17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Sanford, Maine range from established grounds with facilities to secluded walk-in tent sites with minimal amenities. Huttopia Southern Maine (Sand Pond Family Campground) in Sanford offers walk-in tent sites among its 107 campsites, operating from Mother's Day to Columbus Day. Paugus Brook Farm, though farther away in New Hampshire, provides five primitive tent sites with basic amenities accessible via drive-in or walk-in options.
Most tent camping areas feature level ground and relatively simple terrain suitable for tent setup. Paugus Brook Farm provides a field camping area with fairly level ground and ample space, requiring only a short walk from the designated parking area. Facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering drinking water, trash collection, and fire rings, while others maintain only basic composting toilets. Fire restrictions may apply in certain areas due to seasonal conditions. One camper at Paugus Brook Farm noted that "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."
Walk-in tent sites generally offer more seclusion than drive-in options. At Squam Lakes Association campgrounds in New Hampshire, tent campers access remote sites via hiking trails or boat access, providing a genuine backcountry experience. The primitive nature of these campsites appeals to those seeking quiet surroundings away from RVs and cabins. Campers should be prepared to filter water from streams or bring their own supply, as many primitive sites lack potable water. According to one visitor at Squam Lakes, "The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area - some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter."
"The campground sits among tall pine trees which offer nice shade helps alleviate some of the feel of a crowded campground. "
"We tent camped at Saco/Old Orchard Beach KOA. The staff was very friendly and when I called to book the site, they assisted in helping us pick out the nicest campsite."
from $248 - $374 / night
Check Availability"Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun! Sites are close together and they are short staffed but other than that a great place!"
"The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only."
"We really enjoyed our stay here - we prefer tent camping and like to be secluded; we are not into RV parks. This was fantastic. Beautiful trails, excellent kayaking, quiet and serene."
from $50 - $110 / night
Check Availability"I stayed here tent camping on the way to some fishing on the Saco River."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Sites are wooded but not a ton of space/trees in between them. Some sites are right on top of the Fryeberg fairgrounds, was glad we didn’t have those."
"It's in a nice, open pine forest and there is a beautiful walking trail by the Saco River. I biked in so no idea about other utilities."
"As you head up the Piper Trail, as you're nearing the 3 mile mark, it starts to get steep and mostly stone steps. Luckily, right as you begin to tire, the branch for the Spur Trail appears!"
TravelerNext 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.
LegendDesert 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.
LegendI 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.
TravelerThis is a first come campground, which means that you can't make a reservation in advance. I arrived on a Saturday in June a little after 9am and had not problem getting a site, the place was mostly empty at that time. In order to reserve the site you must find an empty site, and leave something there (ie: your tent) to signify to others that the site is taken, then you need to pay in the little envelope at the front gate.
I had site 11, which is in the smaller of the two loops, close to both the bathroom (outhouse) and water spigot. Since I was only staying for one night, I liked being close to these. It was a bit buggy in the morning setting up my tent, and also making dinner. Once the sun went down the mosquitos settled and it was fin.
There is no camp store or anything here, so make sure to by your firewood or anything you need on your way through town and bring it with you. Also the ground here is quite packed down and hard, so make sure to be prepared with a good sleeping pad. sites do have a picnic table and fire ring.
Over all this was a great campground, and very convenient to hike hedgehog and/or potash in the morning directly across the street, or numerous other great hiking trails along 112.
LegendWhite 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.
GuideStayed for an overnight trip. Site #47. Drive in, pick an open camp spot and pay for the nights by the front board. Clean area, some more open and several with in walking distance of the river. Picnic table with fire ring. Bath rooms were clean, didn’t use the showers but they do offer them. Three host locations for questions. Trails leading off in different directions.
Some sites have more privacy. The inside locations had more of the trees cut down directly around them. No noise problems at night or in the morning. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a campground.
ScoutPrimitive 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.
LegendPassaconaway is a smaller campground, having only 33 sites. Interestingly enough, sites 1- 4 are walk-in sites, so there is a community parking area and then you walk to your site. Each site has a picnic table and firepit , spigots are located throughout the campground and site 21 has your firewood for sale ($8 per bundle). No cell service...AT ALL.
