questions should be directed to the WMNF Supervisor’s Office or the local AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

Address: Thompson and Meserve's Purchase, NH 03593, USA (Physical location on the Appalachian Trail/Osgood Trail)

Primary Administrative Contact (WMNF Supervisor’s Office):

Address: 71 White Mountain Drive, Campton, NH 03223

Phone: (603) 536-6100 (General WMNF Information)

Note: Camping fees, typically collected by a caretaker on-site, are subject to change. Hikers should be prepared to pay the required fee upon arrival (cash is recommended) or contact the WMNF in advance for the current rate.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Osgood Tent Site is an indispensable asset for the New Hampshire backpacking community. Its suitability for local users stems from its capacity to deliver a profoundly authentic and geographically significant wilderness experience that is both challenging and accessible to experienced Granite State hikers.

For locals, this site is the perfect training ground for developing and testing essential backpacking skills, such as water treatment, gear management in extreme weather, and true wilderness navigation. It’s an opportunity to escape the crowds of more developed front-country areas and delve into the heart of the federally protected White Mountain wilderness. It is a vital nexus point that connects local hikers to a broader trail system, enabling loop hikes and multi-day traverses across the most impressive mountains in their own backyard.

Furthermore, utilizing this designated site is an act of local stewardship. By choosing to camp on the platforms and using the provided outhouse, New Hampshire residents directly contribute to the conservation efforts that protect the high-altitude forests and delicate ecosystems of the Presidential Range. Osgood Tent Site represents the pinnacle of accessible wilderness camping for locals—a place to earn the view, respect the land, and find profound connection with the wilder side of their home state.