Best Tent Camping near Kearsarge, NH
White Mountain National Forest surrounds Kearsarge, New Hampshire with numerous tent-only camping options ranging from established sites to remote backcountry locations. Fourth Iron Campground offers walk-in tent sites situated along the Saco River, with eight designated campsites accessible via a short quarter-mile trail from the parking area. Sawyer Pond provides primitive tent camping with six established sites and one shelter, accessible by either a 1.5-mile hike from NH Highway 302 or a longer 4.5-mile trek from the Kancamagus Highway. Both locations feature composting toilets and established fire rings, making them popular destinations for tent campers seeking natural settings with basic amenities.
Most tent campsites in the region require visitors to bring or filter their own water, as potable sources are limited. Tent platforms are common at backcountry sites like Guyot Shelter and Ethan Pond, providing level surfaces on otherwise uneven terrain. Bear boxes are available at many locations, though some sites require campers to hang food using provided cables or their own rope. Composting toilets are standard at established sites, but backcountry campers should be prepared with trowels for waste disposal in undeveloped areas. Seasonal considerations are important, as many higher-elevation sites remain snow-covered until late spring, and some access roads close during winter months.
According to one camper at Fourth Iron Campground, "Despite its proximity to the road, the campground is quiet. Sites are situated just off the Saco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches between the sites and river." Another visitor noted that Sawyer Pond's popularity often leads to full occupancy: "Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find all sites occupied." Tent campers frequently use these locations as bases for day hikes, with many sites strategically positioned near trail networks. The region's backcountry tent camping options provide varying levels of solitude depending on proximity to popular trails and season of visit.