Camping spots near Abbot, Maine range from state parks to privately-owned grounds amid the central Maine highlands at 500-800 feet elevation. Weather patterns here include significant seasonal temperature swings from below-freezing winters to warm summers with July averages of 70°F. Most campgrounds in this region operate from mid-May through early October, with seasonal closures common during the colder months.
What to do
Hiking at Little Wilson Falls: About 15 miles from Abbot, this area features six primitive campsites near a scenic trail. "There are six primitive first come, first serve campsites near the trailhead of Little Wilson Falls. The trail follows water with a few nice swimming holes and crosses the AT," notes a camper from Wilson Streams Area.
ATV trail access: Many camping locations offer direct access to extensive trail networks. "This gampground has the access to snowmobile trail in the winter as well as the ATV trails. It has it's own parking lot for your atvs," writes Brianna M. about Spacious Skies Balsam Woods.
Paddling opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds provide excellent kayaking options. A visitor to Northeast Whitewater explains, "This is also where you can book a moose tour, rafting trip, or inflatable kayaks if you're feeling adventurous."
What campers like
Lakefront access: Waterfront sites remain highly sought after in the region. "The waterfront campsites seemed pretty well used as there was lots of evidence of people not practicing carry in, carry out and there were numerous pieces of toilet paper scattered about," reports a camper about the popular streamside sites.
Modern amenities: Many established campgrounds offer unexpected comforts. "There is a nice pool, clean showers, and access to trails around. If you're looking for something secluded this is not it, but it's a nice place," shares Sue H. from Moosehead Family Campground.
Seasonal activities: Fall camping offers unique experiences. "We stayed here for two weeks the end of September and beginning of October. This was a great place for home base for a couple weeks while we enjoyed Maine and what it offers," explains Todd W., highlighting how shoulder season camping provides different experiences.
What you should know
Fire permit requirements: For primitive camping areas, obtain proper authorization. "You must obtain a fire permit before kindling a fire. The information board has a number you can call to get a permit from the forest service," advises a reviewer at Wilson Streams Area.
Site accessibility issues: Large RVs may encounter challenges at certain campgrounds. "Small campground with 36 RV and tent sites located just a couple of miles from downtown Greenville. The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs," warns Nancy W. from Northeast Whitewater Lodge.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "The turn into the campground from the main road (Route 6) is very tight and we ended up having to go into the other lane and take up the whole road in order to make the turn in," notes one RVer describing navigational challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "It's got a nice pool, basketball court, volleyball net, arcade, ice cream, outdoor projector for Saturday night movie. As well as a great big playground," describes a visitor to Spacious Skies Balsam Woods.
Swimming opportunities: Beach access varies between locations. "LILY BAY is amazing. State Park rates and a great jumping off point for day trips to Baxter/Katadin/Kineo/prong pond. We love this park and my family has visited there since it opened," explains Sally H. from Lily Bay State Park.
Wildlife viewing options: Many campgrounds offer animal sighting opportunities. "We were trying to find moose and did not succeed but saw deer a few times, a red Fox, a grouse, turkey, a great blue heron and numerous ducks so wildlife is around," reports Carol C. about her experience at Moose Creek RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Utility options vary significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are good size, roomier than most rv parking lots as I call them. They have planted some evergreens so in a few yrs they'll be some trees, but the way the spots are placed makes u not on top of your neighbor," notes a reviewer about newer facilities.
Leveling challenges: Uneven sites can create problems. "Our site (#25) was a long pull thru that sloped down in the front and took a bit for us to get level and our front steps were pretty high off the ground," shares an RVer describing setup difficulties.
Maneuverability considerations: Tight turns and narrow roads affect larger vehicles. "We contemplated using the dump station but the roads were so tight that it would have been difficult for us to pull into it and our RV would have scrapped lots of trees," explains a camper from Moosehead Family Campground regarding navigation challenges.
