Best Tent Camping near Chocorua, NH
The White Mountain National Forest surrounding Chocorua, New Hampshire offers tent campers multiple options ranging from hike-in sites along Sawyer Pond to primitive tent campsites at Fourth Iron Campground along the Saco River. Paugus Brook Farm provides tent-only field camping with level ground and space for multiple tents, while the Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites feature 15 tent sites positioned along water. Most of these areas require minimal hiking from designated parking areas, with Sawyer Pond being approximately 1.5 miles from its trailhead off Highway 302.
Tent campsites in the Chocorua region typically feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Many sites include fire rings, though several campgrounds like Paugus Brook Farm restrict fires due to local fire regulations. Toilet facilities range from brand new outhouses at Paugus Brook to composting toilets at Fourth Iron that are maintained seasonally. Water access varies significantly - campers at riverside locations can filter water from the Saco River, while others should pack in their own supply. Bear boxes are provided at Fourth Iron Campground, and campers at Sawyer Pond should use the designated bear hang located between sites.
The tent camping experience near Chocorua offers distinctive advantages compared to developed campgrounds. Sites are generally quiet despite their proximity to hiking trails and water features. At Sawyer Pond, tent platforms accommodate one larger or two smaller tents, with sites featuring pond views. Fourth Iron provides a secluded tent camping experience despite being relatively close to Highway 302, with multiple rocky beaches providing river access between the sites. Weekends tend to see higher usage, particularly at popular locations. As one camper noted about Sawyer Pond, "All the sites have a view of Sawyer Pond. Peaceful and relaxing. Only a handful of sites so get there early on weekends."
