Go if
First-time backpackers or Scout troops doing an easy overnight: the 1.5-mile approach from Sawyer River Road is flat enough for beginners, the shelter sleeps six, and fall weekends at 2,014 ft are cool, bug-free, and genuinely scenic.
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
Price
Free
Booking
Walk-in Only
Sites
7 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Check Policy
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans
256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account
Learn more about alerts →Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite
44.0496, -71.3802
First-time backpackers or Scout troops doing an easy overnight: the 1.5-mile approach from Sawyer River Road is flat enough for beginners, the shelter sleeps six, and fall weekends at 2,014 ft are cool, bug-free, and genuinely scenic.
No toilets, no treated water, and no reservations mean you pack a filter and show up hoping the shelter and six tent platforms aren't already claimed on a peak foliage weekend.
Reference information about Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>With one shelter (sleeps 6) and 6 tent platforms (max 8 people per site) located at the edge of Big Sawyer Pond, this campsite is perfect for the beginner backpacker, or camper who can only hike in a short distance. Only 1.5 miles from the end of Sawyer River Road, and 4.5 miles from the Kancamagus Hwy (Rt 112). Sawyer Pond Campsite has 2 toilets.</p>
Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.
Fall works best here. Foliage peaks around the pond create vivid reflections, daytime temperatures reach the 40s and 50s, and nights drop into the 20s and 30s. Bugs are gone by then. Trails dry out after summer. Peak color weekends get busier. Winter conditions at this elevation can be harsh, and spring brings mud and blackflies typical of New Hampshire backcountry.
Fall is best: foliage peaks, vivid reflections, mild daytime temps and cool nights.
Restrooms are not available at this site. Water Potable water is not available at this site.
Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.
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.
Rate Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite
Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.
Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.
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.