Looking for the best options for tent camping near Phillips? Finding a place to camp in Maine with your tent has never been easier. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
67 waterfront campsites including mainland, Students Island, Toothaker Island and Western Shore. Wilderness Campsites are located on the Mainland, Students Island, Toothaker, and along the Western Shore. All sites include water views, a picnic table, a fire pit and access to an outhouse.
MAINE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Firewarden's Trail (4.6 miles) intersects the Appalachian Trail at Bigelow Col (the lowest point between two peaks) and provides the shortest route to Avery Peak or West Peak from the south side of the Bigelow Range. Follow Stratton Brook Pond Road 0.4 mile east to Stratton Brook, the outlet of the pond, and another 0.4 mile east to the fork. Take the north fork (left) 0.3 miles to the old trailhead clearing. The trail bears northeast along an old tote road and ascends gradually 1.2 miles until the Horn's Pond Trail diverges left. Moose Falls Campsite is located about 1 mile further up the Firewarden's Trail. Shortly after this the trail ascends steeply for the last 0.7 mile until the Firewarden's Trail ends at the Bigelow Col (3815').
$100 - $150 / night
Located in western Maine just east of the village of Stratton about 40 miles north of Farmington, Bigelow Preserve includes over 36,000 acres of public land. The preserve encompasses the entire Bigelow Range, which includes seven summits. The highest of these at 4,150 feet is West Peak, one of only 10 Maine summits over 4,000 feet in elevation. Bounded on the north by 20,000-acre Flagstaff Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Flagstaff Lake is part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail is an historic 740-mile watertrail through New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parksearch/PropertyGuides/PDF_GUIDE/bigelow-preserve-flagstaff-lake.pdf
$28 / night
Legend
I tent camped at site 6 for two nights in early September for a trail volunteer event for the Cohos Trail I and had an awesome stay.
For facilities, there is a camp office (though hours were not consistent), basic camp store, coin op showers, coin op laundry, a big dish cleaning station, and clean bathrooms.
For activities, this site is awesome for fly fishing folks since it’s a short walk from one of the best spots in NH.
I saw lots of folks kayaking and canoeing and there’s a public boat ramp a short walk from the campground. There was a sign for rentals but I didn’t see any available. This may be for earlier in the season.
The sites vary in terms of privacy. The lakefront sites were spectacular but you are close to your neighbors. I was in site 6, in one of the small loops off the waterfront drive. These spots were close together but were separated by some brush to make them feel more secluded. The tent sites in the outer loops looked to offer more privacy.
This campsite was full the weekend I was there and very lively during the day but very quiet and peaceful in the evening.
Lake Francis is way up in NH so this does feel remote. The main activities are hiking, fishing (both fly and from the boat), and I saw a host of folks ATVing.
I would definitely come back on account of the great fishing and peacefulness at night.
TravelerRoom for a few vehicles. Small sandy stream bank, right next to the road. More flat camping tucked in back... possibly a tent site or two.
Scout
We have tent camped here for a week (if not twice) every summer for the last 5 years. Pond with rentals, pool, mini golf, daily activities, crafts....so family friendly. love the half moon and kitchen and bath sites.
Scout
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. It is right next to the stafford brook trail to hike to the top of Bigelow and you can easily hike from your campsite to the top of the mountain and back within a day. Multiple sites including both group sites are right on the water and there is a nice beach area big enough to accomodate however many people you bring. The best tent site is on the island just offshore accessible by sandbar which is usually just knee deep. The cove makes for safe swimming away from the wind and waves offshore. Great secluded spot where you won't feel crowded like at Baxter or Grafton notch areas.
Legend
Basically this is a small independent RV park split between season RV campers and regular RV campers. The only reason for a tent camper to go is to take advantage of the laundry room and the nicely scrubbed showers. It’s 5 minutes from Skowhegan and a short 2 minutes from Kennebec Banks rest area on route 2.
There are about 5 tent sites– two of which are on a small point stretching into the confluence of the great Kennebec River and the small Wesserunsett River.
The only two tent sites I would recommend are #50 & #51 on the point with # 51 being most desirable. I absolutely would not recommend any of the other tent sites for various reasons. I used site #51 and pitched my tent about 20ft from the Kennebec. At 6:45am I saw two bald eagles patrolling the Kennebec.
The RV sites that are interesting are the ones directly along the Kennebec. They are sites 39-45; 47A; 47B; 47C; 48; and, they park parallel to the river. Otherwise, it’s a very tight center filled with RV’s and very large motor homes. Sites # 52– 58 may look like they are water sites… but the water feature on the map is only a brushy swamp.
The 2 showers are very good, clean and include a bench. There are 2 flush toilets also sparkling clean; but, they are some distance from The Point. The 24hour self-operated laundry is housed in a small, dedicated bungalow. There are 2-3 docks and canoes to use.
