Camping opportunities near Beddington, Maine encompass everything from basic tent sites to elevated glamping experiences. Situated on the eastern coast approximately 45 miles east of Bangor, the region experiences heavy snowfall in winter and mild summers with average July temperatures around 70°F. Cell service is limited in this rural area with AT&T showing better coverage than other carriers.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Branch Lake: Parks Pond Campground provides access to multiple wading areas for swimming. A camper noted, "Water rentals kayaks etc were very reasonable. Staff was very nice."
Trail riding opportunities: Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides through Maine's rural landscape. As one visitor mentioned, "This is the first campground we have stayed at that has ATV trail access, horse friendly camping, full hookups, pull through sites, tent camping, tent rentals, teepee rentals, 'tiny bird cabin', and a tree house."
Ocean exploration: At HTR Acadia, visitors can launch kayaks directly from waterfront sites. "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. (If you don't have a waterfront site, there are 2 water access areas that anyone can launch from). The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows," wrote one camper.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor to Seawall Campground shared, "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness."
What campers like
Digital disconnection: Many visitors appreciate the lack of connectivity as a feature, not a drawback. At Machias Rips Campsite, a reviewer observed, "This campground is one of my favorites in Maine! Sitting only an hour from Ellsworth and Bangor ME this is a nature lovers dream!"
Off-grid experiences: Free dispersed camping options provide genuine wilderness experiences. One camper at Machias Rips noted, "There is about 4 Sites with river front views and trails leading to the water from each camp. There are also bigger sites for campers and RV's. There is a site with a wooden protection shelter for tent campers as well!"
Fishing opportunities: Local rivers and lakes offer productive fishing. A Machias Rips visitor reported, "I've caught smallmouth bass, chubs and trout in the river so far! (Black and silver Jerk baits work great)."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain high standards of cleanliness. A visitor at Lamoine State Park Campground noted, "Showers were surprisingly good and often cleaned."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Black flies can be problematic in late spring. A visitor to Great Pond Outdoor Recreation Area advised, "Only downside was we went during black fly season, wait until they are gone to be able to enjoy it fully!"
Site selection matters: Campgrounds vary widely in site quality and layout. At HTR Acadia, a camper suggested, "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal. Proximity to Acadia National Park, Southwest Harbor, and all the great things to do in the area is perfect."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal amenities. A Machias Rips visitor explained, "New style out houses are on site but other than that it's completely off grid! Most Cell phone carriers won't have service back at the camp, I myself had to drive 20 Minutes up the road for signal."
Shower arrangements: Several campgrounds have pay showers. One Seawall Campground visitor noted, "Showers were ~2 miles away, open 4-7 pm and $1.50 for 2 minutes of water."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. As noted at Parks Pond Campground, "They have two wading areas, playground, sand box, laundry and arcade as well as a general store for extras you may have forgotten."
Explore specialty accommodations: For families seeking a unique experience, Cottonwood Camping & RV Park offers themed accommodations. A visitor shared, "This campground is absolutely adorable. RV, tent, Treehouse camping to camping out in a Teepee!"
Public transportation options: When visiting Acadia, utilize the Island Explorer shuttle. A Bar Harbor Campground visitor reported, "There is the Island Explorer (free) shuttle that have various routes and stops on Mount Desert Island and Acadia NP. The shuttle stops at the campground so you can hitch a ride downtown or to the park and not have to worry about parking."
Plan for weather variability: Maine weather can change quickly, especially near the coast. Be prepared for temperature swings and sudden rain even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling equipment. A visitor to Lamoine State Park noted, "Many sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an rv. Some sites have more buffer than others, but in general I would not say that there is great privacy between sites."
Utility access considerations: Hookup locations may require planning. An HTR Acadia camper mentioned, "Our site has water and electric on the wrong side."
Alternative glamping near Beddington: For those seeking luxury glamping near Beddington without an RV, consider specialty accommodations. A Cottonwood visitor shared, "A huge Teepee with a very comfortable queen size bed, a couch, table, area animal rugs, coffee maker and a fan if needed. The very clean restrooms were located nearby, which was convenient."
First-come availability: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come basis. A Bar Harbor Campground visitor explained, "Is a first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours."
