Best Campgrounds near West Bethel, ME

West Bethel, Maine serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences ranging from developed campgrounds to dispersed wilderness sites. The White Mountains region surrounding West Bethel features several established options including Crocker Pond Campground, Grafton Notch Campground, and White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road. Accommodation options span primitive tent sites, full-hookup RV campgrounds, and cabin rentals, with many sites providing access to local waterways such as the Androscoggin River and nearby ponds.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter accessibility. Crocker Pond offers primitive camping with minimal amenities at $18 per night, featuring seven sites mostly situated directly on the water. Forest Service lands provide dispersed camping opportunities with varying regulations. Sites on Little Larry Road are particularly secluded, offering primitive camping without facilities. A visitor noted, "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road. The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other. There is a fire pit but no other amenities."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the West Bethel area. Crocker Pond receives consistently high ratings for its peaceful setting and water access, with one camper describing it as "beautiful and peaceful with lots of bullfrogs, pristine water, and barred owls singing." The dispersed sites along Little Larry Road provide exceptional privacy and quiet camping experiences. Developed options like Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground offer amenities including river access, full hookups, and organized activities such as canoe trips. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, and campers should prepare for cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations, even during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near West Bethel, Maine (238)

    1. Grafton Notch Campground

    13 Reviews
    Newry, ME
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 824-2292

    $28 / night

    "This campground is privately owned and is situated in an amazing spot in the mountains of Western Maine."

    "This small, private campground just outside Grafton Notch State Park offers clean, level, quiet sites with hot showers. If you don’t need wi-fi and hook-ups, this is the place for you!"

    2. Crocker Pond

    9 Reviews
    North Waterford, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    $18 / night

    "Into the Whites from West Bethel, Crocker Pond is an off the beaten path car camping destination. Beautiful place to set up camp for a night to 14 days."

    "With no one else around we thought, “welcome to the perfect campsite.”  Each site offers a picnic table, fire ring, and access to the pond."

    3. Moose Brook State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-3860

    $35 - $45 / night

    "This campground is just north bordering the White Mountain NF. Close to northern trailheads. NH take care in keeping their parks orderly. Nice site."

    "In addition to our designated spot, we had access to a large open space behind that many people utilized to play games or expand their camping area."

    4. Stony Brook Recreation and Campground

    9 Reviews
    Newry, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 824-2836

    "Very nice has a pool close to grafton state park"

    "Sites are a little close to each other, but they're very long. Great pool, fun rec room area (we learned how to play shuffleboard!) We were the 2nd tiny house there!"

    5. Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins

    14 Reviews
    North Waterford, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 583-4470

    "If you bring yoyr own kayaks there is a ruver with a take out close to the campground. U could walk back or drive in with a truck for pick up! This place is amazing! Will continue to go every year!"

    "Perfect spot to relax and get away from everything. Great amount of amenities and privacy."

    6. Timberland Campground

    11 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-3872

    $30 - $67 / night

    "Close to the main road but not too noisy. There are train tracks on the property but no trains went thru this weekend. Beautiful walking path right by the river!"

    "There is also a great playground and a beautiful nature trail along the Androscoggin River. The campground tends to have a mix of tents and RV folks."

    7. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    6 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    7 miles

    "These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road.  The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "

    "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."

    8. Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground

    6 Reviews
    West Bethel, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 824-4224

    "It is very close to the highway so there there is some traffic noise but not bad. Tents are in a different area."

    "There was a very cool suspension bridge to take you to on a walk to a private island. I definitely plan on visiting again!"

    9. Dolly Copp Campground

    20 Reviews
    Randolph, NH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    $30 - $44 / night

    "This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel."

    "My family of 4 tent camped for 1 night as we were making our way from Maine back to Indiana as part of our summer ‘24 New England camping adventure road trip."

    10. Hastings Campground

    5 Reviews
    Gilead, ME
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2713

    $24 / night

    "Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there."

    "A small campground located at the northern end of Evan’s Notch, close to some great hiking trails. Pit toilets. Very quiet."

