Best Tent Camping near Waterville, ME

The forests and ponds surrounding Waterville, Maine offer several tent camping options within a short drive of the city. Tiny Cabins of Maine provides dedicated tent camping sites on wooden platforms with pond views, while Continuous Harmony Farm offers four tent campsites adjacent to their organic blueberry fields. Riverbend Campground in Leeds, approximately 25 miles west of Waterville, maintains tent-only sites along the riverbank. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Maine Huts & Trails provides hike-in tent sites within their 35-square-mile trail network in the Carrabassett Valley region.

Most tent campgrounds near Waterville feature basic amenities suited for primitive tent camping. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying access to drinking water. Continuous Harmony Farm provides level ground for tents with pond access, though campers report sites are not clearly marked. The Hawnets Nest offers walk-in tent sites with drinking water, toilets, and trash service. Tent campers should note that Boothby's Orchard only opens their tent camping areas for special events, requiring advance confirmation. Seasonal considerations include mosquito activity in summer months and limited availability at some locations outside peak season from May through October.

Tent campers at Tiny Cabins of Maine appreciate the sturdy wooden platforms that provide flat, dry surfaces for pitching tents. According to reviews, "The tent camping amenities, including the pop-up toilet and wooden platform, were thoughtfully provided." The property includes access to kayaking on the adjacent pond and hiking trails. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, campers noted the exceptional privacy between sites despite the open terrain. One visitor described the experience as "quiet and peaceful with only the sounds of crickets and wind at night." Walk-in tent sites generally offer greater seclusion than drive-in options, with Maine Huts & Trails providing the most remote backcountry tent camping experience in the region, though requiring significant hiking to access.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Waterville, Maine (13)

    1. Tiny Cabins of Maine

    2 Reviews
    Coopers Mills, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 798-3132

    $50 - $120 / night

    "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."

    "This smaller campground offers great privacy on a large pond in the Maine forests. "

    2. Riverbend Campground

    1 Review
    Leeds, ME
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 524-5711

    3. Boothby's Orchard

    1 Review
    North Turner, ME
    29 miles
    Website

    "However, it is a beautiful space and well worth checking out for weddings or other get togethers. They also have cabins you can stay in as an alternative but those are limited."

    4. Tops’l Farm

    2 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 640-6440

    "The common spaces are equally as luxurious. The bathhouse was just like a four-star hotel. They provide you with shampoo, conditioner and body wash. There is even a hair dryer!"

    "Located in Waldoboro, they create a wonderfully balanced experience between the outdoors and glamp.  While their model continues to evolve, camping is not available on all days/weekends.  "

    5. Continuous Harmony Farm

    2 Reviews
    Lincolnville Center, ME
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 763-3891

    $40 / night

    "We're so excited to have this property, hosted by Doug, on our platform. Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond."

    "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

    6. Amy’s Farmstays

    Be the first to review!
    Jackson, ME
    25 miles

    $30 - $165 / night

    7. The Hawnets Nest

    1 Review
    Stetson, ME
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 945-1944

    $60 / night

    8. Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss

    3 Reviews
    Brooksville, ME
    49 miles
    +1 (207) 469-8523

    $49 - $69 / night

    "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.  "

    "This location offers level sites, views of rolling blueberry fields, a picnic table, and other goodies from your host. Lakeisha really takes pride in this property, and it shows."

    9. Maine Huts & Trails

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    50 miles
    Website

    $100 - $150 / night

    "What an impressive set up. Multiple huts laid out over 35 square miles in the heart of the Carrabasset Valley."

    10. The Forest Poshtel

    Be the first to review!
    Monroe, ME
    34 miles
    +1 (207) 322-5444

    $85 - $150 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 13 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Waterville, ME

322 Reviews of 13 Waterville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • C
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Mount Blue State Park Campground

    Gorgeous, Well Maintained, Close to MANY Amazing Hikes

    These camp grounds are excellent. Grounds were fairly unpopulated so we had first pick and no neighbors! But I could see the sites being less private if it were a busy weekend. Walking trails through and around the grounds featuring a Nature Center, amphitheater, boat launch, and swimming beach on Lake Webb. I really enjoyed swimming, the water was clear and the beach was decently shallow. Canoe & boat rentals available too. Many primitive ground toilets that are kept very clean as well as a facility with hot showers and flushing toilets (but in my family we call that cheating). Potable water & camp dish washing stations sprinkled throughout also. Super close to many incredible day hikes such as, Tumbledown & Mt. Blue. We checked in for 3 nights and ended up staying for 5 because we were enjoying it so much! All of the sites are heavily wooded and occupied by the most amazing spectrum of songbirds, woodpeckers, and owls. Every site also provides a picnic table & a great stone-backed fire ring with a grill gate. Great design makes it so your fire light doesn't disturb your neighbors. I can't wait to return!

