Tent campsites near Bryant Pond, Maine offer unique backcountry experiences within Maine's western foothills region. Situated between the Mahoosuc Mountain Range and numerous lakes, this area sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet with summer temperatures typically between 65-80°F during the day. Seasonal road closures on Route 113 occur after snowfall, limiting access to many remote sites from late October through May.
What to do
Kayaking on Umbagog Lake: Paddle through the northern reaches of the region at Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park, where campers report excellent wildlife viewing. "You can kayak with Bald Eagles soaring over your head, swim in a crystal clear lake and enjoy a near wilderness camping experience," notes Rebecca A.
Hiking highwater trail: Near White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, access various trail networks connecting to scenic overlooks. One camper mentioned, "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."
Apple picking in autumn: The area has working orchards that sometimes offer camping during special events. "Make sure to check out some of the amazing hiking in the area if you stay here and don't forget to eat some apples," advises Asher K. about seasonal fruit harvesting opportunities.
What campers like
Natural site separation: Campers consistently praise the privacy between sites at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road. "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest," reports Amanda B.
Water accessibility: Many sites feature streams or brooks nearby. "The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream but if you are camping at any of the other sites, you don't have water flowing by," Rhonda H. notes about the Little Larry Road sites.
Remote island camping: For those willing to boat in, island sites offer exceptional seclusion. Jim H. explains about Umbagog Lake, "Sites are very clean and private the water is excellent for swimming. There is plenty of wildlife including loons, ospreys, eagles and other birds."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears are commonly reported throughout the region, particularly in specific areas. "Upper two top sites beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven," warns camper Kt about sites at Little Larry Road.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough," notes Dominique F. about the Hogan Road pulloff, adding it "Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake."
Water filtration requirements: Most backcountry sites lack potable water. "There is a water source a short distance down the trail and it flows decently well unless it's been exceptionally dry," explains Sarah C. about Imp Shelter on the Appalachian Trail.
Seasonal road access: Many forest roads become impassable during winter and spring. "Due to the large storms in October 2017, you cannot drive the road from the Upton, Maine side," notes a reviewer about access to remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Consider boat-accessible sites: The remote sites at Umbagog Lake State Park work well for families with adequate preparation. "This trip consisted of my family of five with three kids (ages 5-13), our dog, and friends. We put our boats in at the National Wildlife Refuge and paddled in on Bear Brook. The paddle was just around 2.5 miles and calm flat water. Just perfect for our kids," shares John L.
Pack all necessary supplies: No stores exist near most primitive sites. "We decided to canoe back which was easier without the weight of the food, ice and wood," explains Jim H. about managing supplies at remote Umbagog sites.
Look for flat camping spots: Some areas have uneven terrain that can challenge family setups. "There are several tent sites with cribbing, most of which appear to potentially flood in heavy rains so be thoughtful when selecting your site," advises Sarah C. about Blue Brook Tent Site.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Bryant Pond focuses on tent sites with few RV accommodations. Mac's Camping Area in Poland (about 40 miles south) offers electric and water hookups, with a reviewer noting they have "large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch."
Consider site access limitations: Roads to dispersed camping areas often have poor conditions for larger vehicles. Kevin H. mentions arriving at Little Larry Road sites "around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one."
Cell service for remote work: Working remotely can be challenging in most areas. "Just enough t-mobile/starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work," reports Kevin H. about connectivity at dispersed sites.
