Dispersed tent camping sites near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire range from remote backcountry platforms to more accessible walk-in areas. Several White Mountain National Forest locations lie between 1,800 and 4,360 feet elevation, with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler than valley floors. Most backcountry sites require proper food storage due to active black bear populations throughout the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness.
What to do
Summit Mount Washington: From Hermit Lake Shelters, position yourself for an early morning ascent. "Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike," notes Roger F.
Cold water swimming: Fourth Iron Campground provides rocky beach access to the Saco River. "The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day," says Sarah C., who appreciates the easy river access between campsites.
Night sky viewing: Several sites offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Sawyer Pond, one camper noted, "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
Explore waterfalls: Several small cascades dot the region. "Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up," notes Jen O. about her hike to Nauman Tentsite, while Fourth Iron provides "access to some amazing hikes in the white mountains."
What campers like
Solitude at higher elevations: Guyot Shelter features "approx 10 platform sites, some are very isolated and some with great views," according to Jerome S., making it popular with hikers seeking privacy despite its remote location.
Accessible beginner backpacking: Sawyer Pond serves as an entry-level backpacking destination. Hunter P. notes, "The hike from the parking lot to the campsite was 1.5 miles and pretty easy. It is mostly flat with a few minor hills (I saw children and elderly folks easily using this trail)."
Water sources: Most backcountry sites maintain reliable springs. At Garfield Ridge Campsite, Raj T. appreciated the "ice cold spring water and sunrise view point" along with the cooking area and bear protection.
Winter camping options: Many sites remain accessible year-round. Ryan M. recalls his experience at Sawyer Pond: "Waist deep snow made hike in a little more difficult, post holing every 5th step. Cant beat the view from shelter over Sawyer pond."
What you should know
Limited availability during peak season: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Sarah C. notes at Sawyer Pond: "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Bear management requirements: Food storage is strictly enforced. At Ethan Pond Shelter, there's "a kitchen area with a bear box" according to Sarah C., while Guyot Shelter offers "X3 bear boxes" near the eating area.
Variable site layouts: Tent platforms vary in size and arrangement. 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," while sites 3-6 "are all independently situated."
Fire restrictions: Rules vary by location. Sarah C. warns about Sawyer Pond: "There is a lot of damage in the surrounding area where folx have cut down trees to have fires," and reminds campers to have only "responsibly small" fires without cutting standing trees.
Tips for camping with families
Choose shorter approach trails: Cherry Mountain Road Dispersed offers drive-up access to several sites. Kevin C. notes his site "goes back about 70 to 80 feet back off the road" and features "a large fire circle with room for 6 to 8 campers to sit around the fire."
Look for established facilities: Some sites offer better amenities for children. At Nauman Tentsite, J.W. reports it's "an easy 3 mile hike for an adult, I did it with my 5 year old in tow. It is managed by friendly care takers and has a pit toilet and a bear box for your food."
Consider weekday camping: Avoid weekend crowds. Hunter P. visited Sawyer Pond "on a Sunday night in September with my dog and it was lovely. I passed a few day hikers but was the only person camping, however I did speak to a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before."
Tips from RVers
Use base camps for backcountry access: For RVers wanting to experience tent camping, stay at established campgrounds and day-hike or overnight to backcountry sites. The Bluff-Great Gulf Wilderness can be accessed with "the hike in from route 16 is relatively easy with an uphill trend," according to Sarah C.
Consider seasonal road closures: Forest service roads close during mud season. Jean C. advises checking "the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall" when planning access to more remote sites.