At night, one can clearly hear the noise from route 2 just at the edge of the campground. The river amplifies the sound of cars passing by.
Guide
Really loved the scenery....canoe around the lake, visit 1Big Sustainable island. Lot of tent sites on the water, we had #24, with loud family of 6 children 10’ away. Friday night 3am train is loud. Sunrise on the water beautiful, which gives this site an extra star
Guide
This place is amazing!! Nice tent sites. Rv sites. There are electric and water hook ups. Nice pool and clean bathrooms with showers!! Playground for the kids and a rec hall with games and TV. There is a volleyball net as well. They have tiny home rentals also through airbnb. My family loves this place!! They even have a small restaurant/store on site!! Amazing staff!!!!
Traveler
We went tent camping and seemed to be one of the few tenters. We stayed at base camp 1C. It was a very nice site near the water with water and electric. However not a lot (any) privacy. The bathrooms were very nice and there were showers, though not a lot of water pressure. The camp office folk were very nice. The site was large enough for my 10x12 tent and an ez up and to park the van. Site also had a picnic table and fire ring with Cook rack on it. Gorgeous view of the lake, just wished for more privacy
Legend
I've stayed here a number of times and have enjoyed my stays. This is a good campground to use as a base location when doing other things. It is a small campground, but the tent sites are nicely dispersed in a small field. In the late summer the grass will be 4' tall, it's a fun location.
The RV sites are stacked about as tight as I've ever seen them though. Facilities are dated, but there are outhouses at the tent group sites.
If you stay here check out the suspension bridge and the island.
Ranger
This campground was small and quiet with majority of sites for tents only. The river was super calm so we were able to take our paddle board out and explore the waters. They have a small camp store and vault toilets but they were pretty clean. Overall a great campground in the northern area of NH! We stayed at site 18 which was next to a large field with tent sites on the river. Luckily no one was camping around us this weekend and it felt like we had the place to ourselves
Guide
Despite a very recent personal loss, the owners welcomed us with open arms and heartfelt greetings. The grounds and sites were well maintained. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well stocked.
When we arrived, we were given a map with available sites marked and free reign to pick the spot of our liking.
The pricing has increased from the dyrt's listed prices. We paid $40 for a tent site with elec. and water.
I would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Legend
Stayed here in May 2018 and really enjoyed the quiet town of Gorham in the White Mountains. We came in early May so it was still early in the season but we had a wooded tent site in the back of the campground and felt very secluded from the rest. Lot's of great hiking within an hour of the property including Mt Madison, Mt Washington and a little further out is the Flume Gorge in Lincoln that I highly recommend.
Guide
My wife and I stayed for 3 nights in late June. New campground and new owners. Bathrooms and showers were very clean and well maintained, a must on the list for my wife. We stayed at the far end of the campground on the river. Although there had been such little rain it was more of a stream, but non the less nice to stay on the water. I will say those tent sites are every close with very little trees separating the site. When we stayed there was no other tent campers. Ellis pond public beach is fantastic and only 10 minutes or so drive away.
Traveler
We have tent camped in several of the sites 4X in the past 3 years. 10/28/23 was last visit for the year. We never see many trucks or people. The sites are quiet, peaceful, very clean and outhouses are always in excellent condition. We thank the folks who care so well for the sites. We got there in a compact SUV 3 years ago, but go by truck now. The road in off the Capital Road has deteriorated a fair amount in past year, due to rains, we believe. Don't make the trip if you expect good roads, but if you like logging roads, this area is wonderful.
Guide
Truly nice folks who built this campground 39 years ago, still run it. Well maintained and full of nice folks. Mostly rv camping with some tent sites. A lot of seasonal rv occupants. Great for families with children but nice for all folks. Two bath areas and a laundry room. Free baths and inexpensive laundry prices. There must be many atv trails nearby as plenty of campers had theirs up and running. About 12 miles south of a point on the AT so plenty of hiking nearby as well. Lots of planned activities and live entertainment on Saturday night. A warm community environment.
LegendThis Camping Park has something for just about everyone. Whether you have an RV (small, medium or large), tent, are looking for a cabin or want a little more of a wilderness feel, this place has something to offer.
While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin River. Additionally, the campground has several nice cabins available as well.
Let's start with the RV sites: there are a bunch! This campground also hosts many seasonal campers who have sites situated around the perimeter of both sides of the campground (split by Route 2). Seasonal campers have some pretty sweet set-ups for sure. The only downside to some of the RV spots is that they can be in the sun almost all day which can be a bit much in the heart of the summer. Otherwise, sites are well maintained and have all the normal hookups for RVs.
