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Best Tent Camping near Stetson, ME

211 Reviews

Tent campsites near Stetson, Maine range from established campgrounds to more primitive wilderness sites across the region. Several campgrounds accommodate tent camping including The Hawnets Nest, Soul Retrieve-Hill, and Amy's Farmstays, all offering dedicated tent camping areas within a 30-mile radius of Stetson. These established sites provide basic amenities while maintaining a natural camping experience in Maine's forests and near local waterways.

Most tent camping areas include fire rings and picnic tables, though site surfaces vary from packed dirt to forest floor with minimal leveling. Wilson Streams Area offers primitive tent-only sites with fire pits and picnic tables along a stream, but campers must obtain fire permits before starting fires. Facilities at tent campgrounds are typically basic, with many offering vault toilets but no potable water sources. A review mentioned, "The sites are considered 'walk in' but there are parking spaces adjacent to the campsites that will accommodate cars." Campers should plan to bring all necessary water or treat water from natural sources, as most primitive tent setups lack access to drinking water.

In early fall, many tent camping areas provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hiking trails. The tent sites at Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest don't directly front the water but offer nearby access for paddling and fishing. One camper shared that despite some sites being close together, "There are great views and plenty of space between them." Several tent-only campgrounds enforce a maximum 14-day stay policy and limit group sizes, helping preserve the wilderness experience. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring the nearby trail systems, including sections of the Appalachian Trail that pass through the region. Areas with waterfront tent camping often feature rocky or sandy shorelines, providing natural swimming areas during warmer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Stetson, Maine (20)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Stetson, ME

15 Photos of 20 Stetson Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Stetson, ME

211 Reviews of 20 Stetson Campgrounds

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Northeast Whitewater Lodge

    Yurts and Tent Camping

    Northeast Whitewater is a mix of guide service, moose viewing tours, whitewater rafting, and camping. The camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping. There are no RV/Van camping facilities. All camping is walk-in as you can’t drive to your site but most campsites and yurts are not too far away. There are six yurts all with varying configurations, sleeping anywhere from 1-2 people (with king sized bed) up to up to six people (with bunk beds). All yurts have electricity and come equipped with heaters and fans; in addition, pillows, bedding and linens are supplied. Depending on the particular yurt you choose, some have small refrigerators, table and chairs, and nightstands. 

    Tent sites are primitive with fire pits and picnic tables. The ground is level and cleared so there is no problem finding a place to put your tent. The sites are fairly close together so you will definitely hear and see your neighbor. There is no water or port-a-potties at camping sites. One bathhouse is located adjacent to the main building and there is a dish washing station located there as well. The bathhouse was clean when we visited (but we were not there during the busy summer season as there are many rafting trips and those customers share the same bathroom). The bathhouse is pretty far away from the camping area which is inconvenient when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. All yurts and campsite have trash cans located at the site. Each site has a large fire pit and removable cooking grates are available. There are rustic log benches around the fire pits. 

    Yurts and campsites are located behind the main building/office but you still get some road noise as Route 6 is a heavily traveled road. As far as amenities, there is a volleyball net and corn holes. A covered pavilion is located between the campsites and the main building and has a few picnic tables underneath. The main building has a gift shop stocked with moose gifts, apparel, snacks, drinks, and an assortment of “camp stuff.” This is also where you can book a moose tour, rafting trip, or inflatable kayaks if you are feeling adventurous. 

    The campground is located between the towns of Monson and Greenville. The Monson General Store is a great little store with an assortment of grocery items and makes really good sandwiches and the nearby Lakeshore House Lodge and Pub has the most wonderful pot roast. Greenville has a larger grocery/trading post which has pretty much everything you need from shoes to lettuce. Hiking in the area is great! You can pick up the Appalachian Trail or head to Little Wilson Falls for a nice, wooded walk along a stream to a pretty waterfall. Borestone Mountain is nearby and provides amazing views.

