With an abundance of lush, green outdoor space, there’s no surprise that SafeWise ranked Maine as the number one dog-friendliest state in the country. Your ocean-loving pooch can join you at one of Maine’s 76 dog-friendly beaches, or one of their many dog-friendly campgrounds.
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Maine
Discover the beauty of Maine’s rocky coastline or hike the pine forests with your pup by your side and stay at one of these dog-friendly campgrounds across the Pine Tree State.
1. Grafton Notch Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Sarah C.
Located in the western mountains of Maine, Grafton Notch Campground is an idyllic mountainside retreat. The 15 wooded campsites are located near the Bear River, Grafton Notch State Park, Step Falls, and the Appalachian Trail. This dog-friendly, locally-owned campground is the perfect spot to base yourself for some awesome day hikes. Your dog will love the exercise, as will you once you see the panoramic views from one of many surrounding peaks.
2. Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA
Image from nps.gov.
Every year, millions of people flock to America’s second oldest National Park, Acadia National Park. With 100 miles of hiking trails, 45 miles of carriage road, a striking rocky coastline, and soft sandy beaches, you’ll quickly fall in love with Acadia National Park. The park is one of the most dog-friendly national parks as well so pack the pooch in the car!
The Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA is located close to the entrance to the park. And you don’t even have to leave the campground to find over 3,500 feet of Atlantic shoreline to explore with your four legged friend. For the non-tent campers, there are cabins and Airstream trailers for rent.
“My cousins, my husband and our dog rented a deluxe cabin in September, and it was perfect. The cabin provided all of the amenities of a home including linens, dishes, cookware, heat, a/c and even cable tv. Outside we had a small deck with a grill and a fire pit on the ground. It was the perfect place for our group of six to retire at the end of a day of hiking.” — The Dyrt camper Erica B.
3. Schoodic Woods Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Gary G.
Located on the Schoodic Peninsula of Acadia National Park, Schoodic Woods Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds on Mount Desert Island. With over 90 campsites, the campground offers a variety of walk-in and drive-in tent sites, electric hook-up sites, and full hook-up sites for the RVs. Book early as the campground sells out quickly. Your pup will be disappointed if they miss the chance to chase the seagulls on the beach!
“The town of Winter Harbor is located two miles from the park and a ferry dock which takes you to Mt. Desert Island. The Acadia Island Explorer shuttle provides free transportation between various locations, island attractions, and towns (and is dog-friendly and can accommodate bikes). The shuttle operates from late June to mid-October and is a great way to get around if you don’t have a car or want the hassle of parking.” — The Dyrt camper Nancy W.
Camp Here4. Desert Dunes of Maine Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Maggie K.
Did you know Maine has a desert? It’s not all pine trees, rocky coastline, and lobsters, here! The Desert Dunes of Maine Campground in Freeport is nestled in a pine forest adjacent to the famous Desert of Maine. Pets are welcomed at these dog-friendly campgrounds — there is even an enclosed dog course for your dog to run around and play with other furry friends.
Trek through the desert to watch the sunrise, then grab a coffee and do some shopping on Freeport’s Main Street!
“What a lovely campground! We were tucked back into T8 which is a walk down campsite under the trees near a small stream. The benefits were not only a little bit of privacy but close access to the bathrooms and showers (free) which was most excellent as well as the washer and dryer ($1.50 or so a load for each machine). The folks working at Desert of Maine were ever so helpful and so very friendly.” — The Dyrt camper Maggie K.
5. Coos Canyon Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Joshua B.
Coos Canyon Campground in Byron is located close to Gulf Hagas, known as the “Grand Canyon of The East.” This small, family-run campground has 70 campsites for tents and RVs and additional cabins for rent. The campground is dog-friendly with a designated dog walk. Plus, there are miles of nearby hiking trails that both you and your dog will love to explore.
“Very friendly place with good sized sites. Located right at coos canyon. A winding rocky river gorge. Some swimming holes and spots to jump from up on the ledges. Angel falls is about a ten minute drive from here and well worth the trip.” — The Dyrt camper Joshua B.
Camp here6. Wild Duck Adult Campground and RV Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Kelli T.
While kids aren’t welcomed at Wild Duck Adult Campground & RV Park in Scarborough, your “fur child” is! These 21+ dog-friendly campgrounds have 70 sites for honeymooners to retirees in the middle of Maine Audubon’s Scarborough Marsh. Wild Duck is quiet, ultra clean, and modern with all the amenities you need like WiFi, laundry, and more. With lots of nearby beaches and walking trails, your pup will love the salty ocean air.
“We stayed here on our way from Boston to Acadia. This is a beautiful campground that caters to adults only. It feels very secluded but it’s close to everything.” — The Dyrt camper Kelli T.
Camp HereAre you heading to Maine with your four-legged camper? View this Saved Campground List of Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Maine on The Dyrt, and start planning your camping trip! You can also start your own list and save your favorite campgrounds in one place.
Related Campgrounds:
- Poland Spring Campground, Poland, ME