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Recent Reviews near West Bethel, ME

1105 Reviews of 238 West Bethel Campgrounds


  • Mark W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Aziscoos Valley Camping Area

    Great campground near great fishing

    I've camped here several times (June, July, August, September, and October) over the last couple years--usually at no-hookup sites. Most of the sites get enough sun to keep batteries charged and most of the sites are free of Starlink obstructions. I usually stay there mid-week and it's very quiet.

    It's an easy drive to some of the best trout fishing in Maine and New Hampshire.

    The grounds and facilities are extremely well maintained. The staff is great, and I've met some fabulous people camping there. 

    It's Maine so the blackflies and mosquitoes can be a challenge early in the season. And toward the end of the season, you'll want a vacuum cleaner to deal with the Asian lady beetles that have invaded all of northern New England.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Crawford Notch Campground

    Beautiful area

    Beautiful campground. Large secluded sites. Forested. Beautiful fall colors. Coin operated showers. Access to nearby trails.

  • Panvira T.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Fransted Family Campground

    Good location

    The place so nice and cleaned,quite also close to you must see and things to do. The price reasonable too. Highly recommended

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Riverside Camping & RV Resort

    Impeccibly Maintained

    Easily one of the most well maintained sites we have visited. The host was attentive and gracious. Beautiful nature trails behind the campground. I found one that lead to a beach by the river, perfect for reading and relaxing.

  • Oksana S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis

    Read before booking

    PLEASE READ BEFORE GOING We went to Jellystone Park at in Glen NH. We originally booked from Sunday to thursday. We left on Tuesday due to several issues with the cabin that the office staff refused to fix. Issues we had was 1. Cabin was filthy and had bugs inside. 2. Stove top wasnt working. 3. Fridge smelled so bad I had to wash it with warm water and dish soap. 4. Our cabin reeked like cigarettes to the point I couldn't bath my kids because when the bathroom got steamy the smell got sooo bad. I tried to adress the issues and was told they had a no smoke policy so its not their issue if it smelled because they did their part in putting a policy down. For it being filthy I was told they trust their cleaner so it qas me that made it filthy..(attached is one picture that I have this is just the bathroom on our first day their. Everything was covered in dirt, sand and soo dusty and bugs everywhere). I first spoke to James who yelled and was saying ridiculous excuses as to why its ok. Then the manager(dont remember name but she was older and blonde hair) screamed at me while I had my 2 year old with me. I was telling her calmly and very nice my concerns to which she was yelling to get out of the office. Then I was threatened to have the cops called if I complained again. I lost alot of money I cant afford to loose. But most important I was want to make people aware. I told them the website should state these things to be fair cause if I knew this i wouldn't have paid since they said its normal for stoves not to work and its out of their controll if someone smokes in the cabin. They said no one would stay if they posted those things. I left litterally shaking and crying because I couldn't believe it. They are nice if you dont complain. Discusting customer service horrendous management. Will be reporting everywhere already let my friends know so they dont go next year.

  • Yung H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins

    Fantastic

    Its a really cool spot to explore. I went when the water was low and was able to adventure where youre not meant to and man was it a blast.Found my own pride rock(lion king) and was able to meditate in silence and be away from all the boaters and atvs was super peaceful with a water near by. The tent campers around me were really solid people aswell.

  • S
    Oct. 4, 2025

    Crocker Pond

    Beautiful spot!!

    7 campsites in a really beautiful place!! We went in early October and about half the sites were full. It was very peaceful and great hiking nearby!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Jefferson Campground

    Great Mountain Campground

    Nice campground in a beautiful location. This place is a bit off the beaten path of White Mountain tourist areas but is still within easy drive to all the major attractions. We picked this spot for that exact reason. Open field camping in the middle with wooded sites on the edges of the park. I originally chose a site that was a bit too small to properly unhook the trailer but staff helped me get a better location. Site 17 was too tight for 44 ft total length. Switched to site 5 pull through. Some sites face each other for camping with friends. Follow their map to pull in correctly. Staff is excellent and very helpful. Small store on site with necessities and fire wood. FYI Amenities: pool, playground, laundry (affordable) hot showers. Off season so the place was not busy, very quiet. This is on our short list for when we return next year.


