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Best Tent Camping near Perry, ME

73 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Perry, Maine area range from secluded coastal options to lakefront settings with varying levels of amenities. Huckins Beach and Trail offers primitive tent-only camping with five designated sites in the Cobscook Shores Land Trust, while Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake provides a private lakefront tent site. The Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve features backcountry tent camping at Black Point Cove and Fair Head locations, accessible only by hiking trails.

Most tent campgrounds near Perry require campers to be self-sufficient, as facilities are minimal. Sites at Huckins Beach have picnic tables and gravel pads, but campers must carry in all gear from a nearby parking area. No fires are permitted on Cobscook property, and water is available only from a central hand pump. Toilet facilities typically consist of port-a-potties or rudimentary setups. The Cutler Coast sites feature very small, designated camping areas with makeshift toilet boxes that one camper described as "quite pathetic and gross." Most locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.

The coastal tent camping experience offers remarkable views and natural settings despite limited amenities. At Fair Head in the Cutler Coast Reserve, tent sites are perched on cliff tops with dramatic views of the Bay of Fundy, where "you can watch the sun rise right out of your tent just by sitting up in your sleeping bag," according to a visitor. Water sources can be seasonal, with several campers noting that streams may dry up by mid-summer, requiring hikers to pack in drinking water. The Cobscook area experiences some of the highest tides in the country at nearly 20 feet, which affects beach access for those arriving by water. Campers seeking lakefront options can enjoy direct water access at Tom's Retreat, where one visitor noted it was "very private and comes with a big common area to BBQ."

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Best Tent Sites Near Perry, Maine (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Perry, ME

73 Reviews of 5 Perry Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2025

    Sunset Point RV Park

    Easternmost camping in the US!

    General: 31 RV sites with w/e plus six tent sites with no hookups. 

    Site Quality: Our site was on grass and level enough that we could make it work without much difficulty. Sites 12A and 12B are the best IMO as they have an unobstructed view of the bay and more space between them than other sites. The lettered tent sites are also good, IMO, especially A, E, and F. Sites 1-29 are very close together with no physical separation between them in typical RV park fashion. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, however, sites 1-4 share a fire ring, making it a good choice for people traveling together 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean. Toilet stalls are a bit tight. The shower was also a little tight. One stall had plenty of hooks, but I could not get the faucets to work; the other stall only had one hook, but I could get the faucets to work! Plenty of hot water. 

    Activities/Amenities: Dishwashing sink, laundry (three washers/three dryers, $1.50 each) Free WiFi, and morning coffee on the porch. Firewood and ice are available for purchase for a reasonable amount (after-hours wood is available on the honor system). You can sign up in the office for a lobster set-up which includes a pot, burner, and propane to cook lobsters, clams, or crabs at your site. There are no activities at the campground, but you are encouraged to explore the town of Lubec, especially the West Quoddy lighthouse at sunrise. In the afternoon, we enjoyed watching the tide come in and out in the bay and I could do yoga on the grassy area. There was also a shared swing where you can enjoy the tide and sunsets.

    Cindy and her husband manage this campground, and we received a hearty welcome from Cindy when we checked in. After we paid (Cash or check only, no credit cards), she gave us the lowdown on what we should see and do in the small town of Lubec, especially the West Quoddy house lighthouse (which despite its name, is the easternmost point where you can see the sunrise in the US). Very quiet campground that was about half full when we were there. And yes, if the weather cooperates, the sunsets are beautiful.

  • Amanda F.
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Third Machias Lake - Machias River Cooridor

    Third lake machias

    I have gone camping here a handful of times and it is so beautiful! Definitely far out there and can be difficult to find if you don’t know the area well. Little to no service as well. We canoe to the island and camp on that but there are spots you can get to without a boat we just prefer it there. Make sure to bring everything you need! There are fire rings but the ranges can be sticklers about having a fire permit. This has only happened once that we’ve been there though they usually just leave you alone. These are also free spots that are first come first serve. The bugs can be really bad here especially in the earlier summer months so definitely keep that in mind and bring bug nets. We have caught a ton of fish here as well. Super beautiful lake and remote spot perfect to get away and unplug for a bit.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Fair Head — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    4 Star Site-5 Star Views

