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Nicole Z.
Traveler
TravelerSeboeis Public Lands
Beautiful , close sites
There are only 2 sites - beautiful but close together. Both were taken in the middle of the week.
Camping near Medford, ME
119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Medford, Maine ranges from primitive backcountry tent sites to developed campgrounds with electric hookups and shower facilities. Piscataquis Point offers waterfront camping with basic facilities, while nearby Peaks-Kenny State Park provides more developed options with electric hookups and shower facilities. The region sits at the gateway to Maine's North Woods, with the KI-Jo Mary Multi-Use Forest and Seboeis Public Lands offering dispersed camping opportunities. Tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin accommodations can find suitable options within a 30-mile radius of Medford. Several campgrounds near Medford feature waterfront locations on ponds and streams, providing opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
Fire permits are required at most primitive sites in the area, with campers needing to call ahead to secure authorization. According to one visitor at a nearby pond campsite, "You will need to call 207-695-3721 to see about obtaining a burn permit before starting a fire." Access to many sites involves travel on logging roads where fast-moving trucks have the right of way. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, particularly in the KI-Jo Mary forest system. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through early October, with some primitive sites accessible year-round depending on road conditions. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with stay limits of 5-14 days. Weather can change rapidly, especially near larger bodies of water, with sudden wind gusts and rain storms possible even during summer months.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers, with many visitors noting the calls of loons as a highlight of their experience. One camper described their stay at a nearby state park as "a great place to fall asleep to the call of the loons, spend your day paddling and fishing." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose sightings common on logging roads and near smaller ponds at dawn and dusk. Primitive sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, while more developed campgrounds offer amenities like hot showers, flush toilets, and dishwashing stations. Most sites require visitors to pack out all trash, as garbage facilities are limited. The proximity to the Appalachian Trail and numerous hiking paths makes the area popular with backpackers and day hikers during the summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Medford (119)
1. Piscataquis Point
"Sitting next to a warm, crackling fire listening to the sound of the river was truly the cherry on top and made for a very relaxing evening."
from $65 / night
Check Availability2. Seboeis Public Lands
"Beautiful location, with two spots by the lake and an open gravel lot for bigger vehicles or groups on the opposite side of the main road."
"That said, because it’s free and extended(14-day) stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site."
3. Soul Retrieve-Hill
"Soul Retrieve Hill is new to the Dyrt and has an awesome location near Senebec Lake & features a communal area so you can meet other campers! "
from $44 - $99 / night
4. Peaks-Kenny State Park
"head to the right of the main Beach area for more secluded water access and waterfront picnic and grilling areas."
"Most of the bathrooms in the park were closed down except for one, which our site (29) was next to. They have running hot water showers, a large basin sink outside to wash dishes, and flush toilets."
5. Jo-Mary Campground
6. Micro A-Frame Cabin
"As a single female - it is QUITE amazing to be able to calm this little piece of peace a joke away from home!"
"This little slice of peace was well worth the drive! My fiancé and I stayed for just one night and spent the entire time hanging out around the fire or lounging inside the A-Frame."
from $69 / night
Check Availability7. Poplar Stream Hut
"I had never heard of Maine Huts and Trails (a small non-profit organization) and likely would not have if we had not traveled with an organized group for a three-day hut to hut experience."
8. Wilderness Edge Campground
"Good location as I was supporting an AT hiker through the 100 mile wilderness. Close to Baxter state park and the Katahdin Iron Works area that provided access to the wilderness."
"We stay at Wilderness Edge every time we visit Millinocket. The campground has all of your basics and is a great gateway spot for Baxter State Park or ATV trails. "
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)
"Beautiful hike-in sites located along the Pleasant River, and a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in Gulf Hagas area! "
"This was an unexpectedly beautiful site and great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or Gulf Hagas area!"
from $34 - $54 / night
Check Availability10. Gauntlet Falls in KIJO Mary Multi Use Forest
"there is currently only 1 site available here(I spoke to fellow campers who indicated it had become too much of a party place, so it was closed), but there is also day-use parking, so the falls are accessible to"
from $25 - $30 / night
Drive Time
- 43 min from Bangor, ME
- 2 hrs 6 min from Lewiston, ME
- 2 hrs 43 min from Portland, ME
- 3 hrs 46 min from Manchester, NH
Recent Camping Photos near Medford, ME
127 Photos of 119 Medford Campgrounds
Kyle N.
Piscataquis Point
Hendricks S.
Soul Retrieve-Hill
The Dyrt
Tentrr State Park Site - Maine Peaks Kenny State Park - Single Camp
Sandie N.
Peaks-Kenny State Park
Mim J.
Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)
Jean C.
Little Jo-Mary Pond Campsites
Roger F.
Wilderness Edge Campground
Rebecca W.
Chanterelle Valley
michael M.
Grafton Loop Trail - Slide Campsite
michael M.
Grafton Loop Trail - Sargent Brook Campsite
Nancy W.
Pine Grove Campground & Cottages
Todd W.
Spacious Skies Balsam Woods
Recent Reviews near Medford, ME
247 Reviews of 119 Medford Campgrounds
- Kathy D.
ScoutMoose Creek RV Resort
Moose Creek RV resort
Love this place . Super well maintained & clean! Just booked 2 more weeks for the fall
Phillip H.ScoutPeaks-Kenny State Park
Very Peaceful and Quiet
I had fun camping here. The campsites are mostly level in the woods. It really gives you that Maine feel. A few sites have electric. Very nice showers. Nice hiking trail. A fun activity is to find all 12 unique picnic tables that are placed throughout the park by an artist. Recommended.
- PPortia H.
GuideNesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park
Nesowadnahunk Campground
This is a spread out campground! The leantos tend to be back in treed areas. Tent sites are more exposed but because the fields are huge, no worries. This is primitive camping so no potable water, no electric, no cell service, no camp store. It is so quiet at night and perfect for stargazing as there is no light interference. There are many trails and a beautiful climb up Double Top Mountain. Get water from the stream. Pit toilets are kept immaculate. There are two huge group camp sites right on the stream and have shelters. The Ledges are an easy walk if you want to swim/cool off.
John M.GuideSeboeis Public Lands
Quiet and scenic
Beautiful location, with two spots by the lake and an open gravel lot for bigger vehicles or groups on the opposite side of the main road. Located next to a boat dock but next to zero traffic during the week. Rock fire pits at the sites and plenty of space to camp out in the woods or open ground. An outside is available and maintained in the boat ramp parking lot but no other amenities.
Sandra L.
RangerWilderness Edge Campground
Beware this campground reverted to prior owner.
I stayed here for 3 full seasons when it was managed by the Shamps, as an incorporation.However they stopped the purchase and now it's being managed by original owners. The same owners who refused to allow inspectors onto the property, had sub par facilities and trespassed employees. Yet, the shamps upgraded the roads, bathrooms, showers, and all plumbing. So the place looks nicer than ever, although still fails some inspection line items. There is black mold in the tent side bathhouse, the touletstalls are smaller than legal size, and all the sites are laid out with the posts on the wrong side,( so bring extra power corda) or you must setup facing the road, not the woods. Also be aware there is NO Lake or rivers on this campground, the website is deceiving. Yes you can rent canoe or kayaks, but you also need to have a car/truck to take them to water. The camp is pet friendly, ATV friendly, and lots of ATV trails nearby. There is no ADA accessable toilets anywhere, but there are some larger showers, just no bars/railings, or accessable sprayers on the shower. The one that was there, , has been used as a maintence closet for at least 4 years,and gas unusable toilet . The laundry machines are good,for small loads. 1 washer- 1 dryer. Stayed April thru October for 3 years. I will NOT return under this owner, and do not recommend this place anymore.
- TTim M.Guide
Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite
Off the beaten path, WORTH IT!
I really enjoyed the scenery here! My only complaint is that there was minimal cell service(ATT). Decent inroad and multiple opportunities for trailer turnarounds. Ladybugs galore! Skeeters also control this area so pretreat your gear and/or bring spray
- BBrendan M.Guide
Lazy Tom Bog Primitive Campsite
THIS IS WHERE YOU SEE A MOOSE!
Was there for not even 24 hours and saw a moose. Dirt road to get to the spot right after the bridge on the right for only 5 minutes at most. Rocky camping spot but has a fire pit. I didn’t have any service. PERFECT launching spot for a kayak. Gets cold at night. I’d say closest gas station was probably 15-20 minutes away from the spot. People come often to check for moose and loud lumber trucks pass often so keep that in mind when camping. Again, it was all rocky.
- RRebecca Y.Traveler
Pumpkin Patch RV Resort
Fun Fall Stay
Stayed here in October, the week before they shut down for the season. Staff was friendly and super helpful. Snowmobile trails behind the campground lead to a walking path that connects the high school and elementary school for a pleasant walk in the woods.
Guide to Medford
Campsites in the Medford area sit within the transitional zone between Maine's central highlands and northern forest region at elevations ranging from 350-600 feet. The area receives an average of 45 inches of precipitation annually and experiences temperature fluctuations from below freezing in winter to 80°F in summer months. Most camping options require travel on gravel roads that can become rutted after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Several campgrounds provide access to calm waters ideal for kayaking and canoeing. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, "the lake is beautiful" and offers "canoe rentals" for those without their own watercraft. The park features "secluded water access" just beyond the main beach area.
Hiking trails: The region connects to multiple trail networks of varying difficulty levels. "There are two hiking trails that are fun but lack a scenic view; one challenging, one easy," notes a camper about Peaks-Kenny State Park. For more ambitious hikers, Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks) serves as "a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or Gulf Hagas area" with the "Gulf Hagas trailhead within 10 minutes" of campsites.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning offers prime moose-watching opportunities. One camper at Pleasant River reported they were "visited by a moose and her calf one evening" right at their campsite. Beyond moose, the area supports abundant bird life including loons on larger ponds and lakes.
What campers like
Quiet camping atmosphere: Many visitors appreciate the sense of remoteness found at smaller campgrounds in the region. At Piscataquis Point, campers enjoy a "very quiet and peaceful place but easily accessible from multiple directions and only like 20 mins from I-95." The campground offers a chance to "unplug and unwind like you're in the middle of nowhere."
Cabin options: For those seeking shelter without hauling tents, several sites offer rustic structures. The Micro A-Frame Cabin provides what one camper called a "little piece of peace" that was "well worth the drive." Another visitor described it as "very very cozy and wonderfully peaceful."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. At Wilderness Edge Campground, visitors consistently mention the "clean (like super clean) showers and bath house" along with helpful staff. The campground features "fire pit and picnic table at each site and cabin" with convenient amenities.
What you should know
Fee structures: Access to many camping areas requires multiple payments. At Pleasant River, campers note "you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee." Bring cash as some locations don't accept credit cards.
Road conditions: The region features numerous unpaved roads requiring careful navigation. Jo-Mary Campground has "gravel" access roads where visitors "drove slowly as there were some ruts." Logging truck traffic can create hazards on some routes.
Variable site layouts: Campground configurations may require adaptation upon arrival. At Wilderness Edge Campground, "the tent sites are a bit close together and barely deep enough to park a car" while RV hookup locations vary by site, requiring "longer power cords and hoses" for some setups.
Limited services: Many sites lack basic amenities. At Seboeis Public Lands, "there's no fee to camp" but also "no drinking water" available, requiring visitors to filter water from natural sources. Cell service drops completely in many locations outside town centers.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Katahdin Shadows Campground offers a "heated pool, campfires, tractor rides" that appeal to children, plus "lit site markers made it easy to find your site" when returning after dark. The campground includes a "game room" and path to an on-site store.
Beach activities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas appropriate for various ages. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, visitors enjoy "a short walk down to the beach area which offers a playground, cookout spots, and canoe rentals."
Recreational programming: Some larger campgrounds coordinate family-friendly events during peak season. Katahdin Shadows offers a "family hayride" that received positive reviews from parents, along with "lots of activity for the families" throughout the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tent camping sites in the Medford area?
Where can I find tent camping sites in the Medford area?
The Medford area offers diverse tent camping opportunities. Little Moose Pond Campsite provides primitive tent sites with easy access from the Little Moose Ponds Loop Trailhead. For a more guided experience, Northeast Whitewater Lodge offers tent camping with nearby recreation options like whitewater rafting and moose viewing tours. Their tent sites are walk-in style, offering a secluded experience while still accessible. Throughout the Medford region, you'll find many campgrounds that accommodate tents with various amenities from basic (fire rings and picnic tables) to more developed sites with access to showers and restrooms. Most tent sites in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the camping season, typically May through October.
What are the best campgrounds in and around Medford, Oregon?
What are the best campgrounds in and around Medford, Oregon?
Among the top campgrounds in the Medford area, Lily Bay State Park stands out with its two excellent camping areas. This state park offers gorgeous lakeside sites, well-maintained facilities including showers and restrooms, and easy access to hiking trails along the shoreline. For a more rustic experience, Trout Pond Campsite in the Little Moose Public Lands provides free camping in a pristine natural setting about five miles from downtown. This first-come, first-served site allows stays up to 14 nights. The Medford region is known for campgrounds that balance natural beauty with accessibility, offering options for various camping styles from waterfront sites to secluded forest locations, with many providing picnic tables, fire rings, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Are there RV-friendly camping options near Medford, Oregon?
Are there RV-friendly camping options near Medford, Oregon?
Medford offers several RV-friendly camping options to accommodate different vehicle sizes. Rowell Cove Campground at Lily Bay State Park includes sites designated for various rig sizes, with clear indicators on their campground map showing which sites can accommodate larger vehicles. Many sites offer lake views and access to comfort stations with plumbed toilets and showers. Long Pond Campsites in KI Jo Mary MultiUse Forest provides drive-in access for RVs with sites arranged around an open field area. When planning your RV trip to Medford, look for campgrounds with drive-in access, designated RV sites, and appropriate hookup options. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months as RV-suitable sites can fill quickly.
What makes Southern Oregon a good camping destination?
What makes Southern Oregon a good camping destination?
Southern Oregon excels as a camping destination thanks to its diverse landscapes and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The region surrounding Little Notch Pond Campsite showcases this diversity with opportunities for hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing in pristine natural settings. The area features crystal-clear waters like those at Dunn Point Campground, where campers can enjoy shoreline trails and observe wildlife including loons and mergansers. Southern Oregon's camping appeal also comes from its accessibility, with options ranging from developed state parks to primitive backcountry sites. The region typically offers a moderate camping season from late spring through early fall, with some locations accessible year-round. Many sites provide direct access to lakes, ponds, and trails, creating a comprehensive outdoor experience for campers of all experience levels.
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