  • 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.

  • D
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Honey Run Campground and Beach

    Family oriented!

    Perfect stay if you have kiddos and dogs! There’s a playground, arcade, and beach. They offer kayak and canoe rentals. We grabbed a tent site for 3 days and it had water and electric! You get a picnic table and fire ring

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 15, 2025

    Megunticook Campground

    Nicely wooded sites BUT...

    The sites here are nicely wooded and have a decent amount of separation between most of them BUT the campground is located too close to the road and, with the exception of sites 84-87 and cabins 8-10, you will hear road noise in your site. Options are 10 rustic cabins, tent sites, partial and FHU sites. 

    The bathhouse was very clean and there are both outdoor and indoor showers; both looked nice although we did not use them. 

    I thought $50 for a tent site was a little steep but it was all the potential extra fees that irked me:

    *$30 site lock to ensure you get the site you want when you reserve. I took a chance and was able to get the site I reserved without paying this fee

    *$4 weather guarantee (allows you to cancel due to inclement weather). I didn’t bother with this one

    *7.95 if you need to hook up to WiFi. We were able to use our own portable WiFi

    *$10 to use the dump station (we found another place that charged $5) 

    Aside from the fees and proximity to the road, this is a nice campground with a host of amenities: pool (which I was surprised was still open on October 1), horseshoes, laundry, dishwashing sink, a playground, and trash pick-up at your site. There is also a path to the shore with picnic tables, and chairs. Repairs to the sea wall are in progress so caution was recommended.

  • Jason D.
    Aug. 22, 2018

    Lake Pemaquid Campground

    Crowded, but great for kids

    lots of great amenities and events for kids. tent sites are on top of each other, but easy walk to camp store and bath houses. beach access for swimming in the lake. can be noisy outside of quiet hours, but becomes surprisingly quiet later at night.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2017

    Camden Hills State Park Campground

    Ideal Park in Perfect Location

    I have come to Camden many times and have always loved it being in the area. The town is charming and there is so much to do in the immediate area and the surrounding towns of Rockland, Rockport, Owls Head, Lincolnville, and Belfast . . . just to name a few. One of the best parts of coming to Camden is Camden Hills State Park.

    Overall, this is a really great park. Camden Hills State Park is located three miles from downtown Camden but the 5,700 acres provide you with that serene feeling that comes with being in the peaceful woods. We arrived just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet. Our large back-in site was set in an open sunny area but most of the sites are nicely tucked into the woods with plenty of space between them. One of the real pluses of this park were the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep. Driving the tour road to the summit of Mt. Battie (elevation 800') is a must and the views are spectacular (especially for watching the sunrise). If you would like to burn a few calories try hiking the trail to the top for a truly rewarding experience.

    Sites and patios are gravel and level with a picnic table and fire pit. Approximately, half the sites have water and 30/50 amp electric and the others are no hookups. The campgrounds website has a very helpful map showing which sites are reservable and what they offer. There is a dump station and water spigots are scattered throughout the campground. Free showers are located in the bathhouse/restrooms and were clean.

    For television watchers, there is no cable and satellite can be difficult due to trees. There are nine sites (55 - 63) located in an open field that may be able to pick up satellite. Our antenna found one major network and a few PBS stations. The Verizon signal on our phone and wifi on our hotspot were strong. The park does have free wifi at most campsites and the signal was very strong. (Sites #68-81 do not have wifi).

    Reservations can be made on-line but only about half of the sites are reservable leaving the other half for walk-ups. I would advise making reservations if you want to stay over a weekend or during the summer season as this park really fills up. You can stay up to 14 days which would definitely require a reservation in the summer. Although the park accommodates larger RV's, there are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig. There are really no amenities at this park other than the tour road to Mt. Battie, a swing set from the 1970's, a picnic shelter, and the trails.