    Hiking along the Cutler Coast is a unique opportunity that if you get the chance to explore, you absolutely should. There are only 5 campsites total available along the Cutler Coast, 3 of them are at the Fairy Head. We approached the area via the Inland Trail, about a 5.5 mile hike from the trial head(trail signs are inaccurate, they don't account for the recent re-route). From this direction, sites were a little challenging to find but we managed. Just be aware that these three sites are NOT well marked and you have to hike up a wooden ladder to get to at least 2 of the 3. There isn't much fresh water around either, so we hiked in enough for dinner and breakfast the following day. The site we stayed in, site 1(at least we think it's site 1) was perched on a beautiful cliff top in the trees. The area is very small and fitting anything larger than a 4 person tent might be difficult(we had a 3 person). While there was a make-shift fire ring, fires are NOT allowed in the public land reserve here. Sites also have very rudimentary privies but these are not pit toilets, far from it. They are quite pathetic and gross consisting of a toilet seat sitting on a wooden frame, caged in by hardware wire. You can see everything and the odor isn't masked at all. I'm not sure why this design is in use. Not to mention that folx can't be bothered to pack out their trash. This site gets hit by first light and you can watch the sun rise right out of your tent just by sitting up in your sleeping bag. The views are incredible but these are very high impacted sites. There was a sheet of paper completely full at the trail head that serves as a register for folx to sign in, in order to avoid hiking in and not finding a site. We scrounged up a sheet of paper from our car and put it on the clipboard for folx to use. It was an old Amazon receipt but it's all we had. I was hesitant to put where we were camping exactly just for security reasons as two female hikers. But it was helpful to see that there was space for us when we arrived. All in all, it was a beautiful night!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 22, 2021

    Black Point Cove — Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve

    Impacted site but beautiful

    This is one of 5 available campsites along the Cutler Coast Bold Coast hiking trail. Situated on top of a little knoll overlooking the Bay of Fundy, this is a lovely gem. The site is extremely small and it's obvious others have found other spots outside of the designated area to camp (please don't be on of those folx). There is a small wooden stair case that leads up to the small flat spot. Our 3 person tent fit but it was quite tight and I find it difficult to imagine trying to squeeze a larger tent in the spot. I suppose that's why the group size is limited to 4 at each site.

    There is a small wooden box with a toilet seat, surrounded by hardware wire that is boasted as a "toilet." These were quite full and odiferous, a pit toilet would be less offensive to the eyes and nose but I'm sure the State has their reasons. 

    The views are spectacular and the sunrise won't disappoint if you're there on a clear morning. There is a nice large rocky beach a short distance from the campsite where we spent the afternoon in the sunshine watching the tide come in (you can get stranded on the rock at high tide so be advised). This time of year (spring) there was fresh running water available to treat/filter for drinking. I've heard that most of the water sources are totally dry by the middle of the summer so you may need to hike in all of your water depending on the time of year you visit. 

    There is supposed to be a register at the trail head for folx to sign in on to help prevent you from hiking in and not being able to find a site. That being said, there was only a single sheet of notebook paper that was already full when we arrived. We donated the only sheet of paper we could find in the car and added it to the register. I was hesitant to put our exact camping locations for safety reasons, as two female hikers I intentionally left the register information vague. 

    This is a very popular location so plan on getting an early start or visiting in more of the "off season."

