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Best Tent Camping near Guilford, ME

178 Reviews

The forest lands surrounding Guilford, Maine provide multiple tent camping options from primitive walk-in sites to established tent campgrounds. Wilson Streams Area offers six primitive first-come, first-served tent sites near Little Wilson Falls trailhead, while Rum Pond Campsite provides secluded waterfront tent camping approximately nine miles east of Greenville. Most tent areas in the region are part of public lands or managed forest systems requiring minimal fees, with many accessible via maintained gravel roads branching from major routes.

Most tent campsites feature basic amenities including fire pits and picnic tables, though infrastructure varies significantly between locations. Sites like Wilson Streams Area provide vault toilets but no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own water supplies. Fire permits are frequently required in the region before starting campfires, with permits obtainable by calling forest service numbers posted at information boards. Maximum stays typically range from 5-14 days depending on the location, with first-come, first-served policies at most primitive tent sites. Parking arrangements differ between walk-in tent sites, with some offering adjacent parking spaces that accommodate cars but not RVs.

Tent campers visiting Little Moose Public Lands access multiple secluded pond-side tent sites via short hiking trails. Most walk-in tent sites provide direct water access to ponds or streams, offering swimming and fishing opportunities alongside tent camping. Little Notch Pond and Big Moose Pond campsites feature toilet facilities that range from enclosed vault toilets to basic wooden frames with toilet seats. Some tent sites include access to canoes stashed at the campsite, though ownership policies vary by location. According to one visitor, "The campsite is tucked in the woods so you get some shade and privacy. Since you are right on the water, there are great views of the pond and surrounding woodlands."

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Best Tent Sites Near Guilford, Maine (28)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Guilford, ME

18 Photos of 28 Guilford Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Guilford, ME

178 Reviews of 28 Guilford Campgrounds

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Northeast Whitewater Lodge

    Yurts and Tent Camping

    Northeast Whitewater is a mix of guide service, moose viewing tours, whitewater rafting, and camping. The camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping. There are no RV/Van camping facilities. All camping is walk-in as you can’t drive to your site but most campsites and yurts are not too far away. There are six yurts all with varying configurations, sleeping anywhere from 1-2 people (with king sized bed) up to up to six people (with bunk beds). All yurts have electricity and come equipped with heaters and fans; in addition, pillows, bedding and linens are supplied. Depending on the particular yurt you choose, some have small refrigerators, table and chairs, and nightstands. 

    Tent sites are primitive with fire pits and picnic tables. The ground is level and cleared so there is no problem finding a place to put your tent. The sites are fairly close together so you will definitely hear and see your neighbor. There is no water or port-a-potties at camping sites. One bathhouse is located adjacent to the main building and there is a dish washing station located there as well. The bathhouse was clean when we visited (but we were not there during the busy summer season as there are many rafting trips and those customers share the same bathroom). The bathhouse is pretty far away from the camping area which is inconvenient when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. All yurts and campsite have trash cans located at the site. Each site has a large fire pit and removable cooking grates are available. There are rustic log benches around the fire pits. 

    Yurts and campsites are located behind the main building/office but you still get some road noise as Route 6 is a heavily traveled road. As far as amenities, there is a volleyball net and corn holes. A covered pavilion is located between the campsites and the main building and has a few picnic tables underneath. The main building has a gift shop stocked with moose gifts, apparel, snacks, drinks, and an assortment of “camp stuff.” This is also where you can book a moose tour, rafting trip, or inflatable kayaks if you are feeling adventurous. 

    The campground is located between the towns of Monson and Greenville. The Monson General Store is a great little store with an assortment of grocery items and makes really good sandwiches and the nearby Lakeshore House Lodge and Pub has the most wonderful pot roast. Greenville has a larger grocery/trading post which has pretty much everything you need from shoes to lettuce. Hiking in the area is great! You can pick up the Appalachian Trail or head to Little Wilson Falls for a nice, wooded walk along a stream to a pretty waterfall. Borestone Mountain is nearby and provides amazing views.

  • R
    Oct. 14, 2020

    Pushaw Lake Campground

    Quick Trip

    I’ll preface this by saying that we got in after dark and left by 10am so this review is limited. First, while being very nice the front desk worker was not very helpful in helping us understand the layout and our best choice for tent camping that night. She was just not very communicative. After some prodding questions that felt like I was pulling teeth, we chose site 1 which was by the beach and the only tent site in that area of the campground. It was mid Sept on a particularly windy and unseasonably cold night. The wind was coming right off the lake which made it particularly hard to set up. Blocking the wind with our car was our only choice. After we got settled in, a nice fire and a little bourbon made it all worthwhile. While not very private because we were right next to an RV (all the RVs were lined up on the waterfront with little space between), it was still quite a lakefront spot. The site included a picnic table, a fire ring and a charcoal grill. Buckets of well seasoned wood were available at the camp store right next to us. It had a nice porch to sit on for the morning sun but unfortunately, that looked the opposite way from the lake toward the dense central campground. The camp store had a nice indoor dining area with views toward the lake that I believe was also closed for the season. All in all, I would recommend this if you’re not very concerned with privacy and want a beautiful lake to camp by.

