Dispersed camping opportunities near Stow, Maine extend beyond the White Mountain National Forest into surrounding towns within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with deep valleys carved by the Saco and Ellis Rivers. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer days typically range from 70-85°F with cooler nights even in July and August.
What to do
Riverside tubing and swimming: At Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis, the Saco River provides perfect summer recreation. "Located between the Ellis River and the Saco River, this campground offers so many fantastic amenities. One of the biggest ones that we took lots of advantage of is the swimming and tubing on the Saco River," writes Joseph N. The river access includes tube rentals and designated put-in and take-out areas within the campground.
Mountain hiking with camp-based access: Several trails connect directly from Dry River Campground in Crawford Notch. "Hiked the Arethusa Falls and Frankenstein Cliff Trail right from the campground!" reports Michele S. The campground serves as an excellent basecamp for both family-friendly trails and more challenging mountain ascents.
Fishing in secluded ponds: Some of the quieter campgrounds offer excellent fishing opportunities. At Crocker Pond, seven primitive sites sit along a small pond that's "excellent for catching a meal" according to Elliott B. The campground also features a trail leading "directly out of the campsite to another pond about a mile away offering a short round trip afternoon hike."
What campers like
Isolation and quiet: Many campers value the secluded nature of certain campgrounds. At Basin Campground, Christina V. notes, "Basin Campground is a very small primitive campground with 20 campsites, off of a residential road turned forest road on the border of New Hampshire and Maine. The closest large grocery store is a considerable drive from Basin and there is no cell service within several miles in any direction."
Forest immersion: Town Hall Road Dispersed camping provides true forest camping without facilities. "Great sites. Some right on water. First come first serve, can get busy," writes Nickolas H. The sites along the river are particularly popular, with Erin H. noting, "It was one of our favorite camp spots yet! Very peaceful, beautiful and quiet. There are trout in the river."
Clean facilities: At the more developed campgrounds, well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent praise. At Papoose Pond Family Campground, campers appreciate the attention to cleanliness. "This campground is amazing. It is perfect for family camping. There is so much to do for all ages. The staff are amazing and so friendly. Campsites are spacious. Bathrooms are very clean," writes Tiffany C.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears are common throughout the region. At Glen Ellis Family Campground, Kelly T. advises, "Remember you are in the mountains... you will see wildlife. Respect nature and heed the warnings of leaving food out on your campsite! It was our first time seeing a black bear walking around."
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty or non-existent cell coverage. At Moose Brook State Park Campground, the remoteness means disconnecting from technology. The campground's location provides excellent access to trails but limited connectivity.
Road access challenges: Some dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. For Town Hall Road, Mark M. advises, "GPS initially took me on the wrong road - make sure you stay on Town Hall Rd no matter what the GPS says. After getting past the resident area you'll find a bunch of different pull outs to camp at."
Weather variability: The White Mountains create localized weather patterns that can change rapidly. Summer thunderstorms can cause flash flooding, particularly in riverside campgrounds. At Eastern Slope Camping Area, one reviewer noted sites getting flooded during heavy rains.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Papoose Pond offers extensive water recreation suitable for children. "Pond with rentals, pool, mini golf, daily activities, crafts....so family friendly. Love the half moon and kitchen and bath sites," writes Carrie T. The campground's beach area provides safe swimming for different ages.
Educational experiences: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs. At Dry River Campground, one camper mentioned, "There was an interpretive ranger staying there that held a fun night of scores and spooky stories."
Accessible bathrooms: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. Jean C. notes about Dry River Campground, "In addition to the full-service, handicap accessible wash house, there are vault toilets around the loop."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most Forest Service and State Park campgrounds near Stow offer few or no hookups. At Town Hall Road, Rebecca B. advises, "If you need solar or starlink, there's only 1 or 2 viable spots. We were lucky to snag one on a Monday afternoon (last site before turnaround on FR38) and stayed all week."
Site layouts: Some campgrounds have challenging configurations for larger RVs. At Dolly Copp, one camper noted the renovations have improved access, writing, "You'll find new bathrooms with showers, roadways, and sites with and without electric hookups. Many of the sites are in open fields, but others provide shelter in the woods."
Reservation planning: The best places to camp near Stow, Maine require advance planning, especially for RVers. For peak season (July-August), reserve sites 3-6 months ahead, particularly for weekends and sites with hookups.
