Saco River Family Camping
Awesome family campground
Kids and dog loved the campground and floating on the river. Lots to do nearby with little kids too, story land only about 20min drive away
165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Lewiston, Maine cater to a variety of camping preferences across developed facilities and scenic natural settings. Martin Stream Campground in Turner offers cabin, tent, and RV accommodations with electric hookups and water access. Several campgrounds including Poland Spring Campground and Freeport/Durham KOA provide family-oriented experiences with a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Runaround Woods offers a unique cabin-focused experience with four sites set in forested surroundings. Most locations are within a 30-minute drive from Lewiston, making them accessible for both weekend getaways and extended stays.
The camping season in this region typically runs from May through October, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend due to colder weather conditions. "Very family friendly with daily activities for adults and kids," noted one camper about Poland Spring Campground, highlighting the organized recreation common at developed sites in the area. Access to most campgrounds involves paved roads, though some secondary routes may require careful navigation with larger RVs. Several locations feature waterfront access on lakes and ponds, with White's Beach Campground and Beaver Brook Campground offering swimming areas. Cell service can be inconsistent at more rural locations, particularly those situated in densely wooded settings.
Campers consistently mention the natural setting and recreational opportunities as highlights of the Lewiston area camping experience. Water activities feature prominently in reviews, with many campgrounds offering boat rentals, fishing access, and swimming areas. A visitor to Runaround Woods described the "warm and comfortable lodging with great views" and mentioned enjoying the "wood-fired sauna after a day of snowboarding." Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger established campgrounds, including playgrounds, organized activities, and recreation halls. Many campgrounds feature a mix of open areas for RVs and more secluded wooded sites for those seeking privacy. The region's proximity to the White Mountains, coastal areas, and L.L. Bean in Freeport makes it a strategic base for exploring western Maine while maintaining access to developed camping facilities.
"There are bathrooms close by to all, the main lodge is nice and the food at the snack shack is sooo good!! burgers, pizza, salad- all local and from their gardens."
"Restrooms were close by but the only downside was that the showers were at the main store so you had to drive all the way up there!"
"Sites are a good size, generally level and most are quite close to the road, so you’ll contend with road traffic. There are a few walk-in tent sites with lean-tos."
"Close to Freeport and not far from Portland, this is a good affordable camping option for visitors to the area. The park has just enough hiking trails to spend a morning or afternoon exploring."
"The haunted house is scary enough that I waited by the exit! (This part is NOT for the little kids). The campground fills up for this event so make reservations early."
"The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L."
"We were tucked back into T8 which is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream."
"Desert of Maine campground is an excellent choice just 4-5 miles from the heart of Freeport at interstate exit # 22. This campground is well-imagined."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The atmosphere is always positive, the activities are well varied and everyone is encouraged to participate."
"Outside we had a canopy, fire ring and grill. The kids had a blast in the heated pool and on the playground."
from $40 - $82 / night
Check Availability"We had a great time at Poland Spring, the campground was nice, our site was reasonably spacious and very well located."
"The pool is nice and has a great little playground next to it. It has a very rustic feel but the facilities are clean, updated and inviting."
from $27 - $52 / night
Check Availability"A nature trail and covered group picnic pavilion. A game room where children can play board games and foosball."
"Town park located on a peninsula. Some sites directly on the ocean with most slightly off the water. Walking trails all around mostly in wooded areas."
from $14 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I flew out from Minnesota this December to ski in Maine. Had some good riding at Sunday River! I really enjoyed my stay at Runaround Woods in Bobcat for three nights!"
from $70 - $130 / night
Check Availability"Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens. Our family has been going annually for the last five years."
"Big pool and brooks around. Tons of trails. A general store with a connected ice cream stand near the pool area. Gated fence."
"Great location...5 mins to Freeport, 45 mins to Portland. Owners (young couple) are very friendly & helpful. Gwen is just great, very kind & always answers phone or txts."
"Outside Lights out at a particular hour. (10pm) Working folks coming & going late at night and before sunrise. This campground is geared for working people.
Poor Wi-Fi or cable connection."
from $45 - $70 / night
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Kids and dog loved the campground and floating on the river. Lots to do nearby with little kids too, story land only about 20min drive away
Secluded walk behind camp to river or across to 2 brooks. Safe usually great camp neighbors plenty of room for small trailers or vans.
First to camp at opening my spot is actually spot 2 but spot 1 is covered over so appears as 1st camp. 8 spots available before bridge gate. 2 just past gate possibly more. 2 rv / trailer spots small trailers. 3 river spots beautiful one is 2 parts group campsite. Bio luminescent roots at night due to wood decomposition from logging also known as fairy glow.. Great spot just being developed again. Sites are fairly close if u have some hyper pups. Lol
We had the best time at this campground. Everyone was super friendly, the bathrooms and showers were new and very clean and it was nice and quiet. We would come back here anytime!
Awesome place. Very child oriented, lots of activities, quiet after 10:30. Dogs are welcome just about everywhere except beaches as long as they are leashed which I love. I will definitely return
Spacious sites variety of types Water electric and sewer large pool clean. Lots of new updates I recommend staying here quite peaceful
Couldn’t ask for better sites, both sites 9 & 12 were very private and only a short walk through the woods to setup camp along the river. Sites are far from each other and we did not hear anyone else the whole time. Mosquitos were not bad either, but did see some large spiders and lots of other insects. No cell service once you get into the forest.
