Camping opportunities near Abbot, Maine range from rustic tent sites to upscale glamping experiences in the Piscataquis Valley. Located at approximately 500 feet above sea level, this area sits within Maine's lake region where the Piscataquis River meets several streams. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, making late spring through mid-October the primary camping season when overnight temperatures remain above freezing.
What to Do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: The AT crosses nearby with accessible trailheads within 30 minutes of Abbot. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, "There are two hiking trails that are fun but lack a scenic view; one challenging, one easy. The park is fairly close to town for food, groceries, and supplies. There is not a specific outdoor/camping supply store nearby," notes Michelle R.
Fishing in local lakes: Sebec Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities with clear waters. "We kayaked on this crystal clear lake and it was so relaxing," shares Celeste C. about Peaks-Kenny State Park. "There are no water sites but there is a sandy beach, plenty of picnic tables and grills, group camping and day use areas."
ATV trail access: Many campgrounds connect to regional ATV networks. The Evergreens Campground offers direct trail access. Kevin W. notes, "If you want to ride ATV trails, fish and swim in the Kennebec River, ride mountain bikes on the Kennebec rail trail this is a great place to stay."
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention site separation as a positive feature. At Cathedral Pines Campground, "Sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one. Facilities are bright and clean. Every site has its own 'fire box' with cooking grate," according to Ken B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area offers numerous chances to see native wildlife. "The loons and owls call at night - so peaceful! The park is very clean and every one is friendly. The bathrooms are clean and comfortable. Some sites are spaced out enough and are more private. Expect deer to visit!" says Heidi R. about Peaks-Kenny State Park.
Lakefront views: Several campgrounds feature waterfront sites. "Lakefront sites have gorgeous views. We saw loons and bald eagles on the lake daily," notes Jillian from Cathedral Pines Campground.
What You Should Know
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby logging routes. At The Evergreens Campground, "The down side is the truck traffic on the nearby roads. The campground is near an intersection so logging trucks slow and accelerate nearby starting early in the morning," mentions Kevin W.
Seasonal limitations: Most facilities operate from mid-May through early October. At Piscataquis Point, camping is primarily a warm-weather activity. Kyle N. shares, "This was a very quiet and peaceful place but easily accessible from multiple directions and only like 20 mins from I-95."
Site access considerations: Campground layouts sometimes create access challenges. At Moosehead Family Campground, "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," notes Nancy W., highlighting navigation difficulties for larger vehicles.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for swimming areas: Family-friendly water access makes camping more enjoyable. "There's a small playground, but the real playground is beyond the campground. Explore the many small ponds in a kayak or canoe," recommends Jean C. from Northeast Whitewater Lodge.
Consider playgrounds and activities: Wilderness Edge Campground offers structured recreation. "It is pet friendly & they will check on your pets or even walk them! Water & electric sites are well spaced, roomy, quiet, & in the trees," explains Kathy C.
Reserve early for family-sized sites: The most accommodating sites book quickly. "My large family and I spent a week here. First, the campground is easy to find and making reservations is a snap! The owners are two of the greatest people I've met," shares Dennis Q. from Moosehead Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Many campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads. Nancy W. notes about Moosehead Family Campground: "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."
Utility placement varies: Hookup locations aren't standardized across campgrounds. "My site had the connections on the right side of my camper once I had backed it in, so I had to be careful about placement or have longer cords," explains Jean C. about Wilderness Edge Campground.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require significant leveling. "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 Nancy W. about her experience at Moosehead Family Campground.
