Tent camping near Hanover, Maine often requires navigating challenging dirt roads that can take upwards of 45 minutes to travel, particularly on Success Pond Road which accesses several backcountry sites. The region sits at the edge of the Mahoosuc Mountain Range with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between valley campsites and ridge locations. Seasonal access fluctuates dramatically, with many remote sites inaccessible until late May due to mud season.
What to do
Swimming in natural settings: Several campsites near Hanover provide water access for swimming. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, one camper noted "You can drive out to the main road and be right on the river" for swimming access. Another visitor to Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park shared that "the water is crystal clear lake and enjoy a near wilderness camping experience."
Stargazing in remote areas: The minimal light pollution around tent campsites provides exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor at Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park remarked, "I've personally never seen so many stars as I did our on the lake in the evenings." Bring binoculars or a telescope during new moon phases for optimal viewing.
Wildlife observation: The region hosts diverse wildlife including moose, bears, eagles, and loons. At Umbagog Lake, a camper reported you can "kayak with Bald Eagles soaring over your head" while another noted the sounds of "loons" that will "begin and end each day with incredible sun rises and sets."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds in the Hanover area often feature well-separated tent sites. At Wild River Wilderness Area, dispersed camping allows you to find your own private spot. As one visitor described, "with the ability to camp just about anywhere you want, there's no need to worry about mileage or a camp site being full."
River and creek access: Many campsites offer water access for filtering drinking water or cooling off. A camper at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road noted, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing." This natural water access provides both practical resources and recreational opportunities.
Island camping options: For a truly isolated experience, some campgrounds offer island sites. At Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness, a visitor recommended "Farrington island is my favorite spot. There are 2 sites. We always rent both so we are the only ones on the island. Great for dogs."
Well-maintained tent platforms: Several established sites provide wooden platforms for tents. In the Imp Shelter on the AT, a camper described the shelter as "well built. There is a lower floor, and then a loft that is about 4 feet above the main floor. The floor and loft were both level, and the boards were even and free from snags and splinters."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Bears are active throughout the Hanover region. At Wild River Wilderness Area, a visitor advised, "Bears are an issue so be sure to hang your food and toiletries. There is a perfect bear hang tree near the fire pit." Some sites provide bear boxes, but these may be in poor condition.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies greatly across campsites. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, one camper noted, "Site 4 and 5 get some cell service" while another mentioned "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost." Plan for limited or no service at most remote tent camping locations.
Varying road conditions: Access roads to many tent camping sites require appropriate vehicles. One camper at Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail described "About 1km (.6 miles) of gravel road, easy enough for a big road bike, but don't go any further as it gets rough."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness, a visitor warned, "Weather can change quickly out there. Gets windy. So be prepared." Pack additional layers and rain gear even during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Island camping with kids: Families can enjoy the adventure of boat-in sites. At Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park, a visitor described their experience: "This trip consisted of my family of five with three kids (ages 5-13), our dog, and friends. We put our boats in at the National Wildlife Refuge and paddled in on Bear Brook. The paddle was just around 2.5 miles and calm flat water. Just perfect for our kids."
Bring portable tables: Many tent sites lack tables for meal preparation. A camper at White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road advised, "The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on." Collapsible camping tables provide valuable preparation space at primitive sites.
Consider tent platforms for comfort: Sites with tent platforms offer more level sleeping and better drainage. At Blue Brook Tent Site, a visitor noted, "There are several tent sites with cribbing, most of which appear to potentially flood in heavy rains so be thoughtful when selecting your site."
Pack extra bug protection: Insects can be intense, particularly in early summer. A camper at Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park warned, "Bring the bug spray mosquitoes are fierce!" Consider head nets and enclosed shelters for eating during peak bug seasons.
Tips from RVers
No suitable options for large RVs: The tent camping areas near Hanover, Maine are not appropriate for RVs. Most access roads are narrow, unpaved, and feature tight turns. Sites themselves are designed for walk-in tent camping only, with no hookups or facilities to support recreational vehicles of any size.