  • R
    Oct. 14, 2020

    Pushaw Lake Campground

    Quick Trip

    I’ll preface this by saying that we got in after dark and left by 10am so this review is limited. First, while being very nice the front desk worker was not very helpful in helping us understand the layout and our best choice for tent camping that night. She was just not very communicative. After some prodding questions that felt like I was pulling teeth, we chose site 1 which was by the beach and the only tent site in that area of the campground. It was mid Sept on a particularly windy and unseasonably cold night. The wind was coming right off the lake which made it particularly hard to set up. Blocking the wind with our car was our only choice. After we got settled in, a nice fire and a little bourbon made it all worthwhile. While not very private because we were right next to an RV (all the RVs were lined up on the waterfront with little space between), it was still quite a lakefront spot. The site included a picnic table, a fire ring and a charcoal grill. Buckets of well seasoned wood were available at the camp store right next to us. It had a nice porch to sit on for the morning sun but unfortunately, that looked the opposite way from the lake toward the dense central campground. The camp store had a nice indoor dining area with views toward the lake that I believe was also closed for the season. All in all, I would recommend this if you’re not very concerned with privacy and want a beautiful lake to camp by.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2025

    Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    Bucolic bliss!

    We loved our stay at the blueberry fields!   This is private land that the owner rents to campers.  We stayed in campsite 2, where the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our rv.  There are 4 total campsites, and each  offers a slightly different view and sense of privacy.  The owner met us when we arrived.  Dogs are allowed.  It is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed.   The owner had a picnic table set up with flower boxes in it, and there was a nice fire ring. They will sell you wood if you need it.  There was one other camper at site 1, and we could also see the owners house, but both were far enough away that we had a great sense of privacy. There was a shared porta potty available for use for all of the campsites.  The land was quiet and peaceful - it is acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature. The site we were at had a nice tree, which framed the site. The owner was very responsive to questions we had, and responded quickly.   The area was very quiet - at night we only heard the crickets and the wind.

    You are close to Castine, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Stonington.  There are numerous hiking trails in the area that can be found on All Trails, as well as easy places to kayak from, the closest of which are the Brooksville Town Landing, or Bucks Harbor public boat launch.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Trout Pond Campsite

    Nice Secluded Campsite on a Beautiful Pond

    This primitive campsite is located in the Little Moose Public Lands area about five miles from downtown Greenville, Maine. The public lands area is approximately 15,000 acres. Access to the public lands and overnight camping are free and this is a first-come, first-served campsite with a 14-night maximum stay. Keep in mind this is a carry in, carry out site. A fire permit is required and can be sought by calling (207) 778-8231. 

    From the entrance of the public lands off Route 6, travel approximately 5½ miles along North Road to Trout Pond Road to the trailhead leading to the campsite (the area is well-marked). The campsite is located about a quarter of a mile away from the parking lot. The path to get to the campsite is relatively flat and easy to traverse except over some of the wooden planks which were slippery when I visited due to recent rain. The campsite is really large in a nice open cleared spot with some large trees for shade. A large picnic table and stone fire ring are present. There is a fully enclosed vault toilet that where someone left sanitary wipes, toilet paper, and fire wood inside. Based on the shredded toilet paper, it looks like a mouse uses it as well. The pond is beautiful, and you have water access from this campsite. There are some canoes and boats stashed in the woods and we saw a few people paddling and fishing while we visited so you may have company. 

    There is great hiking around Big and Little Moose Ponds with nice views. The Loop hike is about 4.4 miles with a 650’ elevation change. For a harder hike with great views of Moosehead Lake and Greenville, check out Big Moose Mountain which is about 4.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800’. Downtown Greenville has good restaurants, shopping, and a few shops. Moose and seaplane tours are very popular and there are plenty of guides if you are interested in hunting and fishing.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)

    Worth the hike-in, very close to the AT

    Beautiful hike-in sites located along the Pleasant River, and a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in Gulf Hagas area!  We didn’t stay at these sites, but came across them while hiking just off the AT. 

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with access to a clean latrine (with TP!).  No potable water is available, but the river is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works, but keep in mind you’ll have to carry it about ¾ of a mile, and across a river. 

    For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared. 

    Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee.  Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Wilson Streams Area

    Nice streamside campsites

    There are six primitive first come, first serve campsites near the trailhead of Little Wilson Falls. As you enter the gravel road leading to the falls trailhead, there is an information board with registration instructions and rules and regulations. Continue down the road to five of the six sites (#6 is located a short drive away across the stream accessible from (Bodfish road). The sites are clearly marked and have a picnic table and fire pit. You must obtain a fire permit before kindling a fire. (The information board has a number you can call to get a permit from the forest service.) The sites are considered “walk in” but there are parking spaces adjacent to the campsites that will accommodate cars (no RVs). Sites 1, 2, 3, and 6 are right along the stream with access to the water and nice tall trees for shade. Sites 1 and 2 are pretty close together so there is shared space. Sites 4 and 5 are across the gravel road in a shrubby area and super close together as well. The trees surrounding these sites are not very tall and don’t provide any shade. There is a vault toilet located along the road but no potable water spigots. The waterfront campsites seemed pretty well used as there was lots of evidence of people not practicing carry in, carry out and there were numerous pieces of toilet paper scattered about. Maximum stay is five nights and they do limit occupancy to eight and only one dog. 

    Take time to hike the falls trail which is a 2.4-mile round trip, out and back trail. The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT.  About five miles away is the small town of Monson which has an Appalachian Trail Visitor Center, some galleries, restaurants, and a great general store where you can get lots of grocery items and sandwiches to go.  Approximately 15 miles north is the town of Greenville which is a beautiful town with great hiking and pretty lake views.  There are a couple of outdoor outfitters in town if you need gear.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)

    First time we've seen moose FROM our campsite!

    This was an unexpectedly beautiful site and great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or Gulf Hagas area! We were seeking a place to stay 1 night just before embarking on a backpacking trip. The woman at the Katahdin Ironworks gatehouse selected the site for us and couldn’t have picked a better one. 

    Lots of privacy, beautiful view of the river, and we even were visited by a moose and her calf one evening! Each site has a covered picnic table and fire ring, with access to a private, clean latrine (with TP!) across the road. No potable water is available, but the stream is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works. 

    For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared. 

    Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee. Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!

  • P
    Apr. 24, 2024

    Tiny Cabins of Maine

    Wonderful Camping Spot

    I recently stayed at the Tiny Cabins of Maine with my family for two nights, opting for their tent camping site. From the moment we arrived, the host's warm welcome made us feel right at home. Despite some distant road noise at night, the overall ambiance was serene and beautiful. The tent camping amenities, including the pop-up toilet and sturdy wooden platform, were thoughtfully provided. The fire pit and picnic table were perfect for evening gatherings, and the hammock added an extra touch of relaxation. We enjoyed the pub's games and even tried our hand at axe throwing. Kayaking in the pond was a highlight, thanks to the convenient dock. While the trails required attention to follow, the directional signs helped. Overall, I highly recommend Tiny Cabins of Maine for a memorable small family retreat, and we're already looking forward to returning in the future.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Little Jo-Mary Pond Campsites

    4 Primitive Pondsite Campsites

    Ki-Jo Mary Multi-Use Forest has a number of campsites scattered throughout throughout, many of them alongside ponds or rivers. To get to the Little Jo Mary Pond campsites, you’ll need to enter via the Jo-Mary checkpoint off ME-11, south of Millinocket, north of Milo. There is a daily fee to enter the KI-JO forest and there’s an additional fee($14) to stay overnight. The day fee varies depending on whether you are a Maine resident($11) or not($16); it’s also tied to the minimum wage, so you can expect it to increase. This page has a little more information This per person fee structure means that no-frills wilderness sites are not inexpensive. You’ll need to pay the fee with cash or check. I camped here during the week, so although it was August and I didn’t have reservations and had my choice of almost any campsite. They had a few pictures at the main gate, but it didn’t necessarily give me a great sense of the area. On nice summer weekends, you’ll likely need reservations or arrive early.

    The road to the campground is graded and you’ll share it with logging trucks that have the right of way. They were actively grading it one day while I was there, which meant that sometimes there were more rocks to negotiate along the sides.

