Best Tent Camping near Glen, NH
Tent camping options near Glen, New Hampshire include backcountry sites in the White Mountain National Forest with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Fourth Iron Campground offers a rustic riverside experience with eight tent sites accessible via a short quarter-mile walk from the parking area. Sawyer Pond provides tent platforms in a more remote setting, requiring a 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead off Highway 302 or a longer 4.5-mile trek from the Kancamagus Highway.
Primitive walk-in tent sites typically feature basic facilities such as fire rings and occasionally picnic tables, but campers should be prepared for self-sufficiency. Most backcountry locations include composting toilets or outhouses, though toilet paper isn't guaranteed. As one reviewer noted, "There is a composting toilet that was quite clean and stocked with toilet paper. However, the door doesn't lock so just know that." Bear boxes are available at several sites including Guyot Shelter, where food storage is essential. Water must typically be sourced from nearby streams or ponds and treated before consumption, as potable water is rarely available at these primitive locations.
Areas farther from trailheads offer deeper seclusion and more authentic wilderness experiences. Guyot Shelter, popular among tent campers completing the Pemi Loop, provides platforms with impressive views, a renovated shelter, and reliable water sources. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Some platforms are very isolated and some with great views." Fourth Iron Campground features riverside sites with sandy bottom areas for wading or swimming during warmer months. Tent platforms at most backcountry sites can accommodate multiple tents, though early arrival is recommended during peak season. Walk-in tent locations like Sawyer Pond become extremely popular during summer weekends, with reviewers advising having backup plans if arriving late. Winter camping is possible at some locations like Fourth Iron, though this requires additional preparation and proper cold-weather gear.