Waterside camping in New England

Sprawling forests and uncrowded beaches make New England a camper’s paradise.

94% (3362 reviews)
  1. New England
94% (3362 reviews)

Popular camping styles for New England

Camper favorites in and near New England

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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12 top waterside campgrounds in New England

90%
(24)

Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Millinocket, ME
Big Moose Inn Cabins & CampgroundIrving O. Hunt and his brother Lyman built some rough camps on Millinocket Lake before they became interested in the Nesowadnehunk Stream region. Whether or not their old camps were at the same site as the present camps on Millinocket Lake we do not know.The Millinocket Lake Camps, known today as Big Moose Inn, are located on a narrow spit of land separating Ambejejus Lake and Millinocket Lake. Before a dam controlled Ambajejus’ water level, it was possible to pole up the short stream from Millinocket Lake into Ambejejus.Fred Spencer build the camps, originally named Camp Eureka, in 1899 or 1900 and ran them with his brother. With the founding of Millinocket only a few years earlier and lumbering roads nearing Katahdin, the two lakes became more easily accessible. Camp Eureka was advertised as the only camp reachable by both boat (from Norcross) and road (from Millinocket). In 1905, the rate was $1.50 per day, meals included. Spencer also claimed the lakes had no flies or mosquitoes during spring and summer- a phenomenon caused by the way winds blow across the lakes, which makes it difficult for insects to gain a foothold.The camps’ name changed to Camp Spencer and later to Spencer’s Camps. Around 1929 the lease was transferred to Elmer Woodworth, who lived with his wife on a nearby island while they operated the camps. Elmer, a well-known guide, trapped over the winter, and his wife served as the camp cook. The couple soon renamed the camps Millinocket Lake Camps and Trading Post. They also maintained an outlying camp on Sandy Stream for their guests. In 1941, a major fire broke out in the area. The Woodworths saved the camps by wetting them down, but lost their island home when a stray spark jumped the cove. There is some evidence that, for a short time, a gentleman named Johnny Given either held the lease or managed the camps for the Woodworths. Except for that brief change the Woodworths operated the camps for many years until they passed the lease on to their son Ray, who ran them with his wife Muriel.In 1977, the lease was transferred to Bob and Frederica (“Teddy”) Boynton, who in 1981 sold the trading post to Erwin and Maureen Bacon. The Boyntons retained the sporting camp operation and later added a public restaurant. Teddy renamed the camps Big Moose Inn. Bob and his son Bruce made many renovations to the camps, while Teddy decorated and furnished them. The Boynton Family has remained involved in the success of the inn and restaurant. After Teddy’s death in 1991, management passed to Bruce and his sister Laurie, but Bob and other family members are still very involved.The dam separates the flowages of the two lakes. Millinocket Lake is about eight feet above its original level, and Ambajejus is now some 21 feet above its original level. Today several West Branch rafting companies make the inn their seasonal center of operations.At Big Moose, we bring you a rare blend of friendly service and lovely surroundings that successfully reflects our unique personality. Located on Millinocket Lake, Big Moose is the closest full service accommodations to Baxter State Park. Our central Katahdin Region lodging offers easy access to many of Baxter State Park's magnificent natural resources.Our Katahdin lodging packages consist of inn rooms, suites, lakefront and trailside cabins, and campgrounds. Fredericka's restaurant offers casual fine dining between two lakes while the Loose Moose Bar & Grille offers comfort food after a long day outdoors.-Dine in our newly remodeled dining room with friends and family. Our authentic solid oak tables and chairs make this room adaptable to any decor you choose when hosting weddings, reunions or anniversaries. A great place for corporate retreats and workshops. Our new side dining room offers intimacy and privacy for gatherings of 25 or less. Call to reserve it for your special celebration.•Big Moose Vacation Packages-Big Moose selects the best businesses to deliver a complete vacation package to you. We team with local and regional experts to offer guided tours, photography workshops, guided fishing trips and more. Choose one of the complete all inclusive packages from the list on the left and you will be assured a wilderness outdoor vacation that you won't soon forget. Want a weekend trip to Maine all your own, checkout the "Guides & Tours" section under Maine Adventures. Find great outdoor activities to do or take a guided excursion from one of the many knowledgeable tour guides who cater to Big Moose guests. The Big Moose Inn's location affords our guest many opportunities to enjoy the Maine outdoors. It is only a short distance from Baxter State Park and the North Maine Woods, where our guests enjoy the recreational adventures they come to the Katahdin region for. Explore the area by yourself or join a guided tour looking for wildlife or hike into remote wilderness areas with a Registered Maine Guide. The Penobscot River offers many recreational opportunities from fishing, canoeing to whitewater rafting.Our PoliciesPets: Dogs are welcome in our campground. However, we do not have any pet-friendly cabins. Pets are not permitted inside the Inn. Please follow these rules and expectations:• Pet must be on a leash at all times• Pet must not be left unattended because of the summer heat, barking, and possible damage.• Must pick up after your pet.If you would rather board your pet contact Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort - 207-746-8040Tax: All rates are subject to 9% Maine sales tax.PLEASE NO SMOKING IN CABINS OR INN ROOMS/SUITES, FINES MAY OCCUR.Cancellations: As an independently owned and operated inn, we do not overbook our accommodations - each reservation is made for a specfic date, accomdation, number of guests and we are expecting you! Cancellations and changes made with short notice impact us significally. We do sympathize, however, we must maintain our business policy due to limited season and accommodation demands.Prior to 30 days of arrival, full refund; cancellation within 30 days, no refund/forfeiture of deposit. No adjustments or refunds for early departures. Please note: There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy whether it be for reasons of sickness, family emergency or weather. Check-in: 4pm-10pmCheck-out: 10am.Cabin guests must bring their own towels, or they may call in advance to arrange for towels to be rented.
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$30
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99%
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Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH
Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!
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$135
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96%
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Blueberry Land Tent Platforms

