Jean C.

The Dyrt Pro

West Roxbury, MA

Joined September 2018

Lifelong tent camper, now in a teardrop. Love hiking, photography, exploring in New England & beyond! Visited all 50 states,more than 70 countries.

riverside campsites

There are a few sites in the East Branch Pleasant River camping area within the Ki Jo Mary multi-use forest. After passing Little Jo Mary and before you reach Gauntlet falls, there’s a fork in the road and a few of these sites down each branch. EB1 is parallel to the road, large enough to handle a truck camper or small trailer easily as well as multiple tents. EB2 is tucked away off the road providing a little more privacy and shade. Sites have a vault toilet available. EBP4 has a small shelter. They are between the Little Jo Mary Pond campsites and Gauntlet Falls, with a river running behind them. Site are relatively level Fire pit and picnic table provided. Bring your own water or plan to treat it.

This is accessible from the Jo Mary checkpoint. Fees are higher for out of state campers. Firewood available at the checkpoind. Midweek in August only one of these sites was occupied. Plan to arrive before 9pm to avoid having to pay a higher fee for access. Look out for the logging trucks! They move fast and have the right of way. The main roads seemed to be maintained pretty well. A grader was out and about when I was there.

Gauntlet falls has a nice swimming hole and there are several ponds nearby for car-top boats and fishing.

Rustic campground near falls and a swimming hole

This is another camping area in the KI-JO Mary Multiuse forest. Although their map shows 2 sites, there is currently only 1 site available here(I spoke to fellow campers who indicated it had become too much of a party place, so it was closed), but there is also day-use parking, so the falls are accessible to you if you’re camping elsewhere. When I was here there was a family swimming and fly fishing in different areas below the falls.

This is easily accessible from the Jo Mary entrance to the KI Jo Mary multi-use forest, at the end of a road that turns off to the left. The intersection is marked by a large plow with the areas on the blades. Keep an eye out for the logging trucks and yield to them. No cell coverage but you may be able to send/receive text messages at the Little Jo Mary Pond campsites that you’ll pass en route to Gauntlet Falls.

The site is large relatively level, shaded, elevated above the river with a small path to the river directly below the site and another path toward the falls. Site has a fire ring and picnic table. There’s a pit toilet near the day-use parking area. Bring water or plan to treat it. These are primitive sites, b ut you’ll pay both a day use and an overnight camping fee, with a higher rate for out-of-state campers, so the sites are not inexpensive. This site was available during the week in mid August, but occupied on the weekend.

near a beautiful lake with cartop boat access

There are 4 campsites available here, none of them directly on the lake, but all within a short walking distance to a small boat launch for cartop boats. The lake is crystal clear and there were a dozen mergansers and a couple of loons swimming around.

Sites 1-3 are around an open field area, so they’ll provide the most sunlight if you’re looking for solar power for recharging during a longer stay. Sites 2& 3 have a small shelter over the picnic table. Site 4 is tucked to the side of the path to the lake and is wooded. There is a pit toilet in the woods near the entrance to the site. All sites have a picnic table and fire ring. Bring water or plan to filter/treat it.

Great place to fall asleep to the call of the loons, spend your day paddling and fishing.

No cell service, though you can get some spotty coverage sufficient for texting closer to Little Jo Mary Pond campsites.

Access is over logging roads and you’ll definitely encounter fast-moving trucks who have the right of way. They keep the main roads graded and the road to Long Pond was in good shape (unlike some that were down longer side roads), but it’s one of the longer drives from the checkpoint. (I had no problem reaching the sites in my Subaru, but I couldn't get to the Crawford Lake sites) These sites are in the KI-JO-Mary multi-use forest, so you’ll pass through the Jo Mary checkpoint and pay fees there. It includes both a day use and a separate camping fee that are paid per person, so it’s quickly an expensive endeavor for a family, but more affordable as a group of friends. Out-of-state rates are higher than instate. I was able to stop by and get a site same-day in mid-August, but sites were filled on the weekends.

mountain biking destination state park

This is a small state park campground that is popular with mountain bikers. It had recently closed for the season when I stopped by to check it out. Sites are a good size, generally level and most are quite close to the road, so you’ll contend with road traffic. There are a few walk-in tent sites with lean-tos. If you’re looking for some additional privacy and not afraid of a walk, these are the nicest in the park. Within the campground loop there are pit toilets. Near the entrance is a small kitchen and full-service bathrooms. Campfire wood is available for sale on site and they had a wagon to help you transport it back to your site. Picnic tables and fire rings provided.