Tent sites are well spaced and almost all of them are in the shade which is a huge bonus! Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and nice level spot to pitch your tent. Bath houses are conveniently located throughout the campground and are well maintained.
The two walk-in tent sites are very secluded and offer fire rings, picnic tables, a bear box and one of the two sites has a wooden tent platform. The second site's tent platform is currently being built (July 2020) and should be at the site and ready for use soon. These sites sit right on the beautiful Androscoggin River, offering a serene backdrop for your camping adventure.
The campground is situated in-between two large tracts of the White Mountain National Forest. Great hiking is available at the campground as well as a short drive away. If hiking is a hobby of yours, look no further! This is a great location to base yourself out of to get some solid miles under your belt. There is a campground office that has a small store as well as laundry facilities. They also offer an AT Hiker Hostel. They also have a nice heated swimming pool, playground and many other amenities. When there isn't a global health pandemic, they have a bouncy house for the kids. They often show movies on the lawn when the weather cooperates. They also rent kayaks and you can launch from the campground or they will shuttle you some place near by.
It really is a campground with a little bit of everything! Owned by locals of the community who have run the place for over 25 years.
Traveler
Was not aware of how small the actual campgrounds was I believe like 5 tent sites. Not much to do everything was far. it was pretty cold so we couldn’t enjoy the pond . On the other hand clean site pretty sight we just sat at the campground & decent bathroom but Personally I found the smell of the water and shower/sink drain pipe unpleasant very overwhelming. The staff were nice enough tho. Was not aware that they did have kayaks to rent until late the day before check out so that was a bummer for me
GuideWe spent the second week of May at this lovely campground. It’s a campground in its second year. The owners and the nicest people. There are hookups: water and electric available on some sites. There is a dump station with water. The bathrooms and showers are new and beautiful. There are tent sites under the trees and a little beach along the river. They do have a cabin tent which is fully furnished in the field. This is an equestrian campground as well. Pets are welcomed. There is plenty of areas, caves and hiking trails to explore. There is a diner down the street that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Appalachian Trail runs through this area. We look forward to spending a week here in July. Come and partake of all this beauty in Andover, Maine. Check out their website. They have 30 & 50 amp power available. We were in a pull through site. We really appreciated having hookups!
Guide
The campground is alright. The tenting sites are small and have very little privacy. The campground is next to a highways and train tracks. The only upside is they do have showers that are 50 cents for 8 minutes. There was a river walk, I did not walk down. There is also a store in the front.
Guide
We had a few sites scattered over the campground for the weekend and had an overall...interesting time. We live relatively close and have been here a few times, each time has been mid.
Getting into your site with a camper requires maneuvering no matter how you come into the campground. We had a few sites higher up in the campground and had a tent site right on the water near the "boat ramp".
I try not to judge a campground based on the people around you because you literally cannot control that. The beach had flooded the weekend that we were there, leaving the only beach area available the spot...in our site. A HUGE group of people set up camp IN OUR SITE. It left a really bad imprint on the weekend and I won't be returning.
The campground itself is average, wooded sites with a camp store, field area, small beach and basic amenities.
LegendStopped in to try and camp here, all the spots were taken. 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.
The Road is rough, but with care you can get there, just go slow.
There are pit toilets, but no running water or electricity.
All of the sites are walk-in sites.
Bussy place!
Legend
One of the furthest north campgrounds in New Hampshire is a great place to stay. If you don't mind the sound of ATVs this place is great. I stayed here on Sept 11th and we had a nice quiet stay.
As others have mentioned you need to check in at the cabins a little down the road but sites can be reserved online easily. Most of the sites are nice, there are a few near the road that I would not recommend on high traffic weekends, due to the fact that they are right on the road.
The mix of site types is one of a kind for the area, Lodges, Cabins, Lean-to and tent sites. There is one main facility building with laundry and bathrooms and then a remote outhouse as well. There are also some recreational buildings that look like they can be rented for events.
The pond is wonderful, the sounds of loons - Magical.
We stayed at site 17 and it was nicely tucked into the trees. I was amazed to see the cabins that were in the woods behind us, they were very cute and I might consider those for another weekend.
If you enjoy exploring the woods, fishing and being in the wild this is a good clean option.
LegendThis little campground is tucked just off of Route 16 as you travel north from Berlin, NH to Errol, NH. The drive is also quite scenic! The campground is small and sits sandwhiched between the road and the Androscoggin River. I was worried that the road noise would impeded my serene camping experience but I have to admit, I didn't hear much. However, I camped here in October just before the final camping weekend of the season so traffic was perhaps less than normal.
