Tent camping near Naples, Maine centers on the foothills of the White Mountains where elevation ranges from 400-700 feet. The region lies within the Sebago Lake watershed, creating a unique mix of woodland and lakefront camping experiences. Water levels in surrounding brooks and streams fluctuate seasonally, with spring bringing higher water tables that can affect campsite selection at primitive locations.
What to do
Paddle the Saco River: The Saco River offers calm waters perfect for canoe and kayak trips. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road provides access points nearby. One camper noted, "You can drive out to the main road and be right on the river."
Hike forest trails: The Evans Notch section contains multiple hiking options connecting to tent camping areas. "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road," reports a visitor to White Mountains Camping.
Visit Old Orchard Beach: Located about 45 minutes from Naples, this coastal destination makes a good day trip. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers a convenient shuttle service. "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," writes one camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spaciousness of sites in the White Mountain National Forest area. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, a reviewer stated: "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet."
Clear night skies: The low light pollution around Naples provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "We enjoyed hanging out and cooling off in the cold water. There is a large established fire ring with some log benches that creates a nice little spot to hang out and eat," shares a visitor to Blue Brook Tent Site.
Waterfront tent sites: Many campers prioritize proximity to water. "All the sites have a view of Sawyer Pond. Peaceful and relaxing. Only a handful of sites so get there early on weekends," reports a camper at Sawyer Pond.
What you should know
Site availability fluctuations: Competition for sites varies by day of week. A Sawyer Pond camper explained, "I visited this campsite on a Sunday night in September with my dog and it was lovely. I passed a few day hikers but was the only person camping, however I did speak to a family that was hiking down who said that the campground was completely full the night before (Saturday night)."
Limited firewood near popular sites: Frequently used camping areas may have depleted wood supplies. "There was very little available firewood near the campsites," notes a Sawyer Pond visitor. Plan to bring your own or collect from farther out.
Bear activity requires proper food storage: Wildlife management is essential in this region. "Bears are an issue so be sure to hang your food and toiletries. There is a perfect bear hang tree near the fire pit so as long as no one is camped right in that area, it's an easy toss with some para-chord," advises a camper at Blue Brook Tent Site.
Tips for camping with families
Start with shorter backpacking trips: For families new to tent camping, Saco Bound offers accessible entry points. "Right on Saco river. Gets busy in the summer," notes one visitor, making it ideal for families wanting river access without a lengthy hike.
Consider platforms for easier setup: Tent platforms provide level surfaces that simplify setup with children. "Sites have platforms large enough to accommodate two free standing 2-4 person tents, depending on size and style," explains a Sawyer Pond reviewer.
Research bathroom facilities: Toilet access varies significantly between sites. Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach offers family-friendly options: "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!"
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions for tent sites: Even tent campers with passenger vehicles should verify access. At Hemlock Camping, RVers note the big-rig friendly status, which means tent campers will have easier vehicle access compared to more remote sites that may require high-clearance vehicles.
Consider water access needs: While tent campers use less water than RVers, water availability remains important. Some dispersed sites require water filtering from natural sources. "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing," notes a White Mountains Camping visitor.
Cell service varies dramatically: If you need connectivity, location matters. A camper at White Mountains Camping shared: "Site 4 and 5 get some cell service," while another noted at a different site they had "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."
