Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tent Platforms
Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. Free to use. Potable water is not available; campers must bring their own water supply.
Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions
Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…
Lincoln Woods Trail Closure
UPDATE: Lincoln Woods Trail will close beginning June 15th through November 2026 when when restoration work commences. See the Lincoln Woods Trailhead page for more information.
Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement
Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers in the Pemigewasset Wilderness must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, and toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant…
About
Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tent Platforms offers a classic New England backcountry camping experience at the scenic edge of Big Sawyer Pond. The site includes one three-sided wooden shelter that accommodates up to 6 people, along with six elevated tent platforms that each hold up to 8 campers. Two pit toilets serve the campsite. This is a primitive backcountry facility with no potable water, so all campers must pack in their own drinking water. The campsite is accessible via two routes: a shorter 1.5-mile hike from the end of Sawyer River Road, or a longer 4.5-mile trek from the Sawyer Pond Trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112). The shorter approach makes this an excellent option for beginner backpackers or those seeking a quick overnight wilderness experience. As a backcountry site in the White Mountain National Forest, standard Leave No Trace ethics apply. Campers must pack out all trash and should bring a bear canister for food storage. Group size is limited to 10 people. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at the campsite.
Directions
From the Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), take the Sawyer Pond Trail for 4.5 miles to the campsite. Alternatively, take Sawyer River Road to its end and hike 1.5 miles to reach the site.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 536-6100 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Sawyer Pond Shelter & Tentsite | |
| WMNF Camping & Cabins |
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