Best Tent Camping near West Forks, ME

Public lands surrounding West Forks, Maine offer numerous tent-only camping options, including the highly-rated Round Barn Campsites and Magic Falls Adventures Campground. Round Barn Campsites features walk-in tent sites with water access and mountain views, while Magic Falls provides 25 tent sites with basic amenities. The region also includes several backcountry tent camping opportunities along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, particularly at Attean Falls and The Narrows on Attean Pond, where tent campers can enjoy waterfront sites accessible primarily by boat. Little Moose Public Lands, located about 30 miles east of West Forks, contains multiple primitive tent campsites situated along scenic ponds.

Most tent campsites in the West Forks region require preparation for primitive conditions. Fire permits are mandatory at most locations and can be obtained by calling local forest service offices or in nearby towns like Jackman. Sites typically feature cleared, level ground for tents, basic fire rings, and rustic picnic tables, but rarely offer potable water. Vault toilets or simple privy setups are common at established sites, though their condition varies considerably. Many primitive tent camping areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with 14-day maximum stays. Campers should bring water treatment supplies, pack out all trash, and prepare for limited or no cell service throughout the region.

Tent campers frequently cite the exceptional privacy and natural setting as highlights of the area. According to reviews, sites at Round Barn Campsites offer "great secluded spots where you won't feel crowded like at Baxter or Grafton notch areas." The walk-in tent sites at Bigelow Preserve provide direct water access with "amazing water and mountain views." One visitor to Attean Falls noted it's "a great spot for solo travelers or smaller groups" with opportunities to "fall asleep to the sounds of gently flowing water." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with loon calls frequently mentioned in camper reports. Fall camping is particularly recommended when crowds thin out and the forest colors intensify, though weather can be unpredictable.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near West Forks, Maine (36)

    1. Magic Falls Adventures Campground

    1 Review
    West Forks, ME
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 207-7238

    $25 - $100 / night

    "Cheap spots right next to the river. It was also right off the high way so we heard trucks all night, but I found it pretty reasonable."

    2. Trout Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Greenville Junction, ME
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 778-8231

    "This primitive campsite is located in the Little Moose Public Lands area about five miles from downtown Greenville, Maine. The public lands area is approximately 15,000 acres."

    3. Round Barn Campsites

    2 Reviews
    Carrabassett Valley, ME
    19 miles
    Website

    "There were even people camping in their rooftop **tents.

    Sites** that I saw looked great, trails need some maintenance though, and some of the sites need clean up."

    "Round barn campsites offers a dozen or so tent sites with two big group sites. It will pretty consistently have some campers, but I've never seen all the sites full before."

    4. Attean Falls

    1 Review
    Jackman, ME
    17 miles

    "The site is also a portage area for a section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. We spent our second night on a short multi day trip here."

    5. Maine Huts & Trails

    1 Review
    Caratunk, ME
    17 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."

    6. Little Notch Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Greenville Junction, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 778-8231

    "The Little Notch Pond campsite is located in the Little Moose Public Lands area in Greenville, Maine."

    7. Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Greenville Junction, ME
    17 miles

    "Great spot is you don't mind dry camping. Amazing views of the surrounding mountains. There are two sites and plenty of space between them."

    8. Big Moose Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Greenville Junction, ME
    18 miles
    Website

    "There are actually two campsites at this location. The campsites are well-marked so follow the signs directing you off the trail a short distance to the site."

    9. Little Moose Pond Campsite

    1 Review
    Greenville Junction, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 778-8231

    "Just outside of Greenville is the Little Moose Pond Public Lands. This campsite is one of five primitive campsites located in the tract."

    10. The Narrows- Attean Pond

    1 Review
    Jackman, ME
    19 miles
    Website

    "Located along the far west end of Attean Pond, this campsite is a lovely place to spend the evening or even a few evenings."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near West Forks, ME

193 Reviews of 36 West Forks Campgrounds


  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2022

    Northeast Whitewater Lodge

    Yurts and Tent Camping

    Northeast Whitewater is a mix of guide service, moose viewing tours, whitewater rafting, and camping. The camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping. There are no RV/Van camping facilities. All camping is walk-in as you can’t drive to your site but most campsites and yurts are not too far away. There are six yurts all with varying configurations, sleeping anywhere from 1-2 people (with king sized bed) up to up to six people (with bunk beds). All yurts have electricity and come equipped with heaters and fans; in addition, pillows, bedding and linens are supplied. Depending on the particular yurt you choose, some have small refrigerators, table and chairs, and nightstands. 

    Tent sites are primitive with fire pits and picnic tables. The ground is level and cleared so there is no problem finding a place to put your tent. The sites are fairly close together so you will definitely hear and see your neighbor. There is no water or port-a-potties at camping sites. One bathhouse is located adjacent to the main building and there is a dish washing station located there as well. The bathhouse was clean when we visited (but we were not there during the busy summer season as there are many rafting trips and those customers share the same bathroom). The bathhouse is pretty far away from the camping area which is inconvenient when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. All yurts and campsite have trash cans located at the site. Each site has a large fire pit and removable cooking grates are available. There are rustic log benches around the fire pits. 

