The White Mountains surrounding Madison, New Hampshire offer tent camping experiences at elevations ranging from 800 to over 4,000 feet. Campsites vary from riverside locations along the Saco River to remote mountain shelters accessible only by hiking trails. Winter camping options remain available year-round at several sites where temperatures can drop below 0°F, requiring specialized equipment.
What to do
Hiking to mountain shelters: For experienced hikers, Guyot Shelter offers access to spectacular peaks. "We got to the site, claimed our platform and hiked over to West Bond to catch a beautiful sunset," notes Hollie G., highlighting the shelter's 4,360-foot elevation and proximity to scenic vistas.
Riverside activities: The Saco River provides swimming and paddling opportunities at Fourth Iron Campground. "The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day," reports Sarah C., adding details about the multiple rocky beaches between campsites and the river.
Seasonal waterfall exploration: Winter camping presents unique opportunities. Ryan M. describes his experience at Ethan Pond Shelter: "Only stayed at the shelter. It was late march with over 4' of snow still on the ground... Super quiet. No human noise." The trail also features a waterfall spur trail worth exploring during warmer months.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded sites: Many tent campers near Madison appreciate the solitude. At Sawyer Pond, Hunter P. reports: "I visited this campsite 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," noting that the campground had been completely full the previous night.
Star-gazing opportunities: Sites away from light pollution offer exceptional night skies. "I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!" shares Erin H. about her experience at Sawyer Pond.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite remote locations, many sites feature basic amenities. "There is a composting Clivus toilet that was quite clean and stocked with toilet paper," notes Sarah C. about Fourth Iron Campground, adding that sites include picnic tables and fire rings.
What you should know
Water availability: Most sites require water treatment. At Fourth Iron Campground, Jean C. advises: "Bring your own water or something to filter/treat it," noting that river access depends on seasonal water levels.
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds require hiking in. "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," explains Hunter P. about Paugus Brook Farm.
Fire regulations: Rules vary significantly by location. Justin P. notes that at Paugus Brook Farm, "fires aren't permitted due to area fire restrictions," though many other sites do allow fires with proper precautions.
Bear safety equipment: Food storage is critical. Sarah C. explains that at Rogers Ledge, "The sites are nicely dispersed and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service," adding that campers should "glance up before you decide where to pitch your tent for the evening" due to dead trees.
Tips for camping with families
Choose beginner-friendly trails: Jean C. recommends Sawyer Pond for families: "Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly," mentioning that the road may be closed during mud season.
Pack-in preparation: For sites requiring hiking, plan carefully. About Fourth Iron Campground, Sarah C. suggests: "I would suggest packing in a manner that allows you to get your things from your car to the site easily and with the fewest trips possible."
Weather considerations: Shoulder seasons bring variable conditions. Jen O. warns about Ethan Pond Shelter: "Pond can be pretty buggy with black flies, particularly in June, but that's to be expected," though she notes the "beautiful sunset over the pond" makes up for it.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping dominates in the White Mountains region near Madison, with few designated RV sites. For those with small vans, some parking areas can accommodate overnight stays, but most campgrounds mentioned require tent setups.
Consider nearby alternatives: For RVers wanting to access the region, look for established campgrounds with hookups in Conway or Gorham, then day trip to hiking trailheads. The dispersed tent camping options featured here generally cannot accommodate recreational vehicles due to access limitations and site designs.
