Maine's central region provides campers easy access to both wooded seclusion and waterfront relaxation near Alton. Located approximately 20 miles north of Bangor, the area sits within the Penobscot River watershed at elevations ranging from 130-200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day with cooler 55-65°F nights, making campfires a practical necessity for evening comfort.
What to do
Kayaking at Great Pond: Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area offers water access with peaceful paddling opportunities. One camper noted, "It is very quiet and there is 0 cell service! Perfect place with lots to do at the campground! Great location to just disconnect from the rest of the world!"
Fishing at Parks Pond: Located in Clifton about 10 miles from Alton, Parks Pond Campground provides fishing opportunities in their wading areas. A visitor mentioned, "They have two wading areas, playground, sand box, laundry and arcade as well as a general store for extras you may have forgotten."
Explore local waterways: The Piscataquis River offers scenic paddling just north of Alton. A visitor to Piscataquis Point shared, "Sitting next to a warm, crackling fire listening to the sound of the river was truly the cherry on top and made for a very relaxing evening."
Day trips to Bangor: Just 20 minutes south, Bangor offers urban amenities and entertainment. A guest at Paul Bunyan Campground noted, "Easy sites to get into. Close to the cross center and the waterfront concerts. Quite."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Many guests praise the quiet setting of luxury camping options near Alton. A visitor at Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area remarked, "Guests are very kind, quiet and respectful of others and of the campground. Everything was clean and in working order."
Water access: Campers appreciate properties with pond or river frontage. A reviewer at Cold River Campground mentioned the "nice layout" with convenient water access, though noted "pretty small site" as a consideration.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds in the region cater to families with various activities. A visitor to Pleasant Hill Campground noted, "Campground has playground, pool and rec room. Offers activities - but mainly directed toward children."
Convenient location: The area's proximity to Bangor and major routes makes it accessible for weekend trips. One Parks Pond visitor shared, "Beautiful area. I question if I would like this spot. Its right off route 9. My spot was right next to road. I honest didn't notice road threw out the night."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping facilities near Alton operate from May through mid-October. Pleasant Hill Campground runs "May 1 to Columbus Day," while other properties have similar seasonal restrictions.
Varied amenities: Paul Bunyan Campground offers more services than some smaller properties. A camper noted, "Very nice, but expensive and very close quarters," highlighting the tradeoff between amenities and privacy.
Internet access: Cell service and WiFi quality varies significantly. At Pleasant Hill, one guest reported, "Only real disappointment was lack of cell coverage for AT&T and if you want internet you must buy a package."
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds require advance booking, others operate first-come, first-served. Most upscale glamping sites require reservations due to limited availability.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Seek campgrounds with organized events for children. A visitor at Bangor Holden KOA shared, "We did the pancake breakfast for donation, crafts, and wagon ride durring the day as well as enjoyed the well kept pool. The kids loved the playground and the ice cream window."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming areas or pools that appeal to families. At Parks Pond, a camper noted, "Water rentals kayaks etc were very reasonable. Staff was very nice. Staff treated you like you were friends not customers."
Playground access: When glamping with children, facilities with play areas provide entertainment. One visitor to Paul Bunyan mentioned, "That camping could be so easy and fun! The showers are nice and hot, it's quiet here at night, and it's such a chill atmosphere."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should consider proximity to facilities. At Pleasant Hill Campground, a visitor advised, "Sites are spacious! Connections are well placed and in good repair. Most sites are pull-through. No huge hills, several trash dumpsters conveniently located."
Utility hookups: Check which sites offer full connections. At Bar Harbor Campground, one camper explained their strategy: "I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Very close to the Pool for one night. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved. After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week."
Campground layout: Roads at some facilities present challenges for larger rigs. Consider road width and turning radius when selecting a glamping site for RVs near Alton.
