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Best Tent Camping near South Eliot, ME

653 Reviews

Tent campsites near South Eliot, Maine range from established campgrounds to walk-in tent areas within driving distance of coastal attractions. Several tent-friendly options exist within a 30-minute drive, including Huttopia Southern Maine in Sanford with 107 tent sites and Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, which offers tent camping from May through mid-October. Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester, Massachusetts is another option within reasonable driving distance for tent campers seeking wooded sites.

Most tent sites in the region feature dirt surfaces with minimal grading, particularly at the wooded campgrounds. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established campgrounds, though amenities vary considerably. Cape Ann Camp Site provides wooded tent areas with more seclusion than their RV sites, while Sun Outdoors Saco features clean bathroom facilities and showers. Seasonal operation is common, with most campgrounds closing by mid-October. Water access varies by location, with some requiring campers to pay for showers using quarters. Campers should verify amenities before arrival as facilities differ significantly between locations.

The tent camping experience near South Eliot offers varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Wooded sites at Cape Ann provide a more secluded experience with significant space between campsites. Some locations offer convenient access to beaches, making them popular bases for day trips to coastal attractions. Tent sites at Sun Outdoors Saco benefit from tall pine trees which provide welcome shade during summer months. According to one visitor, "Cape Ann Campground is clean and quiet with beautiful tent sites. The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites." Another camper noted that "the sites are nice and wooded" with good access to nearby beaches and attractions.

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Best Tent Sites Near South Eliot, Maine (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near South Eliot, ME

23 Photos of 12 South Eliot Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near South Eliot, ME

653 Reviews of 12 South Eliot Campgrounds

  • Migdalia G.
    May. 29, 2019

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Nice Wooded Campground in Awesome Area

    We stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient. Checkout by 11:00 am but we paid for an additional night to be able to leave at night the day we checked out. Totally worth it!

    Nice large campsites. The sites’ privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in. 

    Quiet hours from 10 am to 7 am. No alcohol allowed (although I didn’t see an actual enforcement of this rule and guess it’ll happen only if people act out). Rangers are constantly patrolling. Felt pretty safe at night. You can’t bring wood. Bundles are $5 each and it burns really well. 

    Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun. A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike. 

    Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free! Some sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well. 

    The location is pretty good. Salem, Andover, Boston Are accesible while staying here. Close proximity to Richardson Ice Cream which you CANT miss if you decide to stay.  They have cheap but amazing ice cream, mini golf and battling cages which was entertaining for my whole crew. 

    It rained a lot during one night of our stay and the site (301) did not flooded at all. All sites seemed in pretty good shape the morning after as well. 

    Beautiful and will recommend to families with small kids, groups and couples too.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Tidewater Campground

    Large campground near, but not on the beach

    First of all, the location is a little quirky and I think I only arrived once without a wrong turn! Watch the GPS carefully. That said, it’s very close to Hampton Beach and you can easily drive or bike over. The campground is parallel to US1, so there is some road traffic noise. Some of the tent sites overlook the marsh. The tent sites are definitely tighter than trailer sites. Some sites back up to each other and it takes a moment to understand where one ends and the next begins. 

    I was here early in the season and placed in a seasonal site with water/electric. Site was level. Neighbors were friendly. The bathroom was a short walk away and spotless. I did notice that in the tent areas, the main bathrooms are supplemented with portable toilets. Sites are mostly wooded, which will offer nice relief from the heat. It's a nice base for exploring the area.

    There’s a gated entry and turtle-speed limit that they take seriously. The pool was not yet open. There’s a small store onsite for ice and essentials. All the big box stores and a number of restaurants are nearby. For a change of pace from seafood, I picked up Shane's Texas Pit BBQ and brought it back to my site. 

    You may request a reservation online, but you have to confirm and pay for it via the phone. You’ll need to arrive before 9pm to check in. Bring $10 for a cash deposit on the gate card. Only 1 vehicle and 1 camping unit (tent or trailer) allowed on a site.

    Downside: They charge for showers, the amount and duration is unclear and the duration varies depending on which shower you choose! Given the rates they charge, this seems petty.

  • Meg T.
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Salisbury Beach State Reservation

    Seagulls hungry for Egg Rolls and sunsets galore!

    Stayed here with my partner for her birthday while we were up in the Plum Island/Rockport area. Beautiful ocean access and great facilities. We stayed in a site right next to a large bathhouse with showers, plentiful stalls, and water bottle fill-up and rinse off station. We were situated next to a kind family who lent us fire starter and offered us some of their snacks they were making when we arrived, while we were setting up we did lose some egg rolls to a hungry seagull but I think he needed them more than we did. Not very private and sites are packed close together, but that is what I expected based off the map! I would absolutely return again, this time to check out the beach and surrounding area!

