Within an hour's drive from Parsonsfield, Maine, campers can explore forests, lakes, and mountain terrain ranging from 400 to 3,500 feet in elevation. The region's mix of state parks and private camping areas offers both wooded seclusion and family-friendly amenities. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-70s to low 80s, with cooler nights even during peak season.
What to do
Swimming access: Explore White Lake State Park where the water creates "a nice family campground just South of Conway, NH" with "a gorgeous lake with a pair of resident loons." The lake is clear and shallow, making it "comfortable with kids" as the "swimming area is shallow for quite a distance."
Hiking trails: Access scenic views at White Ledge Campground where you can "hike the White Ledge Loop which was 4.1 miles and got amazing views." The campground offers "hiking trails straight out of the campground" that connect to larger trail systems in the White Mountains.
River activities: Float the Saco River at On the Saco Family Campground where campers "took a shuttle up with some kayaks- reasonably priced- and drifted back down 10 miles right to our site!!" The river has "a sandy bottom, refreshing current" where visitors can anchor or float downstream.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: While not all campgrounds offer separation, Bunganut Lake Camping Area stands out as "this campground was quiet and the sites were fairly private." For tent campers, "the tent sites are lovely with decks and stairs to get to the water."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds in the area maintain their bathrooms and showers well. At Covered Bridge Campground, visitors note "the campground is clean and well kept" with "picnic tables and firepits in great shape," though they do have "pit toilets" rather than flush facilities.
Large campsites: Many campers appreciate the spacious sites available at White Ledge Campground where "the sites are generally large and wooded" and "most of them can accommodate smaller RVs as well as tents." A visitor noted that sites "were spacious and felt semi private," making them comfortable for larger groups or families.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds near Parsonsfield operate between May and October, with peak season running from late June through August. Some facilities have limited services in shoulder seasons.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Sebago Lake State Park, a camper was "lucky to score a nice site mid week just before the 4th of July" indicating how difficult weekend bookings can be.
Noise levels vary: While some campgrounds enforce quiet hours strictly, others can be quite lively. At one location, a visitor reported "golf carts are available to rent but there was a lot that went buzzing by after quiet hours & kept us awake."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Chocorua KOA offers "two playgrounds for little and big kids" along with "a full schedule of events" including "arts and crafts, movie nights, hikes and other things for children."
Beach access for kids: Choosing sites close to swimming areas saves long walks. At White Lake State Park, "the swimming area is shallow for quite a distance so you can feel comfortable with kids" though one visitor advised you might "want to bring bicycles or plan to walk a lot to get to and from the beach."
Campground size considerations: Larger campgrounds offer more activities but require more walking. At one park, a visitor noted that "this is a VERY LARGE campground, it will be a trek to get to the bathrooms or showers or swimming."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited at state parks but more common at private campgrounds. Check specifications carefully as one RVer discovered their "site was labeled as a 50 amp connection, but it wasn't, it was 30 amp."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. One RVer at Chocorua KOA reported needing extensive leveling: "my 5" drive on leveling blocks weren't enough and I had to put them on top of a 2x8 to level the camper out."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. At Covered Bridge Campground, visitors note "the road in for RVs is not terrific. There is about a 1/2 mile that is mostly one lane (with a drop off on one side) and if someone is coming decisions have to be made."
