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Map showing campground location near Bartlett, New Hampshire
Camper submitted image from Fourth Iron CampgroundView 53 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Bartlett, New Hampshire

Fourth Iron Campground

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible via Highway 302 between Bartlett and Crawford Notch, Fourth Iron Campground provides eight first-come, first-served sites along the Saco River for $15 per night. Campers park in a roadside lot and carry gear approximately a quarter-mile to reach the sites, crossing active railroad tracks along the way. The walk-in setup helps filter out casual visitors while keeping the area manageable for those willing to pack in their supplies.

Sites sit directly alongside the Saco River, offering multiple rocky beaches and swimming areas with clear, cold water. Some sites include tent pads and all feature fire rings, though picnic tables vary by location. Sites 1 and 2 connect in a walk-through layout, while sites 7 and 8 share a similar arrangement. Bear boxes protect food storage in this active bear habitat. A composting toilet serves the campground, though the door lacks a locking mechanism.

The location provides no potable water, requiring campers to treat river water or pack in their supply. Jean C. notes to "bring your own water or something to filter/treat it." Train noise occurs regularly due to the active railroad crossing. Winter camping remains possible year-round, with some periods offering complete solitude.

Fourth Iron works well for self-sufficient campers seeking river access and proximity to White Mountain hiking trails, particularly those comfortable with basic facilities and pack-in logistics.

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Location

Public Campground

Fourth Iron Campground is located in New Hampshire

Detail location of campground

Directions

<p>Campground is 4 miles west of Bartlett, NH, on Route 302.</p>

Coordinates

44.09909954 N
71.34431167 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this pack-in campground's riverside location and good-sized sites with basic amenities like bear boxes and composting toilet. Several guests observed the secluded setting, though train noise was occasionally noted.

Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2021

Secluded and Beautiful

This little remote camping area is right off highway 302 between Bartlett, NH and Crawford Notch. The parking area is a decent size and popular for day users wanting to get a little taste of the Sacco River. The campsites, of which there are 8 of, are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area. I would suggest packing in a manner that allows you to get your things from your car to the site easily and with the fewest trips possible. Despite its proximity to the road, the campground is quiet.

Sites are situated just off the Sacco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river. The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day.

There is a composting Clivus toilet that was quite clean and stocked with toilet paper. However, the door doesn’t lock so just know that. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings as well. Some have designated tent cribbing while others just have open flat space for tents. There is no potable water available here, so be prepared to treat(filter, boil, chemical, etc.) or carry in enough water for your stay.

One thing to note about the layout of the sites: sites 1 and 2 are situated one behind the other so you have to walk through one site to get to the other. Sites 3, 4, 5 and 6 are all independently situated while 7 and 8 are also slightly stacked. However, you can get to 7 without walking through site 8.

SiteSite 8
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Sarah C., January 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Sarah C., January 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Sarah C., January 4, 2021
  • (11) View All
Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Dec. 28, 2020

Rustic riverside campground

This year-round campground is a short walk from the road and situated along the river, providing nice swimming/wading when the weather is right. There's a small parking lot with space for several cars. Site are $15/night (2020) and a recycling toilet is available. This is bear country, so bear boxes are provided. You will cross train tracks to reach the campground and they are active tracks, so you'll hear trains. 

The river has an area with a sandy bottom and some rocks; the number of rocks you walk over will depend on the season and water levels. Bring your own water or something to filter/treat it. Sites are good-sized for a tent or two with tent pads laid out on some. There's a fire ring, but don't count on a grate. No picnic table. Site 2 is large, but you walk through it to reach site 1.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Jean C., December 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Jean C., December 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Jean C., December 28, 2020
  • (29) View All
Ryan M.
Reviewed Oct. 7, 2018

Inexpensive hike in right on the river

You'll need to carry in everything, as parking is on the main road, but this also helps keep away the fair weather campers. Can be very secluded in winter months, sometimes you're the only person there. First come first serve sites

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Ryan M., October 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Ryan M., October 7, 2018
Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2018

Well patrolled

Rangers keep track so make sure you pay! Great river access, and sturdy bear boxes. Lovely spot. Good access to hikes. Near some short waterfall hikes.

Month of VisitSeptember
Daniel S.
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2017

Do you have what it takes for a winter camp at 4th Iron?

Ive been camping here several times a year with a bunch of guys. We typically go at least once in the summer and once in the dead of winter. Always the foot ball game before the super ball.

Fourth Iron used to be a pay campsite run by the state of the new hampshire. But after a serious winter with lots of snow, flooding and storms in the spring the site was shut down. It was cleaned of debris by local hikers and campers that love the site and eventually "re-opened" but is no longer state maintained.

There is a small parking lot with a sign but other than that its pretty easy to miss. There is a pit toilet so i guess there must be some maintenance? Either way there are maybe 8-10 sites with fire rings. The campground has no amenities and sits directly on the saco river. Its really wonderful all year round and is a good camp point for some amazing hikes in the white mountains.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • Review photo of Fourth Iron Campground by Daniel S., October 14, 2017
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping options are available at Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground offers primitive tent camping with 8 designated sites located along the Saco River. The sites are walk-in only, requiring a short quarter-mile hike from the parking area, so be prepared to carry in all your gear. Each site is equipped with sturdy bear boxes for food storage, which is essential as this is bear country. The campground maintains a natural, secluded feel due to its walk-in nature, which helps keep it less crowded than drive-up campgrounds.

Where is Fourth Iron Campground located in New Hampshire?

Fourth Iron Campground is located along Highway 302 between Bartlett, NH and Crawford Notch in New Hampshire's White Mountains region. The campground sits beside the Saco River, offering beautiful natural surroundings. It's accessible from a parking area off the main road, and you'll need to cross an active train track to reach the camping area. The location provides good access to hiking trails and is near several waterfall hikes in the area.

What do visitor reviews say about Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground is highly regarded for its beautiful riverside location and secluded atmosphere. Campers appreciate the sturdy bear boxes provided at each site and the campground's proximity to hiking trails, including several waterfall hikes nearby. The walk-in nature of the sites (a quarter-mile from parking) creates a more peaceful experience away from road noise. The campground is praised for being usable year-round, with winter camping offering exceptional solitude. Some campers mention the active train tracks you must cross to reach the sites. The recycling toilet and overall natural setting are also frequently highlighted as positives.

Is there a swimming hole at Fourth Iron Campground?

Yes, Fourth Iron Campground offers excellent river access with swimming and wading opportunities in the Saco River when weather conditions permit. The campground is situated right along the riverbank, making it convenient for campers to enjoy the water. The parking area is also popular with day users who come specifically to enjoy the river. This natural swimming area provides a refreshing way to cool off during summer camping trips.

How do I make reservations for Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. The fee is $15 per night, which must be paid on-site. Rangers monitor the area to ensure payment compliance. Since the campground has only 8 sites, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak seasons. The walk-in nature of this campground helps keep it less crowded than drive-up sites, but it's still best to have a backup plan during busy summer weekends. For the most current information on fees and policies, contact the White Mountain National Forest.

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