There is a small campground office staffed with a friendly host who is attentive and more than happy to chat. There are several tent sites and two sites with nicely built lean-tos. We stayed in one of the lean-tos during this particular visit. The sites are well maintained with picninc tables and fire rings. Many of the sites are on the grassy bank of the river with a few a bit further away. Most are shaded at some point in the day. There are several pit toilets, all well maintained during the season.
You can fish right from your site, too!
LegendWhile this is close to the road, there is a good buffer of vegetation between the road and the campsites. I've camped here multiple times and never hear the road. Most sites are right on the Androscoggin River and the serenity is priceless. There are many grassy tent sites that can also accommodate small campers, like pop ups. There are a few lean-tos (2) and a few sites with wooden platforms.
The gentleman working the office was super kind and helpful. There was good signage indicating how to proceed for various needs in his absence, including how to purchase firewood and checking in/out. There is recycling available near most sites next to the various pit toilets. At this time, there are no showers or flush toilets but according to park staff, a facility for these items will be built in the near future.
Most sites are grassy but a few are hard packed dirt and a few had newly dispersed wood chips. Bathrooms were clean, water spigots are readily available as well. Sites are well maintained and some are closer together than others. Many have direct access to the river. There's really not a bad site.
Guide
Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens. Our family has been going annually for the last five years. We meet up with a couple Moms and their children who we don’t get to see too often and make it a “girls and kids” trip and have a blast making memories and gives us moms a well deserved break. This year we opted for a small group site with a centrally located fire pit and spent our days in the lake, pool, or just hanging out while our kids (ranging from 8-12) rode their bikes, made friends at the playground or participated in the activities that the camp had to offer. Sites are all big with plenty of room between the sites for the perfect amount of privacy. Hook ups for water/electric/sewer but also tons of tent sites too. Staff is friendly and helpful, kids loved the big red and blue slides at the pool, restaurant, ice cream and store all in the same area.
For parents; live entertainment with local bands on Saturday nights, an adult only swim nightly. (Playground is close enough to the pool to actually enjoy this while listening to my kids play), candy bar bingo (where you can play bingo WITH your kids and was quite fun) and just a nice atmosphere all around between all the other families there.
Will definitely be back next year!
Legendlast year I bought a small camping trailer and picked it up one evening with no idea where I was going to spend the night. It was my first time towing, so I didn't want to travel very far. The friend who was with me called around and found More to Life campground in Winthrop. Best part? we got a pull-through site for the night, so I didn't have to figure out how to back up in the dark! They offer a selection of wooded, level to slightly sloped sites, with tent sites grouped together apart from the other sites. All sites offer electrical, only one offers sewer, but if an RV is your thing, they have a honey wagon for pump-outs. Bathrooms and showers are clean.
There's a pond with a private beach within walking distance and great for kayaking and swimming, etc. Additionally, you're only a few miles from public boat launches on the larger Cobboseecontee Lake. The campground abounds with places to play games and hang out, whether you're interested in ping pong, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, or swings. They're are also weekly activities for the kids. They publish a weekly activities schedules online, both on the website and their Facebook page. There's a little camp store and laundry is also available.
Their website mentions that they want your "stay here with us will be one of rest, relaxation, safely, and spiritual refreshment, They are open about their Christian faith, and services are available. They do have some guidelines around modest dress.
This was a great place and if I had a family, I expect they would have no problem keeping busy and finding fun things to do!
ScoutI spend one week at this campground every year, and I am so sad covid killed that for us this year! However, I’m going to write this to share just how awesome it is because I can’t wait to go back!
We stay in an HHK which is a site that has its own electric stove, kitchen sink, covered picnic table, and small bathroom in the back! It’s definitely more lux than a standard site, but it makes camping with kids insanely easy. There are a million other options from plain tent sites to rentable cabins and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.
There are two sides across a road of this campground-pond side and pool side. Pond side is a lot more crowded and desired so if you’re more into a quiet experience, stick to pool side.
They have weekly events that we love! Tuesday trivia, Wednesday beach party, Thursday dance party, and Friday karaoke- the latter being the most fun! There are so many things for kids to do throughout as well, there’s very little time for down time or boredom!!
My one con is the location of public restrooms. There aren’t many, hence why we stay on a site with our own, and some are extremely far away from campsites that don’t allow campers. There’s a site called the Tree House and because the treehouse is a ‘structure’ (it contains two bunk beds) you aren’t allowed to put a tent or a camper on the site. I personally think that’s absurd, because the nearest rest room is FOREVER away. I would never be able to get my kids to the bathroom in time all the way over there. It would be amazing if they changed this policy or added another bath structure. Just keep an eye on the map when you book!
I couldn’t recommend this place more. I can’t imagine anything happening that would cause me not to return next summer or every single summer from now on. I fully intend on making this a lifetime trip.
Tent camping near Phillips, Maine offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
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