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Best Tent Camping near Buxton, ME

839 Reviews

Tent campers near Buxton, Maine can choose from several established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers reservable tent sites with clean facilities and shade from tall pine trees. Swans Falls Campground in Fryeburg provides a more rustic tent camping experience with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.

Most tent sites in the Buxton area feature dirt or gravel pads situated among pine forests, providing natural shade and protection from summer heat. Walk-in tent sites are available at Huttopia Southern Maine and Webbs Mills Stead, while drive-in access is more common at larger established campgrounds. Potable water is available at most locations, though primitive sites may require campers to bring their own. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at developed tent campgrounds, with seasonal fire restrictions possible during dry periods. Reviews note that bathrooms and shower facilities at Sun Outdoors are "the cleanest I've seen camping."

Early summer offers the best tent camping conditions near Buxton, with moderate temperatures and fewer insects than later in the season. Sites positioned among tall pines provide welcome shade for tent campers, particularly important since many sites lack electrical hookups for fans. The proximity to Old Orchard Beach allows tent campers to combine woodland camping with day trips to coastal areas. Tent campers frequently mention the tranquility of sites set farther from RV areas. A reviewer noted that "sites are not too close, clean bathrooms, friendly service" at the Sun Outdoors location. Weekend reservations are recommended during summer months as the limited number of tent-only sites fill quickly at popular campgrounds.

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Best Tent Sites Near Buxton, Maine (21)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Buxton, ME

7 Photos of 21 Buxton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Buxton, ME

839 Reviews of 21 Buxton Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Paugus Brook Farm

    Great field camping at a great location

    I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River.

    The location is a great place to either explore the immediate area (Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake) or head further north to Conway and North Conway).

    The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area.

    The outhouse is brand new and super clean and right nearby, though there are no picnic tables and fires aren’t permitted due to area fire restrictions.

    Communication with the host was fast and helpful.

  • d
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Passaconaway Campground

    clean and convenient

    This is a first come campground, which means that you can't make a reservation in advance. I arrived on a Saturday in June a little after 9am and had not problem getting a site, the place was mostly empty at that time. In order to reserve the site you must find an empty site, and leave something there (ie: your tent) to signify to others that the site is taken, then you need to pay in the little envelope at the front gate.

    I had site 11, which is in the smaller of the two loops, close to both the bathroom (outhouse) and water spigot. Since I was only staying for one night, I liked being close to these. It was a bit buggy in the morning setting up my tent, and also making dinner. Once the sun went down the mosquitos settled and it was fin.

    There is no camp store or anything here, so make sure to by your firewood or anything you need on your way through town and bring it with you. Also the ground here is quite packed down and hard, so make sure to be prepared with a good sleeping pad. sites do have a picnic table and fire ring.

    Over all this was a great campground, and very convenient to hike hedgehog and/or potash in the morning directly across the street, or numerous other great hiking trails along 112.

  • 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.

  • Matthew D.
    Jul. 3, 2018

    Jigger Johnson Campground

    Simple Campground

    Stayed for an overnight trip. Site #47. Drive in, pick an open camp spot and pay for the nights by the front board. Clean area, some more open and several with in walking distance of the river. Picnic table with fire ring. Bath rooms were clean, didn’t use the showers but they do offer them. Three host locations for questions. Trails leading off in different directions.

    Some sites have more privacy. The inside locations had more of the trees cut down directly around them. No noise problems at night or in the morning. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a campground.

  • Heather P.
    Jul. 2, 2018

    White Lake State Park Campground

    Pristine clear lake with view of white mountains

    Primitive large campsites, no hookups...no water, no cable, no electric. Clean bathrooms and pay showers. Been camping here for over 30 years..in a tent originally and now a 30 ft trailer..been to many campgrounds with lots of amenities and activities and our kids would rather be here than anywhere else. Now our children will bring their children here, it feels like our second home.

  • Kirsten J.
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Passaconaway Campground

    Great trees, quiet campground!

    Passaconaway is a smaller campground, having only 33 sites.  Interestingly enough, sites 1- 4 are walk-in sites, so there is a community parking area and then you walk to your site.  Each site has a picnic table and firepit , spigots are located throughout the campground and site 21 has your firewood for sale ($8 per bundle).  No cell service...AT ALL.  

    We liked this campground because it was close to the Sugar Hill scenic view and it has MANY old mature trees.  There were also quite a mix of campers.  Tent campers, a few RV's, hammocks and several rooftop tents were in our loop.  There was no shower :( but with the proximity to great hiking, we could rinse off in the creek!

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Squam Lakes Association

    Boat in & Hike In Camping Along Squam Lake

    Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.

    We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.

    The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.

Guide to Buxton

Tent camping near Buxton, Maine offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly environment or a peaceful retreat, there are several options to explore.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out these features

  • Huttopia Southern Maine allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along.
  • Enjoy the convenience of reservable sites at Mac's Camping Area, ensuring you have a spot waiting for you upon arrival.
  • Experience the charm of a well-reviewed campground with a market and firewood available at Huttopia Southern Maine, perfect for those cozy campfire evenings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buxton, ME is Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Buxton, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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