Saco River Overnight Trips & Camping

Saco River Overnight Trips & Camping

Overview:

Connect with nature and camp along the Saco River! We offer multi-day rentals for canoes, kayaks, tubes, paddle boards , and water accessories.

Saco Bound operates two riverside camping areas, Saco Pines and the Landing. Both properties have amenities and docks for swimming.  These campgrounds are secured by reservation only and you must obtain your camping permit before arriving at the campground.

More Details:

One very unique feature of the Saco River is open river camping on pristine white sandy beaches. You may choose an area and wilderness camp on the beaches or sandbars anywhere along the river from Swans Falls Dam to Hiram, ME (approximately 30 miles). There are some places that may not be open to camping. These areas will be posted with “NO Trespassing” markers or signs. The open camping environment is a privilege found on no other river and is a result of cooperative and generous land owners. Please respect nature and leave no trace!

You may also stay at a river-side commercially run camping area for a fee.  Many of these campgrounds have basic, wilderness amenities that include picnic tables, fire rings and outhouses. There are no facilities or amenities found on the beaches, sandbars or river banks if you choose to wilderness camp. You must pack out all you bring in and dispose of human waste in the organic layer of the soil at least six inches deep while wilderness camping.

Saco Bound operates two river-side camping areas, Saco Pines and the Landing. Both properties have amenities and docks for swimming. The Saco Pines is right off of Main Street and serves as our home base for staging river trips. The Landing is 10 miles down river from The Pines and is the take out for our longest day trip. There are special Youth Group rates available. These campgrounds are secured by reservation only and you must obtain your camping permit in person at the Saco Bound Main Base before closing.

The Saco is famous for canoe camping. Miles of white sandy beaches make for natural campsites, a privilege found on no other river. Here is some information on our .

are available from the Landing. This is a great spot to start a trip, making a less crowded stretch of the river available. Trips to Brownfield and Lovewell’s Pond are also available.

Tips for Good River Excursions and Camping

First, be safe and know before you go. Check weather forecasts and river conditions. Always be prepared! Respect nature and those around you. Take out more trash than you packed in and practice “Leave No Trace” principles:

1. Plan Ahead and be Prepared
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

Now, as you head to the outdoors be responsible and use some common sense:
You need to consider weather, environment, capacity of your river craft and duration of your trip. Keep your essentials and valuables in a dry bag along with a change of clothes. Keep your keys in a safe place or leave them near you car or at base camp. Do not take glass or hazardous materials on the river!

Recommended, basic items to bring:

First Aid Kit
Shelter: tent, tarp, sleeping bag
Personal items: proper clothing, proper footwear, medications, sunscreen, bug repellent, biodegradable toilet paper, cat trowel and biodegradable soap
Food & Utensils
Water – 1 gallon per person per day
Camping Stove or Firewood, Matches / Lighter and a Flash Light
River Map
Cell Phone

**Maine state law requires a state fire permit**