Dispersed camping options near Fryeburg, Maine include Town Hall Road Dispersed, located just west of Conway along the Kancamagus Highway. The area features numerous pull-off sites alongside the Swift River with established fire pits. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall can drop to 40-50°F at night. The sandy riverbanks provide natural cooling during hot weather.
What to do
River recreation on the Swift River: The area provides excellent spots for swimming, fishing, and relaxing in crystal-clear water. At Town Hall Road Dispersed, campers appreciate the natural water features. "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry. We even enjoyed a small fire the next day," shares Rowan E., noting how the sites drain well even during storms.
Hiking Mount Chocorua: Located within 30 minutes of Fryeburg, this popular trail offers panoramic views from its 3,490-foot summit. The White Ledge Campground provides direct access to connecting trails. "We hiked the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views. The brooks running through are beautiful," reports Sarah J., highlighting the natural features that make this area special.
Tubing excursions: Many local campgrounds offer equipment rentals for floating down the rivers. "We used to go to the Saco river every summer and would camp here. The camp sits on the Saco river and offers swimming, canoeing, rope swinging and fishing depending on when you're there. Most often people float the Saco in rafts, tubes, canoes whatever you can float on," explains Daniel S. about his experience at Saco River Camping Area.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer large sites with natural separation between neighbors. At On the Saco Family Campground, campers appreciate the privacy. "Tiny gem of a campground- I don't RV but even those sites are adorable- each site has heavy evergreens in between allowing for nice privacy- and the grass tent sites have that privacy too and were good sized," notes Kristy B.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds around Fryeburg maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. Visitors to Dry River Campground regularly comment on the cleanliness. "The bathrooms are super clean and the showers and laundry room were clean. They also had a huge sink area for cleaning your dishes," says Somer F., appreciating the attention to facility maintenance.
Direct water access: Campsites with river frontage are particularly valued. "We loved this spot. There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part," explains Josie W. about Town Hall Road Dispersed camping, highlighting the appeal of riverside camping.
What you should know
Dog friendly campgrounds near Fryeburg: Most campgrounds welcome pets with specific policies. At Covered Bridge Campground, dogs are allowed throughout the grounds. "We visited this with our dog Oakley for his first time camping last fall. It was nice and quiet because of the time of year and was perfect because we didn't know how he was going to do. He absolutely loved it and there was plenty of space in the tent site for him to roam around," reports Michael M.
Weather considerations: The area experiences rapid weather changes, especially in spring and fall. "It was a great place for Rainy Camping. We went during a pouring rain storm and our site remained relatively dry," notes Rowan E. about Town Hall Road Dispersed, suggesting good drainage at many sites.
Height restrictions on covered bridges: RV owners must note bridge clearance when accessing certain campgrounds. "Covered bridge has 7.9' height restriction from the main scenic highway. We had to go out to Conway and drive back in," warns Jae H. about Covered Bridge Campground, providing crucial access information.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly river spots: Look for shallow areas with gentle currents for safer water play. Jellystone Park Glen Ellis offers excellent water access. "Located between the Ellis River and the Saco River, this campground offers so many fantastic amenities. One of the biggest ones that we took lots of advantage of is the swimming and tubing on the Saco River," shares Joseph N., describing the family-friendly water options.
Planned activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular events for children. "They have volleyball courts as well as a swim area with a dock, that I spent soon much time on. They had an adorable mining station for the kids at the front and it was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed it there," says Darci F. about Danforth Bay Camping & RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bears and smaller animals are common in the area. "Bears every night. We spent 5 days and wished it was longer. The campground was clean, staff was wonderful and the amenities were great! There were 2 active bears while we were there. They circled our camper at night. It was incredible to watch," reports Liz S. at Glen Ellis, reminding campers to secure food properly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs comfortably. "Site Cove 31 which is listed as an RV site was very large. With our 20 foot trailer we could still fit our Ford 150 and Subaru Forrester in front of it and still had room for another car," notes Norma S. about Covered Bridge Campground.
Road conditions and access: Some campground roads present challenges for larger vehicles. "The road in for RVs is not terrific. There is about a 1/2 mile that is mostly one lane (with a drop off on one side) and if someone is coming decisions have to be made," warns Norma S. about access to Covered Bridge Campground.
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited in national forest campgrounds. "This RV area was great for families, there were a lot of kids which was nice and it felt very safe. Checking in was super easy and the lady that helped us was super sweet and informative. Super easy full hook ups!" reports Tris W. about On the Saco Family Campground.