8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Pembroke, ME
We have four raised platforms, accessible by car, each with a canvas-covered A-frame Each platform is nested in their own private setting around the edges of our 12-acre organic blueberry barren. All four platforms are fully screened-in, with stylish canvas-covered timberframes and circular red doors. These canvas tents are relatively bug-proof and waterproof; you do not need to bring a tent! You do need to bring your own bedding. ***If you are particularly sensitive to bugs, you may want to bring your own tent (to put inside our tent) or a mosquito net. This is the Northeast during the summertime, we cannot ensure there will be no bugs. Blueberry Land is part of Smithereen Farm, but is located around the corner from our Home Farm on Youngs Cove Road, near Reversing Falls. This is an off grid, rustic site with only a port-a-potty. If you need to use any other amenities, you are welcome to use the WIFI, fill your water bottles, charge your electric vehicle and buy supplies at the Smithereen Farmstore (12 Little Falls Road, Pembroke). We sell cold drinks, beer and wine, frozen fish, meat, our own fruit popsicles, also organic veggies, honey, products from many local and Maine farms, camping supplies, ready to eat food, snacks, chocolates and even fresh baked cookies. Park at the store, and then jump into the Pennamaquan River (two dams, a rope swing) to cool off after exploring the town. Note: there is no potable water at the site, you will need to bring a vessel and fill up in town. There are beautiful walking, biking and canoeing opportunities in every direction—check out Cobscook Shores, Downeast Coastal Conservancy trails by Reversing Falls, Maine Coast Heritage trails on the Bold Coast and at Sipps Bay, Nature Conservancy trail at Hersey Point, Shackford head at Eastport, and of course much more on Campobello. Blueberry bushes are low, native, fruit-growing, covered in flowers in spring and then berries in summer, turning bright bright red in the fall when kissed by frost. Our blueberries are certified organic by MOFGA and surrounded by birch, fir, spruce and flowering perennial beds to improve insect habitat. Please DO NOT DRIVE/ tread ON THE BERRIES, they are food that we harvest and sell! Park in the parking lot, three sites are immediately visible, the fourth site is a further drive down the road, past the port-o-potty, in the back field, to the left. Low hung vehicles beware! If in doubt park in the parking lot. Upon booking, we will send you a PDF welcome packet filled with helpful information about the farm, local sites to see, and a comprehensive list of our recommendations. We will say it again: remember to prepare for MOSQUITOES in summer! We really recommend you approach Washington County as an opportunity to PICNIC! The "dining out" options are limited. Bring a pocketknife, a frying pan, a big cooler for butter and milk with ice packs so you can pick up local crabmeat (Betty's Crabmeat) and mayo and salads (Smithereen Farmstore) and eggs from ends of driveways, bring a cutting board—a big water jug, a camp stove/kettle, more warm socks than you think you need... and a sense of adventure! We have a EAT DOWNEAST digital map, guidebook and brochure at the Farmstore you can pick up a copy or download from our website. Thank you for taking the time to support supporting local farmers and food businesses of Washington County! We wish you a pleasant stay all the way DOWNEAST!
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$45
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97%
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Hole in the Wall Camping

