Best Camping in and near Lake Francis State Park

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Lake Francis campground

46 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Francis State Park

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Francis State Park

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Camp Streife

1 site · Tent17 acres · Rumford, ME

Streife translated from Norwegian means roam. The right to roam, also called the right of access, or everyman's right(“allemannsretten”) is a traditional right from ancient times, and since 1957 has also been a part of the Norwegian Outdoor Recreation Act. It ensures that everybody gets to experience nature, even on larger privately owned areas. In our travels to Norway, we learned of this law and loved the concept so much we brought it back with us to America. Yet we had no land to offer. So, we searched...and searched....and searched some more. Then we found what would become camp Streife. 20 acres of uncut timber growth forest, tucked in the hills of Rumford Maine. With a nearby brook, pond and within 20 minutes of some of our favorite ski locations it was just right. The rules of this law are simple. Be considerate and thoughtful. Don't damage nature and other surroundings. Leave the landscape as you would want to find it. Leave no trace. You may put up a tent, or sleep under the stars, for the night anywhere in the countryside, forests or mountains, as long as you keep at least 500 feet away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. This rule of 500 feet distance also applies to camping cars and caravans. If you want to stay for more than two nights in the same place, you must ask the landowner's permission, except in the mountains or very remote areas. Well, we've taken care of all those Allemannsretten rules for you. We invite you to our small part of the world and encourage you to exercise your right to roam. Learn more about this land: Situated on 20 acres in the Woods of Rumford, ME come enjoy a forested campsite with access to nearby stream and pond. Fish, kayak, snowshoe, hike or just relax. 20 minutes from Sunday River Ski area, 25 Minutes from Black Mtn. Ski area and even closer to Rumford's White Cap Mtn. for nice backcountry ski lines. There is nearby access to the Androscoggin River, Grafton Notch State Park, and all the amenities that come with it. Come enjoy all that the Woods of Maine has to offer.

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Magical Mountain River retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents500 acres · Rumford, ME

Scars in the polished granite streambed tell the story of saw mills from the 19th century. Not far from the foundation of one of the more established farmsteads of the era, this campsite is tucked away from the road down by the rushing Bull Branch of the Sunday River. Whether you bake on the rocks after dipping, or toss a fly in a quiet pool, the river will soothe your soul. Explore endless mountains streams, trails to the Appalachian Trail, and remote dirt roads in the heart of the Mahoosucs from your secluded walk-in low impact tent site with privy. Deep swimming holes and trout fishing beckon. There are three sites: #1: Riverside (more secluded),#2:Hillside(closest to the parking), and #3: Fireside. The hillside and fireside sites can combine for a group although are at a short distance from each other. If weather conditions permit, all campers can share the fire circle and table. The Riverside has its own table.

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Burke Line Farm

5 sites · Lodging, Tents148 acres · West Burke, VT

Burke Line Farm is located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. We are a working horse farm. Lessons and trail rides are offered 7 days a week by appointment. Please call 802-535-7722 to speak with our wrangler. Along with the horses we have sheep and lambs for market and wool. Our land is relatively flat with many trails for riding or walking. A short drive will bring you to Willoughby Lake, Kingdom Trails, and Burke Mt. We will Be Closing for the season on the 14th of November 2024. We had a great season and looking forward to seeing you all again in the spring of 2025.

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Green Mountain View’s

1 site · Tent48 acres · Barton, VT

Please look up the Wiki about Barton Vermont . Fascinating history and information about the area . This property will be turned into a homestead for my now 13 year old daughter who has become too Americanized and on her phone all day 😉. She is going to learn how to grow her own food and become fully self sustainable . In the meantime I would like Hipcampers to enjoy the property and the views . Learn more about this land: Great mountain and lake views on secluded 48 acres ! The property is close to Crystal Lake , Lake Willoughby. You can see Canadian mountains from the top camping site . I Recommend parking in lower lot and hiking to the top to camp. The road is a off road/logging road to the top. Hipcamp and myself does not cover any damage to your vehicle . Read reviews before booking. It is a hike to the top that takes about 10-15 minute. Wear proper footwear . Must be a camper, outdoorsy or in decent shape to book this campsite . Again , please read reviews before booking . Thank you