  • Miccal M.
    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.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Trout Pond Campsite

    Nice Secluded Campsite on a Beautiful Pond

    This primitive campsite is located in the Little Moose Public Lands area about five miles from downtown Greenville, Maine. The public lands area is approximately 15,000 acres. Access to the public lands and overnight camping are free and this is a first-come, first-served campsite with a 14-night maximum stay. Keep in mind this is a carry in, carry out site. A fire permit is required and can be sought by calling (207) 778-8231. 

    From the entrance of the public lands off Route 6, travel approximately 5½ miles along North Road to Trout Pond Road to the trailhead leading to the campsite (the area is well-marked). The campsite is located about a quarter of a mile away from the parking lot. The path to get to the campsite is relatively flat and easy to traverse except over some of the wooden planks which were slippery when I visited due to recent rain. The campsite is really large in a nice open cleared spot with some large trees for shade. A large picnic table and stone fire ring are present. There is a fully enclosed vault toilet that where someone left sanitary wipes, toilet paper, and fire wood inside. Based on the shredded toilet paper, it looks like a mouse uses it as well. The pond is beautiful, and you have water access from this campsite. There are some canoes and boats stashed in the woods and we saw a few people paddling and fishing while we visited so you may have company. 

    There is great hiking around Big and Little Moose Ponds with nice views. The Loop hike is about 4.4 miles with a 650’ elevation change. For a harder hike with great views of Moosehead Lake and Greenville, check out Big Moose Mountain which is about 4.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800’. Downtown Greenville has good restaurants, shopping, and a few shops. Moose and seaplane tours are very popular and there are plenty of guides if you are interested in hunting and fishing.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)

    Worth the hike-in, very close to the AT

    Beautiful hike-in sites located along the Pleasant River, and a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in Gulf Hagas area!  We didn’t stay at these sites, but came across them while hiking just off the AT. 

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with access to a clean latrine (with TP!).  No potable water is available, but the river is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works, but keep in mind you’ll have to carry it about ¾ of a mile, and across a river. 

    For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared. 

    Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee.  Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Wilson Streams Area

    Nice streamside campsites

    There are six primitive first come, first serve campsites near the trailhead of Little Wilson Falls. As you enter the gravel road leading to the falls trailhead, there is an information board with registration instructions and rules and regulations. Continue down the road to five of the six sites (#6 is located a short drive away across the stream accessible from (Bodfish road). The sites are clearly marked and have a picnic table and fire pit. You must obtain a fire permit before kindling a fire. (The information board has a number you can call to get a permit from the forest service.) The sites are considered “walk in” but there are parking spaces adjacent to the campsites that will accommodate cars (no RVs). Sites 1, 2, 3, and 6 are right along the stream with access to the water and nice tall trees for shade. Sites 1 and 2 are pretty close together so there is shared space. Sites 4 and 5 are across the gravel road in a shrubby area and super close together as well. The trees surrounding these sites are not very tall and don’t provide any shade. There is a vault toilet located along the road but no potable water spigots. The waterfront campsites seemed pretty well used as there was lots of evidence of people not practicing carry in, carry out and there were numerous pieces of toilet paper scattered about. Maximum stay is five nights and they do limit occupancy to eight and only one dog. 

    Take time to hike the falls trail which is a 2.4-mile round trip, out and back trail. The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT.  About five miles away is the small town of Monson which has an Appalachian Trail Visitor Center, some galleries, restaurants, and a great general store where you can get lots of grocery items and sandwiches to go.  Approximately 15 miles north is the town of Greenville which is a beautiful town with great hiking and pretty lake views.  There are a couple of outdoor outfitters in town if you need gear.

  • Gary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Dunn Point Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    Camp in the woods

    We were surprised to find the camp sites large and heavily wooded. You could still see you neighbors but they were far enough away to not be a bother. No electric but water was available at sites around the loop. Generators are allowed to run between 8am and 8 pm. Nice swimming beach but quite a hike from the campsites. You are near the water but most sites are not on the water. Vault toilets are usually close by and there is only one shower house for the whole camp located between the loops. Shower house is divided into separate compartments which include toilets and single shower and sink. Ice and firewood was available at the ranger checkpoint station. Sanitation dump was located across the street from the comfort station and camp host. Overall rustic but still nice and comfortable.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest

    Nice little site

    15-site primitive campground with fire rings. We saw cross bill birds there eating the pinecone sap. They also came down and ate ash from our fire pit in the morning. The BEST site in my opinion was ours. It's right next to the dock area and no other sites can go next to it, only across the lot.

    This site has picnic tables, and 3 outhouses, located along Cold Stream east of Lone Jack Pond. There is a small floating dock on the stream. Four additional roadside shoreline campsites were established next to Durgin Pond, and several others in scattered locations near to roads.

