The best camping near Dexter with swimming

·

Looking to camp near Dexter and want easy access to swimming? You’re in luck—over 400 campsites in the area make a splash, with options starting at just $20 a night and an average price hovering around $50. You’ll find campsites set along ponds, tucked beside creeks, and close to quiet lakes perfect for a dip. Top picks include Hole in the Wall Camping (157 reviews), Howling Goat Farm and Grange (130 reviews), and Sandy Point Tenting (84 reviews)—all with solid reputations from fellow campers. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for a swim. When you’re not in the water, there’s fishing and even snow sports in the colder months. Dexter’s camping scene is practical, straightforward, and full of local flavour for anyone who likes to cool off after pitching a tent.

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Cabin of the Woods at Tilden Pond

1. Cabin of the Woods at Tilden Pond

98%
(22)
45mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging · Belmont, ME
Winter camping is upon us! Soon you will be ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the Woods! Test your skills and enjoy the solitude of an all natural retreat. The Cabin will have some insulation this winter making your stay more comfortable. Bring your own heat source (if needed), or a good low temperature sleeping bag. Only 5 minutes off of Route 1 and even less from Route 3 near Belfast. There is a loft for sleeping with a mattress pad and two cots available for sleeping comfort. Enjoy the PRIVACY-over 230 acres of varied terrain typical of the Maine woods and wildlife including 1,200 feet of shoreline on the Tilden Pond. There is no public access to the 350-acre Tilden Pond. You can use the 10X14 Cabin which easily sleeps 4.. The Woods are separated by the Alder Brook which splits the entire property and flows into the pond. The Woods are an amazing place to de-stress, boost mental health and improve overall well-being naturally. There are two firepits and free firewood, fire starters. lighters and a dry tinder box along with hygienic supplies (Camp toilet, Biodegradable personal waste bags, Biodegradable soap, Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and candles) and a pit latrine. The Cabin of the Woods is close to popular Mid-coast towns like Camden, Rockport and Rockland with all of their amenities while enjoying life in this off-grid all-natural and relaxing setting. A 15-minute drive to Belfast allows you to find great lobster fresh from a lobster pound or pick up a meal and enjoy it while watching the daily life in Belfast Harbor and waterfront or other spots like Searsport Harbor or Sears Island. Short trip to Camden, Rockport and Rockland. Scenic 1 hour plus drive to Acadia National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
What to look for when you get here

2. Howling Goat Farm and Grange

96%
(270)
12mi from Dexter · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmyra, ME
Come visit a converted Grange hall that was MOVED to its current location 10 years ago! Nestled on 35 beautiful acres, it gives you the chance to choose meadow or forest camping along with meeting some new animal friends!Learn more about this land:Come join us on Howling Goat Farm where you can pitch a tent on our field site for a front row seat of the night sky and a spectacular view of the Milky Way. OR we have a secluded site in our wooded area that you are more than welcome to stay in for a more private experience! We are a non-conventional camping area where we don't want anyone to think that they are sardines stuffed into a tiny lot. We keep our bookings to a minimum so more often than not you'll have a whole field to yourselves with more privacy than any other campground. We hope you'll join us for a few days of farm life and the simplicity that we can provide. We are within 4 miles of 95 and centrally located between Rangeley, Baxter, Moosehead and Acadia National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Private Waterfront Cabin/Campsites