There are 2 Tentrr sites a short walk into the woods at one end of the loop, farthest from the entrance. These are fully equipped cabin tents, but one had been burned near the stovepipe. In a lot just below the main entrance are group campsites.

Several different trails in the park some leading to a bald summit with views toward the coast. Keep your eyes open for bikes and horses that share the trails. It’s very busy, but the small parking lot does create some limits. You will have to cross the street to reach most of the trails, so you’ll probably want to accompany your kids, though the crossing area is well marked. This site provides some basic trail information

You're only 10 miles from Freeport and its outlets or summer concerts and activities near LLBean and the coast is ready for exploration.

Winter camping is available, contact the park for details. There are enough trails to keep warm snowshoeing and x-c skiing, but no facilities available, so bring water and all you need for the weather.

Family-focused off-grid, beachside camping

I’ve been to nearby Popham Beach SP a few times and wanted to check out camping in the area. I’d read good things about Hermit Island. If you camp here, you won't need to venture over to Popham Beach because the beaches are on site.

This large coastal campground has campsites nestled among trees or dunes. Where natural separation of trees and grasses are insufficient, they’ve provided visual separation between sites, adding small fences where necessary. Some are expansive with plenty of space while others you’ll be cozy with your single vehicle and tent; others are walk-in sites. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. There are lots of narrow curvy roads to the sites; you’ll want the map and read the street signs! Pop-ups are permitted on some sites, but absolutely no hard-sided trailers, no, not even teardrops(I mention this because I’ve seen some teardroppers expect to be treated like a tent, but that’s not an option here). With all the water around, have a plan for dealing with insects.

It’s a bit of a haul to get here once you turn off the main road, so plan to do any last minute shopping in Bath or Brunswick(30 minutes to Bath without summer traffic). I could not get cell service at the campground, though I had spotty phone coverage on the road before the turnoff, but calls dropped randomly even when I was standing still.

Reservations are by snail mail or phone months in advance and the prices are steep compared to a no-frills campground elsewhere; you’re paying for the privilege of being on the beach. There’s a large open to the public beach near the entrance and a few smaller beaches along the island. Bring your bikes and/or wagons…you’ll want them to get to the beach, explore the trails, or ride up to the camp store/snack shop. There are places to launch a kayak.

Large lakeside campground: boating, swimming, rafting

This Army Corps of Engineers campground provides a larger number of RV and tent sites with electic near a lake. There are also a few walk-in tent sites that offer wooded seclusion. I was here in April, so this was not yet open and the lake level was still low (the Gauley Tailwaters campground offered a primitive alternative.

Sites are grassy with gravel, generally level parking pads, some shade, a large playground. Boat ramp available. Popular spot, so make reservations early. 

The New River Gorge National Park is nearby with a number of hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities, but there is plenty to keep you occupied here.

Group campsites in Smoke Hole Canyon

A few miles south of the Big Bend campground, Jess Judy is a primitive national forest campground offering 3 group sites. Although Big Bend offers more amenities, with flush toilets and showers, Jess Judy is a more economical option for a group. You'll need to check in at Big Bend.

The sites are grassy, with areas mowed into the larger field, with hills rising above the campground. Vault toilets are located nearby. Picnic tables, fire pits, and grills are provided. Drinking water is not available, so bring your own. 

The Potomac runs through the canyon and provides fishing opportunities. there are also hiking trails. Smoke Hole Caverns (40 minutes away) offers more touristy attractions such as mini gold and a cavern tour (ok, not spectacular). The Seneca Rocks area is more than an hour away. Shreve's country store (<3 miles) may have some items if you've forgotten something, but not major shopping. 

I didn't explore it, but the North Fork Mountain Trail receives rave reviews for spectacular views and if you can run shuttles, you could hike portions of this.

Rustic campsites, lovely pond

There are 5 campsites near Johnston Pond in the KI-JO-Mary multiuse forest. None of them are directly on the water, but 2 have easy access plus there is a boat launch area and large beach at the other end of the pond. If you approach from the Jo Mary checkpoint, sites 3 & 4 on the left are more open, The sites have fire pits and a picnic tables. Sites 4 & 5 also have a roof over the picnic table. A latrine provides toilet facilities, but bring your own water or plan to treat water. You may collect dead wood or purchase wood at the checkpoint for fire. 

