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White Mountain National Forest surrounding Jackson, New Hampshire offers numerous backcountry tent camping options with varying degrees of accessibility. Fourth Iron Campground, located along the Saco River between Bartlett and Crawford Notch, provides walk-in tent-only sites approximately a quarter mile from the parking area. Sawyer Pond, another popular tent camping destination, can be accessed via a 1.5-mile hike from NH Highway 302 or a longer 4.5-mile trek from the Kancamagus Highway. These established tent campsites serve as excellent basecamps for exploring the Presidential Range and surrounding wilderness areas.
Most primitive tent sites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Tent platforms are common at backcountry locations like Nauman Tentsite and Guyot Shelter, providing level surfaces on otherwise uneven terrain. Composting toilets are available at most established sites, though toilet paper may not be supplied. Bear boxes or hanging cables are provided at many locations due to active wildlife in the area. Water sources typically require treatment, with most campers needing to filter from nearby streams or springs. Sites generally include fire rings where permitted, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
According to reviews, tent campers appreciate the solitude found at these locations despite their popularity. One visitor to Sawyer Pond noted, "Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style." At Fourth Iron Campground, a camper reported, "Despite its proximity to the road, the campground is quiet." Tent-only camping areas like Guyot Shelter offer particular advantages for backpackers, with one hiker commenting, "Some platforms are very isolated and some with great views." Many backcountry tent sites fill quickly during peak summer months, so early arrival is recommended, especially at popular destinations like Hermit Lake Shelters and sites along the Appalachian Trail.
"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."
"The campsites, of which there are 8 of, are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway)."
"Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago."
"Nice 2.7 mile hike in from the AMC highland center. Stopped at Gibbs Falls on the way up."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences."
"Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on."
"Secluded walk behind camp to river or across to 2 brooks. Safe usually great camp neighbors plenty of room for small trailers or vans."
"Great place to set up camp either as a thru hiker or if you're passing through for a weekend in the Whites. About 3mi from the 302, and from there you're 5mi from the AMC Highland Center."
"Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected. 3 mile hike in from Ripley Falls parking lot, a nice spur trail to a water fall to explore on the hike up or"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine."
"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. "
"There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area."
"The Wild River Wilderness is a relatively newly designated tract of land."
"The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state."
LegendThis is a great campground for families! Conveniently situated for skiing, climbing, hiking and leaf peeping. Amenities include; swimming pool, dog park, horseshoes, arcade, disc golf, basketball and more! They also have a propane fill station. As KOA’s go, you will pay for these amenities, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.
LegendThis is our go to spot for late Fall and Winter camping. Just a few hard core cold weather lovers. Close to the slopes and snow shoe/snow mobile trails. Bathrooms are closed during this time. The porta potties are clean.
LegendThis is our favorite campground on the Kanc. Lots of great hiking and scenic views. Close to Conway as well. Leaf peeping season will find you stuck in traffic. Recommend going afterwards. JJ closes for the season on October 12th.
TravelerThe campsites are very nice, but they are mostly made for tents or at biggest a van. There were only two spots that we could fit our school bus. About 35ft. We also have starlink so that’s a necessity to have clear sky view. The only campsite with this was the last campsite before the end of the road closes. Which was taken but they were gone in the morning we just moved down. Now it’s very secluded but the drive is very long down so plan for a couple days. You can stay up to 14 days. Road down is a little bumpy but our school bus made it through!
TravelerWe come to this campground every year to hike a few 4000+ mountains. Typically we come in the fall. There are several full hook up rv sites, some without sewer and several spots for RVs near the river. While the pizza shop (Celli's) is closed for renovations right now, we love their pizza and fries. The bathrooms are decent and there is hot water!
TravelerQuiet campground experience. Very cheerful staff member. Ice Cream shop is a bonus. We found a secluded spot without reservations. Monday evening. Some sites are tight for larger RVs but our Class B Camper Van fit fine.
GuideThis is one of our “go to” campgrounds when in NH. Super clean and good mountain biking.
ScoutPark is nestled in the woods with a lot of activities outdoors. Walking trails for people and dogs. Great laundry, bathrooms, office/store, cafe. The roads into the sites are tight but they guide you. We have a 30’ trailer and 20’ truck, I wouldn’t bring a trailer longer than 35’ in unless you are really good in tight spaces. Site 110 is a great pull thru.
GuideIt's a cute campground with a beach and boat dock. Laundry, pool, showers all available but I didn't use them.
The White Mountains offer numerous tent campsites around Jackson, New Hampshire, with options ranging from riverside spots to sheltered forest locations. Fourth Iron Campground provides walk-in tent sites along the Saco River, while Sawyer Pond features tent platforms and a lean-to shelter accessible via a moderate 1.5-mile hike. Nauman Tentsite, located along the Appalachian Trail, serves as a strategic basecamp for hikers exploring Mount Pierce and surrounding peaks in the Presidential Range.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require hikers to pack in all supplies, as amenities are limited. Several sites feature composting toilets or vault latrines, but potable water is rare outside of designated shelters like Hermit Lake. Bear boxes are provided at many locations including Nauman Tentsite and Imp Shelter, making food storage more convenient in this active black bear territory. Tent platforms at locations like Sawyer Pond protect the forest floor from damage and provide level sleeping surfaces. A visitor commented, "There are several established campsites in the Wilderness Area, most of which had shelters at one point that were taken down once it received the Wilderness designation."
The tent camping experience near Jackson offers exceptional access to mountain landscapes with varying degrees of solitude. Sites closest to trailheads like Sawyer Pond fill quickly during summer weekends, while more remote locations provide greater privacy. According to one camper, "It's a nice snowshoe hike in winter. I've ice-fished on the pond. Sites are first-come, first-serve with a tent platform and fire pit." Many tent campgrounds become especially peaceful in shoulder seasons when crowds thin and wildlife activity increases. Campers at Fourth Iron enjoy riverside swimming holes during warmer months, while winter tent campers experience deep solitude in the snow-covered landscape. Stream and pond access is common at many sites, offering both drinking water sources (with proper filtration) and places to cool off after hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jackson, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jackson, NH is Fourth Iron Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jackson, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Jackson, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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