7. Private Waterfront Cabin/Campsites

98%
(62)
15mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Palmyra, ME
Black Owned. Female Owned. Queer Friendly. Cannabis Friendly. Animal Friendly. Child Friendly. Earth Friendly. Restore inner peace as you immerse your senses in our tranquil 170 acre landscape of Central Maine woods and waterways, located directly off the ITS 84 Rec Trail– 5 min from I95 (exit 150). Once home to a thriving primitive campground, Nature’s Way, nestled along a private half-mile on Douglas Pond, we take pride in retaining that original camp charm while supplying upgrades and necessities to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable! Local trails provide great opportunities for hikers, bikers and snowmobilers to get out and play. Easy access to I95 provides a home base for your other Maine adventures and events. We are proud to be stewards of this land, recognized as the Wabanaki Territory in origin. Our sacred space is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including songbirds, rare native bird species, deer, and unique and distinct fish populations. We are additionally proud to be cannabis caregivers here in Maine, devoted to living soil-grown, rare genetics and terpene-rich strains that express the medicinal power of the plants, particularly pertaining to the endocannabinoid system’s function within the human body. Outpost: Our outpost is located ½ way to the cabin/campsite area and across from the event field. Offerings rotate seasonally to include in-house-made goods and services. We are also happy to offer cannabis caregiver services on site with a diverse selection of small batch flower and other THC/CBD products to enjoy while finding your Peace Of Maine. We occasionally host unique events and services that will be announced on our social media pages and may be requested for small groups with prior arrangements made. These options include, but are not limited to, healing sessions incorporating massage, natural aesthetics and energy work, customized ritual and ceremony, and multimodal movement and meditation offerings. WE DO NOT allow hunting or foraging on the property. WE DO allow fishing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Turtle Marsh- secluded wooded site.

15. Turtle Marsh- secluded wooded site.

100%
(10)
32mi from Dexter · 5 sites · Lodging · Unity, ME
Great synchronicity led us to the wild 30 acres of marsh and woodland that is Turtle Marsh. In addition to making a home here, we dedicating the area as a sanctuary for the quiet enjoyment of nature, eco-spiritual practices and healing. We are now recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. We have trails on the property that are designed for contemplative walks, along with several benches where you can sit in quiet enjoyment, undisturbed by human intrusions. There are several trailheads for the Hills to Sea Trail within a mile of our property. The quintessential New England waterfront town of Belfast on Penobscot Bay, is less than 30 minutes away. One of our favorite spots for quiet hikes along the shore of the bay, is Sears Island. It is one of the largest undeveloped islands on the east coast, that is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island is 50 minutes away and even on the busiest summer days, its's usually possible to find a quiet spot on the shore to sit and reflect. As we continue to deepen our relationship with this land, we are trying to follow the principles of Deep Ecology in all of our interactions. Our tentsites, while only a 5 minute walk from the road, have been sited to offer as much solitude as possible, with minimal disruption to the surroundings. For 2025 we are opening a new site. It is a little more secluded, 2-3 minutes further from the road in a very quiet wooded niche, at the edge of the marsh. It is also a little smaller tent (10' diameter) situated on a platform, and a little more "camping" than "glamping". We are pricing the stay there according. In spite of being nestled in the woods, no trees were cut to prepare these relatively accessible sites. We believe that they still offer a very tangible sense of wildness and solitude. Turn your time away into a transformative and healing experience, as you connect more deeply to the natural world. We hope that you will enjoy the experience of Turtle Marsh as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
Sun dog over the lake

16. Hole in the Wall Camping

97%
(400)
45mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Strong, ME
We purchased this land a few years ago when our neighbors decided to sell. It abuts our property They used it as a place for their family to gather and camp on during Maine wonderful summer season. It is a beautiful, quiet spot with a great view and a small pond. Hipcamp lets us share this spot and helps pay our property taxes.We are located in the western mountains of Maine in a summer community on Porter Lake. There is a beautiful view of New Vineyard mountain from our 3 acre field. We have 2 trailer sites with power and water (non potable) and an out house. The field has several fire pits and soft grassy spaces for pitching tents. The camping area is fairly private from our neighbors along the road. The site has a small private pond surrounded by trees you can sit and relax near. You can (walk/bike/drive) the 1/4 mile down the dirt road to the public beach. The beach has a public dock, boat ramp, swim float, picnic tables and grills. Paddle out to the island and try the rope swing with one of our kayaks or canoes. Be sure to check out the bald eagles that live in the white pine tree just a little farther down the island. You will hear the loons during your stay and possibly see a mother with her babies on her back. There are also ducks and ducklings and geese with gosling paddling about the lake. The state stocks the lake with trout, splake, and salmon if you like to fish. There is plenty to do right here!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
The front of the Micro A-Frame | Photo by Zak Suhar | zaksuhar.com | @zaksuhar