4 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · 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!
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$30
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93%
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Continuous Harmony Farm Camp

4 sites · RVs, Tents46 acres · Lincolnville, ME
Continuous Harmony Farm is located on the north side of Camden Hills State Park. When this area was originally settled, the farm was located on the "highway" from Camden to seasonal pastures in Lincolnville. The trails leading to the park still go by the old foundations that dotted the old Government Road from Camden. The farm has 46 acres of flowing pasture, hardwood forest and flower and vegetable gardens. At the heart of the property is a large farm pond that has been used to water livestock for generations. We hope you can visit us soon! Our farm abuts Camden Hills State Park, offering dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking. Farm activities include looking after our flock of Katahdin sheep, laying hens, bee hives and vegetable and flower gardens. Activities nearby include rock climbing, boating, horseback riding, paddle boarding and swimming.Learn more about this land:Continuous Harmony Farm Campsite is located under a great old white ash tree beside a large farm pond on 46 acres of sheep meadow, forest and fields. Our farm abuts Camden Hills State Park, offering dozens of miles of trails for hiking and biking. Farm activities include looking after our flock of Katahdin sheep, laying hens, bee hives and vegetable and flower gardens. Activities nearby include rock climbing, boating,, horseback riding, paddle boarding and swimming.
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$40
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99%
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Magnificent View Blueberry Hill----

2 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Union, ME
Natural wild blueberry field, just as it has been for eons. 270 degree view of hills, fields, lakes and Mountains. Solitude, yet only 15 min.s to Camden and Rockland. ECOTOURISM - As seen in the May 2021 issue of MAINE the Magazine! Camp, Hike, take Photos and Pick Wild Maine Blueberries! Private quiet SINGLE SPOT on a lovely hilltop wild blueberry field with stunning 270 degree views! Solitude without being remote, 2 miles from Rt 17 (past Union Country Club 9 hole golf course). 3 miles from downtown Union (featuring 3 Convenience stores, 1 Grocery store, 2 Banks with ATMs, 2 Restaurants, Pizza, Gas and a Laundromat) and only 12 miles to Camden and Rockland. Good Cellular signal. Good access road for your RV. The amazing views include Owl's Head lighthouse and Matinicus island in the very far distance, sunrise over Ragged Mountain and the Camden hills. To the north the Dixmont, and Bangor areas are visible. Watch the sunset to the west over Sennebec pond and Appleton ridge. To the southwest Mt. Washington may be just visible on a clear day. 75 acres of open fields and woodlands to explore at your leisure. Among the hidden gems you might find are a vernal brook, a distant field that is totally secluded and an oak tree with a heart! Deer, wild Turkeys, Hawks, Owls and Bald Eagles are frequent visitors. The small town of Union also hosts the Maine Wild Blueberry Festival. The Lobster Festival is nearby in Rockland every August. Only one rental allowed at a time - so you get breathtaking beauty all for yourself - and those with you! Note: Part of the land is a working Wild Blueberry farm and as such, on rare occasions, the quiet is interrupted to care for the crop. Should that take place we will credit you with a free day's stay. Pack in and pack out! The 2 dumpsters along the main road are PRIVATE and are camera monitored. The owners require a $50 fee for unauthorized use, so please don't use them without permission.
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$99
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The Queen's Property on Thomas Pond

