Camping Built Around the River
On the Saco Family Campground sits on a 1,700-foot stretch of private frontage on the Saco River in Brownfield, in the foothills of the White Mountains where the river starts to slow down and widen out. There are 47 sites, a mix of full-hookup RV sites and riverfront and river-view tent sites, and the operation is structured around the river: on-site tube, canoe, and kayak rentals, an upriver shuttle service, and a launch right from the campground.
If you have ever wanted to roll a tube into the river at your campsite, drift downstream for an afternoon, and have someone meet you at the takeout, this is the campground built for that.
Site Layout
The campground splits into riverfront tent sites with a short walk to the water, river-view tent sites slightly higher on the bank, and full-hookup RV sites on a separate loop. Group sites are available. A small store stocks ice, firewood, and basic camping supplies; there is a game room and a designated WiFi area near the main office.
The riverfront tent sites along the bank are the reason to book here. They tend to go first and are usually marked premium pricing — lock one in for a summer weekend at least a few weeks ahead.
Tubing and Paddling the Saco
The Saco River through this stretch is gentle Class I — moving water with no real rapids — and is one of the most popular recreational paddling rivers in New England. Trips run from a couple of hours (a 3-4 mile float) up to multi-day camping trips downriver with stops on sandy beaches.
On the Saco rents tubes, canoes, and kayaks and runs a shuttle that picks you up at the campground, drops you upriver, and lets you float back to your tent. This eliminates the usual logistical headache of two-vehicle shuttles.
Most of the season the Saco runs gentle and family-friendly, but after heavy rain the current can stiffen and submerged debris becomes a real hazard. Check with the campground office about river conditions before launching, and always wear a PFD — Maine law requires children under 10 to wear one and one PFD per person on board.
Tent Camping vs RV
Tent campers get the most out of this campground. Riverfront tent sites have direct water access, the floating-trip logistics work better when you can carry gear straight from your site, and the wooded sites are the prettiest spots in the campground. RV campers get full hookups but sites are tighter and less scenic than the tent loops.
The reach of the Saco from Walker’s Bridge in Conway, NH down through Fryeburg and Brownfield is a New England rite-of-passage paddle trip. If you have time for one overnight, paddle Walker’s to Brownfield and overnight at one of the riverside campgrounds — On the Saco is one of the takeouts and a good base.
Things to See Nearby
Fryeburg is 10 miles west and is the closest town with a full grocery, gas, and restaurants. The Fryeburg Fair runs the first week of October each year — one of the largest agricultural fairs in New England.
Evans Notch is the easternmost notch through the White Mountains, about 30 minutes northwest, and has multiple hiking trailheads, including the Caribou-Speckled Wilderness.
Pleasant Mountain (Shawnee Peak) is 25 minutes east in Bridgton and has hiking trails to a ridgetop with views from the White Mountains east to the Lakes Region.
Getting There
The campground is at 379 Denmark Road in Brownfield, off Route 113 on the way between Fryeburg and Bridgton. From Portland, take Route 25 west to Standish, then Route 113 north through Steep Falls and Hiram into Brownfield — about 1 hour 15 minutes. From Bangor, the most direct route runs I-95 south to Augusta, then Route 202 west, picking up Route 113 in the Mountain Division — figure roughly 3 hours 15 minutes.
FAQ
Can I rent a tube or kayak at the campground?
Yes. On the Saco rents tubes, canoes, and kayaks and runs an upriver shuttle so you can float back to the campground.
Is the river safe for kids?
Most of the season the Saco through this stretch is Class I — gentle and family-friendly. After heavy rain the current stiffens and debris becomes a hazard. Check with the office before launching and always use a PFD.
Are there full RV hookups?
Yes. RV sites have full hookups including electric, water, and sewer.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, the campground is pet-friendly. Standard leash and clean-up rules apply.
What is the closest grocery?
Fryeburg, about 10 miles west, has a full grocery store, gas stations, and restaurants. Bridgton is a similar distance east.