17. Micro A-Frame Cabin

98%
(59)
36mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging · Passadumkeag, ME
Tiny A-Frame Cabin on a personal wildlife preserve! Located a mile from the Passadumkeag River and three miles from the Penobscot River! Quiet Space! Come enjoy a 'Piece of my Peace!' Meadow Vista and Garden views With Composting Toilet, No Electricity and No Running Water! • The wall does lift up and down so you can be closed in if it rains but I leave it open most of the time to allow air flow. • There is a fire pit and two chairs available at the cabin for you to cozy up or cook your food. If you would like a wheel barrow full of firewood provided there is some available on site for a small donation. • There is a hammock with a shade cover at the cabin for you to use. • There is a bug net provided in the cabin if you're in need of some extra protection indoors. • Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive with a few hiking trails. • Baxter State Park & Acadia National Park are each an hour and a half away (just in opposite directions). • A composting toilet is on site, with a scoop and bucket of sawdust to cover waste. I you need to pee, find a tree! If it's number two, use the loo! • No electricity at the cabin or on the property • No running or potable drinking water. Must bring in water. • The cabin is quite cozy for 1-2 people and/or 1-2 fur babies. The cabin itself has an 8x10’ floor plan with a full size futon. The deck gives another 3’ to enjoy your inside/outside stay. • The property DOES get full sun so be aware of finding shade throughout the day! I like to enjoy the river(s) and explore the area during the peak heat hours! • Mosquitos like to come out at dusk. I do have some citronella candles but it would be best if you came prepared with bug repellent! • There is a New tiny cabin construction on site! • This cabin is NOT private - one dwelling is visible but it is also NOT a rental. Please: no check-in's after 8pm! Thank you for understanding! I cannot control the weather. I just provide a super awesome place. I am always available to help make your stay top-notch! Without you, there is no me.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$63
 / night
Grangers Lakeside Camping

20. Grangers Lakeside Camping

100%
(11)
21mi from Dexter · 2 sites · RVs · Monson, ME
Lake Hebron is a deep water lake managed for cold water game fish. Easy access and good fishing make Lake Hebron a popular spot for local anglers. The Appalachian Trail follows the northwest corner of the lake, and Monson Village is nestled around its eastern end. Monson was once famous for its slate industry Examples of native slate may be seen along Maine Routes 6 and 15 and at quarries located in the town. A wonderful, serene place to visit. This 525-acre lake receives huge annual stockings of brook trout. In 1994,4,300 trout were stocked here; in 1995, another 4,300 brook trout were stocked, along with 250 landlocked salmon.Learn more about this land:This campsite is located on the beautiful shores of lake Hebron in Monson, Maine. It’s just minutes away from the Monson General Store, the Monson Arts Center, Borestone Mountain and so much more! Twenty minutes from Moosehead Lake, a few minutes from the Appalachian trail that starts the hundred mile wilderness, and home of the world renowned Monson Slate. Bring your kayaks or canoe to explore the 638 acres of pristine lake while you stay at our quiet, wooded, six acre property. We can also assist with Kayak rental as well. A wonderful place if you love listening to birds in the morning and loons in the evening. Beautiful sunrise views and vibrant sunsets. Great four wheeling nearby. We can assist with trail access and parking. 10 minutes to Abbot and 10 minutes to Shirley Mills. This location has the feel of a quiet, remote camping site with some wonderful conveniences, including power and WIFI. We are private landowners wanting to share our beautiful lakefront property with others who enjoy the same.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
$47
 / night

Looking to camp near Dexter and want easy access to swimming? You’re in luck—over 400 campsites in the area make a splash, with options starting at just $20 a night and an average price hovering around $50. You’ll find campsites set along ponds, tucked beside creeks, and close to quiet lakes perfect for a dip. Top picks include Hole in the Wall Camping (157 reviews), Howling Goat Farm and Grange (130 reviews), and Sandy Point Tenting (84 reviews)—all with solid reputations from fellow campers. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to sacrifice comfort for a swim. When you’re not in the water, there’s fishing and even snow sports in the colder months. Dexter’s camping scene is practical, straightforward, and full of local flavour for anyone who likes to cool off after pitching a tent.

