Tenny Campsite Camp William Hinds, Raymond, ME

Introduction / Overview

For Mainers seeking a traditional, unplugged camping experience rooted in history and natural beauty,

Tenny Campsite at Camp William Hinds

offers a distinctive retreat. Situated in Raymond, Maine, in the heart of the Sebago Lakes Region, this specific campsite is one of the most historic areas within the nearly century-old Camp Hinds, owned and maintained by the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America. While the larger camp serves as a primary resident camp during the summer, its extensive 300-acre property—including the Tenny Campsite—is frequently available for rentals by local families, groups, and organizations during the off-season.

Tenny Campsite

is uniquely characterized by its location along the Tenny River, a picturesque, two-mile-long body of water that connects Panther Pond with Crescent Lake. Historically, this site was the only campsite on its side of the river, giving it a secluded feel and a distinct identity. Unlike many modern commercial campgrounds, Tenny embraces a rustic charm, featuring the classic New England-style

Adirondack lean-to cabins

instead of traditional tents, providing a slightly more structured, yet equally immersive, outdoor experience.

The setting is truly what sets it apart. The site is situated in a meandering row facing Panther Pond, ensuring guests benefit from "Beautiful views" and "nice breeze off the lake," as noted by satisfied visitors. It represents a piece of Maine's camping heritage, offering a fantastic opportunity for locals to enjoy a peaceful, waterside basecamp with access to the robust recreational and educational facilities of the larger Camp Hinds property.

Location and Accessibility

Tenny Campsite at Camp William Hinds

is located at 55 River Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA. This address directs visitors to the vicinity of the historic camp property, which encompasses over 300 acres of pristine Maine woods and waterfront.

Sebago Lakes Region Access:

The campground is ideally positioned in the highly sought-after Sebago Lakes Region.

It is less than an hour's drive from the greater Portland area, offering a quick escape for Southern Maine residents.
The camp sits directly on Panther Pond, which feeds into the Tenny River and eventually connects with Crescent Lake, placing it at the heart of the region's interconnected waterways.
The facility is accessed via Plains Road in Raymond (the main camp entrance is often listed at 146 Plains Rd), which is conveniently linked to State Routes 85 and 121.

Unique Site Access:

Tenny Campsite's location along the Tenny River means it is often physically separated from the main camp facilities by water. This geographic feature adds to its unique seclusion:

Historically, and possibly still today, access to the Tenny Campsite side of the river has been managed via unique transportation methods, ensuring a quiet, private atmosphere away from the central activity.
This separation provides an added layer of serenity and a distinct "other side of the river" feel, perfect for groups who desire both structured facilities and deep wilderness immersion.
The entire Camp Hinds property along the Tenny River Corridor is a high priority for local conservation efforts, ensuring the surrounding habitat and water quality are protected for future generations.

Services Offered

While

Tenny Campsite

itself provides a rustic shelter, the rental of the site grants access to the significant infrastructure and support services of Camp William Hinds (availability of services is subject to the specific rental season and agreement).

Rustic Accommodation: The site features traditional Adirondack lean-to cabins, offering a step up from tent camping with protection from the elements, as well as designated tent areas.
Essential Camp Facilities: Renters can access central camp amenities, which include restrooms and shower facilities (exact distance from the Tenny site may vary).
Waterfront Access: Direct access to the beautiful Panther Pond for swimming, boating, and fishing (fishing is popular off of Tenny Point, provided current camp rules are followed).
Recreational Rentals: Use of the extensive property includes trails for hiking and exploration, sports courts, and large recreational fields.
Historical Structures: The site once included its own leaders’ cabin and recreation hall, and groups renting the site may have access to a dedicated area for their exclusive use, enhancing the group camping experience.
Group Infrastructure: For large groups, the camp offers access to a newly renovated dining hall (with over 300-person capacity), a trading post, and a fully staffed health lodge (during the summer season or by special arrangement).

Features / Highlights

The compelling features of

Tenny Campsite

are intrinsically tied to the history and natural assets of the Camp William Hinds property.

Adirondack Lean-Tos: A key highlight is the use of Adirondack lean-to cabins. These rustic, three-sided shelters are a beloved form of traditional North Woods camping, providing a unique, classic Maine experience directly on the waterfront.
River and Pond Frontage: The campsite boasts a prime location on the Tenny River where it opens into Panther Pond. This positioning maximizes the "beautiful view" and the "nice breeze" off the water, creating a comfortable and scenic setting.
The Tenny River Corridor: The river itself is an important ecological corridor for wildlife, offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation, low-impact paddling, and fishing (with appropriate licensure).
Advanced Adventure Features: The larger Camp Hinds property includes modern features like a comprehensive low ropes course (COPE) and a brand-new high ropes course with elements like catwalks and spider webs, offering a significant adventure activity for renting groups.
Historic and Traditional Setting: Established in 1927, the camp carries a strong sense of Maine history and traditional outdoor skills. Staying at Tenny offers a connection to decades of outdoor adventure and character building.
Seclusion and Tranquility: Its location "on the other side" of the Tenny River provides a naturally secluded atmosphere, ensuring that renters at Tenny enjoy one of the most peaceful and private retreats within the large property.

Contact Information

Tenny Campsite

is a specific site within the greater Camp William Hinds property. All inquiries and reservations for the Tenny Campsite during the public rental season should be directed to the Camp Hinds administration.

Physical Location (General Area):

55 River Rd, Raymond, ME 04071, USA

Primary Contact Phone:

(207) 655-6766

Alternative/Mobile Phone:

+1 207-655-6766

Booking and Rental Information:

Contact the Camp Director or the Pine Tree Council directly to confirm availability, rates, and specific rules for renting the Tenny Campsite, particularly regarding group size and use of the specialized camp facilities during the off-season.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The

Tenny Campsite at Camp William Hinds

is perfectly suited for Maine residents who desire an authentic, high-quality outdoor experience without sacrificing the rich history and community values of a cherished local institution. Its prime location in the Sebago Lakes Region makes it an easy commute for a weekend getaway, while its placement on the Tenny River provides the natural seclusion and peaceful environment that is synonymous with true Maine camping.

Locals will appreciate the unique Adirondack lean-to structures, which offer a memorable and comfortable form of rustic shelter right by the water, living up to the promise of beautiful lake views and refreshing breezes. For those looking to introduce groups—be it family, friends, or local organizations—to the best of Maine’s lakefront activities, the combination of the pristine Panther Pond waterfront, the opportunity for structured adventure activities, and the deep tradition of Camp Hinds makes Tenny Campsite an unparalleled choice for an authentic Maine adventure. It allows locals to step back in time and connect with nature on land that is deeply woven into the fabric of the state’s outdoor heritage.