Best Tent Camping near West Bethel, ME

Tent camping near West Bethel, Maine provides access to both dispersed and established sites within the White Mountain National Forest region. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road offers tent-only dispersed camping with fire rings but no drinking water or toilet facilities. Just across the state line, the Wild River Wilderness Area in Gilead, New Hampshire provides free primitive tent camping with established fire rings in a natural setting approximately 8 miles from West Bethel.

Backcountry tent camping in this region requires proper preparation. Most sites lack potable water, so campers must either bring sufficient water or have filtration equipment for nearby streams. Bear activity is common throughout the area, making proper food storage essential. Tent platforms are available at some established sites, while dispersed camping areas typically offer only cleared ground. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations, with summer temperatures ranging from 50-80°F and potential for afternoon thunderstorms. The camping season generally runs from late May through October, with some sites closing after the first significant snowfall.

The tent camping experience around West Bethel features dense forest cover and mountain views characteristic of western Maine. According to reviews, the Wild River Wilderness Area offers particularly secluded tent sites with "several established campsites with tent cribbing" and areas to cool off in cold mountain streams. One visitor noted that "there is plenty of dispersed camping available in the Wild River Wilderness" but recommended staying 100-200 feet from water sources and trails. Walk-in tent sites require varying levels of effort to access, from short quarter-mile approaches to multi-mile hikes. Campers seeking solitude will find the most remote tent-only camping options by hiking further from trailheads, while those wanting minimal hiking can utilize the drive-in access points with short walks to tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near West Bethel, Maine (52)

    1. White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road

    4 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.) "

    "We pulled in around 7:30 pm on a Sunday night and there were plenty of open spots. We took a huge one. Found a fairly flat area and stayed for the night."

    2. Blue Brook Tent Site

    2 Reviews
    Chatham, NH
    13 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness is a relatively newly designated tract of land."

    3. Hogan Road Pulloff near Appalachian Trail

    2 Reviews
    Gorham, NH
    13 miles

    "amazing lil spot, a pull off the wild rocky road. very private. right next to a serene view of the lake. very mild highway traffic sounds in the distance. there was another spot at the posted coordinates"

    "Enough space to put up to 3-5 tents. No fire allowed. Would be really quiet if not for the road across the lake. I saw one truck in the evening and one in the morning."

    4. Wild River Wilderness Area

    1 Review
    Chatham, NH
    13 miles
    Website

    "The Wild River Wilderness area spans both New Hampshire and Maine and can be accessed by multiple trail heads in either state."

    6. Imp Shelter on the AT

    1 Review
    Gorham, NH
    16 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Imp Shelter is right off of the Appalachian Trail, down a short spur trail along the Carter-Moriah ridge in the White Mountains of New Hampshire."

    7. Remote Sites — Umbagog Lake State Park

    6 Reviews
    Errol, NH
    24 miles
    +1 (603) 482-7795

    $40 / night

    "Be aware: the main campground (on the mainland) is closed for the 2017 season for renovations. However, backcountry sites are open for the 2017 season.

    I love coming here!"

    "The remote campsites have pit toilets in an outhouse, fire pits with heavy gril and picknick table w extension for camp stove. There are tent platforms."

    8. The Bluff- Great Gulf Wilderness

    1 Review
    Randolph, NH
    21 miles
    Website

    "The hike in from route 16 is relatively easy with an uphill trend. Toward the end the trail is the steepest but it's a short climb and worth the effort."

    9. Valley Way Tentsite

    2 Reviews
    Randolph, NH
    22 miles
    Website

    "I would not call the Valley Way trail from the parking area at Appalachia to the tent sites "easy" as you'll gain 2800 feet in elevation over the 3+ miles to the camping area."

    10. Hermit Lake Shelters

    2 Reviews
    Bretton Woods, NH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 466-2721

    "The shelters at Hermit Lake are secluded, off-the-grid, and pristine."

    "Hermit Lake Shelter is about 2.5 miles up from Pinkham Visitor Center/Trailhead, so you're about halfway to summit – perfect place to camp for a sunrise hike. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 52 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Bethel, ME

993 Reviews of 52 West Bethel Campgrounds



Guide to West Bethel

Discover the beauty of tent camping near West Bethel, Maine, where serene landscapes and outdoor adventures await. With a variety of well-reviewed spots, you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the comforts of tent camping.

Tips for tent camping near West Bethel

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the trails around Wild River Wilderness Area, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region.
  • Experience the thrill of hiking to scenic viewpoints from Hermit Lake Shelters, which is conveniently located near popular trails.
  • For a unique adventure, visit The Bluff- Great Gulf Wilderness, where you can hike and enjoy breathtaking views of the Presidential Range.

Essential features of local campgrounds

  • At Valley Way Tentsite, you'll find well-maintained tent pads and a composting toilet, making your stay comfortable and convenient.
  • Imp Shelter provides a remote camping experience with essential amenities like a bear box and a nearby water source, ensuring a safe and enjoyable stay.
  • The Wild River Wilderness Area features established campsites with fire rings, allowing you to enjoy cozy campfires under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Bethel, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Bethel, ME is White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near West Bethel, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.