Tent camping options near Standish, Maine include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Primitive tent campsites can be found at locations like Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach, Mac's Camping Area, and Huttopia Southern Maine, all within 30 miles of Standish. These campgrounds offer a mix of basic to well-developed facilities for tent campers seeking outdoor experiences in southwestern Maine.
Most tent campgrounds in the Standish area include standard amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. Sites typically feature mixed terrain with dirt or gravel pads under partial tree cover. Drive-in access is common at Sun Outdoors Saco and Mac's Camping Area, while Huttopia Southern Maine and Webbs Mills Stead offer walk-in tent sites for a more secluded experience. Seasonal operation is standard, with most campgrounds open from May through mid-October. Campers should note that alcohol policies vary between campgrounds, with some locations prohibiting it entirely.
Tent campsites in the region provide varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Areas farther from main roads offer more seclusion, while locations like Sun Outdoors Saco balance convenience with amenities including clean restrooms and showers. Many tent campgrounds in the area serve as excellent basecamps for exploring nearby attractions including Old Orchard Beach and Portland. Tree cover at most sites provides welcome shade during summer months. One camper noted that "the sites are not too close, bathrooms are clean, and the service is friendly." For tent campers seeking primitive experiences, Webbs Mills Stead offers a more rustic option with minimal facilities, allowing for a more authentic outdoor experience while still maintaining basic comforts.
"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."
$40 - $45 / night
"Mac's camping has large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch! Make sure to check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt about your stay!"
"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."
"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!"
"You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off of NH highway 302, or in 4.5 miles from the Sawyer Pond Trail Head off 112(the Kancamangus Highway)."
"Sawyer Pond was my introduction to backpacking more than 40 years ago."
GuideCool location right on the edge of the Dry River Wilderness. Great Basecamp for lots of hikes in the area. Some spots are right on the highway with not much tree cover in between so can be loud. Some walk in sites with platforms are further from the road
Vid is from the river off the trail that starts in the campground
LegendThis quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available.
There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want.
While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!
LegendThis state park campground located between Rte 302 and the Dry River in Crawford Notch is a great location for exploring family friendly trails to (Sawyer Pond, Arethusa Falls, Willard Cliffs to name a few) or longer excursions to Mt Washington and other peaks in the Whites & Presidentials. Story Land is an easy drive, too, if you have young children.
Fees are a reasonable $25/night. Facilities include clean bathrooms with showers. In addition to the full-service, handicap accessible wash house, there are vault toilets around the loop. Cell service is poor to absent throughout Crawford Notch. If you need to connect, drive south toward Bartlett or North to Bretton Woods.
Sites are spacious, level, and wooded, though some have no real demarcation between them. This can be good if you are with friends and reserve sites side by side (2 & 3; 12 & 13), Because most of the sites are on the outside of the loop or opposite sides of the road, you won't feel surrounded. There are no hookups. Site are back-in. A few of the drive-to sites include small lean-tos. In addition, there are a few sites that are more secluded, set back further in the woods and providing a tent platform as well as a fire ring and picnic table. The entire campground is close to the road, so you will hear traffic noise. Sites 27-31 are particularly close to the main road. Although sites 2-7 appear to be far from the river, it's still just a short walk. There's a formal trail to the river from the back of the loop, near 16B (lean-to). Reservations open 11 months in advance. Mid-Oct to Dec 1 sites are walk-in only. Pre-register online and bring your print-out with you to save yourself some time.
There's no camp store, though they do have firewood for sale if you see someone. During the peak season, i expect the sites fill up in advance, but this early in the season there were sites available for Friday night when I checked in (though most only for 1 night; Saturday night was definitely harder to come by). If you haven't stocked up in advance, your best bet for groceries when coming from the south/east are Grant's Supermarket at the junction of 302 & 16 or your choice of major supermarkets in Conway.
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.
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.
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.
LegendThis year-round campground is a short walk from the road and situated along the river, providing nice swimming/wading when the weather is right. There's a small parking lot with space for several cars. Site are $15/night (2020) and a recycling toilet is available. This is bear country, so bear boxes are provided. You will cross train tracks to reach the campground and they are active tracks, so you'll hear trains.
The river has an area with a sandy bottom and some rocks; the number of rocks you walk over will depend on the season and water levels. Bring your own water or something to filter/treat it. Sites are good-sized for a tent or two with tent pads laid out on some. There's a fire ring, but don't count on a grate. No picnic table. Site 2 is large, but you walk through it to reach site 1.
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.
Tent camping near Standish, Maine offers campers access to several prime waterfront locations within a 30-mile radius. The region's mixed pine and hardwood forests provide natural shade at many campsites, while the area's 300+ feet of elevation creates cooler evening temperatures even during summer months. Many campgrounds in southwestern Maine remain open from May through mid-October, with water temperatures at their warmest from mid-July through August.
Kayaking and canoeing access: At Mac's Camping Area in Poland, campers can launch directly from the private beach. "Mac's camping has large RV Sites with access to their private beach & boat launch," notes reviewer Jake C.
Beach exploration: Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible from several campgrounds with convenient transportation options. "In the summer there is a shuttle that takes you to the beach which is convenient. During the shoulder season dogs are allowed on the beach but not the summer," explains Nancy W. about Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach.
Nature trails: Wildlife enthusiasts can explore nearby conservation areas. "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)," recommends Nancy W. about day trips from Sun Outdoors Saco.
River floating: The Saco River offers popular water recreation opportunities. "Right on Saco river. Gets busy in the summer," explains Brian P. about Saco Bound, where weekends see numerous visitors putting in for river floats.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate when sites offer natural separation. At Swans Falls Campground, reviewer K R. notes, "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."
Clean facilities: Restrooms and showers are frequently mentioned in positive reviews. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've seen camping and the staff was incredibly friendly!" says Brittany M. about her stay at Swans Falls Campground.
Food options: Some campgrounds offer on-site dining. "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," shares Nancy W. about her experience at Sun Outdoors Saco.
Location: Proximity to regional attractions is a significant benefit. "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. This KOA is close to Old Orchard Beach, the city of Portland, and towns of Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Wells and Kittery Outlets," explains Ben P.
Weekend crowding: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during summer months. "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," explains K R. about Swans Falls Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Standish, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Standish, ME is Sun Outdoors Saco Old Orchard Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 22 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Standish, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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