Fourth Iron Campground parking area, Hart's Location, NH

Introduction / Overview: Your Primitive Portal to the White Mountain Wilderness

For the seasoned New Hampshire camper who values seclusion, river access, and a true back-to-nature experience, Fourth Iron Campground—accessible via its discreet parking area in Hart's Location—represents a quintessential White Mountain getaway. This is not a large, developed facility; rather, it is a highly-sought-after, primitive tent camping experience managed by the White Mountain National Forest (WMNF).

Fourth Iron is distinguished by its small size, offering only 8 designated tent sites. Critically, these sites are "walk-in," meaning all gear must be carried in from the parking area, typically a short quarter-mile hike, across an active railway line. This design immediately filters out casual campers and creates a naturally secluded atmosphere, minimizing vehicle noise and maximizing tranquility. The reward for this small effort is a beautiful campsite nestled right alongside the clear, cold waters of the Saco River.

Local users often seek out Fourth Iron Campground for its idyllic setting. Reviews from past visitors frequently highlight the location as a "must stop for leaf peeping pictures" due to its stunning autumn colors and its unique vantage point, occasionally offering a glimpse of the classic Conway Scenic Railroad passing through the hills. This is pure New Hampshire wilderness—a peaceful, rustic, and natural escape that serves as an excellent, less-crowded alternative to the larger, drive-up campgrounds in the region. The camping here is ruggedly simple, focusing the entire experience on enjoying the beautiful surroundings, from the rocky riverbanks to the dense forest canopy.

Location and Accessibility: A Secluded Spot on the Scenic Corridor

Fourth Iron Campground is located in the scenic and historic community of Hart's Location, tucked deep within the mountains of Carroll County.

Address (Approximate Parking Area): 3MP2+28, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA

The site is found along the US Route 302 corridor between Bartlett and Crawford Notch. This region is famous for its dramatic mountain views and the deep-cut ravines of Crawford Notch State Park. The location of the campground’s parking area is notable for its proximity to major hiking opportunities and several waterfall trails.

Access to the destination is a defining feature of the experience. Visitors arrive at the roadside parking area, which functions as the gateway to the campground. From this parking area, the trail to the sites is a short, approximately quarter-mile walk. Campers must be prepared to park their vehicle and physically carry all gear to their site. An important safety note for all local users: the trail path crosses an active train track belonging to the Conway Scenic Railroad, requiring cautious awareness when moving gear between the car and the campsite. For day-users, the parking area also provides access to the Saco River for fishing, wading, and swimming (conditions permitting), making it a popular spot for a quick break and natural photo opportunities, even if not staying overnight.

Services Offered (The Essentials for Primitive Camping)

As a designated primitive campsite within the WMNF, Fourth Iron Campground offers only the most essential services, reinforcing its secluded and simple character:

Campsite Structure: Each of the 8 designated sites is equipped with a picnic table and a sturdy metal fire ring for cooking and campfires.
Food Storage: Crucially, each site provides a heavy-duty, bear-proof storage box. Given that this is active bear country, using these boxes for all food, trash, and scented items is mandatory for safety.
Toilet Facility: A clean composting toilet is provided for restroom needs, which aligns with the campground’s minimal-impact philosophy.
Water: There is no source of potable (drinking) water available on-site. Campers must pack in all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
Firewood: Campers must bring their own firewood or purchase it locally, following WMNF guidelines to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
Reservations: The campground operates strictly on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance reservations. A small nightly fee is charged, which is paid on-site via an established payment system monitored by Rangers.

Features / Highlights (True Wilderness and Scenic Beauty)

The value of Fourth Iron Campground lies in its unique natural and cultural features:

Secluded Walk-In Sites: The required short hike from the parking area ensures peace, quiet, and a sense of remoteness rarely found in drive-up campgrounds.
Saco River Access: The sites are located directly along the Saco River, offering multiple rocky beach areas for relaxing, wading, swimming, and fishing in the clear, cool mountain water.
Foliage and Rail Views: The location is a superb vantage point for experiencing the spectacular White Mountain fall foliage and has the added charm of the historic Conway Scenic Railroad passing nearby.
Proximity to Hiking: It is an ideal base for hikers, providing strategic access to trails and waterfall hikes within Crawford Notch State Park and the surrounding White Mountain National Forest.
Bear Safety Measures: The provision of bear boxes at every site demonstrates a commitment to wildlife safety and responsible camping practices, which is essential in this part of New Hampshire.
Intimate Scale: With only 8 sites, it offers a more intimate, less crowded environment compared to larger campgrounds on Route 302 or the Kancamagus Highway.

Contact Information

As Fourth Iron Campground is an unsupervised, first-come, first-served site within the White Mountain National Forest, general inquiries should be directed to the Saco Ranger District or the National Forest Supervisor’s office.

Address (Approximate Parking Area): 3MP2+28, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA

White Mountain National Forest Phone: (603) 536-6100 (For general forest conditions, bear reports, and area policies)

Note: No reservations are accepted via phone or online. Availability is determined only by driving to the parking area and checking the site status upon arrival.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Fourth Iron Campground is perfectly suited for the New Hampshire local who has graduated beyond typical, full-service camping and is seeking a genuinely primitive adventure. This location provides the essential escape that defines the Granite State’s outdoor heritage.

For locals, the first-come, first-served nature means that with a bit of luck and early planning, they can secure a riverside gem without being forced into long-term reservation windows. The requirement to walk in and be self-sufficient—packing in water and using the provided bear boxes—is an expected and respected part of the experience, ensuring a high quality of campers who value the pristine environment. When local residents are looking to truly disconnect, immerse themselves in the deep woods, and wake up to the sound of a mountain river, Fourth Iron Campground, accessed via its small, functional parking area, is an unparalleled, cherished, and authentic wilderness base camp in the heart of the White Mountains. It’s an irreplaceable spot for leaf peepers, hardcore hikers, and anyone seeking a dose of raw New Hampshire nature.