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2022

    Huckins Beach and Trail

    Nice Secluded Campsites

    This primitive campground is part of the Cobscook Shores Land Trust which operates 15 parks and preserves in the eastern portion of Maine near the town of Lubec. This campground is for tent camping only with five tent sites and does not even allow RVs in the parking lot. There are no reservations(first come, first served) with a maximum stay of three nights. Some campsites have some trees for shade and others are in an open sunny meadow. There is a picnic table and gravel camping pad at each site. Fires are not permitted on Cobscook property so there are no fire pits. Dogs are permitted in the campground and on most trails but there is one section where they are prohibited due to shorebird nesting habitat and they must be leashed and picked up after. There is a centrally located hand pump water spigot and two port-a-potties near the parking lot. One thing that is a little weird is there is a cemetery nearby so if you are disturbed by sleeping near dead people nearby you may want to go somewhere else. There is no parking at your campsite so you have to carry your gear for the parking lot which is a short walk away. You can also paddle into this campground but you will have to carry your gear about a hundred yards. The preserve has an expansive gravel beach and hard pack sand when the tide goes out. Be mindful of the tides which are some of the highest in the country of nearly 20 feet. If you come in at low tide you will have a very long way to carry your canoe/kayak. This is a carry in/carry out park so don’t forget to take your trash with you. The closest town is Lubec which is about a fifteen-minute drive away. There is a convenient store and a restaurant/seafood market nearby(about a five minute away). This is a beautiful part of Maine where you are surrounded by lots of bays and lakes and just a short trek to what is called“the Bold Coast” of Maine where there are dramatic rocky cliffs and magnificent ocean views. Nearby are plenty of other nature preserves, West Quoddy State Park, and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.

  • Harold C.
    May. 30, 2021

    Sunset Point RV Park

    Cute camp W/E dump station

    Nice size sites, 50/30/20 electric, there are a few single picnic tables under shelters, nice small pond, tent sites two with W/E. Heated shower rooms, restrooms are open. Opened couple days early to accommodate a few early campers, I being one of them. Yes I would gladly stay here again!

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 3, 2021

    Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    Fun Lean-to on the Bay

    We decided to spend the night at this park after having to adjust our plans due to high winds. Given our timing(early October), the place was almost entirely empty. We chose one of the small lean-to shelters for the night. There are a few of these and they do require you to walk your gear in a short distance, so pack accordingly. 

    The site we stayed in had a gorgeous view of the bay and it was super cool to watch the tide come and go with such a drastic change in the water levels. We even saw a racoon take a swim across the bay at high tide. 

    There was a nice small and consolidated fire ring and a large picnic table. The lean-to was the perfect size for our three-person tent and kept us out of some cray wind(gusting up to 40 mph). 

    The state park has primitive pit toilets scattered throughout the various loops that require a bit of a trek from where we were camped. There are also numerous sites right on the water in the picnic area that would be great day use options if you’re just looking to enjoy the area for a few hours. The gentleman making the rounds was friendly and it was nice to know there were a few employees still around and available if needed.

    The state park is located close to Lubec as well as the St. Croix International Historic Site, which we visited while we were in the area. Given the pandemic, we weren’t able to venture over to Canada but maybe next time!

  • K
    Oct. 18, 2018

    Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    Heaven

    This is as close to heaven as you can get. Huge state park. Tent sites and RV sites are on separate peninsulas. No electricity so it’s quiet. Absolutely stunning sites on the ocean. Great place to launch your exploration of Maine’s Bold Coast.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2025

    Cobscook Bay State Park Campground

    Off the beaten path!

    Cobscook State Park is beautiful. The park is big, and many sites are very far apart - we had almost complete privacy.  There are both reservable and non reservable sites.  Some sites have Adirondack shelters.  All sites have picnic tables and fire pits.  The majority of the tent sites and small rv sites, and some larger rv sites, are on the water.   We stayed at 2 different sites - a waterfront site and non waterfront - and both were scenic and private.   There is no water/electric/power at any site.  There are water stations around the park, as well as a bath house and dump station.  The park rangers are friendly and helpful. There is a lot of wildlife and waterlife - we saw many seals and cormorants in the water, as well as a few eagles.  You can launch a kayak from your campsite, or from the large  dock/boat launch area in the park.  Kayaking should be done with prior research to ensure familiarity with the tide changes (which are up to 20 ft) and currents, which are strong and dangerous in certain areas of Cobscook Bay.   There is a great map published by Cobscook Shores that shows recommended kayak areas and tide access.  It includes the launch that is in the park.  https://cobscookshores.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CS-System-Map.pdf  

     There are also a few open areas for picnicking or just relaxing, as well as a play area for kids.  There are a few nice, relatively short and easy  hiking trails that run through the park.  One of the trails is right at the entrance, so you can park there if needed. For more advanced hiking, the Cutler Preserve land, Boot Head, and Quoddy Head are all nearby and offer incredible hikes of varying distances, up to 10 miles.  Quoddy Head also has a lighthouse that is a popular attraction .