Site 5 is deeper in the woods and the approach through the trees is beautiful. The waterfront area is very rocky here. 

Be aware of general regulations for the KJM forest, including the need to yield to trucks (which are often moving at quite a clip and loaded with logs) and length limits (28' single vehicle, 44' combined). You'll need to pay with cash or check. Fees are higher for out of state campers; rates are based off Maine minimum wage and campers pay both a day use and a camping fee per person, so the sites are not inexpensive.

I was able to secure a site midweek August without a problem, but most of the sites were reserved for the weekend, so plan accordingly.

The roads are well-marked and if you pick up a map at the checkpoint, you should be ok finding your campsite. Consider also downloading maps for offline use as there is no cell coverage in most of the park. You could sometimes get texts through from the nearby Little Jo Mary campsite area. I found my phone blew up with texts shortly after leaving the forest area, back on the main road.

I enjoyed paddling my kayak in the pond. Continue past the campsite area and you'll see a turnoff at the far end of the pond that takes you to the sandy beach/boat launch area. There were loons on the clear pond and also native trout. 

If you head back toward the checkpoint, you'll see the turnoff on the right to Little Jo Mary pond and Gauntlet Falls. The falls are a nice spot to swim and enjoy sitting on the rocks; it has day use parking in addition to a campsite here, so it's more crowded than some of the other areas.

Leave your bikes and ATVs behind; they aren't permitted. The AT runs through the forest, though, so you may explore on foot.

There is a private campground closer to the entrance that sells ice and a few treats and has a daily fee if you want to fish or use the beach.

First to Review
Hard to beat Pleasant Pond #1

first, Site 1 is 5 star, site 2 is 4. Big Pleasant Pond (sign omits the Big) has 2 campsites in the KI-JO Woods area. PP#1 is the better of the two, located right on the water, though the access is a little trickier than PP#2’s wide open area. Both sites provide a picnic table and fire ring; PP2 has a shelter over the picnic table. PP2 also has a path to the pond with rocks on the shore of the clear water. No drinking water, so bring your own or bring treatment. Pit latrine provided a short walk from the campsites.

This is a multi-use forest and you’ll pay a fee at the entrance. There’s a day fee as well as a camping fee, so the cost racks up quickly, especially if you are an out-of-state camper. You’ll need to look out for logging trucks; they own the road. To reserve a campsite, call the Jo-Mary checkpoint, 207-723-8944. Fees are per person and must be paid in cash or check. Plan to arrive by 9pm weekends, by 10pm on summer weekends. Although sites tend to fill up on summer weekends, I was able to snag a campsite midweek in August the same day. This area is one of the more popular locations and is relatively private with some distance between the two sites, though you can see each other if you're on the water

Vehicle restrictions: single vehicle less than 28’ or combined vehicle+ trailer less than 44’. Other restrictions include no bicycle, motorcycles, ATVs, or horses.

Additional details are here: KI-Jo Mary

You can pick up a map at the checkpoint or download it here

The intersections are well marked and you should have no trouble locating the sites. You’ll cross the Appalachian Trail before you reach the turn toward Big Pleasant Pond. If you look at the satellite images, you can clearly see the campsites with vehicles and clearings marking the 2 sites.

No cell service, so it’s worthwhile to download maps. There is sufficient cell service for texting near Little Jo Mary sites 3& 4, but my phone really blew up with messages about half a mile from the turnoff.

On the way in, you’ll pass a private campground. If necessary, you can buy ice here. They charge a daily fee if you want to swim or fish there, but if you’re at Pleasant Pond, you don’t need that. Also, Gauntlet Falls is another place to enjoy swimming.

Two years later, even better

I enjoyed my stay here 2 years ago and was glad to have a chance to visit again. This campground provides hookups, a pool, friendly hosts, and an expanded store. They're also expanding the campground and have created additional RV sites with water and electric, though the hill to the upper sites (the Tent Area on their map) is rougher than the loop in the RV section.

Many of the RV sites will require larger units to park parallel to the road. Bring longer power cords and hoses to ensure it will reach your rig because they may be on the 'wrong' site of your connections depending on how you park. Dump station available.

Owners are friendly and helpful. They'll offer moose tours, shuttles, and good advice on where to go, what to do. Stay here and you're not too far from Baxter SP, Katahdin Woods and Waters NM, and white water rafting. ATV trails are available. Hiking, fishing, photography are just a few of the other activities to enjoy in the area. Groceries available in Millinocket.

I didn't explore the tent area when i stayed here before, so I've tried to add pictures of most of those sites. 

Reservations open a year in advance.

nice state park with lean tos as well as tent/rv sites

This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception. If you don't have a tent, you still have a dry structure; if you do have a smaller tent, you can even pitch it in the lean-to. It give you some security for those wet camping trips that inevitably hit at some point in the summer!

The sites are broken up into several smaller loops; sites are large and private. A few of them are Y sites that make a nice setting for families and friends camping together. Sites are back-in, generally level with lots of space to pitch a tent. No hookups, but a dump station is available. There's a large field that a few of the sites back up to. Bathrooms were clean, showers are coin-operated, so bring your quarters. Firewood available for sale. Groceries are available nearby.

Take time to walk down into the gorge and explore the river. It's a great place to cool off. You'll need to walk back toward the visitor's center (there's a trail that will take you over to the parking lot) for the descent. At the top, check out the visitors' center. Farther afield you can visit the Billings Farm and Museum, explore trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP, enjoy scenic Woodstock. There's an annual balloon festival and even if the balloons don't fly due to weather, there's music and other entertainment. Lots of small shops and markets in the area. In Quechee, VINS has a canopy walk and raptors; check out their calendar for events. Traffic can be a beast during

camping for bigger rigs

There are a number of campgrounds in the Smoke Hole Canyon/Seneca Rocks area, but most of them are better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further. Located in the Smoke Hole Canyon resort area, not far from the caverns, this small campground offers 10 RV sites along the river. Picnic tables and fire rings available. Site are large and level, but close to one another and open. Dark sky and an open field for stargazing. There are cabins nearby, but no tents. No cell phone coverage.

Plenty to do in the immediate area, with the caverns, fishing, hiking, and climbing. Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley are also nearby.

Season is March to December.

beautiful inexpensive primitive campground

Download your maps before you come, because there's no cell service and you'll truly get away. In mid April the capmground had plenty of space, but nearby Spruce Knob Lake was encircled by fishers seeking trout from the latest release. You're in the middle of nowhere, so you do have a truly dark sky. if you're legs aren't up for the 8mile hike to Spruce Knob, take a drive and enjoy the view from the lookout tower on the summit of WV's high point. Make sure you have what you need because it's a long way to a spot to resupply!

Site have picnic tables and fire rings, firewood for sale. Water is available, though they state it is in limited supply. Gravel parking and tent pads are generally level.

Free camping near, but not on the river

This is another of the free national park campgrounds in the New River Gorge, with sites that are more developed than many of the others. These are in a small open loop, largely level gravel parking and tent pads. They have picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles. No drinking water, so bring your own. No hookups. The river is nearby, but none of the sites are on the river. There’s an accessible site and also accessible trail to a bench along the river. There are latrines.

If you enjoy fishing, the New River Gorge website offers a lot of specific information about species, bait, and lures

If you can't find a site at one of the other campgrounds or you have a slightly larger rig, ths may be a better option for you. No cell service, so download your maps. The New River Gorge also offers rafting, and hiking options. Check out some of the mining history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, abuut 30 minutes away, and get up early to catch the sunrise from Grandview Point.

Scenic spot - your choice tent in the sun & shadows or wooded

This National forest campground is indeed locatd in the shadow of Seneca Rocks. The walk-in tent sites in a field area with smaller trees providing some shade and variety have a great view of Seneca Rocks. There is a single loop with electric hookups and the other loops are standard sites with bathrooms offering flush toilets and showers. Sites have fire ring, picnic table, lantern post. I was here in mid-April and there were a number of empty sites, but they require online reservations FOUR DAYS in advance, otherwise you'll be taking a chance for last minute sites.

The area has hiking, climbing, and fishing opportunities. There are a couple of caverns nearby if you’re interested in a tour. The Dolly Sods wilderness to the north as well as the Canaan Valley State Resort provide further opportunities to explore.

No cell service, so download your maps before you head into the area and plan to relax and truly get away. The WV high point is nearby. There’s trout fishing in Smoke Hole canyon and in the other direction, Spruce Knob Lake is stocked reguarly. You’ll have lots of company, but the fishers I saw were having a successful day at the lake.

Brand new tent campground near the river

Katahdin Woods and Waters is a young National Monument without much infrastructure. Recent construction and cooperation with corporate & charitable sponsors has led to development of the Lunksoos campground in July 2021. I approached via the turnoff from Swift Brook Rd to Sebois Rd, before you reach the loop road, but Sherman Lumber Co Rd is another option. You may encounter logging trucks. The road is not in great shape, but passable.

A short walk from the East Branch of the Penobscot River boat launch, there are several free, walk-in sites. Two group sites allow nearby parking and provide tent platforms. The other 5 are on a small, walk-in loop through the woods; one is an accessible site. Vault toilets are provided. Sites come with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings; fire permits are required (call Maine Forest Service 207-435-7693). Bring potable water or plan to treat it. Camping is free and there are no reservations. Midweek August I saw only 1 site occupied, but it's also a new campground. No cell service. Mosquitos and the occasional deer fly were annoying

You can enjoy fishing (license required), boating, hiking, stargazing, and wild-life watching(I saw fresh bear scat on the road on the way in; moose also frequent the area and maybe you’ll even spy a lynx!). There are Junior-Ranger programs, including a Night Explorer one. Drive the loop road to some short hiking trails and look for moose. The information station at Sandbank Stream campsite just before the loop road often has some brochures, including a bird list and interpretive guide to the loop road, though I would consider downloading them from the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters website.

If you’ve forgotten anything, stop in Millinocket or Medway to pick them up before you get into the Monument; it’s a long drive out and back over these logging roads!

4 Primitive Pondsite Campsites

Ki-Jo Mary Multi-Use Forest has a number of campsites scattered throughout throughout, many of them alongside ponds or rivers. To get to the Little Jo Mary Pond campsites, you’ll need to enter via the Jo-Mary checkpoint off ME-11, south of Millinocket, north of Milo. There is a daily fee to enter the KI-JO forest and there’s an additional fee($14) to stay overnight. The day fee varies depending on whether you are a Maine resident($11) or not($16); it’s also tied to the minimum wage, so you can expect it to increase. This page has a little more information This per person fee structure means that no-frills wilderness sites are not inexpensive. You’ll need to pay the fee with cash or check. I camped here during the week, so although it was August and I didn’t have reservations and had my choice of almost any campsite. They had a few pictures at the main gate, but it didn’t necessarily give me a great sense of the area. On nice summer weekends, you’ll likely need reservations or arrive early.

The road to the campground is graded and you’ll share it with logging trucks that have the right of way. They were actively grading it one day while I was there, which meant that sometimes there were more rocks to negotiate along the sides.

There are 4 sites alongside the Little Jo Mary Pond. Other than the private Jo Mary campground you'll pass on your way in, these are the closest to the Jo-Mary Checkpoint. I stayed in site 4, the last one you reach. A tree provides some shade and nice shelter from rain one night. There’s a fire ring and picnic table. It has more direct access to the pond, making it easier to launch my kayak. The latrine is across the road and up a few stairs; it was getting full and I did sense a whiff of it when the wind blew in my direction.

Site 3 also has pond access from the campsite. Sites 1& 2 don’t have great direct access(there are bushes along the shore), but there’s an open spot just before you reach the first site.

When I wasn’t in airplane mode, I did have a single bar of coverage(Verizon) that allowed text messages to come and go, but nothing more. A family pulled into the site next to mine one night just to check for texts from their kids.

The pond has a lot of weeds, so it’s not the crystal-clear pond you’ll see elsewhere, but it’s nice to paddle without a lot of chop to contend with when it gets windy. Johnson Pond is a little farther down the Jo Mary Round (the sites are on B Pond Rd) and there’s a large sandy launch for hand carry boats. Continue past the pond and you’ll reach Gauntlet Falls with a nice swimming hole.

Best shopping opportunities are in Millinocket. Bring water or plan to treat. The AT runs through this part of the forest.

huge grassy sites

I stayed here for 4 nights and enjoyed the Crown of Maine balloon fest, geocaching, fishing, and exploring. This is primarily an RV park, although there is a section dedicated to tent camping. There are HUGE, level, terraced sites stretching up the hill. My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over; others used their space for RVs or There’s a picnic table and fire ring. Verizon cell service was good; wifi is available near the camp office/store. 

Clare was quickly responsive to emails and friendly.

