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Best Tent Camping near Lewiston, ME

679 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent campsites surround the Lewiston, Maine area with options ranging from established campgrounds to more primitive sites. Mac's Camping Area in Poland offers drive-in tent sites with lake access, while Tiny Cabins of Maine provides a limited number of tent sites on a platform near a pond. Riverbend Campground in Leeds operates seasonally from May through October with basic amenities for tent campers. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers dispersed primitive tent camping for those seeking a more natural experience.

Most tent campgrounds near Lewiston provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Mac's Camping Area includes drinking water, showers, and toilets, making it suitable for campers preferring more facilities. Sites at Riverbend feature electric hookups and water access, but limited other amenities. The Western Maine Foothills area provides walk-in tent sites with firewood available for purchase, though campers should bring their own drinking water and supplies. Tent platforms at some locations help keep sleeping areas level and dry during wet weather.

Areas farther from town offer deeper seclusion and fewer crowds, particularly at dispersed tent camping locations. The White Mountains area provides opportunities for primitive tent camping with pets allowed and campfires permitted. One camper noted that Riverbend Campground is "just a beautiful, wild spot" for tent camping. Tiny Cabins of Maine, despite some road noise, received positive feedback for its tent platform and serene setting. A review mentioned that "the tent camping amenities, including the pop-up toilet and sturdy wooden platform, were thoughtfully provided." Most tent campgrounds in the region offer good tree cover for shade, though some sites can become muddy after rainfall. Campers should be prepared for varying terrain and pack accordingly for their tent camping experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Lewiston, Maine (16)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lewiston, ME

16 Photos of 16 Lewiston Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Lewiston, ME

679 Reviews of 16 Lewiston Campgrounds

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2020

    Hastings Campground

    Wonderful Fall Location

    This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available. 

    There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want. 

    While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    Grafton Notch Campground

    Five years later, still five stars!

    General: Small (15-site) campground near Grafton Notch State Park (but not IN the park). No hookups. Not all will agree with me, but I am glad no generators are allowed.

    Site Quality: Sites are gravel, level, and have enough trees to afford privacy between sites. 

    Bath/Shower House: It is immaculately clean. Each gender has two stalls and one ADA-accessible shower. The shower has nice warm water and a great flow. There is also a very clean vault toilet. 

    Activities/Amenities: Horseshoes and cornhole in the lawn area in the center. Information on many local hikes. Rocky beach has tables where you can sit and relax. There are two dishwashing sinks, potable water, and a dump station. 

    What makes this campground shine is the owner, Mo. We’ve stayed in many campgrounds but hands down, Mo takes more pride in her campground than any other we’ve been in. Seasonal decorations, flower pots, and Mo is an on-site presence to answer questions, engage in conversation, and make sure the sites and all facilities are pristine. We stayed here five years ago and look forward to hopefully staying again in the future. About the only thing I can find fault with is the proximity to the road but even at that, road noise is minimal.

  • L
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Desert of Maine Campground

    Aesthetically pleasing campground-- good for tent campers

    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. Sites are close together, and some are small. There are 2 hike-in sites which are set apart. Wifi is provided throughout the campground and most sites have power. They must have studied "best practices" when designing this lovely campground. 

    I booked an extra night.

    This is an outdoor experience campground- not a wilderness adventure -- but perfect for young families…especially for those new to camping or those for whom a very sanitary classic bathroom is needed.Children find and entertain each other in the common area.

    Sites 19-27 face a shared square with excellent access to the modern and stylish bath house. Other sites have a somewhat further walk. Sites 17-27 are best for tents due to the configuration of the sites.. Tent sites # 2 & # 3 are short walk-in and very private, but lack easy access to the bath house. Almost all sites in this campground have shade and are under a beautiful canopy of old pine, maple and balsam.

    Site 24 is lovely & slightly set apart and cars are parked close by but not on the tent site. Site 27 is located down a steep slope and is very private but has difficult access. I would categorize site 27 as a hike-in site, but not # 24.  All sites are generally level and have been graded. Sites have scant privacy in front, but back up to forest. Sites 4, 6,17, 19, 23 & 26 have slightly more space but space is not the defining issue in this campground. RV's that are large should not try this campground. The maintenance is superb; and the thoughtful design of the overall campground is aesthetically pleasing. 

    This attractive campground is small-scale and personally managed. 

    Ice is available for purchase…as is wood. 