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(42)

Green Mountain Glamping

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · West Burke, VT

Experience all that the northeast kingdom of Vermont has to offer while staying at Green Mountain Glamping. Ride the Kingdom Trails right from the property! Nestled among the trees, our bell tent sites feature comfortable beds, pillows, linens, towels, a picnic table, smokeless fire pit, outhouse and more! We also have one site for those that want to bring their own tent, camper or RV. These are private sites on our property. You'll drive past our home, garage, and garden to get to each site and you'll be able to see our buildings from the sites. We have a very large English Mastiff and some hens. Both are contained in our fenced in yard. Eggs can be purchased upon request. We also have a some dirt jumps if you need to get warmed up before your ride, and a simple bike wash station ready to go when you get back. Lots of wildlife inhabit our area of Vermont. During your stay you're likely to see whitetail deer, squirrels and chippies, rabbits, and hawks. There's a chance you may see a fox, black bear, moose or even a bobcat! We ask that food is secured in your vehicle and not brought into the bell tents, for your own safety. We do have a basket of safety equipment in each tent. The basket contains bug spray, bear horn, simple first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a flash light.

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Wandering Pines Camping

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Whitefield, NH

Wandering Pines is a little slice of magic in the Great North Woods of New Hampshire. Our sites are large, private and offer field or wooded land. The sites are near our Small House on 5 acres but far enough away to feel private. We currently have 6 sites; 1 glamping site(opening in April) 1 large campsite, 2 primitive sites and 2 park and sleep sites. While the weather is changing, snow is melting and mud is present, some of our sites may not be available. Please message me before booking. We have a ton of space and can accommodate you somewhere! During the warmer months(Late March-Early December) all the sites have access to water and a primitive outhouse and handwashing/dishwashing station. All sites except the primitive sites have access to electricity. All the sites have a fire ring. Firewood can be purchased. We have wetlands and overgrown fields so there may be bugs and other animals at any given time. Bug spray is recommended. Although black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Maintaining a sustainable bear population in New Hampshire depends on minimizing human-bear conflicts. It is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire. Intentional feeding can create problems within residential areas and can result in fines. It also may threaten the life of the bear, if it becomes a nuisance animal as a result of this feeding. Please keep your food in your car when you are not at the site and when you are sleeping. The property has views of Mount Martha and the Presidential Mountain Range. There are easy walking trails throughout the property. There is a field to play games; such as soccer and corn hole. We are within 25 mins of Lancaster, Jefferson, Littleton, and Bethlehem. Small town bars, restaurants, breweries and one of a kind views of mountains, lakes, rivers and wildlife. There is hiking galore and more than enough to do for all ages.

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Saddleback Base Camp

4 sites · Tents50 acres · Sandy River Plt, ME

Three campsites with fire pits in the Maine mountains surrounded by beautiful forests , 25 mile views and a small stream and waterfall. Hike Saddleback from cabin, swim and fish in nearby Sandy River Ponds.

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Private field and woods camping

