Fourth Iron Campground
4.559 reviewsFourth Iron Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$15/night during open season. No fee in off-season.
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About this campground
Nestled where the pristine Sawyer and Saco Rivers meet, Fourth Iron Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This charming walk-in tent camping area within the majestic White Mountain National Forest provides a perfect escape from the modern world, with just enough amenities to ensure comfort while preserving the wilderness experience that draws adventurers to these ancient mountains.
Fourth Iron Campground is designed for walk-in tent camping and offers a highly natural, primitive camping experience.
Historical SignificanceFourth Iron Campground holds a special place in the hearts of generations of outdoor enthusiasts. With devoted campers returning for more than four decades, this hidden gem has witnessed countless family traditions, first camping experiences, and the forging of lifelong friendships around evening campfires. The campground's enduring appeal speaks to its timeless ability to connect people with nature and each other in meaningful ways.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant awakening of spring through the golden days of early autumn, Fourth Iron welcomes campers with pleasant temperatures and gentle mountain breezes. While winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, the campground's seasonal operation ensures visitors enjoy the most comfortable conditions. Spring and fall occasionally bring dramatic mountain weather, with misty mornings giving way to brilliant afternoons and the possibility of refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy fragrances.
Natural Features and SceneryThe confluence of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers creates a natural amphitheater of sound and beauty, where the gentle symphony of flowing water provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your camping experience. Crystal-clear pools invite refreshing dips on warm summer days, while the surrounding forest frames spectacular views in every direction. Ancient trees stand sentinel over the campground, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns that shift throughout the day.
Geological RegionPositioned at the dramatic meeting point of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers, Fourth Iron Campground sits within the embrace of the White Mountain National Forest's diverse ecosystem. This unique geological location, where two mountain waterways converge, has created a landscape rich in both scenic beauty and ecological significance, offering campers an intimate connection with one of New England's most treasured natural environments.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo details about accessibility features are provided.
Sites SizeUser reviews indicate the campsites are 'big,' but specific dimensions are not available.
Sites PrivacyOne review notes that the sites seem 'big and far away from each other,' suggesting good privacy between sites.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCarrying gear for 1/3 mile into the sites is a factor for consideration.
Best CampsitesUser mentions "best camping! Only 8 sites. No crowds"—suggesting all campsites offer a quiet experience.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Null
Groups
No group camping accommodations are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutOdd layout where accessing some campsites and amenities may require walking through others.
Open and Closed SeasonMaintained Spring through early Fall.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is the default option for this campground as reservations are not mentioned.
Activities you can enjoy
Fourth Iron Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities primarily centered around the natural surroundings of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers. Swimming and hiking are popular among visitors, with clean water and nearby trails frequently mentioned in reviews. Boating, biking, fishing, and other water sports are not explicitly noted as activities available at this site.
Hiking
One user review mentions 'great hikes nearby,' but no specific trails, distances, or difficulty levels are provided.Swimming
Multiple user reviews highlight the 'swimming area on the river,' described as an excellent spot with 'ultra clean water' and 'sunrise mountain views.'Beach activities
The campground includes access to a 'Saco River beach,' which users describe as a positive feature.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazards"Be careful with food. There are black bears," and concerns about needles reported by one user indicate wildlife and sanitation hazards.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash or recycling facilities at the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Saco River and Sawyer River.
Common complaintsComplaints include concerns about heroin needles in the area, latrine issues (no locking door), and campsite layout requiring walking through other sites.
Campground Map
Driving directionsCampground is 4 miles west of Bartlett, NH, on Route 302.
The campground is accessible via Route 302, but users must note that it is a walk-in tent site.Camper Reviews
4.6
9 reviews
Fourth Iron Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Fourth Iron Campground are mixed, with some campers praising the natural beauty, clean water, and spacious campsites, while others raise concerns about cleanliness and safety issues. The campground's remote and 'primitive' nature is both a highlight and a challenge for visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the 'beautiful spot' for camping, with 'big and far away' sites, a clean swimming area, and proximity to hiking trails. One user described the water as 'ultra clean with a...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include issues with safety and cleanliness, such as reports of 'heroine needles everywhere' and concerns about the latrine door not locking. One camper mentioned black bears in the area,...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User tips include preparing to carry gear a '1/3 mile in,' bringing water since potable water is unavailable, and 'being careful with food' due to black bears.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is maintained from spring through early fall, with no fees in the off-season. Summer reviews highlight the swimming area and hiking opportunities, while one winter review mentions the...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Ultra clean water with a sunrise mountain view. Good camping to boot!' - Thibault Trubert
2. 'It is a beautiful spot, the sites seem big and far away from each other.' - Laura Maroon
3. 'Gotta...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One user stated, 'Only 8 sites. No crowds,' emphasizing the small capacity of the campground. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mention policies or experiences regarding pets.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025