Cabin camping near Fryeburg, Maine offers visitors access to both the Saco River and White Mountain National Forest. The area sits at the border between Maine and New Hampshire, with elevations ranging from 400-500 feet in the river valley to nearby peaks exceeding 3,000 feet. Most cabins remain open from Memorial Day through mid-October, though some locations extend their season into early November for fall foliage viewing.
What to do
River activities: Eastern Slope Camping Area offers direct Saco River access with two beaches. "This campground was really nice. Sites were large and level. Many large trees created a lot of shade... The river was awesome," notes one visitor. Tube rentals and shuttle services make river adventures convenient during summer months.
Hiking trails: Covered Bridge Campground connects directly to Boulder Loop Trail. "Great campground well hidden between the river and the boulder loop trail. Perfect place to hike, relax by the water, then into a comfy campground," writes one camper. The trail offers vista views without needing to drive to a trailhead.
Dog-friendly activities: Chocorua KOA provides specialized dog amenities. "Very pet friendly with dog park, agility equipment, dog pond and dog wash," says one reviewer. Dogs can swim in a dedicated pond while owners enjoy trails with mountain views.
What campers like
Cabin amenities: Many cabins include basic kitchen equipment. At Saco River Camping Area, one family notes, "We had a large site in the back corner, and stayed with our friends in a tent on just one site! The river is really great, you can take a short walk to the pavilion and put a tube in and float the river back around to the beach area."
Family programming: Jellystone Park Glen Ellis offers organized activities throughout the day. "There are a lot of activities to do during the day, especially for the kids. There are arts and crafts, movie nights, hikes and other things for children," explains a visitor. Free mini golf and riverside beach areas provide additional entertainment options.
Waterfront locations: Many cabin sites provide water views or direct access. One camper at Lakeside Pines Campground describes their experience: "We had a beautiful waterfront campsite (Site 113). The lake is gorgeous. Rocks make direct access to the water from the site difficult, but there is a beach for water access not too far away."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Fall bookings may require advance planning as foliage season draws crowds. "We were there in September and was not too busy. Kids activities, nice place to walk around with plenty to see and do," notes a Chocorua KOA visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have active wildlife. At Jellystone Park Glen Ellis, a camper observed: "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite! It was our first time seeing a black bear walking around."
Booking policies: Many campgrounds have strict policies about site occupancy and fire rules. "They are fairly strict with quiet hours so it is a very quiet campground at night," mentions one Chocorua KOA camper. Some require specific documentation for pets and enforce fire curfews around 11:30 PM.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin selection: Choose sites based on bathroom proximity. "The location of public restrooms. There aren't many, hence why we stay on a site with our own, and some are extremely far away from campsites that don't allow campers," advises a visitor to Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins.
Water activities: Consider water depth for younger children. "The pond is amazing. The store is huge! The sites are huge! Nightly events for adults kids and family. Kayak/canoe rentals and amazing beach," writes a Papoose Pond camper.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds offer organized nighttime activities. "Tuesday trivia, Wednesday beach party, Thursday dance party, and Friday karaoke- the latter being the most fun! There are so many things for kids to do throughout as well," reports a Papoose Pond visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for level sites when bringing an RV. A camper at Eastern Slope notes: "Sites are really close together and hard to maneuver an RV into. Staff are wonderful and very nice."
Weather considerations: Be prepared for seasonal flooding. "Sites are clean and good size. This camp ground is within walking distance to the river, with a lot of spots just for you," writes a Covered Bridge visitor, though other campgrounds report occasional flooding issues.
Utility hookups: Verify electrical amperage before arrival. One Danforth Bay camper states: "Our site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp. So double check that."
