This is a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond. You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway). We went in from 112 and came out the shorter trail on our last morning.
Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style. Each site also has a fire ring and there is plenty of dead and downed wood to have a nice(responsibly small) campfire without cutting down standing trees. There is a lot of damage in the surrounding area where folx have cut down trees to have fires. Sites are a little close together but the shelter is set off a good distance from the tent sites.
There is one bear hang located just in front of sites 3 and 4 that is large enough to accommodate food from multiple groups. You will need rope to hang your food, however a cable is provided. There are several raised smoldering toilets(3 listed on the area map, I only ventured to one of the). These are nicely constructed but it was evident that the site had been heavily used over the summer, as the toilet was quite full.
Water can be sourced from a small stream that flows from Sawyer Pond to Little Sawyer Pond adjacent to site 1. Be sure to treat all water taken from the pond/stream prior to consuming. The water in the pond is very warm, perhaps warmer than it should be.
The camping area has a number of established social trails and users should be aware of walking through other sites. Each site has a list of regulations and associated fines posted on the site number. Please follow the U.S. Forest Service rules and regulations to preserve this site from being used to death. It really is a beautiful spot and easily accessible, thus protecting and preserving it for others is even more difficult so please do your part and encourage others around you to do the same.
Due to the site’s popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location(beyond the posted Forest Protection Area). We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied. Do yourself a favor and arrive early!
