Best Tent Camping near Auburn, ME

Tent campsites near Auburn, Maine range from established campgrounds to more primitive walk-in locations scattered throughout the surrounding forests and lakeshores. Mac's Camping Area in Poland offers tent-specific sites with lake access and basic amenities, while Range Pond Campground provides a more developed camping experience with electric hookups and picnic tables. Western Maine Foothills, located about 20 miles northwest of Auburn, features more secluded walk-in tent sites for those seeking a quieter experience away from RVs and cabins.

Most tent campgrounds in the region provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Walk-in tent sites at Western Maine Foothills require campers to carry their gear a short distance from parking areas, offering greater privacy than drive-in options. Many locations permit fires but require campers to purchase firewood on-site to prevent the spread of invasive species. Seasonal access varies, with most tent campgrounds operating from May through mid-October. Campers should note that reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, as sites at popular locations like Mac's Camping Area can fill quickly.

Areas farther from Auburn provide deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. The walk-in tent sites at Webbs Mills Stead offer drinking water and trash disposal while maintaining a natural setting with minimal development. Tent platforms at some locations help keep sleeping areas dry during wet weather, particularly important in spring when snowmelt can create muddy conditions. According to one visitor at Tiny Cabins of Maine, "The tent camping amenities, including the pop-up toilet and sturdy wooden platform, were thoughtfully provided. The fire pit and picnic table were perfect for evening gatherings." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring nearby hiking trails, fishing spots, and paddling opportunities on the numerous lakes and ponds surrounding Auburn.

Best Tent Sites Near Auburn, Maine (19)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Auburn, ME

751 Reviews of 19 Auburn Campgrounds


  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2020

    White Birches Camping Park

    A little something for everyone

    This Camping Park has something for just about everyone. Whether you have an RV (small, medium or large), tent, are looking for a cabin or want a little more of a wilderness feel, this place has something to offer. 

    While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin River. Additionally, the campground has several nice cabins available as well.

    Let's start with the RV sites: there are a bunch! This campground also hosts many seasonal campers who have sites situated around the perimeter of both sides of the campground (split by Route 2). Seasonal campers have some pretty sweet set-ups for sure. The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs.

    Tent sites are well spaced and almost all of them are in the shade which is a huge bonus! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and nice level spot to pitch your tent. Bath houses are conveniently located throughout the campground and are well maintained. 

    The two walk-in tent sites are very secluded and offer fire rings, picnic tables, a bear box and one of the two sites has a wooden tent platform. The second site's tent platform is currently being built (July 2020) and should be at the site and ready for use soon. These sites sit right on the beautiful Androscoggin River, offering a serene backdrop for your camping adventure.

    The campground is situated in-between two large tracts of the White Mountain National Forest. Great hiking is available at the campground as well as a short drive away. If hiking is a hobby of yours, look no further! This is a great location to base yourself out of to get some solid miles under your belt. There is a campground office that has a small store as well as laundry facilities. They also offer an AT Hiker Hostel. They also have a nice heated swimming pool, playground and many other amenities. When there isn't a global health pandemic, they have a bouncy house for the kids. They often show movies on the lawn when the weather cooperates. They also rent kayaks and you can launch from the campground or they will shuttle you some place near by.

    It really is a campground with a little bit of everything! Owned by locals of the community who have run the place for over 25 years.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Hastings Campground

    Wonderful Fall Location

    This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available. 

    There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want. 

    While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Grafton Notch Campground

    Five years later, still five stars!

    General: Small (15-site) campground near Grafton Notch State Park (but not IN the park). No hookups. Not all will agree with me, but I am glad no generators are allowed.

    Site Quality: Sites are gravel, level, and have enough trees to afford privacy between sites. 

    Bath/Shower House: It is immaculately clean. Each gender has two stalls and one ADA-accessible shower. The shower has nice warm water and a great flow. There is also a very clean vault toilet. 

    Activities/Amenities: Horseshoes and cornhole in the lawn area in the center. Information on many local hikes. Rocky beach has tables where you can sit and relax. There are two dishwashing sinks, potable water, and a dump station. 