Guide to West Bethel

West Bethel camping options range from riverside sites with mountain backdrops to primitive forest campgrounds with exceptional privacy. Most dispersed sites in the White Mountain National Forest require no reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The area's elevation ranges from approximately 700 feet in the river valley to nearby peaks reaching over 3,000 feet, creating temperature variations that can drop 10-15 degrees at higher elevations even in summer months.

What to do

Hiking access from camp: White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road serves as an ideal base for hiking enthusiasts. "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," notes Jason R., highlighting the convenient trail access directly from the campsites.

Water activities: Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground offers river-based recreation along the Androscoggin. "The campground rents kayaks, canoes, and tubes and has a shuttle service that will take you up river for so you can float back to the campground," explains Nancy W. The river provides opportunities for fishing, leisurely floating, and observing local wildlife.

Family recreation centers: Located within driving distance of Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins, families can enjoy structured activities year-round. "Tuesday trivia, Wednesday beach party, Thursday dance party, and Friday karaoke- the latter being the most fun! There are so many things for kids to do throughout," reports Jessica W., describing the organized recreation options.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: One consistent highlight for campers visiting White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road is the exceptional spacing between sites. "8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart," writes Amanda B., emphasizing the secluded feeling rare in established campgrounds.

Waterfront access: Many campers choose Stony Brook Recreation Campground for its combination of amenities and natural features. "Very nice has a pool close to grafton state park," notes Frank R., pointing to both built and natural water features. The campground balances developed facilities with natural surroundings.

Clean facilities: Grafton Notch Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Very clean bathroom with incredibly friendly staff," reports Erika H. The showers get special mention from Molly G.: "This spot is an absolute gem of a campground. Not only does it have hot showers (that are free!), clean bathrooms, and spacious sites, but the owner is the nicest lady who is extremely knowledgeable about the area."

What you should know

Limited services at primitive sites: For those seeking seclusion, White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. "There is a fire pit but no other amenities," explains Rhonda H., setting proper expectations for campers looking for a more natural experience.

Seasonal variations: The White Mountain region experiences significant seasonal changes affecting camping conditions. Hastings Campground operates on a limited schedule. "This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England," notes Sarah C., highlighting autumn as an ideal time to visit when crowds thin out but before winter closures.

Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage practices. "Upper two top sites beware of bears especially the right side site. Game trail heaven," warns Kt about specific sites at Little Larry Road. Secure food containers or hanging systems are essential throughout the White Mountain National Forest.

Tips for camping with families

Heated facilities: Timberland Campground offers temperature-controlled amenities appreciated by families. "The pool is small and heated, very comfortable! River on backside of campsite is amazing!" notes Robert L., highlighting features that make camping with children more comfortable in variable mountain weather.

Kid-friendly activities: Papoose Pond Family Campground provides structured recreation options. "We had an amazing first camping experience for our 2 year old here! The campsite was large and private with good distance between the next sites," shares Kaileigh K., emphasizing how the layout works well for young families.

Site selection advice: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. At Timberland Campground, Ashley L. recommends: "We were here back in September of 2018 and have a trip already planned for the end of May 2019! We fell in love with the family feel, nice campsites, location and the owners are just fantastic!"

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Moose Brook State Park Campground provides options for RVers seeking electrical connections. "We stayed on campsite 3, which was right by the babbling brook. You can fall asleep to the sound of the rushing water!" suggests Heather B., noting the premium waterfront sites.

Year-round options: Some campgrounds in the region accommodate winter camping. "I am currently living all year round at Stony Brook Campgrounds. Showers clean, bathrooms clean. Very nice pool. Basketball and volleyball. RV pull thru sites and tents and cabins as well," reports Jonathan M., highlighting Stony Brook's extended season operation.

Site leveling requirements: Hastings Campground provides relatively flat sites suitable for RVs without extensive leveling. "The camp sites were all large, wide and flat. The grounds were pristine and well maintained," confirms Amy R., noting a feature particularly important for larger recreational vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near West Bethel, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, West Bethel, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near West Bethel, ME and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near West Bethel, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near West Bethel, ME is Grafton Notch Campground with a 5-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near West Bethel, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near West Bethel, ME.