We liked this campground because it was close to the Sugar Hill scenic view and it has MANY old mature trees. There were also quite a mix of campers. Tent campers, a few RV's, hammocks and several rooftop tents were in our loop. There was no shower :( but with the proximity to great hiking, we could rinse off in the creek!
LegendSimple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.
We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.
The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.
Tent campsites near Sanford, Maine provide access to both coastal attractions and inland forests. The region sits at the northern edge of the Atlantic Coastal Plain with elevations ranging from near sea level to approximately 1,000 feet in surrounding hills. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during camping season, with cooler evenings that can drop into the 50s.
Beach access and water activities: At Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, campers can take advantage of seasonal shuttle service to Old Orchard Beach. "The shuttle to the beach is convenient," notes a camper. The campground's proximity to water activities extends beyond ocean access, as one visitor points out: "If you like to paddle, head to the Saco River Marsh. Here you can put in your own boats or rent some and paddle through beautiful marsh – just watch the tides."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers several nature preserves. "A great place to explore is Rachael Carson National Wildlife Refuge. There is a small welcome center and trails that wind through the marsh with some beautiful views (and dog-friendly)," shares one visitor at Sun Outdoors Saco.
Exploring nearby towns: The coastal Maine region contains several historic towns within 30 minutes of Sanford. One camper at Swans Falls Campground mentions: "The campground is in a nice, open pine forest and there is a beautiful walking trail by the Saco River." For those staying at tent sites near Sanford, day trips to surrounding communities provide shopping and dining options.
Clean facilities: Many tent camping locations prioritize cleanliness. A visitor at Salmon Falls River RV Resort states: "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!!" Though primarily an RV resort, their tent sites provide access to these same amenities.
Wooded settings: Tent campers appreciate natural surroundings and shade. According to one camper at Huttopia Southern Maine: "Grounds are manicured and aimed to be family friendly." This 107-site campground in Sanford offers walk-in tent sites with varying degrees of privacy.
On-site dining options: Some campgrounds near Sanford feature food service. A Sun Outdoors Saco visitor explains: "One of the nice features was the on-site restaurant which claims to be famous for their 'blueberry pancakes' and also offers Belgian waffles, pizza, hamburgers, and hot dogs. I admit the pancakes were delicious and loved eating them campfire side."
Reservation timing: Popular tent sites fill quickly during peak season. At Squam Lakes Association, "The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal conditions may limit campfires. A recent visitor noted: "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."
Water access: Not all primitive sites provide potable water. One camper explains: "There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter."
Site selection: At Sun Outdoors Saco, a visitor advises: "Tent sites 96, P5, P4, P3, P2 and P1 were also among the best spots, offering full shade and privacy."
Water activities: Campgrounds with swimming options are popular with families. At Salmon Falls River Resort, "If you have young kids this place is so fun! Multiple pools, a water slide, high ropes, a jump pad, mini golf and more!!! My niece had so much fun!"
Structured activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events. "Amenities include a heated pool, hot tub (adults only), basketball, volleyball, playground, and various activities like s'mores, crafts, ice cream socials and more. This campground is very kid-friendly."
Cabin options: For families new to camping, Paugus Brook Farm provides an intermediate option. Though primarily offering tent sites, their 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)."
Site accessibility: While this guide focuses on tent sites, RVers note some campgrounds accommodate both. "Campsites are level and site is fairly easy to maneuver with bigger rigs. Have great activities daily for the kids a nice store onsite."
Seasonal staffing: Summer months may bring staffing challenges. As one RVer mentions: "Sites are close together and they are short staffed but other than that a great place!"
Transition periods: Some campgrounds change management or branding. "If I have one issue it would be that it went to a KOA which isn't bad but the transition year seemed a bit wanky and hopefully this year will be better as my kids love it there and we'll continue to go back often."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sanford, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sanford, 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 Sanford, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Sanford, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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