    Beware of speed trap on the 2 mile access road between the interstate & campground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Beach Camping Area

    Motorcycle camping

    Next to river and had a major flood this spring. I was tent camping on motorcycle and tent site are on dirt due to flood. Tent Site consists of picnic table. No water or sewer or electrical. $43 a night and bring quarters for shower. Clean restrooms and showers but I feel way over priced for what was offered. Should have looked for alternate.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Wild River Wilderness Area

    Backcountry Wilderness Camping

    The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state. Route 113 (open seasonally late May/early June until the snow begins to fall) travels through the Evans Notch in the White Mountain National Forest and has multiple trail heads that enable you to access the Wild River Wilderness Area. This wilderness area is relatively new and is one of my favorites in the country.

    There are several established campsites in the Wilderness Area, most of which had shelters at one point that were taken down once it received the Wilderness designation. However, the areas are still established camping areas with tent cribbing and many have established fire rings and National Forest Service signage. I will try to add those camping areas and review them based on their names and not lump them into one review. 

    That being said, this particular review is focused on camping in the Wilderness outside of designated sites. In our household, we call this "bush crashing." In May of this year, the Dyrt magazine published a helpful article about this very thing and you can check it out here: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/lifestyle/free-camping-national-forests/

    There is plenty of "dispersed" (aka bush crashing) available in the Wild River Wilderness. Just keep in mind that some areas are not open to camping, mainly Forest Protection Areas that are generally located within a 1/4 mile from trail heads and established designated campsites. Otherwise, just find a spot 100-200 feet from water and the trail and you're golden. On this particular trip we parked at the Wild River Campground (fee required to park here) and headed into the woods via the Wild River Trail. Once you're in the wilderness area, keep your eyes pealed for any flat-ish spot up from the river and you won't be disappointed. 

    Just remember, dispersed camping can be a little bit of a shock if you're used to rolling up to an established and/or maintained camping area. It will not look like what you may expect, so don't be disheartened or deterred. You can still make a cozy home for the night. Be sure to bring a stove to cook one, as fires are not permitted outside of designated sites. Also be prepared to dispose of your solid human waste per Leave No Trace principles (back a WAG bag or trowel). There's a lot to explore and with the ability to camp just about anywhere you want, there's no need to worry about mileage or a camp site being full. The world is your oyster when you hone the art of bush crashing!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2021

    Basin Campground

    Stunning Scenery & Swimming!

    Absolutely beautiful spot! This campground has a day use area with a boat launch and picnic area on the right as you drive in. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the water and it’s a great swim spot in the summer. The water is surrounded by beautiful cliffs with hiking opportunities readily available. The water is a short walk from all of the sites, some are obviously closer than others. 

    The sites are well spaced and quite large. I greatly appreciated the crushed rock vs. sandy soil especially given the amount of rain we got during our stay. The camp hosts were helpful and definitely out and about throughout the day. 

    Sites have fire rings and large picnic tables, as well as flat space to pitch a tent or two depending on the size. There was some variance in the size of the sites, some of which required walking up a few steps from the parking spot to the site. Not a big deal but helpful to know if negotiating stairs is an issue for you. 

    Fresh water spigots are spaced between sites and there is one bath house with flush toilets. Note: there is no soap or paper towels/hand dryer in the restroom. Be prepared and bring your own.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2017

    Hastings Campground

    Nice Fall Camping

    This U.S. Forest Service campground is small but meticulously maintained. It is clear that the USFS and campground hosts care about this space. Our campsite was freshly raked in and around the picnic table and fire ring. The entire campground and facilities are pristine. I especially appreciated the clear but non-passive aggressive signs throughout the campground.

    Most sites are nicely shaded with nice tall hardwoods, though some times have more sun than shade. Our site had an exceptionally long picnic table which was nice. There are two vault toilet buildings and a large old fashioned water pump to get fresh water. This campground is bare bones but still close enough (about a 25 minute drive) to the nearest town in case you need access to supplies.

    There is one small loop with 24 campsites, some of which are reservable online. Sites are $18/night and there is a self pay station as you enter the campground. This campground is located right off route 113 so can be a little bit loud especially during foliage on their motorcycles. So if you want more peace and quite check out the Wild River campground (it's 5.5 miles down a USFS dirt road).

    The campground was virtually empty but I imagine it might get busy in the summer!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2018

    Pleasant River Campground

    Riverside campground, great for paddling or hiking

    This is a great campground for enjoying all the recreational activities in the Bethel, Maine area - hiking in the Grafton Notch area and AT, paddling on the Androscoggin, biking trails in the area, or sticking around and enjoy the pool. Pleasant River offers shuttles as well. The website doesn't offer a campground map and I can't remember our site number, but we were near the restroom on a level wooded site. There are also much more open RV sites.