    There are 4 sites alongside the Little Jo Mary Pond. Other than the private Jo Mary campground you'll pass on your way in, these are the closest to the Jo-Mary Checkpoint. I stayed in site 4, the last one you reach. A tree provides some shade and nice shelter from rain one night. There’s a fire ring and picnic table. It has more direct access to the pond, making it easier to launch my kayak. The latrine is across the road and up a few stairs; it was getting full and I did sense a whiff of it when the wind blew in my direction.

    Site 3 also has pond access from the campsite. Sites 1& 2 don’t have great direct access(there are bushes along the shore), but there’s an open spot just before you reach the first site.

    When I wasn’t in airplane mode, I did have a single bar of coverage(Verizon) that allowed text messages to come and go, but nothing more. A family pulled into the site next to mine one night just to check for texts from their kids.

    The pond has a lot of weeds, so it’s not the crystal-clear pond you’ll see elsewhere, but it’s nice to paddle without a lot of chop to contend with when it gets windy. Johnson Pond is a little farther down the Jo Mary Round (the sites are on B Pond Rd) and there’s a large sandy launch for hand carry boats. Continue past the pond and you’ll reach Gauntlet Falls with a nice swimming hole.

    Best shopping opportunities are in Millinocket. Bring water or plan to treat. The AT runs through this part of the forest.

Guide to Stetson

Tent campsites near Stetson, Maine offer diverse camping experiences within the region's mixed coniferous and deciduous forests. Most of the area sits at elevations between 200-500 feet above sea level, with typical summer temperatures ranging from 55-80°F. Seasonal considerations significantly impact campsite conditions, with many primitive sites becoming challenging to access during spring mud season and after heavy rainfall events.

What to do

Hiking trails nearby: Campers staying at Wilson Streams Area can access the 2.4-mile Little Wilson Falls trail that intersects with the Appalachian Trail. As one visitor noted, "The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT." The trailhead is conveniently located near the camping area.

Blueberry picking: In late July and early August, Continuous Harmony Farm offers a unique camping experience where guests can participate in blueberry harvesting. "Pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens," explains one camper who visited during the season.

Local town exploration: Small towns near camping areas provide essential services and cultural experiences. A reviewer recommended, "Approximately 15 miles north is the town of Greenville which is a beautiful town with great hiking and pretty lake views. There are a couple of outdoor outfitters in town if you need gear."

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Several tent camping areas feature access to streams and ponds. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, one camper appreciated that "We swam in the water everyday, and picked/ate the blueberries!" The proximity to water creates opportunities for cooling off during summer months.

Natural privacy: Many campsites offer varying degrees of seclusion. A camper at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss observed, "It was so quiet, private, and beautiful." The site layout takes advantage of natural features to create separation between camping areas.

Unique accommodations: Beyond standard tent sites, Northeast Whitewater Lodge offers alternative options as described by a visitor: "The camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping... There are six yurts all with varying configurations, sleeping anywhere from 1-2 people (with king sized bed) up to up to six people (with bunk beds)."

What you should know

Campsite identification challenges: Some properties have unclear site designations. A camper at Continuous Harmony Farm reported, "The sites are not marked at all and there did not seem to be a way to check in (it was first come first serve for us)." Arriving early and being prepared to locate your site independently is advisable.

Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities range from none to basic options. At Wilson Streams Area, "There is a vault toilet located along the road but no potable water spigots." Always bring sufficient water or water treatment options for primitive sites.

Fire permit requirements: Check local regulations about fires before camping. For Wilson Streams Area, "You must obtain a fire permit before kindling a fire. (The information board has a number you can call to get a permit from the forest service.)" Restrictions may change seasonally based on conditions.

Tips for camping with families

Check site spacing: For families wanting space between neighbors, research site layout. At The Hawnets Nest, "accommodations include a cool A-Frame or bring-your-own Tent!" This smaller campground with only three sites provides more control over your camping environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stetson, ME is The Hawnets Nest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Stetson, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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