How much does camping cost at Fourth Iron Campground?

Camping fees at Fourth Iron Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Fourth Iron Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fourth Iron Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-up availability is the default option for this campground as reservations are not mentioned.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fourth Iron Campground before I book?

Yes! Fourth Iron Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground is open Maintained Spring through early Fall.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Fourth Iron Campground have?

Fourth Iron Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Fourth Iron Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Fourth Iron Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Fourth Iron Campground?

Fourth Iron Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fourth Iron Campground?

Popular activities at Fourth Iron Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fourth Iron Campground

4.27

44 reviews

Top 15% in NHSummer

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Hampshire Hidden Gem Campgrounds New Hampshire Swimming Camping New Hampshire +7 more

Quick Facts

879 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Maintained Spring th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

879 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Maintained Spring th...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Fourth Iron Campground

44.0841, -71.3443

Weather at Fourth Iron Campground

Best Time to Camp at Fourth Iron Campground

Summer brings the best conditions: highs in the upper 60s to mid-80s, cool nights in the 40s-50s, and rivers warm enough for comfortable swimming. Trail access is most reliable then. Spring and fall see cooler temps and less predictable weather. The campground operates seasonally, closing for winter.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in NH

Summer is best: warm rivers for swimming, reliable trail access, and positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Maintained Spring through early Fall.

About Fourth Iron Campground

Fourth Iron Campground offers 8 walk-in tent sites where the Sawyer and Saco Rivers converge in White Mountain National Forest. The 1/3-mile carry-in keeps crowds thin, even on summer weekends. Sites run $15 per night. No potable water, no reservations, and reviews mention safety concerns alongside praise for seclusion.

Fourth Iron Campground is designed for walk-in tent camping and offers a highly natural, primitive camping experience.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: highs in the upper 60s to mid-80s, cool nights in the 40s-50s, and rivers warm enough for comfortable swimming. Trail access is most reliable then. Spring and fall see cooler temps and less predictable weather. The campground operates seasonally, closing for winter.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 879 feet elevation where two mountain rivers meet, creating clean swimming pools and constant water noise. Reviewers describe the water as ultra-clean with sunrise mountain views. Forest cover provides shade over spacious sites. The remote location means black bears are active, so careful food storage matters here.

Geological RegionPositioned at the dramatic meeting point of the Sawyer and Saco Rivers, Fourth Iron Campground sits within the embrace of the White Mountain National Forest's diverse ecosystem. This unique geological location, where two mountain waterways converge, has created a landscape rich in both scenic beauty and ecological significance, offering campers an intimate connection with one of New England's most treasured natural environments.

Scenic ViewsSome user reviews highlight sunrise mountain views and clean river waters.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging such as cabins or a lodge is mentioned for Fourth Iron Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Null

Groups

No group camping accommodations are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe walk-in layout spreads sites out, but some require walking through others to reach. The latrine lacks a locking door, which several reviewers flagged as a problem.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is the default option for this campground as reservations are not mentioned.

AccessibilityNo details about accessibility features are provided.

Site SizeUser reviews indicate the campsites are 'big,' but specific dimensions are not available.

PrivacyOne review notes that the sites seem 'big and far away from each other,' suggesting good privacy between sites.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesCarrying gear for 1/3 mile into the sites is a factor for consideration.

Best CampsitesWith only 8 sites total, competition for specific spots is low. Reviews note sites feel big and far apart, offering good privacy for a small campground.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Swimming

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

44 reviews

Satisfactory

Fourth Iron Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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...

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,...

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

River swimmers and solitude-seekers who pack in their own water will find the payoff worth the 1/3-mile carry. The river swimming area gets consistent praise for clean water, and with only 8 sites the place rarely feels crowded, even on summer weekends.

Skip if

Reports of discarded needles near the site are a documented concern, and the unlocked latrine door bothers many visitors. Families with kids or anyone who needs basic sanitation confidence should weigh those reports carefully before committing.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite

White Mountain National Forest

Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite sits at the edge of Big Sawyer Pond, 1.5 miles from Sawyer River Road at 2,014 feet elevation. The site has one shelter that sleeps six and six tent platforms, each holding up to eight people. Scout troops and beginner backpackers use this spot for short overnight trips.