Fourth Iron Campground

- Crawford Notch Rd, Hart's Location, NH 03812

Introduction / Overview

For the New Hampshire local who considers a successful camping trip one that requires effort, preparation, and a genuine connection to the rugged White Mountain wilderness, Fourth Iron Campground is a prized, albeit rustic, destination. Located in Hart's Location, this site is not a typical drive-up campground; it is an authentic, primitive, walk-in tenting area designed for those who embrace a minimalist approach to the outdoors. It sits at the scenic confluence of the Saco and Sawyer Rivers, offering a serene, secluded experience along the riverbanks.

Fourth Iron is best described as a rustic, backcountry-style experience with basic necessities. Users consistently note that the journey to the site—a walk of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 miles over rough terrain—weeds out those seeking comfort, leaving the space for serious outdoor enthusiasts. This necessity to "hike in" with all gear, including water, creates a peaceful atmosphere that is far removed from the hustle of developed campgrounds. There are a small number of designated sites, each featuring a picnic table and a fire pit, allowing for traditional camp cooking and relaxation. It is essential for visitors to understand that this location prioritizes the wilderness experience, which means amenities are limited to what is absolutely necessary for safe, responsible camping.

Locals appreciate Fourth Iron precisely for its "off the beaten path" nature. It is a place where you can genuinely disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the White Mountain National Forest, which is why it remains a gem among experienced New England campers.

Location and Accessibility

Fourth Iron Campground is situated off Crawford Notch Road in Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA, along Highway 302. Its key geographical feature is its location right by the Saco River, where it meets the Sawyer River.

Crucially, this is a walk-in campground. Accessibility involves a short but challenging trek from the parking area. Customers indicate that the hike to the campsites is roughly 6 to 7 minutes (about 0.3 miles, or a quarter-mile) over "rough terrain." This means guests must be prepared to carry all their equipment—tents, sleeping gear, food, and all necessary water—over the trail. As one reviewer warns, "Anything with wheels will fail you." This walk-in requirement is a self-selecting barrier that ensures the campground maintains a quiet, secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for backpackers and tent campers who are ready to put in the physical effort for an unspoiled setting.

Additionally, accessing the camping area often requires crossing active train tracks from the parking area, a unique element of the location. While the occasional passing train may be heard, the short hike typically buffers the road noise from Highway 302, allowing for a more peaceful experience than many roadside campgrounds offer.

Services Offered

Given its designation as a primitive, walk-in site, Fourth Iron Campground offers only the most essential services to facilitate responsible camping in a true wilderness environment:

• Designated Campsites: A small number of walk-in tent sites are available, often operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Campsite Amenities: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit (or fire ring) for cooking and warmth.
• Waste Disposal: A primitive outhouse or composting toilet is available on-site for waste. Users should manage expectations regarding restroom quality, as it is noted by users to be an "stinky outhouse" with basic supplies.
• Bear Protection: Sturdy, communal bear vaults (bear boxes) are provided to securely store food, toiletries, and any scented items. This is a critical safety feature due to the known presence of wildlife, including bears, in the area.
• River Access: Excellent, direct access to the Saco River for dipping, swimming, and wading, offering a natural and refreshing way to cool off.
• Water: Guests must plan to bring and carry in all their own potable water, as there is no drinking water source provided on-site.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Fourth Iron Campground are centered on its rustic nature and its connection to the surrounding White Mountain wilderness:

• True Seclusion: The mandatory walk-in access ensures a significant degree of privacy and quiet, as it limits traffic and filters out campers seeking easy car-side setups, creating a deep sense of removal from modern life.
• Riverside Confluence: The unique positioning at the confluence of the Saco and Sawyer Rivers provides beautiful scenery and multiple spots for river interaction. The shoreline, though rocky and steep, is perfect for a cool dip.
• Bear Country Responsibility: The provision and strict requirement to use bear vaults underscore the genuine wilderness setting, offering a hands-on lesson in responsible food storage and wildlife management that experienced campers appreciate.
• Primitive Tenting Focus: This is a dedicated tent-camping locale. Unlike mixed-use campgrounds, it caters specifically to tenters, preserving the atmosphere for those who prefer ground sleeping and a traditional setup.
• Gateway to Hiking: Located in the Crawford Notch area, the campground serves as an excellent, isolated jumping-off point for more strenuous local hiking, including nearby waterfall trails and access to the vast trail network of the White Mountain National Forest.

Contact Information

Given the primitive nature and likely management by the US Forest Service or a similar entity within the White Mountain National Forest, the provided contact information serves as a general inquiry line for the managing district. Specific details regarding reservations (which may be first-come, first-served), pricing, or operational status should be confirmed via this number.

Address: Crawford Notch Rd, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA

Office Phone: (603) 536-6100 (General Forest Service/District Information)

Mobile Phone: +1 603-536-6100 (General Forest Service/District Information)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Fourth Iron Campground is exceptionally suitable for New Hampshire locals who are not just looking for a place to sleep outside, but are seeking a genuine, challenging, and highly rewarding primitive camping experience. This is not the spot for first-timers or those with small children requiring constant access to amenities—as noted by local reviewers—but it is an ideal location for the seasoned Granite State backpacker, survivalist, or minimalist camper.

Locals understand that the inherent difficulties—the walk-in requirement, the lack of potable water, and the very basic sanitation facilities—are the trade-off for solitude and uncrowded access to the Saco River. It is a place to test one’s gear, practice true self-sufficiency, and enjoy a riverfront site that feels truly earned. The presence of wildlife, including coyotes and bears, is a reminder that this is an immersive White Mountain experience, not a resort. For those who know how to camp safely in bear country and are prepared to pack in and pack out everything, Fourth Iron Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to escape the crowds and find a deep, rustic peace right here in their own New Hampshire backyard.

Fourth Iron Campground

Crawford Notch Rd, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA