Best Tent Camping near Willimantic, ME

Northern Pride is a 5-bedroom lodge and RV and tent campground. The property sits adjacent to the 8-mile-long Roach Pond (which is more like a lake because of its size and deep water but the state of Maine classifies body of water a pond if there is water flowing in and out of it versus a lake that is contained and has no input or outfall). 

The campground has a mix of tent and RV sites. The RV sites are 20-amp electric and water with the exception of one(transient) site that is 30-amp and water. Sites are level and are back-ins so your back window has a view of the pond. Tent sites sit right between the shore and RV sites with an unobstructed view of the pond. Tent sites are large, open grassy areas far enough from the RV sites so you don’t feel like you have an RV staring at you. RV sites are pretty close together and all but two are seasonal sites. The seasonal sites were pretty junky when we visited and many campers needed to do a little cleaning up at their sites. Most people just come for the weekend to enjoy the pond so it is pretty quiet during the week. Tent and RV sites cost$35 and$40(respectively) for two people. If you have more people, it costs$3/person/night which seems like it could get quite expensive for a family of five, especially since you only have minimal electric and water. There is no sewer and the pump out service was quite steep at$50/pump out (both grey and black) and is only available on Wednesdays- so plan accordingly. Hot showers are available so you can save tank space by not showering in your RV. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Many of the firepits looked like they were dumpsters as they were filled with cardboard, paper plates, and other trash. Firewood is available for$6/milk crate sized amount. The lodge serves meals if you don’t feel like cooking you can order a la carte or there is the Kokadjo Trading Post just a short walk away which has some groceries and good burgers. The owner is a registered Master Maine Guide and they offer fishing and hunting trips (for a fee). There also have kayak, canoe, and a 16-foot motorboat for rent. 

There is a public boat launch right next to the campground if you have your own boat. Since the property is right on the water it is convenient to launch a canoe or kayak and the views of the surrounding mountains make for a great paddling destination. The closest town with services is Greenville that is about 20 miles away. The road from Greenville is a newly paved road that is easy to navigate. If you come from elsewhere, it’s best to call for directions and not follow your GPS because many roads are for ATVs only.

We’ve stayed here in cabins a tent sites when hiking Mt Katahdin. Both were clean and tent sites were spacious. Bathrooms are tidy with all the hot water a smelly tired pack of hikers could ask for. Staff is always friendly and they almost always have spaces available.

Tent camped here before climbing Mt Katahdin. This place was not only beautiful with a store and restaurant, but super accommodating to our large group.

The sites are nice enough, but not a ton of privacy. Ours wasn't very flat so tent camping wasn't very comfortable. Hammocks were fine. The lodge was super cool and the owners were friendly and helpful.

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. It is right next to the stafford brook trail to hike to the top of Bigelow and you can easily hike from your campsite to the top of the mountain and back within a day. Multiple sites including both group sites are right on the water and there is a nice beach area big enough to accomodate however many people you bring. The best tent site is on the island just offshore accessible by sandbar which is usually just knee deep. The cove makes for safe swimming away from the wind and waves offshore. Great secluded spot where you won't feel crowded like at Baxter or Grafton notch areas.

Basically this is a small independent RV park split between season RV campers and regular RV campers. The only reason for a tent camper to go is to take advantage of the laundry room and the nicely scrubbed showers. It’s 5 minutes from Skowhegan and a short 2 minutes from Kennebec Banks rest area on route 2.

There are about 5 tent sites– two of which are on a small point stretching into the confluence of the great Kennebec River and the small Wesserunsett River. 

The only two tent sites I would recommend are #50 & #51 on the point with # 51 being most desirable. I absolutely would not recommend any of the other tent sites for various reasons. I used site #51 and pitched my tent about 20ft from the Kennebec. At 6:45am  I saw two bald eagles patrolling the Kennebec. 

The RV sites that are interesting are the ones directly along the Kennebec. They are sites 39-45; 47A; 47B; 47C; 48; and, they park parallel to the river. Otherwise, it’s a very tight center filled with RV’s and very large motor homes. Sites # 52– 58 may look like they are water sites… but the water feature on the map is only a brushy swamp. 

The 2 showers are very good, clean and include a bench. There are 2 flush toilets also sparkling clean; but, they are some distance from The Point. The 24hour self-operated laundry is housed in a small, dedicated bungalow. There are 2-3 docks and canoes to use. 

At night, one can clearly hear the noise from route 2 just at the edge of the campground. The river amplifies the sound of cars passing by.

Katahdin Stream provides the perfect site to give you a restful night’s sleep before taking the Hunt Trail up Mt Katahdin/ Baxter Peak. The tent sites were flat and spacious and though we had downpours all day, there was no puddling or pooling of water in the site. All tent sites and lean-to sites came with firepits and tables, and plenty of trees around to hang wet articles of clothing to dry after the rain passed. The campground was clearly marked and provided parking for 1-2 vehicles at each site, but not much more than that and the day use site campers were very friendly and engaged with the overnight campers, offering us BBQ and other leftover food which very welcome after an 11 hour day of hiking.

Katahdin Stream is easily accessible and provides an excellent source of fresh water, as water is limited once you start up the Hunt Trail. Therefore I highly recommend taking as much water as you can reasonably carry. We had 2- 2 liter bladders and 4 Nalgene bottles on our trip and we ran out by the time we reached the end of our trip. (Between two hikers- went up Hunt and down Abol and back around to Katahdin Stream for a second night’s stay).

Absolutely one of the jewels in the Maine State Park System, Lily Bay on enormous Moosehead Lake is generally open year round. Historically, this area was part of the Northern Canoe Trail and an important logging tract. It’s reasonably close to the Maine finish of the AT at Mt.Katahdin. 

It is worth remembering that weather can change suddenly on the lake and on the shore including substantial wind gusts and rain storms. Herds of deer are prevalent in the campground, and there are a few coyotes. 

Lily Bay, 9 miles north of Greenville, has two distinct camping clusters: Dunn Point and Rowell Cove. Each camping cluster has a trailerable boat launch area although these facilities may be more slightly more appealing on Dunn Point which also includes a playground and swim beach. Fishing is a very active sport on Moosehead. 

This review seeks only to observe the park from a tent camper’s point of view. There are hot showers in a central location called“comfort station” near the entrance. This multi-use comfort center is kept scrupulously clean. There is a helpful shower chair in each of about 6 shower bathrooms. Otherwise, there are vault outhouses throughout the park. One generally has to arrive at the plumbed comfort station by car. It is some distance from campsites. It may be nearly a mile from some of the campsites so campers will generally use the out-houses, not central bathrooms. 

Extensive usage of RV’s in the park means that if tent campers want to avoid being next to an RV they should select sites that are classified as“walk-in tent sites”. You don’t have to walk very far when using these sites but the category protects the tent user. In Dunn Point walk-in sites are 200T; 201T; 213T; 214T; 215T; 221T; 222T; 223T; 224T; 231T. In Rowell Cove sites that are protected for clusters of tents are 33T;34T; 35T; 36T; 37T; 38T; 39T; 40T; 41T; 44T; 45T; 46T. Site 41T has the longest walk-in path in the park. These tent sites are reasonably spaced and this reviewer can say that on Dunn point the most coveted beach tent site is the non-reservable site 221T. Most sites that front the water on Dunn Point are elevated high above the water, but sites 221T; 222T; and 223T have direct open water beach access. If you are a tent camper, regardless of which site you have reserved— it is definitely worth asking the park clerks if sites 221T; 222T, and 223T are open on Dunn Point. 

Park check-in closes about 4-4:30 and after that each camper does a self check-in on the specific site that has been reserved in advance. 

The park sells ice and wood. 

The forest in this 900 acre park is mixed spruce, cedar, hemlock, birch and maple. Each night loons call to each other.

My wife and I went up during Columbus Day weekend for some fall fishing and leaf peeping. We had a tent site that had tons of room. Camp store was great. Camp is just outside of Greenville so it’s super easy to go into town if you forgot anything. The only thing I wasn’t a fan of was I could hear the road noise from rt.6. In my opinion if I’m headed up to moosehead I would want to camp in the middle of the woods. But overall we had a great time.

We have tent camped in several of the sites 4X in the past 3 years.  10/28/23 was last visit for the year.  We never see many trucks or people.  The sites are quiet, peaceful, very clean and outhouses are always in excellent condition.  We thank the folks who care so well for the sites.  We got there in a compact SUV 3 years ago, but go by truck now.  The road in off the Capital Road has deteriorated a fair amount in past year, due to rains, we believe.  Don't make the trip if you expect good roads, but if you like logging roads, this area is wonderful.

Located just a few miles outside of Baxter State Park, POC offers a few spots for small RV’s, tent sites, lean-tos, and a few camping cabins, each with a picnic table and fire ring.  And, the property has an amazing view!

There are hot showers, clean bathrooms, a dishwashing sink, and even a game room with pool tables and a small bar. You can rent canoes and gear to paddle on the lake, with a great view of Mt. Katahdin. Or, sign up for a guided canoe or rafting trip.

Fall is one of the best times to be here…no bugs, less people, and full of autumn color! Be ready for wind and cold days though.

Your last stop for groceries and gas is in Millinocket, so be sure to stock up before you make your way to the park. 

All for $11 per person/night! Haven’t seen these amenities for this low price anywhere else in Maine.

The primitive sites are either AT style leantos or tent sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is NO potable water, electricity, showers or cell/internet service in the Park. Firewood is for sale at the Ranger station for $5 per bundle. NO firewood is permitted to be brought into the Park. Pit toilets are clean and well maintained. Most sites are within easy access to Katahdin Stream which is fast moving and cold. You can get into the water but no soap or detergent of any kind is permitted. It is approximately 45 minute drive from the Togue Pond Gate over narrow dirt roads (very dusty). You are at least an hour from the nearest supply and closer to 2 hours from Millinocket where there is a Hannaford supermarket. Be sure to bring everything you need! Pack bug spray in June & July.

Reservations can be made beginning 4 months from the first day of your reservation. Current fees are $16 per night per site. You can do this on-line or call the office. $16 per out-of-state car collected at the gate. (Maine cars are not charged an entrance fee.)

Stopped in to try and camp here, all the spots were taken.  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.

The Road is rough, but with care you can get there, just go slow.

There are pit toilets, but no running water or electricity.

All of the sites are walk-in sites.

Bussy place!

Small campground with 36 RV and tent sites located just a couple of miles from downtown Greenville. The owners are very nice and helpful and are always busy working in the campground. The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs. In fact, there was only one of two sites in the front section that would fit our 45’ motorhome. The back section of the park was way too tight for us to navigate. 

Our site (#25) was a long pull thru that sloped down in the front and took a bit for us to get level and our front steps were pretty high off the ground. We had 50-amp electric which worked fine and a water hookup. Since we had a clear view to the sky, we were able to use our satellite television. Due to the campground’s location in a remote part of Maine, I’m sure our over-the-air antenna would not have worked. They did have wifi which worked great at out site. The tent sites are located off to themselves in a wooded area not too far from the bathrooms. The back section of the campground is heavily treed with nice amounts of shade. Most of the sites have good separation from the neighboring site and privacy. The fire pits have grates next to them so you can cook over the fire. There are garbage cans scattered about the campground which makes it easy to dump your trash. No sewer at any sites but there is a dump station and they offer a pump out service for$20. We contemplated using the dump station but the roads were so tight that it would have been difficult for us to pull into it and our RV would have scrapped lots of trees. There are apple trees everywhere in the campground. The owner said he does rake them but so apparently it was a banner year, so there were tons of apples which meant that you did get a smell from the rotting ones. The bathrooms were old and pretty nasty and we didn’t want to use the toilet, much less shower there. Despite having a pull thru site, we had to back out because we would have had to go thru the back part of the park and because of the low hanging trees without scraping our RV. Also, the turn into the campground from the main road (Route 6) is very tight and we ended up having to go into the other lane and take up the whole road in order to make the turn in. 

We did like the proximity of this campground to downtown Greenville. The area is beautiful with great hiking, boating, and fishing. Just a short drive away is the east outlet of the Kennebec River which is renowned for its fly fishing. Some touristy things to do are a boat ride on the Katahdin (an old steam ship), ferry ride over to Mt. Kineo for hiking with a great view, and a drive out to the B-52 crash site.

Accessible via the Baxter State Park Tote road, this is the first campground you will come upon if you enter the southern gate. Situated at the trailhead of Abol Trail, this campground offers lean-to and tent sites along a looped camp road. Sites consist of a picnic table and fire ring with grill top. Firewood is avaliable for purchase at the ranger station for $3.00. Sites are close to the camp road except lean-to site 3 which is a short walk in from it’s parking place. Site 6 may not look like the supiror site within Abol while driving by, but adventuring down into the site from the turn off, you will realize it’s speacial qualities. The lean-to is oriented in such a way that you do not realize it’s proximity to sites 5 and 7 or the campground road. Site 6 hugs the Abol stream providing beautiful scenery and the auidable noice which suppresses sounds coming from other campers. If you are hiking the Abol Trail, this is an easy option for spending the night before or after your hike. If I was to do an exstended stay within the park, I would recommend heading to the Northern portions of the park, as there are more special overnight options.

Though not open during the off season, this Baxter State Park campground offers tent sites and lean-tos, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are no sites for RV's here.

There is no running/drinking water, but the stream nearby is perfect for filtering. The pit toilets are cleaned daily. There is no electricity, so bring your solar panel. Rangers are assigned to each campground, so there is always someone to chat with if you have questions or emergencies while in the park. 

You can start the 8-12 hour round trip to the summit of Mt. Katahdin from this campground, as it sits right at the base of the mountain.  Or, choose from variety of other trail options if a 4000 ft elevation gain hike isn’t your thing.

Fall is one of the best times to be here…no bugs, less people, and full of autumn color! Be ready for wind and cold days though. You are sure to see many Appalachian Trail through hikers as they use this campground as their final base camp before summiting!

Your last stop for food and gas is in Millinocket, so be sure to stock up before you make your way to the park. Millinocket is about 18 miles from the main entrance to Baxter State Park.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the park, but Katahdin Kritters is a pet boarding facility located in East Millinocket.

 There are a few times in your travels when you find someplace you never want to leave. It’s the kind of place where you pull in and it just feels right and we found ourselves at the registration desk extending your stay…and again…and again. The Birches Resort and Campground in Rockwood, Maine was that slice of paradise we absolutely loved. 

The Birches is perched on Moosehead Lake about 30 minutes north of Greenville which is a pretty small town (we’re talking population 1,600) with a few restaurants, a fly fishing shop, a great grocery/outdoor/camping/clothing store and a scattering of interesting attractions like an old passenger ship offering lake excursions. There is a ferry over to Mt. Kineo which has spectacular hiking and definitely worth spending an afternoon. There is great fishing in the area in numerous rivers and lakes. 

The Birches has a magnificent historic lodge dating back to the 1930’s that is warm and comforting and smells of wood burning fires, fresh coffee, and salty bacon. There are only a handful of campsites (for RV’s and tents) and a bunch of cabins all with great views. Don’t be expecting to have all your creature comforts of television, wifi, and phone service because they are nonexistent or sketchy at your site. However, the lodge provides all those services where you can enjoy them by the fire or at the bar. There is also a full-service restaurant serving three meals a day with delicious comfort food like Thanksgiving turkey dinner, slow roasted prime rib, and French onion soup. RV sites can be a little tight for larger RVs but we were able to manage. The best campsite (#5) backs up to the lake so your patio and fire pit are right there on the water and provide spectacular sunrises. Our site was 30-amp which was fine for us as we were there in October and didn’t need air conditioning. Since no one else was coming into the site next to us, we were allowed to pull in such that we took up two spots and overlooked the marina. There was water but no sewer however the dump station was easy to access and never very busy since the campground is so small. The tent sites are located farther away from the lodge and facilities but are spacious and private with great water views. The sites are surrounded by trees so you get some shade if you want or can be in the open sunny areas. Each tent site has its own garbage can so you don’t have to trek over to the dumpster. There are also picnic tables, rock-lined fire rings, low electric hook-up, and a water spigot. The restroom/showers were older but clean and we did not mind showering there which meant we didn’t have to pack up the RV and dump our tanks during our stay. They do have a hot tub for those who like to soak in steaming water. 

We absolutely loved our stay at the Birches. Having the lodge for warm fires, cold beer, and hot meals was a definite plus. There are so many outdoor activities between hiking, fishing, paddling, and just enjoying the natural beauty. There are boat rentals and seaplane flights you can book for sightseeing and a launch for boats/paddle craft. We will definitely be back.

If you enjoy camping with a wonderful view of Mt. Katahdin, then this campground is for you. This is 1 of the 3 campgrounds in Baxter that stays open for a bit past the normal season. It offers a few spots for small RV’s, tent sites, lean-tos, and a few camping cabins, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Our site even had a sheltered area over the picnic table.

There is no running/drinking water, but the stream nearby is perfect for filtering. The pit toilets are cleaned daily. There is no electricity, so bring your solar panel. Plan on packing out your trash. Rangers are assigned to each campground, so there is always someone to chat with if you have questions or emergencies while in the park.

You can start the 8 to 12-hour round trip to the summit of Mt. Katahdin from this campground, as it sits right at the base of the mountain. Or, you can choose from a variety of other trail options if a 4000 ft elevation gain isn’t your thing. You are sure to see many Appalachian Trail thru-hikers as they use this campground as their final base camp before summiting.

Fall is one of the best times to be here…no bugs, less people, and full of autumn color! Be ready for wind and cold days though.

Your last stop for food and gas is in Millinocket, so be sure to stock up before you make your way to the park. Millinocket is about 18 miles from the main entrance to Baxter State Park.

Note: Dogs are not allowed in the park, but Katahdin Kritters is a pet boarding facility located in East Millinocket.

I always struggle with the notion of rating a full amenities campground with a no-frills place like this, so when it comes down to it, I'm rating the experience. If you want to get off the grid (no wi-fi, cell service, or running water) to a quiet, dark campground with opportunities to bag some peaks, see some wildlife, and cool off in a river after a long day on the trail, and you don't mind traveling over miles of dirt roads to get there, then it is hard to beat Nesowadnehunk Field campground.

I stayed in a lean-to, drove up to it and pitched my tent inside…grateful for a little extra protection in the tent as I listened to animals scratching around the lean-to at night. There was a large bush in front of the lean to and woods behind. I could see and hear my neighbors, but wasn't disturbed by them. The site also had a picnic table. Trails led to the river behind the lean tos. There are also a number of tent sites that you park and walk back to, plus a small bunkhouse.

As the sun sets, it is the sky that catches your attention and doesn't want to let it go. Without light pollution, you'll see more than stars than you imagined you could see (tip: if you need a light, use the red setting on your headlamp so your eyes don't have to re-acclimate to the dark).

I used this as a base for bagging Coe, South, and North Brother, finishing the Maine 4000-footers here. It was so windy I decided to forego the bushwhack to Fort. It's nice to be able to get an early start because you're already in the park.

Things you need to know about low frills Baxter State Park:

1. Make reservations online, though if you want a group site or a bunkhouse, give them a call or send a letter. Reservations open 4 months ahead of time.
2. Plan to arrive before 8:30. It takes a while to get to the campgrounds from the gates, wildlife starts moving around at dusk, and you don't want to have to set up camp in the dark
3. Bring either water or a filtration/treatment system so you can use surface water.
4. Bring what you'll need…don't expect a convenient store to replace that missing item! It's a long way back to Millinocket. Pack out your trash.
5. The general camping season is May-Oct, though winter camping (Dec-Mar) and activities are also possible. Snow may arrive early (which is why they sometimes have thru-hikers jump ahead to Katahdin and hike backwards if they aren't likely to make it to Katahdin ahead of the snow)
6. No pets. No alcohol in public places (i.e. don't celebrate on a summit with a sip of your favorite beverage)
7. There are a lot of rules, conditions of the donation. Take time to read the rules on the website.