  • Sable W.
    May. 16, 2018

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Spacious, Quiet, Clean and Conveniently Located

    Five friends and I decided to compete in Questival, which came to Boston for May 11-12, 2018. There aren't many campgrounds open in Massachusetts this early in the season, but Harold Parker State Forest was! I snagged a group campsite since we'd have four tents. We had to set up after dark, so we wound up congregating in one corner of the group site. When we woke up we could see just how HUGE the group site was! We had 4 two-person tents; you could easily fit 3x that number of tents. PLENTY of flat ground to set up on, and we were far enough back from the road that we never heard or saw other campers arriving, even though we know most other Questival competitors stayed at this campground. It was about a 5 minute walk to the bathrooms and showers, and potable water was available right on the site. Even though it was early in the season and not very leafy, we could only occasionally see our neighbors' headlamps. There were 4 or 5 fire pits, 5 large picnic tables, and 3 driveways that could fit two cars each. Great value for the cost! We were pleased with the privacy, space, cleanliness, and amenities.

  • k
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    LOTS of people but lovely campground

    This is an extremely large campground.  It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are.  We didn't get a very good sight, but the person who answered the phone basically told us that when we called and it was all they had, so I can't say too much about that either (#17).  The sight was small and between the two driveways.  All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom.  

    Now, on to the other stuff.  There is a small playground that is weathered but in decent shape.  The pool is lovely and meticulously kept.  The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless.  It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water.  There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms.

    They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...).  They give you a security card to get into the grounds ($10 deposit).  The campground was SUPER quiet and quiet hours go to 8am (thank you)!  Only an RV about to leave made a ton of noise at 7.

    I would go there again.  It was a safe place close to so many things.  The beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most.

  • Anna C.
    Oct. 15, 2019

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Rebel Shell Rain Pants at Pawtuckaway State Park

    *CAMPGROUND REVIEW*

    This campground is definitely a dazzler and I was fortunate to visit on a quieter weekend. I was able to enjoy an especially picturesque sunset over the lake and I would definitely visit this spot again, especially with how accessible the campground is. There is a nice stretch of sandy beach at the campground as well as canoes and kayaks for rent. The convenience store at the campground had essentially everything you would need for a good camping trip. Definitely do your research on the different site numbers because some sites are much more private and scenic than others. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire pit as an added bonus.

    Pros: 

    -Within a short driving distance from the Boston area 

    -Lakefront sites available 

    -Canoe and kayak rentals available 

    -Well stocked convenience store 

    -Reasonable cell reception

    Cons: 

     -Can get busy during peak camping times 

     -Some sites have a lack of privacy

    *PRODUCT REVIEW*

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. During this trip, I took out a pair of Red Ledge Rain Pants. While it didn’t rain during my camping stay (great from a camper perspective, not so great from a reviewer perspective), I was able to try out the general fit of the pants. They have a nice stretch fit to them and a certainly one of the more stylish options as far as rain pants go. As is true for most waterproof gear, they run on the warmer side and don’t have a ton of ventilation so they may not be the best choice for hotter weather. Although I didn’t get to test out the pants in a camping setting, I did wear them a few days ago while making the 1.5 km evacuation route trek from my apartment to the flood shelter during one of the biggest typhoons to make landfall in Japan. After about 25-30 mins of walking in record breaking-ly heavy rain, the pants started to saturate around the knees and the upper thigh area started to get a bit soggy. That being said, this is probably the most extreme possible test setting and they did hold up reasonably well. Due to the aforementioned, I would recommend using these pants as a waterproof option when skiing/snowboarding in warmer weather where you still want a snow barrier but may not necessarily need the insulative warmth offered by actual snow pants.

    Pros: 

    -Stylish look 

     -Stretch fit 

     -Waterproof 

     Cons: 

     -Trap heat 

     -Not typhoon proof

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Pawtuckaway State Park Campground

    Large and friendly park with plenty of water activity opportunities

    My first time experiencing a park in the New Hampshire Park system. We went down with a group. Pawtuckaway State Park offers a variety of landscapes, with something to do and see for everyone. The park includes a large family beach on the lake. There are many opportunities for hiking, with trails leading to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower; an extensive marsh where beavers, deer, and great blue herons may be seen.

    The park lines the shore of beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake.  The 192 sites are wooded and many provide views of the lake.  Each campsite has an open fire ring, picnic table, flat areas for a tent, and a parking space. The bathhouses are equipped with running water, flush toilets, and 24 hour showers.  There are no hook-ups at any of the campsites. The park also has a camp store where canoe and kayaks are available, as well as a plublic canoe and kayak launch. Five cabins are available; each sleeps six people, has electricity, and includes a fire ring and picnic table. Pets are not allowed in the campground or beach area of the park.

