Best Tent Camping near Madison, ME

Tent campsites in the Bigelow Ecological Reserve near Madison, Maine offer primitive camping experiences with varying levels of accessibility. Round Barn Campsites provides walk-in tent sites with pit toilets but no running water or electricity, while Moose Falls Campsite features wooden platforms for tents and basic amenities. Maine Huts & Trails offers both tent camping and cabin options with access to drinking water and showers, making it suitable for campers seeking more facilities while still enjoying the wilderness setting.

Most tent campgrounds in this region require campers to obtain fire permits before starting campfires, with permits available by calling local forest service numbers. The terrain at tent sites varies considerably, with some featuring sandy soil near water access points and others set on forest floors with tree roots and rocks. Walk-in sites predominate, with parking typically located a short distance from actual tent locations. One camper noted, "Round barn campsites offers a dozen or so tent sites with two big group sites. The best tent site is on the island just offshore accessible by sandbar which is usually just knee deep." Many sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though campers should bring their own water or filtration systems.

Primitive tent camping areas around Bigelow Preserve provide exceptional privacy and natural immersion. Sites near water bodies like Rum Pond and Little Moose Pond offer both swimming and paddling opportunities directly from tent sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "If you're looking for a genuine backwoods camping experience, this is the place for you. Flush toilets and showers are a luxury you won't find here, but the trade-off is the unmatched seclusion." Most tent campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day maximum stays. The area's network of hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail, makes these tent campgrounds ideal bases for day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips. Wildlife sightings, particularly moose, are common near many of the more remote tent campsites.

Best Tent Sites Near Madison, Maine (32)

    1. Round Barn Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Carrabassett Valley, ME
    31 miles
    Website

    "There were even people camping in their rooftop **tents.

    Sites** that I saw looked great, trails need some maintenance though, and some of the sites need clean up."

    "Round barn campsites offers a dozen or so tent sites with two big group sites. It will pretty consistently have some campers, but I've never seen all the sites full before."

    2. Maine Huts & Trails

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    30 miles
    Website

    $100 - $150 / night

    "What an impressive set up. Multiple huts laid out over 35 square miles in the heart of the Carrabasset Valley."

    3. Moose Falls Campsite — Bigelow Ecological Reserve

    1 Review
    Stratton, ME
    31 miles
    Website

    "My daughter and I stayed there last Friday night and shared the site with some wonderful people. Site was quiet and really felt like one was “in” the Maine woods. 4 platforms and a privy."

    4. Boothby's Orchard

    1 Review
    North Turner, ME
    34 miles
    Website

    "However, it is a beautiful space and well worth checking out for weddings or other get togethers. They also have cabins you can stay in as an alternative but those are limited."

    5. Tiny Cabins of Maine

    2 Reviews
    Coopers Mills, ME
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 798-3132

    $50 - $120 / night

    "I recently stayed at the Tiny Cabins of Maine with my family for two nights, opting for their tent camping site. From the moment we arrived, the host's warm welcome made us feel right at home."

    "This smaller campground offers great privacy on a large pond in the Maine forests. "

    6. Riverbend Campground

    1 Review
    Leeds, ME
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 524-5711

    7. Bigelow Col Campsite — Bigelow Ecological Reserve

    1 Review
    Stratton, ME
    37 miles
    Website

    "Despite contending with a fair share of mosquitoes, the tranquility of the location made it all worthwhile. The campsite, offering access to the lake, was a real gem."

    8. Stephen Phillips Memorial Preserve Wilderness

    4 Reviews
    Oquossoc, ME
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 864-2003

    "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."

    "Can rent canoes to take out to the sites on islands and across the lake. There are water refills at the office available

    Farrington island is my favorite spot. There are 2 sites."

    9. Myer's Lodge East

    2 Reviews
    Stratton, ME
    38 miles
    Website

    "we had a blast having water access right from our site and the ability to park within steps of our tent."

    10. The Hawnets Nest

    1 Review
    Stetson, ME
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 945-1944

    $60 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Madison, ME

249 Reviews of 32 Madison Campgrounds



Guide to Madison

Tent camping near Madison, Maine offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore the Great Outdoors

  • Experience the breathtaking backcountry at Maine Huts & Trails, where multiple huts are spread across 35 square miles, providing access to incredible hiking and biking trails.
  • For a more secluded experience, Round Barn Campsites offers tent sites right next to the water, perfect for swimming and enjoying nature.
  • Discover the tranquility of Moose Falls Campsite, where you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars surrounded by the sounds of the Maine woods.

Amenities for Comfort

  • At Tiny Cabins of Maine, enjoy well-thought-out amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and access to a pond for kayaking.
  • Northeast Whitewater Lodge provides yurts and tent camping with fire pits and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst nature.
  • Riverbend Campground features electric hookups and water access, making it a convenient choice for tent campers looking for added comfort.

Activities for Adventure Seekers

  • Engage in nature programs at Maine Huts & Trails that allow you to explore the forest environment while enjoying guided hikes.
  • Enjoy a day of rafting and camping at Magic Falls Adventures Campground, where you can easily transition from camping to thrilling water activities.
  • Hike the nearby trails from Bigelow Col Campsite, which offers access to stunning views and the serene ambiance of the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Madison, ME is Round Barn Campsites with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Madison, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.