2 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Casco, ME
THOMAS POND Thomas Pond is a beautiful 533-acre freshwater with miles of shoreline. Thomas Pond’s maximum depth is 64 feet, and the mean depth is 22 feet. Our guests are welcome to kayak, canoe, swim, fish, and paddle board from the shores of The Queen’s Property, or one of 5 Right of Ways on Watkins Shores Road owned by our Association. Access to your private waterfront is a short stroll through our woods. As our guest staying at The Queen's Property, you will also have free access to the Watkins Shores Road Association's boat launch. The boat launch is just a two or three minute walk down the road from your site. Our new dock is available to dock your boat during the day.. However, there is a small fee to dock your boat overnight (see "Extras") at our site. Just make sure you check for Milfoil or any other invasive plants before launching. LOCAL ATTRACTIONS NEAR CAMP Within 5 minutes of camp, you will find all the essentials, including food items, ice, firewood, goodies, gas, and RV supplies. In fact, you can even order your groceries online for pickup, (free at Hannaford Brothers Grocery and Walmart) either on your way to your campsite or when you need to resupply your camp (we would be happy to give you the details). During your stay, you may also want to take a trip off-site to explore all that the Lakes Region offers. Explore the historic oceanfront City of Portland, or the local Towns of Windham, Naples, or Bridgton. Portland is a 35 minute drive from The Queen's Property. The coastline around Portland is rugged and attractive with world-famous lighthouses dotted along its shorelines. Numerous locally owned shops and nationally recognized restaurants can be found tucked into its many harbors and shorelines. Closer to camp, enjoy strolling through the Town of Naples. Naples sits smack-dab in the middle of the Sebago Lakes Region. Sebago Lake abuts its western border and Long Lake abuts its eastern border. A short 8-minute drive from your site, Naples spoils its visitors with boat rentals, waterfront shops, and awesome restaurants. Further north is the Town of Bridgton. Bridgton is a 20-minute drive from your campsite. It offers its visitors a quaint downtown filled with local retailers, pubs, and restaurants. Enjoy the beaches of Bridgton’s Crystal Lake which sits on the edge of its downtown borders. The towns of Raymond and Windham also offer our visitors numerous restaurants, grocery stores, hardware stores, and gas stations. Once again, all within a short drive from your campsite (3-4 minutes). NEARBY STATE PARKS AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES If your idea of exploring is centered around outdoor activities, then Sebago Lake State Park is a 1,342-acre park that abuts the shores of Sebago Lake. Within the park, you will enjoy protected forests, bike paths, and Sebago Lake beaches. Sebago Lake is a deep glacial lake, and by itself is 44 square miles of clear waters that abut Sebago Lake State Park. The park and the lake host some of Maine's’ best sandy beaches, water sports, fishing, boating, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, boat launches, extensive woodlands, a wide array of critters, hiking trails, and walking trails. Sebago Park hosts various play areas for children with slides and swings. The summer sun is warm and the autumn colors are always abundant and beautiful. The entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. If you are an avid hiker, The Queen’s Property is a short drive to numerous mountain ranges, forests, and peaks, all of which contain hundreds of miles of ATV and hiking trails. There are over 25 hiking trails within 10 miles of The Queen's Property and over 115 trails within 20 miles. Oh, and if you love winter sports you will love the Lakes Region.
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$100
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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside camping in New England guide

Overview

From the brisk, rugged coasts of Maine to the quaint lake cottages of New Hampshire, New England is a camper’s paradise. This multi-state region offers a diverse range of activities, whether you’re visiting White Mountain National forest for some paddling or you’re biking across coastal Rhode Island. Nature trails, oceanfront camping and even glamping are available here. New England is also a great destination for adventure lovers because it’s easy to get away from the crowds and truly experience the natural side of this beloved area.

Where to go

Acadia National Park, Maine

Majestic trees meet Atlantic waters in Acadia National Park, a family-friendly nature getaway for campers of all stripes. From Hull’s Cove Visitor Center, you can take the park’s scenic drive to Sand Beach for a swim. Hikers can then enjoy the trek to Otter Point, which provides stunning views of the coastline, or take the Cadillac Mountain Loop hike. In addition to hiking trails, the park has numerous campsites and campgrounds available.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A great place for quiet beach camping, Cape Cod has options with rv sites, cabins, family camping and everything in between. Far from the bustle of Boston, you can find bike and kayak rentals along the cape, with some good options in Provincetown. Cape Cod National Seashore is a haven for adventure and play, and there are a few state parks with pristine beaches, including South Cape Beach State Park and Scusset Beach State Reservation.

Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont

Vermont’s Green Mountains are the perfect place to adventure any time of year, but in the warmer months, you can enjoy full service family campgrounds as well as tent sites. Granville State Forest has biking trails, while Savoy Mountain State Park has multiple camping spots and a lake for canoeing. The Appalachian Trail also stretches through a section of the Green Mountains, intersecting with Long Trail, if you’re feeling extra adventurous.

When to go

New England’s winter’s are famously harsh, so you’ll want to keep tent camping between May and October. Note that crowds will die down significantly once kids go back to school in early September, so keep in mind that you may have a better time (and a peek at some changing leaves) if you choose to camp in early fall.