  • Sara D.
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Sun River Campground

    Pretty Happy with this Campground!

    Pros=rustic tent sites available on a River, very quiet nights, secluded campsites (however the 5 sites near us were empty so that likely has a little to do with noise level & space), playground available, pretty clean, the site we were on had plenty of elbow room and was spacious enough for our 12 person tent & bean bag toss game set up (site ground was a little uneven with minimal roots here & there), friendly staff, friendly owner when I booked that was very accommodating, they had a band on Saturday night in one of the common areas, site was shaded with lots of tall trees, $30/night = cheap, free showers, firewood & $2 bags of ice available to purchase at the office, lots of wildlife in campsite areas (not bears but more like birds and whatnot) & a small beach area.

    Cons=campground is a little hard to find off the main road so you really have to keep an eye out for the turn, only 1 main bathhouse but porta potties available throughout grounds, the beach water is connected to the river and a bit on the stagnant/murky side (I’m a little bit of a water snob & really only swim in fairly clear water), some tent sites are bundled together that seem to be best for group camping so if you’re only booking one site that might be a bummer if you like space from neighboring campers, no campground store available, didn’t seem like there was a lot of activities offered to do/amenities, seem to be very minimal staff but there was someone at the office upon our very late check-in.

    P.s. Dunk’s is a 7 minute drive if you are a must-have-dunkin’s every day person like my husband.

    Overall, good campground and we will be going again!😉

Guide to South Eliot

Tent camping around South Eliot, Maine offers accessible seasonal getaways with high summer humidity and moderate temperatures ranging from 60-80°F during peak camping months. The area sits near the Piscataqua River with mostly flat terrain ideal for novice campers. Most sites close by mid-October as temperatures drop significantly.

What to do

Beach access: Visit Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground where kids can enjoy extensive water features. According to Aaron G., "A little of everything at this campground, 2 pools 2 hot tubes, a giant water slide that is even fun for the adults!!! Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs."

Hiking trails: Camp Nihan Education Center connects to adjacent Breakheart Reservation with walking paths and pond access. Michael V. notes this location "is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."

Local attractions: From most South Eliot tent camping sites, you can reach Portland within 30 minutes. According to Nancy W., "If you like to paddle, head to the Saco River Marsh. Here you can put in your own boats or rent some and paddle through beautiful marsh – just watch the tides."

What campers like

Wooded sites: Cape Ann Camp Site provides good tree cover even during hot summer months. Dan mentioned, "We had a great time camping and going to the beach. The camp ground is full of beautiful boulders and fire pits. We were tent camping and were very happy with our site."

Site spacing: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites at certain campgrounds. John S. noted about Cape Ann Camp Site: "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."

Swimming options: Lost Boys Hideout and other nearby sites offer good cooling options during summer. Steve K. mentioned recent improvements: "Nice new tents provided at Sleepy Hollow site. Improvements to the firepit, area all mulched, even some games and water are provided!"

What you should know

Payment requirements: Many showers in the region require quarters. Ben E. noted about Cape Ann Camp Site: "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink."

Rustic conditions: Most tent sites have dirt surfaces with minimal grading. Rebecca S. commented, "Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilites are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff."

Booking essentials: Reserve sites well ahead for summer weekends as limited tent sites fill quickly. For Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, one camper observed, "This campground is four miles from Old Orchard Beach which is a trip. It is a throw-back from your childhood when carnival rides and funnel cakes made you so happy."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled programming. Samantha N. shared about Salmon Falls River: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"

Beach shuttles: Some campgrounds offer transportation to nearby beaches, saving parking hassles. Matt R. noted, "Great campground. Sites are not too close, clean bathrooms, friendly staff. Would definitely return!"

Cabin options: For families new to tent camping, consider Military Park New Boston Air Force Station or similar locations with cabin rentals. Shuang W. described it as a "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!"

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Most sites need some adjustment. Aaron G. found at Salmon Falls River that "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs."

Seasonal considerations: Almost all tent camping near South Eliot closes by mid-October. Jill P. commented, "Great location trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach. Very friendly staff."

Bathroom facilities: Quality varies widely between locations. Erin M. shared, "We really enjoyed our stay here. The staff was friendly, the bathrooms and grounds were very clean, activities were fun, the playground/pool was nice and the Maine blueberry pancakes were amazing!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near South Eliot, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near South Eliot, ME is Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near South Eliot, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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