    There's a 0.4 mile walk-in trail into Lang Pond, and a 0.5 mile trail into Big Berry Pond. People can fish here, it's supposed to be a hidden jem or hot spot. There are some additional trails into Snake and/or Fernald Pond, and into Cold Stream downstream of the headwaters area. You can also walk down the roads, there's old logging roads that split off here and there from what it seemed like.

    Great kayaking up and down the stream and pond area. The roads were a bit crazy as you can see in my pictures. A bunch of warblers were there too. We drove into Jackman one day when the weather wasn't so great. Cute little town.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)

    First time we've seen moose FROM our campsite!

    This was an unexpectedly beautiful site and great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or Gulf Hagas area! We were seeking a place to stay 1 night just before embarking on a backpacking trip. The woman at the Katahdin Ironworks gatehouse selected the site for us and couldn’t have picked a better one. 

    Lots of privacy, beautiful view of the river, and we even were visited by a moose and her calf one evening! Each site has a covered picnic table and fire ring, with access to a private, clean latrine (with TP!) across the road. No potable water is available, but the stream is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works. 

    For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared. 

    Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee. Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!

Guide to Guilford

Primitive camping sites surround Guilford, Maine in the 16,000-acre Little Moose Public Lands and adjacent forest areas. Most locations require campers to hike 0.5-1 mile from trailheads to reach tent sites. Terrain consists primarily of mixed hardwoods with elevations ranging from 900-1,800 feet, creating moderate temperature shifts between day and night even during summer months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: At Big Moose Pond Campsite, anglers can catch native brook trout in the adjacent pond. "There are lots of trail in Little Moose Public Lands tract. The Little Moose Ponds Loop Trail is about 4.3 miles with an elevation change of 646 feet and lots of beautiful scenic views of the ponds and surrounding mountains," notes reviewer Nancy W.

Hiking trails: Several marked trails provide day hiking options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. The region connects with the Appalachian Trail system. "Take time to hike the falls trail which is a 2.4-mile round trip, out and back trail. The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT," writes Nancy W. about the Wilson Streams Area.

Paddling access: Multiple pond-side campsites offer direct water access. "The campsite is also accessible by water. About two tenths of a mile from the parking lot is a hand-carry launch and from there you can paddle to the campsite," explains a reviewer about Rum Pond Campsite.

What campers like

Secluded locations: Most sites require walking some distance from parking areas, creating quiet camping environments. "The campsite is approximately 375 feet off the main trail so you get some privacy from those hiking the trail," mentions Nancy W. about Rum Pond Campsite.

Water views: Several campsites feature direct waterfront access. "The beautiful campsites sit along the bank of Big Moose Pond in a nicely wooded and shaded area with plenty of room of tents. Each site has a large picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate and paths leading down to the pond," according to a review of Big Moose Pond Campsite.

Minimal crowds: Even during peak season, tent campers report finding available sites midweek. "Dispersed Gravel Pit This is a large mowed area on top of a gravel pit. There are two fire pits but plenty of room for more than two campers," notes a review about Upper Gravel Pit.

What you should know

Fire regulations: Permits are required for all campfires in the region. "You need to call 207-695-3721 to see if you can obtain a permit before starting a fire," explains a reviewer about Big Moose Pond Campsite.

Toilet facilities: Bathroom options vary significantly between locations. "The toilet is essentially a toilet seat on a wooden box so there is no privacy but it is tucked away from the trail and campsite enough that it can't be seen," describes Nancy W. about Little Moose Pond Campsite.

Water needs: Most sites lack potable water sources. "There is a vault toilet located along the road but no potable water spigots," explains a reviewer about Wilson Streams Area. Campers must bring all drinking water or treat pond water.

Tips for camping with families

Short hikes: Several family-friendly campsites require minimal hiking. "The easiest and quickest way to access the campsite is from the Little Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead on Old Squaw Road. From the Loop Trailhead, the campsite is just about a mile walk," mentions Nancy W. about Little Moose Pond Campsite.

Town proximity: Greenville (15 miles from Guilford) provides resupply options. "Downtown Greenville is a great little mountain town. If you are looking for great pizza, check out Jamo's and the Dockside has good food and a fun waterfront bar," notes a review for Big Moose Pond Campsite.

Canoe access: Some campsites have boats available. "A couple of canoes are stashed at the campsite and we were not sure who owns them but one was unlocked and there were two paddles propped against a tree," writes Nancy W. about Little Moose Pond Campsite.

Tips from RVers

Alternative options: The best tent camping near Guilford, Maine isn't suitable for RVs, but nearby established campgrounds offer accommodations. "Northeast Whitewater is a mix of guide service, moose viewing tours, whitewater rafting, and camping. The camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping. There are no RV/Van camping facilities," explains Nancy W. about Northeast Whitewater Lodge.

Day use access: RVers can park at trailheads and day-use areas to access hiking trails. "There are two parking lots of which one has two picnic tables and a fire pit for day use," notes a reviewer about Rum Pond.

Road conditions: Forest roads to trailheads vary in quality. "The road to the pit is gravel and bumpy but you don't need a 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicle. The short road up to the camping area is quite steep with somewhat loose rocks," explains a review about Upper Gravel Pit.

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