Queen of the Hill

Backcountry Camping Regulations & Guide

      Always follow all rules and regulations pertaining to backcountry camping in the White Mountains. Using an already-impacted backcountry site, like the one described here, can reduce negative impacts to the forest. 

      The “Bailout” is an unofficial primitive camping site that is often used for dispersed camping by AT thru-hikers and other backpackers in the White Mountains. If you are ascending the Zealand Trail or descending Twinway (AT), you will come across their intersection with the Ethan Pond Trail (AT) just inside the Forest Protection Area (FPA) surrounding the AMC Zealand Falls Hut. Follow the Ethan Pond Trail for roughly .15 miles until you pass the sign indicating you are leaving the FPA. Shortly after that, a gravel drainage area and narrow herd path will be visible on the right-hand side of the trail. Follow that downhill and the cleared campsite will become obvious.      

     In the center of the site is a small fire pit with logs-as-benches: very comfortable. There are a number of cleared, somewhat flat tent pads, as well as good trees for hammock campers. Small footpaths are fairly evident, and following these should lead to some more secluded options. The campsite is located between the trail and Whitewall Brook, so be mindful not to get within 200’ of either.

Camped on Saturday June 6, 2026

       I learned about the “Bailout” after a Google search, looking for good dispersed options near Zealand and Hale. Happily, the site was really easy to find. Unfortunately, I had a late start to the day, and spent an hour trying to get my hammock and rain fly setup “just right” (but it wasn’t), so I only hiked as far as Zeacliff that evening before returning to base. As the clouds started to roll in, I enjoyed my Ramen by a small campfire, and decided that returning before dark was definitely the right call. The night brought thunderstorms with strong gusts of wind and a good deal of rain. Despite my lousy work with the rainfly, I managed to stay cozy and dry. Still, this was my second sleepless night hammock camping, and I decided it would be my last. Just after this trip I returned my underquilt and bug net to REI, using the credit towards a 2-Person HalfDome tent.

Sleeping Gear: Warm (and miraculously dry) hammock set up. 

• ENO DoubleNest Hammock, ENO Ember Hammock Underquilt, ENO ProFly Hammock Rain Tarp, ENO Guardian Bug Net 
• Sea to Summit Venture 23F Women’s Sleeping Bag.

Capacity and Crowd: Small and secluded.

• Tent pads are unmarked; just use your judgement.
• Hammock campers can find a good number of sturdy trees.
• No one else showed up to use this site while I enjoyed my quiet stay.

Water: Close and reliable.

• Whitewall Brook is located in the forest behind the campsite and should provide water year-round (be sure to treat and/or filter). 
• Easy access to Whitewall Brook from Twinway.
• Potable water available at Zealand Falls Hut, just over .25 miles up Twinway.