    What makes this campground shine is the owner, Mo. We’ve stayed in many campgrounds but hands down, Mo takes more pride in her campground than any other we’ve been in. Seasonal decorations, flower pots, and Mo is an on-site presence to answer questions, engage in conversation, and make sure the sites and all facilities are pristine. We stayed here five years ago and look forward to hopefully staying again in the future. About the only thing I can find fault with is the proximity to the road but even at that, road noise is minimal.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Desert of Maine Campground

    Aesthetically pleasing campground-- good for tent campers

    Desert of Maine campground is an excellent choice just 4-5 miles from the heart of Freeport at interstate exit # 22. This campground is well-imagined. Sites are close together, and some are small. There are 2 hike-in sites which are set apart. Wifi is provided throughout the campground and most sites have power. They must have studied "best practices" when designing this lovely campground. 

    I booked an extra night.

    This is an outdoor experience campground- not a wilderness adventure -- but perfect for young families…especially for those new to camping or those for whom a very sanitary classic bathroom is needed.Children find and entertain each other in the common area.

    Sites 19-27 face a shared square with excellent access to the modern and stylish bath house. Other sites have a somewhat further walk. Sites 17-27 are best for tents due to the configuration of the sites.. Tent sites # 2 & # 3 are short walk-in and very private, but lack easy access to the bath house. Almost all sites in this campground have shade and are under a beautiful canopy of old pine, maple and balsam.

    Site 24 is lovely & slightly set apart and cars are parked close by but not on the tent site. Site 27 is located down a steep slope and is very private but has difficult access. I would categorize site 27 as a hike-in site, but not # 24.  All sites are generally level and have been graded. Sites have scant privacy in front, but back up to forest. Sites 4, 6,17, 19, 23 & 26 have slightly more space but space is not the defining issue in this campground. RV's that are large should not try this campground. The maintenance is superb; and the thoughtful design of the overall campground is aesthetically pleasing. 

    This attractive campground is small-scale and personally managed. 

    Ice is available for purchase…as is wood. 

    Beware of speed trap on the 2 mile access road between the interstate & campground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Beach Camping Area

    Motorcycle camping

    Next to river and had a major flood this spring. I was tent camping on motorcycle and tent site are on dirt due to flood. Tent Site consists of picnic table. No water or sewer or electrical. $43 a night and bring quarters for shower. Clean restrooms and showers but I feel way over priced for what was offered. Should have looked for alternate.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    White Ledge Campground

    Rustic with road noise, but great location for hiking, climbing, exploring

    White Ledge Campground is in the White Mountain National Forest and should not be confused with nearby White Lake State Park. Located a few miles south of the Kancamagus and Conway, you have ready access to the Carter Ledge trail up Mt Chocurua or shorter loop trails. 

    The sites are generally large and wooded. Designated tent sites are not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps. Facilities include potable water and vault toilets. There are no hookups and no dump station. The lack of amenities contributes to the low fee of$20/night, though online reservation fees will add somewhat to that. If you want a shower, they are available at Jigger Johnson campground along the Kancamagus Hwy, about 20 minutes away.

    If you head up on a holiday weekend, get an early start or be ready for traffic. The loop for sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy.  Sites 2-5 are more open, larger, and suitable for RV or tent. Site 10 is a nicely wooded, level site for tent or RV. About half the sites are reservable. The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Wild River Wilderness Area

    Backcountry Wilderness Camping

    The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state. Route 113 (open seasonally late May/early June until the snow begins to fall) travels through the Evans Notch in the White Mountain National Forest and has multiple trail heads that enable you to access the Wild River Wilderness Area. This wilderness area is relatively new and is one of my favorites in the country.

    There are several established campsites in the Wilderness Area, most of which had shelters at one point that were taken down once it received the Wilderness designation. However, the areas are still established camping areas with tent cribbing and many have established fire rings and National Forest Service signage. I will try to add those camping areas and review them based on their names and not lump them into one review. 

