Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tent Platforms

Open — Open year-round, first-come, first-served with no reservations. Sawyer River Road remains closed to vehicles due to storm damage from December 2023, requiring hikers to park at the gate on Route 302 and walk the additional road distance. Alternate access via Kancamagus Highway requires fording the Swift River.

About

Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tent Platforms is a backcountry campsite nestled at the edge of Big Sawyer Pond within the Sawyer Pond Scenic Area of White Mountain National Forest. The site features one shelter that sleeps 6 people and 6 tent platforms, each accommodating up to 8 people. This is one of the few remaining shelters in the White Mountain National Forest and is maintained in good condition with scenic pond views. The campsite can be accessed via two routes. The shorter and easier approach is 1.5 miles from the end of Sawyer River Road with only 350 feet of elevation gain, making it ideal for beginner backpackers. However, Sawyer River Road has been closed to vehicle traffic since December 2023 due to storm damage, requiring hikers to walk additional miles from the gate on Route 302. The alternate route from the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112) via Sawyer Pond Trail is 4.5 miles and requires fording the Swift River, with water levels varying by season. Each tent platform has a fire ring, and the campsite includes 2 pit toilets. The pond itself offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Water must be filtered from the pond as no potable water is available. This free, first-come, first-served campsite is accessible year-round, though winter access is more challenging and typically used by snowmobilers and experienced winter hikers.

Directions

From Kancamagus Highway (Route 112): Access via Sawyer Pond Trailhead, 4.5 miles to campsite, requires fording Swift River. From Route 302: Sawyer River Road is closed to vehicles; park at gate and hike road plus 1.5 miles on trail to reach campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds