Best Tent Camping near North Yarmouth, ME

Tent campsites around North Yarmouth, Maine provide varied outdoor experiences from established grounds to walk-in sites. Several family-oriented tent campgrounds are within driving distance, including Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach (formerly KOA) and Mac's Camping Area in Poland. Bradbury Mountain State Park, approximately 10 miles from North Yarmouth, serves as a popular tent camping destination for those seeking proximity to hiking trails and moderate wilderness experiences without venturing too far from Portland's urban amenities.

Most tent-specific sites in the region feature level ground with mixed terrain—typically dirt pads surrounded by pine forest duff. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with established sites like Sun Outdoors offering drinking water and showers, while more primitive areas require campers to bring their own water supply or filter from natural sources. Seasonal availability generally runs May through mid-October, with late spring often presenting wetter conditions. Fire regulations are strictly enforced throughout Maine's camping areas, with several locations providing fire rings and designated cooking areas. A visitor commented that "sites have picnic tables and fire pits with log benches that create a nice little spot to hang out and eat."

The wooded campsites near North Yarmouth provide good shade coverage during summer months, making tent camping more comfortable than exposed areas. Walk-in tent locations often offer greater privacy and wilderness immersion than drive-in sites. Areas closer to water bodies like the Saco River provide additional recreational opportunities directly from camp. Maine's diverse landscape allows tent campers to choose between coastal proximity and inland forest settings. Backcountry tent camping options increase as you move northwest from North Yarmouth toward the White Mountains. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area," highlighting the accessibility of walk-in sites even when carrying tent gear.

Best Tent Sites Near North Yarmouth, Maine (21)

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Tent Camping Reviews near North Yarmouth, ME

788 Reviews of 21 North Yarmouth Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Paugus Brook Farm

    Great field camping at a great location

    I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River.

    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).

    The camping area is a field in the back with fairly level ground and lots of space, and is a very short walk from the designated parking area.

    The outhouse is brand new and super clean and right nearby, though there are no picnic tables and fires aren’t permitted due to area fire restrictions.

    Communication with the host was fast and helpful.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2020

    White Ledge Campground

    Rustic with road noise, but great location for hiking, climbing, exploring

    White Ledge Campground is in the White Mountain National Forest and should not be confused with nearby White Lake State Park. Located a few miles south of the Kancamagus and Conway, you have ready access to the Carter Ledge trail up Mt Chocurua or shorter loop trails. 

    The sites are generally large and wooded. Designated tent sites are not suitable for RVs/trailers because the site may require a short walk or steps. Facilities include potable water and vault toilets. There are no hookups and no dump station. The lack of amenities contributes to the low fee of$20/night, though online reservation fees will add somewhat to that. If you want a shower, they are available at Jigger Johnson campground along the Kancamagus Hwy, about 20 minutes away.

    If you head up on a holiday weekend, get an early start or be ready for traffic. The loop for sites 14-28 parallels NH16; you WILL hear and even see road traffic and Rte 16 is busy.  Sites 2-5 are more open, larger, and suitable for RV or tent. Site 10 is a nicely wooded, level site for tent or RV. About half the sites are reservable. The campground is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

  • Heather P.
    Jul. 2, 2018

    White Lake State Park Campground

    Pristine clear lake with view of white mountains

    Primitive large campsites, no hookups...no water, no cable, no electric. Clean bathrooms and pay showers. Been camping here for over 30 years..in a tent originally and now a 30 ft trailer..been to many campgrounds with lots of amenities and activities and our kids would rather be here than anywhere else. Now our children will bring their children here, it feels like our second home.

  • Sable W.
    Jun. 19, 2018

    White Lake State Park Campground

    Your experience will depend heavily on your neighbors!

    A friend and I decided to camp here before a backpacking trip in the Whites, to cut down on morning-of driving time. Our site, #02 on Loop 2, was in very close proximity to all of the neighboring sites. We had children on several sides, and a rowdy group of adult men on another side. Quiet hours are supposed to start at 10:00pm, but our rowdy male neighbors were up, playing music, talking loudly, and singing, until midnight. Then, just when we thought they were ready to settle in, they turned on a headlamp aimed directly into our tent. We are both very experienced car campers and backcountry campers, but even we struggled to get any rest through all the noise and light. The staff drove by a few times in a golf cart but never stopped to encourage this group to quiet down or use a little etiquette/common sense with their headlamp use. It wouldn't have been so much of a problem if the sites weren't SO close to each other. I attached a photo to show just how closely all the sites are situated; that's my backpacking tent, for scale.

  • JustinTimePizza
    Jan. 19, 2022

    Blackberry Crossing

    BlackBerry Crossing and the rest of the Kanc is great!

    My wife, neice, sister inlaw and myself stay here for a week every summer. The Swift River and Lower Falls is great on a hot day! We tent camp in an Ez-up 10×10 and have anotther tent that hooks to the 10x20 awning. The hosts are a friendly couple with their dog peanut. The camp site is great for free standing tents that dont need to be tied down this is NH so the ground is all granite so stakes do not work unless you camp out in the field but if it rain you wilp get wet. We like the sites to the far right and then to the far back left. Drive safe children at play. they have Vaulted toilets no running water but there is a spigot pump to fill a jug. in 15-25mins you can drive down to several different river tubing places, restaurants, grocery stores, walmart in North Conway. Its 25 a night 5 bucks for additional car cant beat that anywhere respect the campsite its bear country so keep ur food and coolers in ur cars at night and respect quiet hours the forest needs sleep too. All and all one of my favor spots in NH

  • 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.

  • k
    Aug. 15, 2019

    Dixons Coastal Maine Campground

    LOTS of people but lovely campground

    This is an extremely large campground.  It seems that most of them on the coast of Maine are.  We didn't get a very good sight, but the person who answered the phone basically told us that when we called and it was all they had, so I can't say too much about that either (#17).  The sight was small and between the two driveways.  All of the sights seem to have rocky ground, so I recommend a sleep pad and a footprint for your tent so you don't rip the bottom.  

    Now, on to the other stuff.  There is a small playground that is weathered but in decent shape.  The pool is lovely and meticulously kept.  The grounds, bathrooms and showers are spotless.  It's 50 cents for 5 minutes to take a shower (unheard of) with hot water.  There is even hot water to wash your dishes next to the bathrooms.

    They sell ice, wood ($7) and many "I forgots" in the store (bacon, milk, etc...).  They give you a security card to get into the grounds ($10 deposit).  The campground was SUPER quiet and quiet hours go to 8am (thank you)!  Only an RV about to leave made a ton of noise at 7.

    I would go there again.  It was a safe place close to so many things.  The beach and everything else is VERY close but not so close as to be annoying.... 5 minutes at most.


Guide to North Yarmouth

Tent camping options near North Yarmouth, Maine range from rustic sites to family-oriented campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. This southern Maine region features mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with sandy soil that drains well after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall camping requires additional layers for overnight temperatures that can drop to 40°F.

What to do

Paddle the Saco River: Saco Bound provides direct river access for canoe and kayak trips. "Right on Saco river. Gets busy in the summer," notes Brian P., making weekdays preferable for those seeking quieter water experiences.

Explore hiking trails: While camping at Swans Falls Campground, take advantage of "beautiful walking trail by the Saco River," as Charles P. describes. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring White Mountain National Forest trails within a 30-minute drive.

Beach activities: When staying at Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, utilize their shuttle service to Old Orchard Beach. "A trolley will pick you up from the campground and take you to Old Orchard Beach," explains Jill P., making transportation simple without moving your vehicle.

What campers like

Spacious wooded sites: Campers appreciate the natural setting at Swans Falls. "Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them," explains K R., who adds that "sites are large" allowing multiple tents for family groups.

Clean facilities: Huttopia Southern Maine maintains well-kept grounds according to visitors. A.C. notes the "grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly," making it comfortable for extended stays.

Water access options: Many campers value direct water access from Mac's Camping Area, which offers "large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch," according to Jake C., providing alternatives to more crowded public beaches.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the North Yarmouth area operate from May through mid-October. Sun Outdoors specifically runs "May 1 to October 15," with many sites booking fully on summer weekends by February.

Noise factors: Weekends bring more activity to some campgrounds. At Swans Falls, "On weekends there's a huge line up of people putting in to float down the river, which is busy and noisy. It calms down by afternoon," reports K R.

Reservation requirements: Most tent sites require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. Salmon Falls River RV Resort has limited staff during peak season, with one camper noting they are "short staffed" despite offering numerous amenities.

Tips for camping with families

Water features for kids: Salmon Falls River RV Resort offers extensive water recreation. Samantha N. explains, "Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"

Activities for rainy days: Sun Outdoors provides indoor options when weather turns. "Kid activities were done regularly... Outdoor movies were fun," reports Jill P., giving alternatives when outdoor recreation isn't possible.

Cabin options: For families new to camping, consider cabins at Sun Outdoors. "We stayed for 3 nights in a pop-up while my mother rented a cabin. We loved that were able to stay right next to each other," shares Erin M., describing flexible accommodation arrangements.

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility: Larger rigs should check access before booking. Aaron G. notes that at Salmon Falls, "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs," making it suitable for first-time RV campers.

Hookup variations: Electric and water hookups vary significantly between campgrounds. Hemlocks Campground offers full-service sites with "electric hookups" and "water hookups" while more primitive options like Webbs Mills Stead provide electric but no water at the site.

Seasonal facilities: Most campground water systems are winterized by mid-October. According to reviews, on-site amenities like showers and restrooms typically close earlier than the camping season at many locations, so late-season campers should prepare accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Yarmouth, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Yarmouth, ME is Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near North Yarmouth, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.