Tent campsites near Stow, Maine sit within the eastern portion of the White Mountain National Forest, where elevations range from 500 to 1,000 feet. The camping season typically runs from May through October, with July and August averaging daytime temperatures in the 70s°F. Winter camping is possible at some locations but requires specialized gear as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: From White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, access the Highwater trail with its bridge. One camper notes, "Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."
Stargazing in dark skies: The region offers minimal light pollution. At Sawyer Pond, campers can experience exceptional night viewing. "The stars were AMAZING. You do have to forage for firewood, which can be rough, but there's a fire pit right in front of the lean to. I've never seen stars like I did here, all around the pond. They took my breath away!"
Swimming in clear water: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off during summer months. At Fourth Iron Campground, "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."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many dispersed sites offer substantial privacy. At White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road, "It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on."
Natural water sources: Creeks and streams provide both scenery and practical water sources. One visitor mentioned, "Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing." Another camper at White Mountains Camping noted, "The site at the very top of the road is huge and has a nice stream but if you are camping at any of the other sites, you don't have water flowing by."
Bear boxes at certain sites: Some established campsites provide secure food storage. At Fourth Iron Campground, "Rangers keep track so make sure you pay! Great river access, and sturdy bear boxes. Lovely spot. Good access to hikes. Near some short waterfall hikes."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. At White Mountains Camping, one camper reported, "Even had a cell signal that gave data with a weboost." Another visitor noted, "Just enough t-mobile / starlink signal to watch streaming and message, but wouldn't be enough for remote work."
Bear activity requires precautions: Food storage is essential at tent campsites near Stow. At Blue Brook Tent Site, "Bears are an issue so be sure to hang your food and toiletries. There is a perfect bear hang tree near the fire pit so as long as no one is camped right in that area, it's an easy toss with some para-chord."
Weekend crowding: Plan to arrive early for prime spots, especially during summer weekends. At Sawyer Pond, "Due to the site's popularity, plan accordingly. Have a back-up plan for an alternate camping location. We witnessed several parties, many with young children, arriving late to find that all the sites were occupied."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: For camping with children, consider sites with minimal hiking. At Northern Nursery Brookside Campsites, "There are 15 tent sites along the water, and a quick walk from the parking area. There is no running water, only a porta potty but it was great for a place to stay the night while exploring the white mountains."
Beginner-friendly backpacking: Some sites offer introductory backpacking experiences. Sawyer Pond provides "a great beginner backpacking trip, great even for kids! The site has one shelter and 6 campsites available on the bank of Sawyer Pond. You can reach the backcountry campsites via a 1.5 mile walk."
Campfire considerations: Check which sites permit fires, as regulations vary. At Swans Falls Campground, campers can enjoy established fire rings, while other areas like Hermit Lake Shelters prohibit fires entirely due to ecological concerns or fire risk.
Tips for RVers
Tent-only regions: Most camping around Stow caters exclusively to tent campers. At Imp Shelter on the AT, visitors should note: "This shelter cannot be accessed without hiking in. It is is at least 5 miles from any trail head. Furthermore, there are no supplies stored at the site, so bring your own of whatever you need--even toilet paper!"
Dispersed alternatives: RVers should consider established campgrounds further from Stow. One visitor at Fourth Iron noted: "The parking area is a decent size and popular for day users wanting to get a little taste of the Sacco River. The campsites, of which there are 8 of, are a short¼ mile walk from the parking area."
Road access limitations: Many forest roads close seasonally. For Sawyer Pond, "Check the White Mountain National Forest website for information about road openings in the spring and fall. Either approach, but particularly the one from Sawyer River Rd, is family friendly."