Guide to Perry

Tent camping near Perry, Maine offers opportunities for exploration along the rugged coastline and serene lakes of Washington County. The region experiences large tidal variations of up to 20 feet that create dynamic shorelines where camping areas may have limited access during high tide. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-75°F while fall brings cooler weather and fewer crowds to the primitive camping locations.

What to do

Kayaking on Gardner Lake: Tom's Retreat on Gardner Lake provides direct water access for paddlers looking to explore both Gardner and Second Lakes. According to visitor Claudia G., the site offers "amazing lakefront lot, very private and comes with a big common area to BBQ" making it ideal for water-focused camping trips.

Hiking the Bold Coast Trail: The Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve features a challenging trail system with camping opportunities. Hikers should prepare for an approximately 5.5-mile trek to reach the Fair Head campsites, which reviewer Sarah C. notes is longer than indicated on trail signs due to "the recent re-route" of the trail.

Beach exploration at low tide: At Huckins Beach and Trail, campers can explore "an expansive gravel beach and hard pack sand when the tide goes out," according to Nancy W. The dramatic tidal changes create opportunities for shoreline exploration but require careful planning for kayakers who might otherwise face "a very long way to carry your canoe/kayak" at low tide.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: The five tent sites at Huckins Beach and Trail provide varying experiences where "some campsites have some trees for shade and others are in an open sunny meadow," according to Nancy W. Each site includes "a picnic table and gravel camping pad" for basic comfort.

Spectacular sunrise views: Fair Head in the Cutler Coast Ecological Reserve offers premium positioning for early risers. One camper noted the site "gets hit by first light" with views so perfectly positioned that "you can watch the sun rise right out of your tent just by sitting up in your sleeping bag."

Proximity to natural areas: The Perry region serves as a gateway to numerous conservation lands. Huckins Beach is situated where "you are surrounded by lots of bays and lakes and just a short trek to what is called 'the Bold Coast' of Maine," with "dramatic rocky cliffs and magnificent ocean views" according to visitor reviews.

What you should know

Limited facilities: The best tent camping near Perry, Maine generally requires self-sufficiency. At Black Point Cove in Cutler Coast, Sarah C. warns that the toilet facilities are "small wooden box[es] with a toilet seat, surrounded by hardware wire" that were "quite full and odiferous" during her visit.

Water availability varies seasonally: Spring campers may find natural water sources, but summer visitors should plan differently. For Cutler Coast locations, there's "fresh running water available to treat/filter for drinking" in spring, but "most of the water sources are totally dry by the middle of the summer" requiring hikers to carry all drinking water.

Site size limitations: Many designated camping spots can accommodate only small to medium tents. At Black Point Cove, the site is "extremely small" where a "3 person tent fit but it was quite tight" with the reviewer finding it "difficult to imagine trying to squeeze a larger tent in the spot."

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: Families should consider the difficulty of reaching backcountry sites. Huckins Beach campsites require "carry[ing] your gear from the parking lot which is a short walk away," making it more manageable for families than the multi-mile hikes required for Cutler Coast sites.

Consider site privacy: For families seeking separation from other campers, Pleasant Lake Camping Area receives positive reviews for privacy. One visitor simply stated "I love it" when describing their experience at this family-friendly alternative to more primitive options.

Plan for no-fire camping: Several camping areas prohibit open fires, which may affect meal planning for family trips. Huckins Beach specifically has "no fire pits" as "fires are not permitted on Cobscook property," requiring alternative cooking methods for family meals.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping sites near Perry explicitly prohibit RVs. Huckins Beach "does not even allow RVs in the parking lot," making it exclusively for tent campers arriving on foot or by small watercraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Perry, ME is Huckins Beach and Trail with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

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