    Yurts and campsites are located behind the main building/office but you still get some road noise as Route 6 is a heavily traveled road. As far as amenities, there is a volleyball net and corn holes. A covered pavilion is located between the campsites and the main building and has a few picnic tables underneath. The main building has a gift shop stocked with moose gifts, apparel, snacks, drinks, and an assortment of “camp stuff.” This is also where you can book a moose tour, rafting trip, or inflatable kayaks if you are feeling adventurous. 

    The campground is located between the towns of Monson and Greenville. The Monson General Store is a great little store with an assortment of grocery items and makes really good sandwiches and the nearby Lakeshore House Lodge and Pub has the most wonderful pot roast. Greenville has a larger grocery/trading post which has pretty much everything you need from shoes to lettuce. Hiking in the area is great! You can pick up the Appalachian Trail or head to Little Wilson Falls for a nice, wooded walk along a stream to a pretty waterfall. Borestone Mountain is nearby and provides amazing views.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Portage Site

    2 out of 5 because of human impact

    This is a large site that sits on the eastern side of Holeb Pond, at one end of the canoe portage between Attean and Holeb Ponds on the Moose Bow Loop. This is a conveniently located spot, however, it is very impacted and often full of trash(human and otherwise). It really is an amazing location but was really gross when we were there in October of 2020. One of the fire rings, of which there are many, was full of eggshells and other food waste. The outhouse wasn’t awful but certainly heavily used. There are a lot of rocks and stumps in the sites but level ground can be found to pitch a few tents. There are some picnic tables dispersed in the area as well. I wouldn’t stay here but if you have a larger group, it may be a good fit. All in all, if you could skip this site I would.

  • Miccal  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Trout Brook Campground

    Primitive Camping at it's most Public

    This location is Beautiful, but it comes at the cost of privacy.  When I first discovered this spot, it wasn't an official campsite, people just came here to swim and there was a fire ring. That was over 20yrs ago.

    There are 4 sites, 3 have no separation between them, 1 is at the entrance, all are on the access road with 0 privacy.  This area is overused, and it shows, sites are warn in and if there was room relocating fire pits and allowing some nature to come back would be nice.  I managed to tuck myself into a private alcove of trees on the #1 site, but still was in full view of headlights and people driving in to see if there was space.  The site I had was big enough that I shared it with a couple that had a small child, and they had their own section. 

    There are no service, no water, no electricity, no to little cell coverage.  There is one pit toilet.  

    The access road in is rough, not for normal street cars.

    Did I mention lack of privacy?

    See pics.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Trout Pond Campsite

    Nice Secluded Campsite on a Beautiful Pond

    This primitive campsite is located in the Little Moose Public Lands area about five miles from downtown Greenville, Maine. The public lands area is approximately 15,000 acres. Access to the public lands and overnight camping are free and this is a first-come, first-served campsite with a 14-night maximum stay. Keep in mind this is a carry in, carry out site. A fire permit is required and can be sought by calling (207) 778-8231. 

    From the entrance of the public lands off Route 6, travel approximately 5½ miles along North Road to Trout Pond Road to the trailhead leading to the campsite (the area is well-marked). The campsite is located about a quarter of a mile away from the parking lot. The path to get to the campsite is relatively flat and easy to traverse except over some of the wooden planks which were slippery when I visited due to recent rain. The campsite is really large in a nice open cleared spot with some large trees for shade. A large picnic table and stone fire ring are present. There is a fully enclosed vault toilet that where someone left sanitary wipes, toilet paper, and fire wood inside. Based on the shredded toilet paper, it looks like a mouse uses it as well. The pond is beautiful, and you have water access from this campsite. There are some canoes and boats stashed in the woods and we saw a few people paddling and fishing while we visited so you may have company. 

    There is great hiking around Big and Little Moose Ponds with nice views. The Loop hike is about 4.4 miles with a 650’ elevation change. For a harder hike with great views of Moosehead Lake and Greenville, check out Big Moose Mountain which is about 4.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,800’. Downtown Greenville has good restaurants, shopping, and a few shops. Moose and seaplane tours are very popular and there are plenty of guides if you are interested in hunting and fishing.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2019

    Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks)

    Worth the hike-in, very close to the AT

    Beautiful hike-in sites located along the Pleasant River, and a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in Gulf Hagas area!  We didn’t stay at these sites, but came across them while hiking just off the AT. 

    Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with access to a clean latrine (with TP!).  No potable water is available, but the river is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works, but keep in mind you’ll have to carry it about ¾ of a mile, and across a river. 

    For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared. 

    Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee.  Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2022

    Wilson Streams Area

    Nice streamside campsites

    There are six primitive first come, first serve campsites near the trailhead of Little Wilson Falls. As you enter the gravel road leading to the falls trailhead, there is an information board with registration instructions and rules and regulations. Continue down the road to five of the six sites (#6 is located a short drive away across the stream accessible from (Bodfish road). The sites are clearly marked and have a picnic table and fire pit. You must obtain a fire permit before kindling a fire. (The information board has a number you can call to get a permit from the forest service.) The sites are considered “walk in” but there are parking spaces adjacent to the campsites that will accommodate cars (no RVs). Sites 1, 2, 3, and 6 are right along the stream with access to the water and nice tall trees for shade. Sites 1 and 2 are pretty close together so there is shared space. Sites 4 and 5 are across the gravel road in a shrubby area and super close together as well. The trees surrounding these sites are not very tall and don’t provide any shade. There is a vault toilet located along the road but no potable water spigots. The waterfront campsites seemed pretty well used as there was lots of evidence of people not practicing carry in, carry out and there were numerous pieces of toilet paper scattered about. Maximum stay is five nights and they do limit occupancy to eight and only one dog. 

    Take time to hike the falls trail which is a 2.4-mile round trip, out and back trail. The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT.  About five miles away is the small town of Monson which has an Appalachian Trail Visitor Center, some galleries, restaurants, and a great general store where you can get lots of grocery items and sandwiches to go.  Approximately 15 miles north is the town of Greenville which is a beautiful town with great hiking and pretty lake views.  There are a couple of outdoor outfitters in town if you need gear.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2023

    Smudge Cove

    A Favorite Spot

    This campsite is along the Forest Legacy Trail and while the trail is managed by one entity, the remote campsites are managed by another. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust maintains the trails in and out while Cupsuptic Campground manages the campsites.

    There is a tent platform at Smudge Cove but it is in desperate need of repair and it sounds like that's in the plans for next summer. There is a nice picnic table available as well as an established fire ring. The site is just off the water and there is a nice long dock that makes it super easy to boat into and unload. You can also backpack in and enjoy some pretty cool Maine forests along the way. There is also relatively easy access to the water by way of the rocks, beside the dock.

    These sites are secluded and offer a lovely amount of privacy and rest assured, the only sounds you will hear at night are the loons!

  • Gary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2022

    Dunn Point Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    Camp in the woods

    We were surprised to find the camp sites large and heavily wooded. You could still see you neighbors but they were far enough away to not be a bother. No electric but water was available at sites around the loop. Generators are allowed to run between 8am and 8 pm. Nice swimming beach but quite a hike from the campsites. You are near the water but most sites are not on the water. Vault toilets are usually close by and there is only one shower house for the whole camp located between the loops. Shower house is divided into separate compartments which include toilets and single shower and sink. Ice and firewood was available at the ranger checkpoint station. Sanitation dump was located across the street from the comfort station and camp host. Overall rustic but still nice and comfortable.

  • Tina D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2018

    Lone Jack Campground — Cold Stream Forest

    Nice little site

    15-site primitive campground with fire rings. We saw cross bill birds there eating the pinecone sap. They also came down and ate ash from our fire pit in the morning. The BEST site in my opinion was ours. It's right next to the dock area and no other sites can go next to it, only across the lot.

    This site has picnic tables, and 3 outhouses, located along Cold Stream east of Lone Jack Pond. There is a small floating dock on the stream. Four additional roadside shoreline campsites were established next to Durgin Pond, and several others in scattered locations near to roads.

    There's a 0.4 mile walk-in trail into Lang Pond, and a 0.5 mile trail into Big Berry Pond. People can fish here, it's supposed to be a hidden jem or hot spot. There are some additional trails into Snake and/or Fernald Pond, and into Cold Stream downstream of the headwaters area. You can also walk down the roads, there's old logging roads that split off here and there from what it seemed like.

    Great kayaking up and down the stream and pond area. The roads were a bit crazy as you can see in my pictures. A bunch of warblers were there too. We drove into Jackman one day when the weather wasn't so great. Cute little town.


Guide to West Forks

Tent camping near West Forks, Maine offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the region, with various campgrounds catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out Myer's Lodge East

  • Enjoy a free stay at Myer's Lodge East, where you can set up your tent and enjoy campfires under the stars.
  • This site allows pets, making it a great choice for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With no permits required and easy drive-in access, it’s perfect for spontaneous camping trips.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Experience the breathtaking views and hiking trails at Upper Gravel Pit - Dispersed, where you can enjoy dry camping and explore the surrounding mountains.
  • For a more secluded experience, head to Trout Pond Campsite, which offers access to beautiful ponds and hiking opportunities in the Little Moose Public Lands.
  • The picturesque Little Moose Pond Campsite provides a serene setting for fishing and paddling, with stunning views right from your tent.

Explore local attractions near your campsite

  • Visit the scenic Round Barn Campsites, which is conveniently located near hiking trails and offers a beautiful beach area for swimming.
  • The Attean Falls site is a great spot for those looking to paddle along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
  • For a unique experience, check out Maine Huts & Trails, where you can combine tent camping with access to well-maintained huts and trails in the heart of Maine's backcountry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Forks, ME is Magic Falls Adventures Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near West Forks, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.