Tent camping options near Kingfield, Maine extend beyond the popular Bigelow Preserve areas into several lesser-known locations. The region sits at elevations between 600-4,000 feet with a short summer season from June through September when temperatures range from 50-80°F. Winter camping can extend into May with occasional snowfall, requiring specialized gear and preparation.
What to do
Explore logging road trails: Several miles of logging roads across Route 16 near Cupsuptic Lake Park & Campground provide excellent biking opportunities. "There are miles of logging roads across route 16 that are great for bikes," notes a recent visitor who returned after 30 years.
Canoe between islands: At Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve, campers can rent canoes to access island sites. "You can either stay on the mainland and walk your belongings to the site, or use the canoes to transport your gear to the island," explains a visitor who brings dogs regularly.
Night sky viewing: The lakes around Kingfield offer exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "The lake is great for exploring both day and night. I've personally never seen so many stars as I did out on the lake in the evenings," reports one camper at Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve.
What campers like
True wilderness seclusion: Many sites offer rare privacy levels not found at standard campgrounds. "It's a rare treat to be in a location where sight and sound of others are absent. While a few sites might have a neighbor in view, most offer exceptional privacy," reports a visitor to Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness.
Lake-mountain combination: The best tent camping near Kingfield, Maine often features both water access and mountain views. At Myer's Lodge East, campers appreciate "sandy, fairly level sites with access to some hiking trails and AMAZING water and mountain views."
Streamside options: For campers seeking simpler accommodations, primitive sites along streams provide budget-friendly alternatives. At Stealth Site, a reviewer notes there's "Room for a few vehicles. Small sandy stream bank, right next to the road. More flat camping tucked in back... possibly a tent site or two."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most primitive sites operate on first-come, first-served basis, creating competition during peak seasons. At Round Barn Campsites, a visitor reported: "Stopped in to try and camp here, all the spots were taken. There were even people camping in their rooftop tents."
Weather preparation: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, even in summer. A camper at Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve advised: "Weather can change quickly out there. Gets windy. So be prepared."
Insect conditions: Bug populations can be overwhelming in certain locations. One visitor to Cupsuptic Lake described their experience as "incredibly buggy" with heavy vegetation between their site and the water.
Water sources: Natural springs often serve as water sources but reliability varies by season. At Moose Falls Campsite, a camper noted that the "water source for the site had dried up when we got there but there was just enough flow on a spring that crossed the trail about 100 ft north of the site."
Tips for camping with families
Group site availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated group sites for family gatherings. Round Barn Campsites "offers a dozen or so tent sites with two big group sites" according to a visitor who noted they've "never seen all the sites full."
Beach access considerations: Families with children should seek sites with gradual water entry. Magic Falls Adventures Campground provides "cheap spots right next to the river" though sites are "all pretty together in a open field," which one camper noted "would be great for a big family or group because it would all be close together."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Camping with kids often benefits from wildlife observation opportunities. At Bigelow Col Campsite, a visitor reported: "The echoing calls of loons during both day and night created an immersive natural ambiance, and the hooting owls added to the enchanting soundscape after sunset."
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Many primitive campgrounds have challenging access roads requiring careful navigation. For Round Barn Campsites, a reviewer advised: "The Road is rough, but with care you can get there, just go slow."
Site clarifications: Some listings incorrectly identify RV accessibility. At Myer's Lodge East, a visitor warned: "It mentioned on this site that it's for RV parking, but that isn't accurate. There is a parking lot (which you cannot camp in) and you must walk in (tent only.)"
Dog-friendly locations: Not all wilderness areas permit pets. One camper at Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve noted they "always brought our dogs" and "prefer the island simply because we know our dogs can't go far!"
