Best Tent Camping near Byron, ME

Several established tent campgrounds and remote sites surround Byron, Maine, situated in the western mountains region near Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness provides secluded tent sites accessible by canoe or short hikes, while Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground offers both developed tent campsites and more primitive wilderness options. Smudge Cove, Eagle Cove, and Raven provide dispersed tent camping opportunities along the Forest Legacy Trail, managed by Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust.

Most tent sites feature established fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The remote sites at Stephen Phillips require campers to transport their gear via canoe or by foot, with mainland sites located just a few hundred feet from parking areas. Dispersed tent camping areas like Eagle Cove and Raven lack drinking water and showers, requiring tent campers to pack in all necessary supplies. At Smudge Cove, one camper noted that "the site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload." Many backcountry tent sites feature tent platforms, though some need repair, and toilets range from vault toilets to primitive pit facilities.

In early summer, tent campers can enjoy exceptional privacy at many sites, particularly those requiring boat access. Remote tent campsites on Umbagog Lake provide truly secluded experiences with minimal neighbor visibility. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The remote campsites at the northern end of Umbagog Lake are wonderful... While there were plenty of eagles, loons, and fish, we only saw two other boats the entire weekend." Tent-only camping areas frequently serve as bases for paddling excursions on Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Cupsuptic Lake. Waterfront tent sites offer excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, with common sightings including loons, ospreys, eagles, and occasionally moose. Bug activity can be intense, especially in July, so tent campers should come prepared with appropriate protection, particularly for sites with limited breeze.

Best Tent Sites Near Byron, Maine (40)

    1. Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-2003

    "It's a rare treat to be in a location where sight and sound of others are absent. While a few sites might have a neighbor in view, most offer exceptional privacy."

    "Can rent canoes to take out to the sites on islands and across the lake. There are water refills at the office available

    Farrington island is my favorite spot. There are 2 sites."

    2. Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park

    6 Reviews
    Errol, NH
    21 miles
    +1 (603) 482-7795

    $40 / night

    "Be aware: the main campground (on the mainland) is closed for the 2017 season for renovations. However, backcountry sites are open for the 2017 season.

    I love coming here!"

    "The remote campsites have pit toilets in an outhouse, fire pits with heavy gril and picknick table w extension for camp stove. There are tent platforms."

    3. Cupsuptic Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-5249

    "There are cabanas and swings next to the water. Moose come right through the campground at night. it’s amazing."

    4. Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-5249

    "Very nice being several miles out on logging roads away from any towns or noise.

    Incredibly buggy. Site was advertise as next to the river, but had to walk through heavy vegetation to even see it."

    "It's a nice place on the lake. Nice beach with little seating coves along the waters edge, offers a little privacy. There is a tiny marina, docks for small boats. There are a lot of seasonal campers."

    5. Smudge Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    21 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another."

    6. Eagle Cove

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    19 miles
    Website

    7. Stealth Site

    2 Reviews
    Rangeley, ME
    20 miles

    8. Raven

    1 Review
    Oquossoc, ME
    21 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    9. Northern Waters Base Camp

    2 Reviews
    Errol, NH
    25 miles
    +1 (603) 482-3817

    10. Diamond Peaks

    1 Review
    Errol, ME
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 482-3817

    $13 - $15 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Byron, ME

502 Reviews of 40 Byron 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.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • 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!

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2021

    Rudys Cabins and Campground

    Great stop along a Cohos Trail thru-hike

    Rudy's looked mostly to be an RV park, so my stop was maybe not the usual for this campground. I stopped for one night while I was thru-hiking the Cohos Trail in New Hampshire and had a great experience. There seemed to be much more space at this campground for RV and van travelers, though I didn't check out that part of the facility

    I booked a tent site beforehand and on arrival had the choice of right next to Clarksville Pond or another area that I didn't check out since pondside sounded amazing, so my review is specific to the tenting experience.

    I stopped by Rudy's before my hike, and they held onto a food drop for me (in a sealed big plastic container) for free, and held onto some extra gear for me so that I didn't need to carry it 

    There are maybe ~3-4 tent sites right along the edge of the pond, in front of a few permanent cabins. They are basic tent sites right on the grass, with a fire ring and a picnic bench. The sites were flat and the views were amazing along the pond. 

    I was able to get in a morning fly fishing session 5 feet from my tent! The wind was a bit high so no luck for me, but I saw the fish jumping when I stopped by after my hike to pick up some gear I left. Kathleen, the owner of the property, offered a free fly fishing lesson during my stay, but I had to decline to keep up the pace of my hike.

    There was also access to the bathhouse with free heated showers, full bathrooms, and coin-op laundry. This was a great free amenity after 7 days on my hike for a necessary refresh.

    The owner and other residents of the campground were super friendly. This was a great stop along my hike to refresh and connect with a few folks along the way.

  • 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.

    There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.

    These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!


Guide to Byron

Tent camping near Byron, Maine offers a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Byron

  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially at Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground, where winds can pick up quickly.
  • Bring your own firewood, as some campgrounds like Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground do not provide it on-site.
  • If you’re camping at Eagle Cove, be cautious of the terrain, as it can be tricky to find a flat area for your tent, especially in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Byron, ME is Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Byron, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.