    That being said, this particular review is focused on camping in the Wilderness outside of designated sites. In our household, we call this "bush crashing." In May of this year, the Dyrt magazine published a helpful article about this very thing and you can check it out here: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/lifestyle/free-camping-national-forests/

    There is plenty of "dispersed" (aka bush crashing) available in the Wild River Wilderness. Just keep in mind that some areas are not open to camping, mainly Forest Protection Areas that are generally located within a 1/4 mile from trail heads and established designated campsites. Otherwise, just find a spot 100-200 feet from water and the trail and you're golden. On this particular trip we parked at the Wild River Campground (fee required to park here) and headed into the woods via the Wild River Trail. Once you're in the wilderness area, keep your eyes pealed for any flat-ish spot up from the river and you won't be disappointed. 

    Just remember, dispersed camping can be a little bit of a shock if you're used to rolling up to an established and/or maintained camping area. It will not look like what you may expect, so don't be disheartened or deterred. You can still make a cozy home for the night. Be sure to bring a stove to cook one, as fires are not permitted outside of designated sites. Also be prepared to dispose of your solid human waste per Leave No Trace principles (back a WAG bag or trowel). There's a lot to explore and with the ability to camp just about anywhere you want, there's no need to worry about mileage or a camp site being full. The world is your oyster when you hone the art of bush crashing!

  • JustinTimePizza
    Jan. 19, 2022

    Blackberry Crossing

    BlackBerry Crossing and the rest of the Kanc is great!

    My wife, neice, sister inlaw and myself stay here for a week every summer. The Swift River and Lower Falls is great on a hot day! We tent camp in an Ez-up 10×10 and have anotther tent that hooks to the 10x20 awning. The hosts are a friendly couple with their dog peanut. The camp site is great for free standing tents that dont need to be tied down this is NH so the ground is all granite so stakes do not work unless you camp out in the field but if it rain you wilp get wet. We like the sites to the far right and then to the far back left. Drive safe children at play. they have Vaulted toilets no running water but there is a spigot pump to fill a jug. in 15-25mins you can drive down to several different river tubing places, restaurants, grocery stores, walmart in North Conway. Its 25 a night 5 bucks for additional car cant beat that anywhere respect the campsite its bear country so keep ur food and coolers in ur cars at night and respect quiet hours the forest needs sleep too. All and all one of my favor spots in NH

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2021

    Basin Campground

    Stunning Scenery & Swimming!

    Absolutely beautiful spot! This campground has a day use area with a boat launch and picnic area on the right as you drive in. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the water and it’s a great swim spot in the summer. The water is surrounded by beautiful cliffs with hiking opportunities readily available. The water is a short walk from all of the sites, some are obviously closer than others. 

    The sites are well spaced and quite large. I greatly appreciated the crushed rock vs. sandy soil especially given the amount of rain we got during our stay. The camp hosts were helpful and definitely out and about throughout the day. 

    Sites have fire rings and large picnic tables, as well as flat space to pitch a tent or two depending on the size. There was some variance in the size of the sites, some of which required walking up a few steps from the parking spot to the site. Not a big deal but helpful to know if negotiating stairs is an issue for you. 

    Fresh water spigots are spaced between sites and there is one bath house with flush toilets. Note: there is no soap or paper towels/hand dryer in the restroom. Be prepared and bring your own.


Guide to Auburn

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Auburn, Maine, where lush landscapes and serene waters create the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a private beach and boat launch at Mac's Camping Area, ideal for swimming and kayaking.
  • Explore the scenic trails and apple orchards around Boothby's Orchard, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
  • Experience the peaceful ambiance of Swans Falls Campground, where you can relax by the river and take part in canoeing.

Tips for tent camping near Auburn

  • Pack your essentials for a comfortable stay at Tiny Cabins of Maine, which offers amenities like picnic tables and fire pits.
  • Be prepared for a more rustic experience at Western Maine Foothills, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature without modern conveniences.
  • Bring your pets along to Hemlocks Campground, where furry friends are welcome to join in on the fun.

Campground amenities to enhance your stay

  • Take advantage of the electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities at Riverbend Campground for a more convenient camping experience.
  • Enjoy the well-maintained facilities at Saco Bound, which include showers and trash disposal for a hassle-free stay.
  • Experience the unique offerings at Webbs Mills Stead, where you can reserve a spot and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Auburn, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Auburn, ME is Mac's Camping Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Auburn, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Auburn, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.