Tent camping sites near Limerick, Maine offer easy access to southern Maine's diverse recreational opportunities while maintaining a wooded, natural setting. Located approximately 35 miles inland from the coast, Limerick sits at an elevation of 705 feet with warm summer temperatures averaging 78-80°F in July and August. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through mid-October due to Maine's cold winter climate.
What to do
Saco River paddling: The Saco River provides popular paddling routes accessible from several campgrounds. Saco Bound offers direct river access with one camper noting it "gets busy in the summer" but provides "right on Saco river" tent sites.
Wildlife viewing at Sawyer Pond: For those willing to hike, Sawyer Pond offers backcountry sites with wildlife viewing opportunities. "The pond is gorgeous and the stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to," reports one camper.
Hiking Mount Chocorua: The Camp Penacook Shelter serves as a base for hiking Mount Chocorua. "The mile and a half to the summit is scrambles up some slick rock, which can still be icy in spots in the spring," notes one hiker who appreciated the shelter's location.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight at many campgrounds. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, one review notes: "Great campground. Sites are not too close, clean bathrooms, friendly service. Would definitely return!"
Water recreation options: The best tent camping near Limerick, Maine often includes water access. Huttopia Southern Maine at Sand Pond offers tent camping with water recreation options. One review mentions "grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly."
Night sky viewing: Rural locations around Limerick provide excellent stargazing opportunities. At Sawyer Pond, one camper was impressed: "I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds near Limerick fill quickly during peak season. For Salmon Falls River RV Resort and Family Campground, campers note they are "short staffed" despite offering numerous amenities.
Campfire regulations: Fire policies vary significantly between campgrounds. At Sawyer Pond, campers must follow strict regulations: "There is a lot of damage in the surrounding area where folx have cut down trees to have fires. Sites are a little close together but the shelter is set off a good distance from the tent sites."
Water availability: Not all tent sites have direct water access. At Sawyer Pond, "Water can be sourced from a small stream that flows from Sawyer Pond to Little Sawyer Pond adjacent to site 1. Be sure to treat all water taken from the pond/stream prior to consuming."
Tips for camping with families
Check for dedicated activity programs: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, one reviewer mentioned: "Kid activities were done regularly. Pizza and breakfast is very good if you do lunch want to cook. Outdoor movies were fun."
Consider water recreation options: Salmon Falls River RV Resort provides multiple water features popular with families: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Plan for weather variability: Maine weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Tent camping requires appropriate gear for temperature shifts. One camper at Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach mentioned camping during challenging conditions: "Although it was soggy we had an amazing time. The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen camping."
Tips from RVers
Transportation options: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services to popular destinations. At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, "there is a trolley that will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach."
Explore nearby attractions: The region around Limerick provides access to multiple day trip destinations. One camper at Paugus Brook Farm noted: "The location is a great place to either explore the immediate area (Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake) or head further north to Conway and North Conway)."
Site selection considerations: For those seeking specific site features, research ahead. At Swans Falls Campground, one camper observed: "Some sites are right on top of the Fryeberg fairgrounds, was glad we didn't have those. Our site was nice, about half way between the fairgrounds and river."