98% (1K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Cabin of the Woods at Tilden Pond

1. Cabin of the Woods at Tilden Pond

98%
(22)
45mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging · Belmont, ME
Winter camping is upon us! Soon you will be ice fishing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing in the Woods! Test your skills and enjoy the solitude of an all natural retreat. The Cabin will have some insulation this winter making your stay more comfortable. Bring your own heat source (if needed), or a good low temperature sleeping bag. Only 5 minutes off of Route 1 and even less from Route 3 near Belfast. There is a loft for sleeping with a mattress pad and two cots available for sleeping comfort. Enjoy the PRIVACY-over 230 acres of varied terrain typical of the Maine woods and wildlife including 1,200 feet of shoreline on the Tilden Pond. There is no public access to the 350-acre Tilden Pond. You can use the 10X14 Cabin which easily sleeps 4.. The Woods are separated by the Alder Brook which splits the entire property and flows into the pond. The Woods are an amazing place to de-stress, boost mental health and improve overall well-being naturally. There are two firepits and free firewood, fire starters. lighters and a dry tinder box along with hygienic supplies (Camp toilet, Biodegradable personal waste bags, Biodegradable soap, Toilet paper, hand sanitizer and candles) and a pit latrine. The Cabin of the Woods is close to popular Mid-coast towns like Camden, Rockport and Rockland with all of their amenities while enjoying life in this off-grid all-natural and relaxing setting. A 15-minute drive to Belfast allows you to find great lobster fresh from a lobster pound or pick up a meal and enjoy it while watching the daily life in Belfast Harbor and waterfront or other spots like Searsport Harbor or Sears Island. Short trip to Camden, Rockport and Rockland. Scenic 1 hour plus drive to Acadia National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$34
 / night
What to look for when you get here

2. Howling Goat Farm and Grange

96%
(270)
12mi from Dexter · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmyra, ME
Come visit a converted Grange hall that was MOVED to its current location 10 years ago! Nestled on 35 beautiful acres, it gives you the chance to choose meadow or forest camping along with meeting some new animal friends!Learn more about this land:Come join us on Howling Goat Farm where you can pitch a tent on our field site for a front row seat of the night sky and a spectacular view of the Milky Way. OR we have a secluded site in our wooded area that you are more than welcome to stay in for a more private experience! We are a non-conventional camping area where we don't want anyone to think that they are sardines stuffed into a tiny lot. We keep our bookings to a minimum so more often than not you'll have a whole field to yourselves with more privacy than any other campground. We hope you'll join us for a few days of farm life and the simplicity that we can provide. We are within 4 miles of 95 and centrally located between Rangeley, Baxter, Moosehead and Acadia National Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Private Waterfront Cabin/Campsites