Access - Area was very easy to get to, turn onto Town Hall Road, and follow (about 5 miles) to the National Forest Welcome signage. Don’t need 4WD for get to most of the sites when the roads are dry, but very tight single lane dirt road the whole way. I did see a 5th wheel (probably 30ft long) but not sure I would attempt to bring anything larger than a teardrop here.
There are 24 sites in total, half are on the main road into the forest, and near the end take a left to access the other sites. Pretty much all sites were taken both Friday & Saturday by 7:30, we got lucky on Saturday and a spot opened just as we were leaving to find another place for the night.
We quite enjoyed our time at Powderhorn Campground in Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Our site was one of the best sites we ever stayed at, tucked in the corner and no one next to us. The cleanliness of the whole park was above and beyond. Showers and bathrooms super clean at all times. Paved roads were great to ride bikes on. Sites were spaced appropriately, not too tight. The pool complex was very organized and offered pools, hot tubs, store, arcade, volleyball net, basketball, playground, horse shoes, shuffleboard and free mini golf. Activities were only on the weekend but that was fine with us as the proximity to the beach kept us plenty busy. There is a trolley that brings you to different areas, including the pier at the beach, restaurants, waterpark and other campgrounds.$2 per adult,$1 per child. Such a cool way to travel and cheap. To be honest I checked out Bayleys campground and Paradise Park campground and even though they may have had more to do at the campgrounds, the sites were so close together, and bayleys complex was too much. That is my opinion and I’m so happy we chose Powderhorn.
Neat "desert" which was a form overgrazed by sheep, resulting in expanding area of blowing beach sand. Cool history such as archaeology, fossils, etc. Walk or ride around the "desert".
Really fun miniature golf course, which we sometimes drive to. Hot dogs, sausage, etc. that they cook right on outdoor grills along with ice cream, drinks, snacks etc. at their snack bar.
The campsite has tents, geodesic domes, etc. They are all very nice, and the rest and shower facilities are clean. A lot of upgrades have been (and are being) made over the past few years.
They DO NOT HAVE ANY RV SITES. Perhaps in the distant past they did, but now it's a place to bring a car and enjoy a glamping cabin or tent in the outdoors.
Campgrounds near Lewiston, Maine blend wooded settings with lake and pond access in a family-friendly environment. Several established campgrounds offer a mix of accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Martin Stream Campground in Turner provides 21 sites with water and electric hookups, while Poland Spring Campground features waterfront camping on a scenic pond with both tent and RV sites. Runaround Woods offers cabin accommodations with unique amenities including a wood-fired sauna and disc golf course.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with several closing after Columbus Day weekend. Full-service RV hookups are available at multiple locations including Freeport/Durham KOA and Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake, both offering 50-amp electrical service. Access roads vary in quality, with some campgrounds featuring narrow, winding drives that can challenge larger rigs. A camper noted, "Practically destroyed my camper getting in and out of the campground thanks to the way they tell you to get to your site, trees and roots everywhere making it impossible to take turns." Cell service and WiFi reliability differ significantly between properties, with spotty coverage reported at several campgrounds in more rural settings.
The region's mixed-use campgrounds frequently provide swimming options in lakes and pools, with family activities scheduled throughout peak season. Poland Spring Campground receives consistent praise for its family programming, with one review mentioning "daily activities for adults & kids" and noting that many families return year after year. Waterfront access represents a key feature at several properties, with Winslow Park and Campground, Martin Stream, and Poland Spring all offering shoreline sites. Halloween weekend celebrations emerge as particularly popular at several campgrounds, with elaborately decorated sites and organized activities. Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including showers, flush toilets, and trash service, though quality and cleanliness vary by property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping options are available near Lewiston?
Several great tent camping options surround Lewiston, Maine. Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground offers grassy shaded private sites ideal for tent camping with river access and proximity to downtown Bethel. For a more secluded experience, Crocker Pond provides beautiful waterfront tent sites in the White Mountains with a 14-day maximum stay. Most sites sit directly on the water, making it perfect for those wanting a serene natural setting. Both locations offer the classic Maine outdoor experience, with easy access to hiking trails and water activities.
Are there any free or low-cost camping areas around Lewiston, Maine?
Budget-conscious campers near Lewiston can find affordable options at Grafton Notch Campground, which offers 15 well-wooded sites at reasonable rates compared to larger commercial facilities. The campground operates from mid-May through Columbus Day. Another economical option is Poland Spring Campground, which provides basic amenities while keeping costs lower than premium waterfront campgrounds. While true free camping is limited in the area, these campgrounds offer good value with access to Maine's natural beauty without breaking the bank.
Where are the best campgrounds near Lewiston, Maine?
The Lewiston area boasts several exceptional campgrounds. Desert of Maine Campground stands out for its unique setting bordering the famous desert formation, excellent maintenance, free showers, and proximity to Freeport's shopping. It offers both standard and hike-in sites. For waterfront camping, Lakeside Pines Campground on Long Lake provides a mix of lakeside and wooded sites with easy water access. Families might enjoy Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake, which offers numerous amenities and activities while maintaining access to the natural beauty of Maine.
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