The outpost and village at Athilin was an important site for the Rangers of the North throughout the Third Age. Located at the important Northern Gap, it was the southern outpost guarding the West Country of Arthedain from the evil of the Misty Mountains and Angmar. The sister camp of Annilin, Athilin was at the edge of the Northern Downs.

It was set up after King Arvedui of Arthedain died, and his son Arnarath took the peoples of Arthedain into the wild to become the Rangers of the North. It was an important campsite that was maintained to keep watch on Angmar and the roving goblins and trolls of Mount Gram.

By the time of the Expedition to Arnor, the camp had been abandoned, and reestablishing Athilin was a very important directive for the Northern Dúnedain.