    You can email for availability, but you'll need to call to finalize a reservation.

  • C
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Mount Blue State Park Campground

    Gorgeous, Well Maintained, Close to MANY Amazing Hikes

    These camp grounds are excellent. Grounds were fairly unpopulated so we had first pick and no neighbors! But I could see the sites being less private if it were a busy weekend. Walking trails through and around the grounds featuring a Nature Center, amphitheater, boat launch, and swimming beach on Lake Webb. I really enjoyed swimming, the water was clear and the beach was decently shallow. Canoe & boat rentals available too. Many primitive ground toilets that are kept very clean as well as a facility with hot showers and flushing toilets (but in my family we call that cheating). Potable water & camp dish washing stations sprinkled throughout also. Super close to many incredible day hikes such as, Tumbledown & Mt. Blue. We checked in for 3 nights and ended up staying for 5 because we were enjoying it so much! All of the sites are heavily wooded and occupied by the most amazing spectrum of songbirds, woodpeckers, and owls. Every site also provides a picnic table & a great stone-backed fire ring with a grill gate. Great design makes it so your fire light doesn't disturb your neighbors. I can't wait to return!

Guide to Lewiston

Tent camping options near Lewiston, Maine range from primitive forest sites to established campgrounds with amenities. The region sits at the gateway to the western Maine mountains with elevations between 200-500 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night, with frequent rainfall particularly in spring months.

What to do

Trail access from campsites: At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, campers can enjoy proximity to hiking trails. As Amanda B. notes, "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart," and the "Highwater trail with bridge close by" provides convenient recreation according to Jason R.

Kayaking on nearby ponds: Tiny Cabins of Maine offers water-based activities with pond access. According to Paige A., "Kayaking in the pond was a highlight, thanks to the convenient dock," making it perfect for a morning paddle.

Apple picking and events: Seasonal camping at Boothby's Orchard combines camping with orchard activities. Asher K. mentions, "We stayed here last weekend while on the Orchard for our friends' wedding," and recommends to "make sure to check out some of the amazing hiking in the area if you stay here and dont forget to eat some apples."

What campers like

Private campsites: Many campers appreciate the seclusion at primitive sites. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, Robert B. described the sites as "Private, nice sites," while Rhonda H. noted, "The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other."

Tent platforms: Sturdy platforms at Tiny Cabins of Maine keep gear dry during wet weather. A camper reported, "The tent camping amenities, including the pop-up toilet and sturdy wooden platform, were thoughtfully provided."

Natural water features: Streams and rivers enhance the camping experience. Kt mentions at White Mountains Camping, "Amazing little larry brook. Great flat sites except top two," while Rhonda H. adds, "The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream."

What you should know

Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. Kevin H. reports at White Mountains, "Just enough t-mobile/starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work," while Robert B. mentioned they "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost."

Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At White Mountains Camping, Rhonda H. states, "There is a fire pit but no other amenities," requiring self-sufficiency.

Water access considerations: Bring water or plan to filter from natural sources. Jason R. mentions, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing," which requires proper filtration equipment.

Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate with weather-dependent schedules. Riverbend Campground runs from "May 1 to Mid Oct," according to their listing information, with Mike M. describing it as "a beautiful, wild spot."

Tips for camping with families

Friendly campgrounds: Some sites specifically cater to families. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, Erin M. reports, "The staff was friendly, the bathrooms and grounds were very clean, activities were fun, the playground/pool was nice."

Activity options: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. Jill P. mentions at Sun Outdoors, "Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do not want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun."

Cabin alternatives: For families new to tent camping, cabins provide a comfortable introduction. Erin M. notes, "We loved that were able to stay right next to each other and were still in nice wooded sites with an awesome space for the fire."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: For RVs near the best tent camping in Lewiston, Maine, careful site selection is essential. At Mac's Camping Area, Jake C. noted, "Mac's camping has large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch!" making it suitable for families with both RVs and tents.

Electric hookups: Several campgrounds offer electricity for basic needs. Riverbend Campground provides electric hookups for campers requiring power, though showers and toilets are not available on-site.

Driving conditions: Some roads to primitive sites require careful navigation. At White Mountains Camping, campers report the access road is "uphill," something to consider for vehicles with less clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lewiston, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lewiston, ME is Mac's Camping Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Lewiston, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Lewiston, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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