Fourth Iron Campground, near Bartlett, New Hampshire, is a rustic spot that offers a peaceful escape right by the Saco River. With a handful of tent sites, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a more secluded camping experience, away from the hustle and bustle.

The campground features easy river access, making it a great place for swimming or wading on warm days. Visitors have noted the clear, cold water and the multiple rocky beaches that provide a nice spot to relax. As one camper mentioned, “Nice beautiful area by the river,” which sums up the serene vibe here.

While there are no showers or potable water, campers appreciate the clean composting toilet and the fire rings at each site. Just remember to pack in your own water and supplies, as you’ll need to carry everything in from the parking area. The campground is also bear country, so bear boxes are provided for your safety.

If you’re up for a little adventure, the area is close to some fantastic hiking trails, including those leading to nearby waterfalls. Just keep in mind that you’ll cross active train tracks to reach the campground, so you might hear the occasional train passing by. Whether you’re planning a summer getaway or a winter camping trip, Fourth Iron Campground offers a unique and tranquil experience in the heart of nature.

Located at the confluence of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers, 4th Iron is a walk-in tent site.

Fourth Iron Campground

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Bartlett

The Best Camping Near Bartlett, New Hampshire

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.

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

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.

Well patrolled

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

Inexpensive hike in right on the river

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.

Rustic riverside campground

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.

Secluded and Beautiful

Nice beautiful area bg the river.  Pack in sites. You do cross an active train track. 

Photos of Fourth Iron Campground

Real photos from real campers