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Best Tent Camping near Buckfield, ME

758 Reviews

Tent campsites near Buckfield, Maine range from established campgrounds to dispersed wilderness sites, with options scattered throughout the surrounding forests and along waterways. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers tent-specific sites in a forested setting with primitive amenities, while Western Maine Foothills provides walk-in tent sites with firewood available. Both areas feature tent pads in natural settings within driving distance of Buckfield's town center.

Tent sites in this region generally provide basic amenities focused on primitive camping experiences. Fire rings are common at established sites, though some dispersed areas may restrict fires depending on seasonal conditions. Most tent campgrounds require campers to bring their own water or filter from nearby streams, as drinking water is limited. One camper shared that "sites are spread out so you are not on top of each other" at White Mountains Camping, with approximately eight distinct tent sites available along the dirt road. Walk-in tent areas typically feature flat spots for tent setup but lack facilities beyond basic fire pits.

The tent camping experience near Buckfield offers genuine wilderness immersion with varying levels of privacy. Areas along Little Larry Road provide secluded tent camping with stream access for water filtering and washing. As noted in feedback on The Dyrt, "It is very quiet except for the occasional loud motorcycle that you might hear down on the main road." Tent sites at higher elevations often provide cooler temperatures during summer months. Many backcountry tent sites serve as convenient basecamps for day hiking on nearby trails, with some areas offering swimming opportunities in adjacent rivers or ponds. Bear activity has been reported at some tent campsites, particularly at higher elevations, requiring proper food storage techniques when tent camping overnight.

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Best Tent Sites Near Buckfield, Maine (26)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Buckfield, ME

17 Photos of 26 Buckfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Buckfield, ME

758 Reviews of 26 Buckfield 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
    Jul. 31, 2017

    Dolly Copp Campground

    Just on the edge of town

    This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel. While this is a relatively large campground, a significant portion of it is under construction currently (Summer 2017).

    There are several loops of sites here but each site is spacious and wooded, with lot's of shade. There are flush toilets (no showers) and water spigots throughout the campground. Some sites do experience a bit of foot traffic if they are on the way to one of the restrooms.

    There is a small welcome/registration building where you stop to register on your way in. Be careful driving through the campground, the roads are in rough shape due to the construction.

    Sites have very clean fire pits, picnic tables and plenty of space for pitching a tent or two. There are several sites here that cater more to RVs but many of the sites are very tent friendly (soft, non-gravel real estate). Sites are $22/night and $5 for each additional vehicle.

    This is a popular spot with lot's of amazing hiking in the vicinity so reserve early!

  • 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!

  • David S.
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Valley Way Tentsite

    Raised dirt tentsites w/ fire rings, composting toilet, bear box

    I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites "easy" as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area. The land is steeply sloped here but there are six level dirt pads as indicated on the map, each of which could probably accommodate two 2-person tents. There is a suspended cable for hanging food, and a locking bear box as well. The composting toilet is in a large shed with a clear roof, making it very well lit inside.

    I had a few bars of service from Verizon service. It was sufficient for texting, but I did not test speed or voice.

Guide to Buckfield

Tent campsites near Buckfield, Maine often feature elevation changes of 300-600 feet across forested terrain with predominantly pine and maple coverage. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with frequent overnight temperature drops. Most dispersed sites in this region experience heavy spring runoff from April through early June, making late summer the most accessible period for tent camping.

What to do

Hiking at Blue Brook: Blue Brook Tent Site offers multiple day hiking opportunities on surrounding trails. "There are several tent sites with cribbing, most of which appear to potentially flood in heavy rains so be thoughtful when selecting your site," notes camper Sarah C., who recommends the half-mile hike to viewpoints near Rim Junction.

Apple orchard camping: Boothby's Orchard provides seasonal tent sites during harvest season. "Make sure to check out some of the amazing hiking in the area if you stay here and dont forget to eat some apples," advises Asher K., who stayed during an orchard event.

Water activities: Mac's Camping Area provides "large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch," according to Jake C. The campground maintains 30 sites with direct water access for swimming, kayaking, and fishing during warmer months.

What campers like

Seclusion and spacing: The dispersed camping areas provide substantial privacy between sites. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Amanda B. notes, "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart."

Water sources: Multiple tent sites feature stream access for practical needs. Jason R. mentions that at White Mountains Camping, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."

Cellular connectivity: Unlike many wilderness areas, some Buckfield region campsites maintain usable signal. Robert B. reports having "a cell signal that gave data with a weboost" at his site, while Kevin H. found "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message" at Little Larry Road.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Buckfield provide minimal amenities. "There is a fire pit but no other amenities," explains Rhonda H. about White Mountains Camping, adding that water access varies by site location: "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."

Seasonal availability: Saco Bound campground operates seasonally and "Gets busy in the summer" according to Brian P., requiring advance planning during peak periods. Range Pond Campground operates from April 15 to October 15, closing completely during winter months.

Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at several campsites. One camper warns specifically about the upper sites at White Mountains Camping: "Upper two top sites beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven."

Tips for camping with families

Flat terrain selection: When tent camping with children, prioritize level sites. "Great flat sites except top two," advises camper Kt about White Mountains Camping, suggesting families avoid the uppermost sites that have more challenging terrain.

Site spacing considerations: Families benefit from the layout at Riverbend Campground, where Mike M. describes the area as "Just a beautiful, wild spot" with adequate space between campsites for children to explore without disturbing neighbors.

Table access: Multiple campers note the lack of tables at primitive sites. Amanda B. specifically mentioned, "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on," suggesting families pack portable tables when camping at dispersed sites near Buckfield.

Tips from RVers

Site access limitations: Most dispersed camping areas near Buckfield have restricted vehicle access. Kevin H. notes arriving "around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots" at White Mountains Camping, but recommends smaller rigs as the dirt road narrows considerably at higher elevations.

Alternative parking options: For RVers wanting to access tent sites, Western Maine Foothills provides walk-in tent accommodations with parking areas for larger vehicles at the entrance. The campground maintains 12 designated sites with firewood available for purchase.

Signal considerations: RVers needing connectivity should choose sites strategically. One camper shares that "site 4 and 5 get some cell service" at White Mountains Camping, while others report needing to drive to "the White Mountain National Forest Picnic area off the main road about 5 minutes away" for reliable signal for remote work requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buckfield, ME is Boothby's Orchard with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Buckfield, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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