Dan Beard

- Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071

Dan Beard Campsite

in Raymond, Maine, offers local residents a retreat into the quintessential Maine woods experience, situated in the heart of the picturesque Sebago Lakes Region. Like its nearby counterparts on Hinds Road, this campsite is integrated into the extensive, natural property of

Camp William Hinds

, an area known for its traditional outdoor principles and dedication to preserving the natural environment.

The campsite is proudly named for Daniel Carter Beard (often known as 'Uncle Dan'), a founder and key figure in the American Scouting movement. This naming reflects the site's focus on authentic, skill-based outdoor living, making it an ideal destination for Mainers who value a traditional, stripped-down camping experience over the commercial glitz of RV resorts. It is a place where the focus is on a campfire, the sounds of the woods, and the simple beauty of a Maine lake.

Located on the fringes of Panther Pond, a stunning water body connected to the greater Sebago Lake system,

Dan Beard Campsite

offers accessibility without sacrificing the feeling of deep seclusion. It is predominantly a tent camping area designed to accommodate individuals, families, and small groups looking to use it as a peaceful, natural basecamp for regional exploration. It embodies a commitment to the conservation and enjoyment of the Pine Tree State's natural resources, providing a tranquil and fact-based promotional draw for local users seeking a reliable, classic camping spot near the Raymond and Casco communities.

The address

Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA

, places

Dan Beard Campsite

strategically in the heart of Maine’s beloved Lakes Region. This location is easily navigated for local users, with Hinds Road serving as a known access point to the substantial Camp Hinds property, which spans hundreds of acres along Panther Pond.

For Mainers coming from population centers like Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, or even farther north, the drive is highly manageable, typically less than an hour from the greater Portland area, following well-maintained main routes like US-302. Once off the main roads, the campsite quickly transports visitors into a private, forested realm.

The prime geographical advantage is its immediate access to the rich outdoor environment of the Sebago Lakes system. Campers at Dan Beard are positioned perfectly for quiet lake access on Panther Pond, which is less developed than its larger counterpart, Sebago Lake. This proximity makes it effortless for locals to enjoy non-motorized water sports—canoeing, kayaking, and fishing—all within a short walk of their tent site. The area's dense tree cover ensures a cool, private, and authentically Maine summer experience.

Consistent with its traditional and historical identity, the services at

Dan Beard Campsite

are focused on supporting a comfortable but straightforward outdoor stay, providing essential facilities without the complexity of a large resort.

• Designated Tent Sites: The primary service is providing cleared, level ground for pitching tents, with sites naturally segmented by the surrounding woods to ensure privacy and a true wilderness feel.
• Essential Site Amenities: Each reserved space typically includes a basic picnic table for meals and a stone or metal fire ring with a grate, essential for cooking and the traditional camp experience.
• Sanitation Facilities: Campers have access to central or nearby communal washhouses and latrines, which often include modern conveniences like flush toilets and hot showers, supporting hygiene without compromising the natural setting.
• Water Access: Potable drinking water is available via central spigots or wells within the larger camp area, ensuring a reliable water source for all campers.
• Communal Campfire Areas: The availability of group gathering spots, often featuring a large fire ring, facilitates shared storytelling and community building, a hallmark of traditional camping.
• On-Site Resource Access: Due to its integration with the larger camp, it is typical for guests to have access to a central store or trading post for purchasing firewood, ice, and basic forgotten supplies.

The compelling features of

Dan Beard Campsite

are not found in artificial attractions but in its authentic character and connection to Maine's natural and historical landscape.

• Historical Naming: Named after Daniel Carter Beard, a pivotal figure in American youth outdoor movements, the site carries a sense of heritage and commitment to traditional outdoor skills and self-reliance.
• Deep Wooded Seclusion: Unlike many open-field or densely packed commercial campgrounds, Dan Beard offers deep shade and seclusion, with tall pine and hardwood trees creating a natural buffer between sites.
• Panther Pond Recreation: Direct or immediate trail access to Panther Pond allows for quiet water-based activities like fishing for bass and perch, as well as easy launching of kayaks and canoes in a relatively peaceful setting.
• Extensive Trail System: Campers have the opportunity to explore the miles of unpaved trails that crisscross the Camp Hinds property, ideal for hiking, trail running, and immersing oneself in the Maine forest ecosystem.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Given its grounding in outdoor principles and group-focused activities, the atmosphere is inherently safe, structured, and family-oriented, making it a reliable choice for families with children of all ages.

Dan Beard Campsite

Address: Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA

As a site located within the private, organized boundaries of Camp William Hinds, specific direct contact information for the Dan Beard Campsite is integrated into the administration of the larger organization.

For local Mainers interested in making reservations or inquiring about off-season, individual, or group rentals for this specific campsite, it is advised to contact the managing council or camp administration directly. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding availability, booking procedures, and fees.

While a public phone number for the specific campsite is not listed outside of the camp's main office line, local general camp inquiries can be made through the Pine Tree Council administrative office or by contacting the Town of Raymond for general local recreation information.

Town of Raymond, Maine (General Inquiries): 207-655-4742

It is important to contact the appropriate office well in advance, especially for peak-season visits, to confirm the status of the

Dan Beard Campsite

and its availability for public use.

Dan Beard Campsite

is exceptionally well-suited for Maine residents because it delivers a quality, traditional camping experience that is close to home yet feels worlds away. For a local, this site offers minimal travel time to maximum tranquility. It’s an ideal escape for a short weekend, easily accessible from most of Southern and Central Maine without the traffic and crowds associated with coastal tourist destinations.

The natural, wooded setting provides the quintessential Maine atmosphere—cool, shaded, and quiet—perfect for escaping the heat and noise of urban life. The focus on basic amenities ensures that the emphasis remains on family bonding, outdoor skills, and appreciation for nature, consistent with the values Mainers hold for their natural environment. The site’s historical and organizational ties ensure a well-managed, respected piece of land is being utilized.

Choosing

Dan Beard Campsite

means choosing an authentic Sebago Lakes experience. It’s a place where locals can confidently introduce the next generation to the genuine pleasures of Maine woods camping: paddling on Panther Pond, exploring trails, and sitting around a crackling fire under the pine canopy. It is a reliable, cherished basecamp that upholds the state’s legacy of simple, beautiful outdoor living.

Dan Beard

Hinds Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA