Fourth Iron Campground

Star4.54
44 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

879 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Maintained Spring th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Fourth Iron Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$15/night during open season. No fee in off-season.
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 44 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingwater

"Reviews of Fourth Iron Campground are mixed, with some campers praising the natural beauty, clean water, and spacious campsites, while others raise concerns about cleanliness and safety issues. The campground's remote and 'primitive' nature is both a highlight and a challenge for visitors."

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Campground Map

Fourth Iron Campground

44.0841, -71.3443

Driving directionsCampground is 4 miles west of Bartlett, NH, on Route 302.
The campground is accessible via Route 302, but users must note that it is a walk-in tent site.

Best Time to Camp at Fourth Iron Campground

From the vibrant awakening of spring through the golden days of early autumn, Fourth Iron welcomes campers with pleasant temperatures and gentle mountain breezes. While winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, the campground's seasonal operation ensures visitors enjoy the most comfortable conditions. Spring and fall occasionally bring dramatic mountain weather, with misty mornings giving way to brilliant afternoons and the possibility of refreshing rain showers that enhance the forest's earthy fragrances.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 20% in NH

Summer reviews highlight swimming and hiking; maintained and busiest season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through early fall; pleasant temperatures and likely good fall foliage.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in NH

Open in spring with pleasant temperatures; described as welcoming from spring onward.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground maintained spring–early fall; winter is off-season/closed.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Maintained Spring through early Fall.

About Fourth Iron Campground

Nestled where the pristine Sawyer and Saco Rivers meet, Fourth Iron Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This charming walk-in tent camping area within the majestic White Mountain National Forest provides a perfect escape from the modern world, with just enough amenities to ensure comfort while preserving the wilderness experience that draws adventurers to these ancient mountains.
Fourth Iron Campground is designed for walk-in tent camping and offers a highly natural, primitive camping experience.
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Activities you can enjoy

Fourth Iron Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities primarily centered around the natural surroundings of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers. Swimming and hiking are popular among visitors, with clean water and nearby trails frequently mentioned in reviews. Boating, biking, fishing, and other water sports are not explicitly noted as activities available at this site.
HikingOne user review mentions 'great hikes nearby,' but no specific trails, distances, or difficulty levels are provided.
SwimmingMultiple user reviews highlight the 'swimming area on the river,' described as an excellent spot with 'ultra clean water' and 'sunrise mountain views.'
Beach activitiesThe campground includes access to a 'Saco River beach,' which users describe as a positive feature.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Be careful with food. There are black bears," and concerns about needles reported by one user indicate wildlife and sanitation hazards.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Fourth Iron Campground

Reviews

4.5
44 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Fourth Iron Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Fourth Iron Campground are mixed, with some campers praising the natural beauty, clean water, and spacious campsites, while others raise concerns about cleanliness and safety issues. The campground's remote and 'primitive' nature is both a highlight and a challenge for visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the 'beautiful spot' for camping, with 'big and far away' sites, a clean swimming area, and proximity to hiking trails. One user described the water as 'ultra clean with a...
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Based on 44 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with safety and cleanliness, such as reports of 'heroine needles everywhere' and concerns about the latrine door not locking. One camper mentioned black bears in the area,...
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Based on 44 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User tips include preparing to carry gear a '1/3 mile in,' bringing water since potable water is unavailable, and 'being careful with food' due to black bears.
Based on 44 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is maintained from spring through early fall, with no fees in the off-season. Summer reviews highlight the swimming area and hiking opportunities, while one winter review mentions the...
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Based on 44 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Ultra clean water with a sunrise mountain view. Good camping to boot!' - Thibault Trubert 2. 'It is a beautiful spot, the sites seem big and far away from each other.' - Laura Maroon 3. 'Gotta...
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Based on 44 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user stated, 'Only 8 sites. No crowds,' emphasizing the small capacity of the campground. No specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 44 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 44 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mention policies or experiences regarding pets.
Based on 44 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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