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Whitefield, NH

We are right in the middle of the White Mountains, in Whitefield NH surrounded by endless rivers, lakes, hiking trails, dining, breweries and attractions. The Heritage trail is accessible nearby. Whitefield is the approximate halfway point for the Cross NH Adventure Trail. For more information check out the XNHAT website: https://www.xnhat.org/ On clear nights, the view of the stars and the milky way here is magnificent. We intentionally leave the majority of the field unmowed which attracts monarch butterflies and other wildlife. The campsite is private, yet close to the conveniences of downtown Whitefield and nearby Littleton, Bethlehem and Lancaster. We are conveniently located on the edge of town, there is a small grocery store close by as well as Sunny's Pizza, Dunkin Donuts, Dollar General, Grandma's Kitchen, 2 gas/convenience stores, multiple thrift stores, and a record shop. Please see the aerial photo in this listing for an idea of the layout of the land and surrounding roads, houses etc. IMPORTANT HOUSEKEEPING ITEMS. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING. ***Field and woods campsites are first come first serve****arrive early for best pick of site****we rent to a maximum of two separate groups per night****check in begins at 2:00 p.m. ***Chances are you will be sharing the field with another camping group. If you want the whole place to yourself we recommend booking BOTH SITES if they are available*** THIS IS A RUSTIC CAMPSITE with no amenities. If you are expecting the KOA, please do not book this site. The campsite is located in rural northern New Hampshire, in an undeveloped field next to the forest where many animals live such as bears, moose, deer, raccoons, fox, skunks, porcupines, coyotes, etc. Mosquitoes and other bugs are present in the summer. Please be mindful of the surrounding wildlife. Please come PREPARED for rustic backwoods camping and observe bear safety at all times (SEE BEAR SAFETY INFO BELOW) RV INFO: We do not have hookups of any kind (NO electricity, NO water or sewer). We are currently only set up for self-contained units (dry-camping or boondocking as some call it). We can accommodate small travel trailers <24ft, campervans, truck campers, small camper busses. NO 5th Wheels or RV's >24 ft please. 4-wheel drive is recommended, but not required. FIRE: A small campfire pit is available (dependent on local fire danger warnings of course). Please observe local fire danger warnings. Bring your own firewood and please do not light the large bonfire in the middle of the field. Please do not cut down trees or branches. NO PETS: Because we are a working farm with chickens, farm dogs and surrounding wildlife guests are not permitted to bring dogs or pets of any kind. If you love animals and enjoy a little "dog/chicken therapy" this is the place for you. Please do not book this site if you don't like animals. TRASH: A small trashcan and recycle bin for empty cans and bottles are located next to the outhouse. Please PACK OUT excessive amounts of trash. We have NO BATHROOM, kitchen or shower facilities and there is no potable water on site. An OUTHOUSE composting toilet is available. Bring your own toilet paper, and please do not put anything down the hatch other than plain toilet paper (absolutely no wet wipes please--these can be put in the trash can) NO DUMPING of grey or black water anywhere on the property. ARRIVAL: We strongly suggest arriving before sundown as there are no street lights or any kind of lighting in the field or the access road to the field. If you do plan on arriving after dark definitely bring headlamps and or flashlights. WEATHER/ROAD ACCESS: Due to unpredictable New England weather, especially this spring as we have received unprecedented amounts of precipitation, there may be times when the field access road is not passable due to excessive mud etc Please know that this is a rustic undeveloped field and we have no control over the weather. In the event of impassable road conditions, you may park at the bottom of the field access road. We have garden carts available to haul your gear to the camping area which is only a short walk. We have a few different alternative campsite locations for RVs as well. If you have questions about road conditions prior to your arrival please send us a message. ABOUT THE PROPERTY: Our folk victorian farmhouse has been owned by the same family for seven generations since it was built in the 1850s. Once a 20-acre working dairy farm, much of the land was subdivided throughout the years, leaving five acres with the original barn, farmhouse, large field, and wooded area. We are a small family farm offering farm-fresh eggs and seasonal vegetables. We are honored to be stewards of this property and want to share it with others. BEAR SAFETY & FOOD STORAGE REQUIREMENTS Following safe food storage practices protects both you and the bears: Never leave food or coolers unattended. All food, food particles, trash, and coolers need to be secured in a vehicle or trailer. Always keep a clean picnic area, campsite, or other area where you may be spending time. Don’t leave any food (including condiments), food particles, trash, and coolers out when not in use. Store food in bear-resistant units, hard-shelled vehicles or car trunks. Never store food in your tent. Keep sleeping areas, tents, and sleeping bags free of food and odor (like toothpaste or deodorant). Don’t sleep in clothes you cooked or handled fish or game in. Never bury or burn food waste. Place sleeping tents at least 100 yards away from food storage and cooking areas. Never leave your backpack unattended.

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Colby's Cabin

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Carthage, ME

Colby's Cabin has everything you need for your stay in a beautiful, off-the-grid, rustic log cabin on 10 acres in a wilderness area minutes to Webb Lake, Tumbledown Mountain & Mt. Blue State Park. Many kinds of trails all around. In Maine’s finest hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking and boating territory. A perfect place for adventure, romance, celebration or serenity. An escape from the electronic world! But there is good cell/data service too. The cabin has solar and battery lights but no power or generator. Hand water pump in the kitchen during spring/summer/fall. 6 gallons of wash water provided in the winter. Spacious outhouse, solar shower, etc. (See Winter Conditions below). Glamping at its finest! This is a cozy place with led lights & solar lights, candles, gas cook range, gas refrigerator, wood stove, a dug well with hand-pump in the kitchen (pump can not be used when the temperature is below freezing) and a log cabin outhouse. King bed in bedroom; twin bunk beds and queen pull-out futon couch in great room Fully outfitted with dishes, utensils, pots,/pans, linens/blankets/pillows, books, games, oil lanterns, camp/bag shower and more. Firewood is included in the rental price. Propane, paper towels, toilet paper and dish soap are also provided. All Wheel Drive or 4WD is needed to access the cabin in winter and mud season. WINTER CONDITIONS (when ground is frozen): -4-wheel drive or All Wheel Drive needed. -There is NO running water from the well pump when the ground is frozen. The sink can be used with a bucket underneath. Bring extra water for washing. -Really big storms can cause reservations to be rescheduled -Extreme Cold Weather: When temperatures fall to 15 degrees or below, use the propane heater in the bunk room with the woodstove in the great room. Feed the wood stove every couple of hours. Snowmobilers! You may have to unload your machines at the bottom of the hill to get your trucks up the hill with trailers hitched or leave trailers at the bottom of the hill in a plowed out parking area, ride the snowmobiles up separately. -Shooting/Target practice is NO longer allowed due to lack of respect for safety by several sets of guests. Off the grid = NO ELECTRICITY! There IS cell/data service Bring your own drinking water

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Off Piste Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · West Burke, VT

We operate a small working farm on our 50 acre property. Approximately 7 acres is cleared fields where we grow hemp, pigs and chickens. We are at the end of a dirt road with private access and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you decide to stay with us we can guarantee you your own private tent site to get away from it all, or a beautiful spot to park your van, car or small camper, all while still being only 10 minutes to the amenities of town, 15 minutes to world famous mountain biking at Kingdom Trails, or 20 minutes to breathtaking Lake Willoughby. Learn more about this land: We have two private tent platforms located in a mature mixed hardwood forest on our 50 acre property, as well as one van/small camper/car camping site located on the edge of our field. Each tent platform site includes an elevated and level 10'x12' cedar tent platform, a picnic table, and more privacy than the car camping site. Parking is less than a 1 minute walk from the platforms down a well maintained woods road and gorilla carts are available to help haul your gear. Many guests who wish to stay right next to their cars choose to car camp on the edge of the field in the car camping site, either pitching a tent or spending the night in their small camper. The views from this site are breathtaking, but it has less privacy as it is located next to the communal firepit, and amidst our working farm so we will occasionally be around doing chores, (the chickens and pigs are early risers). The communal fire pit has a great view and a few chairs are provided. Seasoned firewood is available for purchase, and we ask that you please do not harvest or burn your own wood off the property. Potable drinking water and a portable toilet are also available onsite for our guests. Well behaved pets are welcome, but must remain on a leash to ensure they do not disturb our plants or farm animals. We are at the dead end of a gravel road and can guarantee complete privacy and seclusion if you are looking to get away from it all, yet still be located conveniently within 10 minutes of Lyndonville, 15 minutes to Kingdom Trails and East Burke, 20 minutes to Lake Willoughby, and at the doorstep to the beautiful wilderness of Vermont's Northeast Kingdom!

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Clyde River Camping

5 sites · Tents100 acres · Charleston, VT

In August of 2021 we had been approached by folks wanting to camp on our property because of the beautiful views and riverfront water access. In keeping it reasonable and safe, we found HIPCAMP offered us the best venue to do so. Site #1 is camper/RV accessible with lots of room for friends, vehicles and a field to set up tents or game playing areas. If deep woods camping is what you prefer, we offer that as well. We offer free firewood, picnic tables and outhouses. Fresh water pond for cooling off and bathing. 100 acres of trails through the woods, fields and 3/4 mile of river frontage for all your outdoor activities. Kayaking and canoeing from all of our sites (Rentals available nearby at https://www.clyderiverrecreation.com), fishing, bird and big game watching (see actual game cam pictures in our photo gallery), mountain climbing and mountain biking (Best mountain bike trails in New England available close by in Burke, Vt. (https://www.kingdomtrails.org)! Peaceful, country relaxed atmosphere.

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Great North Woods Farm Lake Umbagog

11 sites · Tents5 acres · Errol, NH

Tucked away in the Lake Umbagog wilderness, we are a small privately-owned farm with the wonders of the area surrounding us. Boating and fishing? Check. Hiking and mountain-biking? Check. Swimming and Sailing? Check! All the fun and memories that go with camping and bonfires and outdoor cooking! Check! IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE: We are intentionally remote, secluded, and off-grid. We are best accessed by water (1.3 mile paddle or motorboat), with a seasonal (May 15-December 1) 9-mile very rough (4wd) logging access road (minimum vehicle clearance 8in---seriously). For first-time guests arriving by road, you will need to be guided in---the property is impossible to find on your own (no gps, no map). If you arrive by road, please note that you must park (free/overnight/safe/secure) at a narrow trailhead and walk to the lakeside sites about 1/4 mile down the hill. We are happy to help you with your gear and have a couple of wheelbarrows and sometimes an ATV. So unless you want to RV/truck/car camp at the trailhead (definitely an option), it is tent-only camping on the lakeshore and garden sites. Please don't ask if you can drive your vehicle right down to the site---we don't even drive our own down. However you decide to arrive, we are happy to guide you at no extra charge. We do have cellular phone service on site and shoreline but not on the logging road in. [There is unfortunately no way for us to make the property accessible for guests who need the use of personal mobility equipment. Also, from experience, we MUST caution those with medical conditions that this is a WILDERNESS location, at least two hours from any medical facilities and very difficult to even medevac.] We have a small fishing boat (paddle only), 1 kayak, 3 mountain bikes, and a canoe for rent; firewood for purchase on site; your choice of spots to pitch a tent or use our raised platform. Join us for astonishing sunsets, breathtaking wildlife, and beautiful gardens. We can't wait to meet you!

The best camping near Lake Francis State Park guide

Overview

About

Lying on the shore of the placid, 2,000-acre Lake Francis, near the Great North Woods’ Connecticut Lakes, this state park is home to lush forests and rolling hills that provide the perfect setting for a range of activities. You can canoe, kayak, and fish on the lake or take an ATV out for a spin on the park's trails, which connect with the 1,000 miles of trails for OHV riding in Coos County. Lake Francis Campground has 45 sites including nine sites with water/electric hook-ups and nine sites for ATV camping, from where riders can head directly out on the trails.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All sites are offered by reservation but first-come, first-served camping may be available if all sites have not been reserved.
Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
Double-check your booking: Fees are steep for cancellations made within six days of scheduled arrival, and come on top of a non-refundable reservation fee.

When to go

Lake Francis State Park is open year-round but the campground is typically only open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend. As the main draw is the park’s lake, summer is the busiest season, however, ATVing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing are all excellent in the off season. Note that the park is typically not staffed in the off season, so you’ll need to bring your own equipment.

Know before you go

Canoe rentals are available in the park.
There are several grocery stores within a 10-minute drive.
Pets are permitted but must be leashed and supervised at all times and are not permitted on the beaches.

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3 ratings · 1 review

November 2016

I loved this campground. This was the first camping trip I took my dog on and it's a great spot to take an active pup. We stayed at site #42, which is a carry in-carry out site. It's far enough away from other sites that you can't hear anyone, but can enjoy the sounds of the water a little ways away. This site has a deck, picnic table and fire pit. The deck has hooks to tie up a hammock, or in my case, my dog! I could let her roam while I made a fire, set up camp, etc. This site also has paths from the campground to the fly fishing area so although the site is secluded, there were other campers walking by. The campground was very accommodating and it's close to other lakes and places to hike! Definitely would go back!