Best Tent Camping near Stow, ME
Tent camping options near Stow, Maine include several backcountry sites in the White Mountain National Forest and along nearby waterways. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers dispersed tent camping with drive-in access, while Swans Falls Campground in Fryeburg provides established tent sites with more amenities including drinking water, fire rings, and toilets during its May to October season.
Most tent sites in the region have minimal improvements, with basic fire rings and occasional picnic tables at established campgrounds. Dispersed sites typically lack facilities entirely, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. The Wild River Wilderness Area offers hike-in tent camping with no drinking water or toilets but allows fires and pets. Campers should be prepared for variable conditions, as one visitor noted: "The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state."
Backcountry tent camping in this region provides excellent access to hiking trails and water features. Many sites sit along rivers like the Saco, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. The tent platforms at some established sites help keep gear dry during wet weather. Sites with river access are particularly valued, as described in feedback on The Dyrt: "The sites are situated just off the Sacco River and river access is easy, with multiple rocky beaches in between the sites and river. The water is clear and cold, refreshing on a warm day." Bear activity is common throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential when tent camping in these remote areas.
