Tent campsites near Bartlett, New Hampshire range from remote backcountry platforms to walk-in sites with river access. The White Mountain National Forest encompasses over 750,000 acres with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 6,288 feet at Mount Washington's summit. Winter camping options remain available at several sites, though trails may require snowshoes with snow depths reaching 4+ feet in March.
What to do
Morning summit hikes: From Nauman Tentsite, reach Mount Pierce summit with a 0.8-mile hike or extend to Mount Jackson, 1.6 miles away. "This is a beautiful camping area with several tent platforms, in the white mountains. It is an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow," notes J.W.
Sunset viewing: West Bond offers spectacular sunset views from Guyot Shelter. One camper shared, "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset." The shelter sits at 4,360 feet elevation with wooden platforms providing mountain vistas.
Swimming and wading: The Saco River at Fourth Iron Campground provides cooling options during summer months. The water is "clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day" with "multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river," according to recent visitors.
Winter camping adventures: Experience complete solitude at Ethan Pond Shelter during winter months. "Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground. Not sure if tent platforms still available. Shelter is in decent shape. Older but good. Super quiet. No human noise," reports Ryan M.
What campers like
Shelters with views: The lean-to at Sawyer Pond offers direct pond views. "I camped here last year and stayed at the lean to with my dog. The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to," shares Erin H.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain nights provide exceptional astronomical viewing. "I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!" reports a Sawyer Pond camper. The minimal light pollution throughout the region creates ideal conditions for night sky observation.
Secluded sites: Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites provides walk-in tent camping along flowing water. "There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area. There is no running water, only a porta potty but it was great for a place to stay the night while exploring the white mountains," notes Jake C.
Wildlife viewing: The Rogers Ledge area offers prime moose habitat. "A gradual climb from the trail head to the campsite through a few boggy areas before climbing into the boreal forest for a bit. Prime moose habitat!" explains Sarah C., highlighting the wildlife viewing potential in these northern White Mountain locations.
What you should know
Seasonal road access: Road closures affect hiking distances to some campsites. For Sawyer Pond, "Check the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall. Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly."
Train noise: Hermit Lake Shelters provides an excellent base camp for Mount Washington ascents, but be aware of the railroad. "You will cross train tracks to reach the campground and they are active tracks, so you'll hear trains," mentions Jean C. about Fourth Iron Campground.
Site configuration: Some campgrounds have unusual layout considerations. At Fourth Iron, "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."
Limited firewood: Plan accordingly for campfires where permitted. "One thing to note: there was very little available firewood near the campsites," reports a Sawyer Pond visitor. Many sites require gathering wood from surrounding forest areas, while others prohibit fires entirely.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Ethan Pond Shelter offers excellent introductory backpacking for children. "Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up. Tentsite is 0.8 from the summit of mount Pierce and 1.6 from mount Jackson summit, so great base camp location," suggests Jen O.
Shorter trail options: Sawyer Pond provides accessible wilderness camping for families. "This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond." The trail is "mostly flat with a few minor hills (I saw children and elderly folks easily using this trail)."
Family-friendly fishing: Multiple ponds offer recreational fishing opportunities. "I've ice-fished on the pond," shares one Sawyer Pond visitor about winter activities. During warmer months, the numerous waterways provide fishing opportunities for all skill levels.
Field camping options: For families seeking easier access, Paugus Brook Farm offers tent sites in an open field setting. "The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area," notes Justin P.
Tips from RVers
Parking considerations: Fourth Iron Campground offers a small but viable parking area. "The parking area is a decent size and popular for day users wanting to get a little taste of the Sacco River." Plan to arrive early during peak periods to secure a spot.
Pack-in strategies: Fourth Iron requires carrying equipment from the parking area to campsites. "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," advises Sarah C.
Winter access limitations: Winter camping requires additional preparation and vehicle considerations. "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," shares a Fourth Iron regular, highlighting the need for winter-ready vehicles during cold months.