7. Private Waterfront Cabin/Campsites

98%
(62)
15mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging · Palmyra, ME
Black Owned. Female Owned. Queer Friendly. Cannabis Friendly. Animal Friendly. Child Friendly. Earth Friendly. Restore inner peace as you immerse your senses in our tranquil 170 acre landscape of Central Maine woods and waterways, located directly off the ITS 84 Rec Trail– 5 min from I95 (exit 150). Once home to a thriving primitive campground, Nature’s Way, nestled along a private half-mile on Douglas Pond, we take pride in retaining that original camp charm while supplying upgrades and necessities to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable! Local trails provide great opportunities for hikers, bikers and snowmobilers to get out and play. Easy access to I95 provides a home base for your other Maine adventures and events. We are proud to be stewards of this land, recognized as the Wabanaki Territory in origin. Our sacred space is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including songbirds, rare native bird species, deer, and unique and distinct fish populations. We are additionally proud to be cannabis caregivers here in Maine, devoted to living soil-grown, rare genetics and terpene-rich strains that express the medicinal power of the plants, particularly pertaining to the endocannabinoid system’s function within the human body. Outpost: Our outpost is located ½ way to the cabin/campsite area and across from the event field. Offerings rotate seasonally to include in-house-made goods and services. We are also happy to offer cannabis caregiver services on site with a diverse selection of small batch flower and other THC/CBD products to enjoy while finding your Peace Of Maine. We occasionally host unique events and services that will be announced on our social media pages and may be requested for small groups with prior arrangements made. These options include, but are not limited to, healing sessions incorporating massage, natural aesthetics and energy work, customized ritual and ceremony, and multimodal movement and meditation offerings. WE DO NOT allow hunting or foraging on the property. WE DO allow fishing.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Turtle Marsh- secluded wooded site.

15. Turtle Marsh- secluded wooded site.

100%
(10)
32mi from Dexter · 5 sites · Lodging · Unity, ME
Great synchronicity led us to the wild 30 acres of marsh and woodland that is Turtle Marsh. In addition to making a home here, we dedicating the area as a sanctuary for the quiet enjoyment of nature, eco-spiritual practices and healing. We are now recognized by the World Wildlife Fund as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. We have trails on the property that are designed for contemplative walks, along with several benches where you can sit in quiet enjoyment, undisturbed by human intrusions. There are several trailheads for the Hills to Sea Trail within a mile of our property. The quintessential New England waterfront town of Belfast on Penobscot Bay, is less than 30 minutes away. One of our favorite spots for quiet hikes along the shore of the bay, is Sears Island. It is one of the largest undeveloped islands on the east coast, that is connected to the mainland by a causeway. The island is 50 minutes away and even on the busiest summer days, its's usually possible to find a quiet spot on the shore to sit and reflect. As we continue to deepen our relationship with this land, we are trying to follow the principles of Deep Ecology in all of our interactions. Our tentsites, while only a 5 minute walk from the road, have been sited to offer as much solitude as possible, with minimal disruption to the surroundings. For 2025 we are opening a new site. It is a little more secluded, 2-3 minutes further from the road in a very quiet wooded niche, at the edge of the marsh. It is also a little smaller tent (10' diameter) situated on a platform, and a little more "camping" than "glamping". We are pricing the stay there according. In spite of being nestled in the woods, no trees were cut to prepare these relatively accessible sites. We believe that they still offer a very tangible sense of wildness and solitude. Turn your time away into a transformative and healing experience, as you connect more deeply to the natural world. We hope that you will enjoy the experience of Turtle Marsh as much as we do.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$50
 / night
Sun dog over the lake

16. Hole in the Wall Camping

97%
(400)
45mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Strong, ME
We purchased this land a few years ago when our neighbors decided to sell. It abuts our property They used it as a place for their family to gather and camp on during Maine wonderful summer season. It is a beautiful, quiet spot with a great view and a small pond. Hipcamp lets us share this spot and helps pay our property taxes.We are located in the western mountains of Maine in a summer community on Porter Lake. There is a beautiful view of New Vineyard mountain from our 3 acre field. We have 2 trailer sites with power and water (non potable) and an out house. The field has several fire pits and soft grassy spaces for pitching tents. The camping area is fairly private from our neighbors along the road. The site has a small private pond surrounded by trees you can sit and relax near. You can (walk/bike/drive) the 1/4 mile down the dirt road to the public beach. The beach has a public dock, boat ramp, swim float, picnic tables and grills. Paddle out to the island and try the rope swing with one of our kayaks or canoes. Be sure to check out the bald eagles that live in the white pine tree just a little farther down the island. You will hear the loons during your stay and possibly see a mother with her babies on her back. There are also ducks and ducklings and geese with gosling paddling about the lake. The state stocks the lake with trout, splake, and salmon if you like to fish. There is plenty to do right here!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
The front of the Micro A-Frame | Photo by Zak Suhar | zaksuhar.com | @zaksuhar