    Camden should be on everyone's list of places to see if you are traveling the Maine coast. Within 10 miles are great museums like the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Lighthouse Museum, the Sail, Power, and Steam Museum, and others. There are attractive lighthouses and great restaurants. In neighboring Rockport is Shepherds Pie - one of our favorite restaurants and the Market Basket a great shop for pastries, sandwiches, wine, and coffee. Downtown Camden has a great wine and cheese shop called Lily, Lupine, and Fern and excellent clam chowder at Cappy's Chowder House. If you are looking for a great place to paddle or cool off in the crisp Maine water, check out Lake Megunticook just five miles away from the state park.

    What we really liked was the convenient location to downtown Camden and other cute towns, there are hiking trails just outside your doorstep, and you are within five miles of a grocery, restaurants, attractions, etc. The sites are large and have nice privacy. And the price was right at $27/night.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2019

    Spacious Skies Balsam Woods

    Quiet, Spacious, Lots of Amenities

    While we don’t usually stay in private campgrounds due to their high cost, the price was reasonable for the quality of this campground and amenities provided. We were in need of a shower and a place for the night and this campground was perfectly situated off the highway to Greenville. 

    Most of the sites are designed for larger RVs with full hook-ups, but they have just a handful of simple tent/small camper sites without services, which is exactly what we needed.   Just a picnic table and fire ring and some privacy and we were happy campers.

    The shower house was newly remodeled and very clean, as was the laundry facility with dishwashing/utility sink. The campground has access to over 1000 miles of trails, which are designed for ATV’s. They even have an ATV washing station. While it was not open in late September, the campground offers a nice pool, game room for the kids of all ages, a small camp store, and even has a snack bar and ice cream counter.  And, if you are seeking some amazing hiking, it's relatively close to Borestone Mountain and sections of the Appalachian Trail.

    The young husband and wife team who own/run the place are very sweet folks who seem to really pay attention to the needs of their customers.  For instance, they recently spent a good deal of money on high speed wifi because that is what their customers said they wanted.  We didn't need it, so can't comment on its quality, but it's there if you do.

  • Rachel P.
    Jun. 8, 2022

    Augusta / Gardiner KOA

    Endearing, but in need of a little love…

    BF and I wanted a last minute fall weekend getaway in Maine, and ended up at the Augusta-Gardiner KOA. Generally tough to accomplish during leaf-peeping season, but we worked it out. We stayed at site T5, which was wooded but pretty open. Size was decent enough.

    Overall, I’d say sites T8, T9, T10 are best if you’re tent camping. While all tent sites are tightly spaced next to one another, these 3 provide the most shade and privacy of the bunch.

    Owners are super nice, but the campground could use a little love. Bathrooms and amenities are a little tired. There’s potential though, and some really cute details, like a little fairy house and homemade, bear-carved benches around a KOA-community fire pit, that make the campground endearing. Also, there’s a bunch to do during prime season, particularly for the kiddies- pool, mini-golf, bounce house, playground and space to runaround.


Guide to Waterville

Tent camping near Waterville, Maine, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

Local Attractions for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy kayaking and fishing at the serene pond while staying at Tiny Cabins of Maine, where you can also unwind in a hammock by the water.
  • Experience the charm of Boothby's Orchard, perfect for apple picking and hiking in the surrounding area.
  • Explore the picturesque trails and scenic views at Continuous Harmony Farm, where you can also pick blueberries during the season.

Tent Campers Like These Nearby Activities

  • Gather around the fire pit for evening storytelling at The Hawnets Nest, which also features a cozy A-frame for those who prefer a different camping experience.
  • Take part in axe throwing and enjoy games at the nearby pub while camping at Tiny Cabins of Maine.
  • Discover the beauty of the Maine forests while tent camping at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, where you can swim and forage for fresh blueberries.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Waterville

  • Make sure to reserve your spot in advance at Boothby's Orchard, as it’s only open for special events and can fill up quickly.
  • Bring your own firewood and enjoy a campfire at Riverbend Campground, which is known for its beautiful, wild setting.
  • Be prepared for a more communal experience at Continuous Harmony Farm, where multiple campsites are available, and privacy may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterville, ME is Tiny Cabins of Maine with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Waterville, ME?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Waterville, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.