Camping options Whiteface via Connery Pond

[deadpoint]

Are there any camping options besides the Whiteface Lean-to when hiking Whiteface via Connery Pond? I'm looking at doing a overnight trip at the end of June with some friends and our kids, ages 9 - 12, and I need to ensure there are options other than the lean-to in the event it's taken.

Thanks!

[DSettahr]

It's been a while since I was in there but my memory is that the lean-to is it. There's no designated tent sites in the vicinity, nor do I recall seeing any designated tent sites on the way in from Connery Pond. So any camping at locations other than the lean-to would need to comply with the 150 foot rule- and thus be located at a spot you find for yourself at least 150 feet away from road, trail, or water.

Honestly, this destination would not be my first choice for a group with kids for exactly this reason. Granted, the Whiteface Brook lean-to isn't exactly a super popular one (most folks climbing Whiteface do it via a day hike approach from the north). But yeah, in the event that you do need to resort to Plan B, trying to find a spot off trail that you can make work for yourself with kids while still facilitating a fun experience (with an age appropriate level of challenge) would be tricky at best here. The challenge of trying to safely have a fire in particular isn't an easy one, and requires a level of skill that goes well beyond what most backpackers possess, and unless you really know what your doing (carrying and using a fire pan or building a safe mound fire) you're probably better off without the fire.

With kids, I'd definitely be looking for lean-tos with a number of designated tent sites in the vicinity. Honestly, given the popularity of many lean-tos, I'd even consider focusing on tent sites alone and would likely elect to avoid lean-tos entirely if I was planning a trip with a younger crowd in mind.

[gawd]

Your best bet with a large group and kids is either 1) go to a campground where you can reserve a lean-to or site, there are a number of semi-BC DEC sites. Most, but not all, are boat access. 2) go to a spot that has multiple lean-tos or sites. 2 is actually relatively rare except a few locations, and those tend to be busy areas near the NPT.

Personally I would recommend opt 1 unless the kids are well versed in ADK backpacking and improvising a campsite.

[deadpoint]

This is our 3rd year doing a multi-night backpacking trip with the kids, mostly into the Marcy Dam area so they know what to expect. Our plan for this trip was to canoe in across the lake, spend the night and tackle Whiteface the next day, one more night and then back to the lake and paddle out. Any lack of "maintained" campsites, other than the lean-to, was a concern and we don't want to deal with having to find a suitable spot. Looks like we'll be looking at other areas/objectives.

Thanks!

[tgoodwin]

There is a designated campsite near Whiteface Landing as well as one a little farther west on the shore. I haven't checked out the western one, but Forest Ranger Joe LaPierre told me where it was to put it on the map. Of course, there are also the two lean-tos on Moose Island. Your problem, of course, is that it would be very discouraging to have to backtrack if the lean-to is occupied. But I also know that most kids love to sleep in lean-tos, so they might be willing to take the chance.

[gawd]

There is a designated campsite near Whiteface Landing as well as one a little farther west on the shore. I haven't checked out the western one, but Forest Ranger Joe LaPierre told me where it was to put it on the map. Of course, there are also the two lean-tos on Moose Island. Your problem, of course, is that it would be very discouraging to have to backtrack if the lean-to is occupied. But I also know that most kids love to sleep in lean-tos, so they might be willing to take the chance.

This is a good suggestion.

Given that you are paddling in on Lake Placid, I'd say just go to WF landing, have someone go scout ahead to the WF Brook LT. Given that it's only a mile in from there, it wouldn't be hard to ditch that and go to Moose Island or make due with the other two tent sites Tony mentions.

I think you have plenty of options within a mile or so of your target. As long as the kids are flexible, that should work out.