17. Micro A-Frame Cabin

98%
(59)
36mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging · Passadumkeag, ME
Tiny A-Frame Cabin on a personal wildlife preserve! Located a mile from the Passadumkeag River and three miles from the Penobscot River! Quiet Space! Come enjoy a 'Piece of my Peace!' Meadow Vista and Garden views With Composting Toilet, No Electricity and No Running Water! • The wall does lift up and down so you can be closed in if it rains but I leave it open most of the time to allow air flow. • There is a fire pit and two chairs available at the cabin for you to cozy up or cook your food. If you would like a wheel barrow full of firewood provided there is some available on site for a small donation. • There is a hammock with a shade cover at the cabin for you to use. • There is a bug net provided in the cabin if you're in need of some extra protection indoors. • Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive with a few hiking trails. • Baxter State Park & Acadia National Park are each an hour and a half away (just in opposite directions). • A composting toilet is on site, with a scoop and bucket of sawdust to cover waste. I you need to pee, find a tree! If it's number two, use the loo! • No electricity at the cabin or on the property • No running or potable drinking water. Must bring in water. • The cabin is quite cozy for 1-2 people and/or 1-2 fur babies. The cabin itself has an 8x10’ floor plan with a full size futon. The deck gives another 3’ to enjoy your inside/outside stay. • The property DOES get full sun so be aware of finding shade throughout the day! I like to enjoy the river(s) and explore the area during the peak heat hours! • Mosquitos like to come out at dusk. I do have some citronella candles but it would be best if you came prepared with bug repellent! • There is a New tiny cabin construction on site! • This cabin is NOT private - one dwelling is visible but it is also NOT a rental. Please: no check-in's after 8pm! Thank you for understanding! I cannot control the weather. I just provide a super awesome place. I am always available to help make your stay top-notch! Without you, there is no me.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$63
 / night
Grangers Lakeside Camping

20. Grangers Lakeside Camping

100%
(11)
21mi from Dexter · 2 sites · RVs · Monson, ME
Lake Hebron is a deep water lake managed for cold water game fish. Easy access and good fishing make Lake Hebron a popular spot for local anglers. The Appalachian Trail follows the northwest corner of the lake, and Monson Village is nestled around its eastern end. Monson was once famous for its slate industry Examples of native slate may be seen along Maine Routes 6 and 15 and at quarries located in the town. A wonderful, serene place to visit. This 525-acre lake receives huge annual stockings of brook trout. In 1994,4,300 trout were stocked here; in 1995, another 4,300 brook trout were stocked, along with 250 landlocked salmon.Learn more about this land:This campsite is located on the beautiful shores of lake Hebron in Monson, Maine. It’s just minutes away from the Monson General Store, the Monson Arts Center, Borestone Mountain and so much more! Twenty minutes from Moosehead Lake, a few minutes from the Appalachian trail that starts the hundred mile wilderness, and home of the world renowned Monson Slate. Bring your kayaks or canoe to explore the 638 acres of pristine lake while you stay at our quiet, wooded, six acre property. We can also assist with Kayak rental as well. A wonderful place if you love listening to birds in the morning and loons in the evening. Beautiful sunrise views and vibrant sunsets. Great four wheeling nearby. We can assist with trail access and parking. 10 minutes to Abbot and 10 minutes to Shirley Mills. This location has the feel of a quiet, remote camping site with some wonderful conveniences, including power and WIFI. We are private landowners wanting to share our beautiful lakefront property with others who enjoy the same.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
$47
 / night

Camper favorites near Dexter

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Dexter

Stories from the community

Other options near Dexter

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field