Camping areas near Addison, Maine offer coastal settings with typical tidal ranges of 20-25 feet that significantly affect water access. Washington County's remote camping locations experience warm summer days in the 70s and cool evenings in the 50s. Several campgrounds in this region provide direct kayak launches but require campers to time activities around tidal schedules to avoid mudflats.
What to do
Kayaking and marine wildlife viewing: Launch from Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort where campers can observe seals and birds during high tide. "We had a beautiful view from our campsite... There is a kayak launch as well, and pool, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," notes Kasey M.
Explore Quoddy Head State Park: Located 4 miles from Lubec with hiking trails and the easternmost lighthouse in the US. "Nearby is Quoddy Head State Park which has some beautiful oceanfront hiking trails and a picturesque lighthouse," according to Nancy W., who visited Sunset Point RV Park.
Visit Campobello Island: Bring your passport for a cross-border day trip to see Roosevelt's summer home. "Bring your passport and cross over to Campobello Island which was the summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and is now a museum open for tours," recommends a camper who stayed near Lubec.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Many Mainstay Cottages & RV Park guests appreciate the oceanfront location. "Steps away from the small ferry that goes to Bar Harbor and a few minutes to Schoodic Peninsula. Couple of nice restaurants close by," shares Mark C.
Quiet campgrounds away from crowds: Campers seeking peaceful alternatives to Bar Harbor enjoy the more remote locations. "If you're looking for a camp site close to Acadia without the crowd, look to MainStay in Winter Harbor. About an hours drive to the main Acadia but just 5 minutes to the Schoodic Peninsula," notes Brent H.
Seasonal activities: Fall foliage camping offers spectacular views. "We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak. The campsite is surrounded by beautiful trees," describes Carolina L. about Patten Pond Camping Resort.
What you should know
Tide variations affect activities: Plan water activities around the tides at coastal campgrounds. "Beware that the tidal range is around 20 feet so make sure you paddle around high tide or you will have to cross a mucky, seaweed covered, rocky clam flat to get back to shore," warns a camper about paddling conditions.
Cell service considerations: Reception varies widely between carriers and locations. "We had a strong Verizon signal so we didn't rely on their Wi-Fi," reports one camper, while others mention spotty connectivity throughout the region.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Addison operate from May through mid-October. Timberland Acres RV Park runs "Mid May to Mid Oct" according to their information, similar to most facilities in the region.
Black flies and mosquitoes: "Screen rooms are a good idea because the black flies and mosquitos in Maine can be quite pesky in the spring and summer," advises Nancy W. who camped at Jonesport Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Some campgrounds provide swimming pools for children. "The kids loved playing on the playground and going down to the water at low tide. There is a kayak launch as well, and pool," shares Kasey M. who camped with family at Mt Desert Narrows.
Campground suitability varies: Not all locations cater equally to children. West Bay Acadia RV Campground is noted as being "primarily recommended for retirees and couples without children. The park doesn't offer many kid-friendly amenities beyond the pool, so families with young children might find it lacking in entertainment options."
Grocery planning: Stock up before arriving at remote campgrounds. "Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $," suggests a camper, as smaller towns have limited shopping options.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites often have close proximity to neighbors at coastal campgrounds. "Sites are very close together with no physical separation between them in typical RV park fashion," notes Lee D. about their stay.
Parking orientation matters: For best views, many motorhome campers adjust their parking position. "Most motorhomes choose to pull-in forward so they have a water view out of their front window and run the utilities under their RV to hook-up," explains a reviewer about oceanfront sites.
Wind precautions: Coastal locations experience strong winds that can damage equipment. "Warning: do not leave your awning out while you are away from your camper as the winds can really pick up in the afternoon and damage them," cautions a camper about RV camping near Addison, Maine.
