There are many sand beaches along the Saco when not at flood stage and camping is allowed along some of these beaches for free. Misuse, including large quantities of garbage left behind by users and illegal fires, as well as discourtesy toward landowners, has led many beaches to be posted and monitored. A permit is required from the State of Maine for campfires along any unposted river beaches. The Saco is a major attraction for canoeists. One area of the river, Walker's Rip, is a set of rapids that has caused less talented canoers to capsize, although it can be navigated successfully. Several canoeing rentals are available throughout the river's distance. The Saco River is also famous for sport fishing, even though the number of fish in it has decreased tremendously throughout time. Problems Multiple violent and reportedly alcohol-related incidents in 2001 led to increased police patrols and efforts by livery companies, landowners, and government agencies to improve conditions. Major tributaries Listed from source to mouth: Dry River (left) Sawyer River (right) Rocky Branch (left) Ellis River (left) East Branch Saco River (left) Swift River (right) Old Course Saco River (left) Shepards River (right) Tenmile River (right) Hancock Brook (left) Ossipee River (right) Little Ossipee River (right) See also List of rivers of Maine List of rivers of New Hampshire References External links EPA Saco River Watershed Profile Saco River Profile at MaineRivers.org Real-time flow data for the Conway, NH and Cornish, ME gages Saco River Corridor Commission Saco River Cleanup, an annual event sponsored by the Saco River Recreation Council "Popular river struggles with balancing act", Portland Press Herald, Aug. 11, 2002 Rivers of Carroll County, New Hampshire Rivers of Oxford County, Maine Rivers of York County, Maine Maine placenames of Native American origin New Hampshire placenames of Native American origin