Hookups are either water/electric or water/electric/sewer. If you need to use the dump station, there’s a charge for that. It’s located just across from the office and can make for tight entry if someone is dumping while you’re arriving. Many of the sites are pull-through, which means the hook-up location is not an issue, but for the back-in sites on the hill, the hookups are on the ‘wrong’ side. You’ll either need to pull straight in(for many rigs, it looked like that was doable, or run the cords under the trailer. 

A centralized bath house offers clean showers and flush toilets. Tent sites separated from the RV sites, some up a hill with a combination of small shaded sizes tucked into the woods and an open grassy area for ones farthest up the hill, but there are a few sites(4-8) are all wooded. Site 12 is a small bunkhouse. 

Shade was at a premium. The small tree at the back of my site afforded minimal shade; I sat on the shady side of my teardrop for some relief from the 90+ temps. The pool was closed for renovation. Laundry is available; you need to stay in the laundry room while it's in progress. A game room is also available with ping pong and foosball.

The Aroostook river was down the hill and across the street. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, fishing, biking, and hunting are all activities to keep you busy. Don’t have a canoe or kayak? They’re available for rental at the campground. They can also provide a shuttle. If you’re preference runs to golf, there’s an 18-hole course next door. A number of the sites near the top of the hill are seasonal; they are clean and neat. 

The hilltop location provides a great view of the sky, but you will experience some light pollution from RVers who are fans of rope lights and other lighting and don’t necessarily turn them off at night. The moon hadn’t risen yet, but I didn’t need a flashlight to make my way to the bathroom at night.

Cabins are available for year round rental, both at the campground and more remote locations.

Small primitive campground on a large lake

There's no fee to camp on Seboeis public lands and you can stay up to 14 days. That said, because it’s free and extended(14-day) stays are permitted, it can be hard to snag a drive-in, lakefront site. I returned on 3 consecutive weekdays and the only drive-in sites were occupied by the same campers. 

There is some slope to the lakefront sites, but there seemed to be relatively level space to pitch a tent. In addition to a couple of drive-in lakefront sites, there is another one where you park on the road and walk down to, also along the waterfront. 

There are two sites in the‘pit,’ and one of those emptied out the first day I visited, but it wasn’t an appealing area. It is very large and flat, however, so if you have a group or a lot of gear, this may be the best option. If you’re in a tent, be sure to bring a groundcloth to protect the tent, a mattress to cushion your sleep. 

The other sites are accessible by boat with parking available near the boat launch, but there’s not extensive parking here, so plan to arrive early to ensure you get a spot on busy weekends. There’s a boat ramp with a small dock. Latrines provide toilet facilities. Cell phone coverage(Verizon) is spotty once you turn off the main road, but you may be able to find a place to send texts; you can definitely text from the main road and get intermittent data.

Activities include boating (can get choppy when it's windy), fishing, hunting, ATV riding.

The campground is open year round, but you’ll need a snowmobile or skis to get in during the winter. The road starts out paved, then switches into a graded gravel road.

Beautiful walk or boat-in sites with central bathhouse

Score a campsite at this Army Corps of Engineer owned/Trustees of the Reservation operated campground and you can either paddle or walk into your site. Trustees membership offers a small discount on the rate.

There's a canoe/kayak launch near the campground, so if you have a waterfront site you may choose to paddle your gear over. Some of the sites do not have waterfront access, however, and you'll definitely want to take advantage of the carts provided. Campsites are very basic, with only a picnic table and fire ring. 

Canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Volleyball and horseshoes are near the entrance. You may purchase firewood. The bathrooms offer flush toilets and a single shower on each site, plus a dishwashing sink outside. From some of the sites, this will be a long walk during the night. The mural inside is beautiful. 

From the main entrance, collect a cart, load your gear, and following the appropriate divergent path from the parking lot or bath house (they are color coded). Some of the sites are located on a small rise; I suspect that was appreciated the night 4" of rain fell recently! One site gives you an island to yourself.

Cell coverage is pretty close to absent or poor in most of the area, so download any maps you might want (driving, trail, geocaching) before you arrive.

Near the dam is a larger boat launch with parking. I was there in July and wildflowers were blooming. A disc golf course is also near the dam and was seeing a fair amount of activity. We hiked the 4-mile loop around Tully Lake. The highlight was Doane's falls, a very quick walk from the campground area. There's no formal swimming area and you can't swim at the boat launches, but you are able to swim from your campsites if you so desire.

I took most of my photos during a December visit (which is why the picnic tables are often resting against trees), but returned in July.