Camping near Beddington, Maine offers access to the Downeast and Acadia region. Located in Washington County at an elevation of 374 feet, Beddington sits in Maine's rugged interior with nearby lakes and forests. Weather conditions vary dramatically with season, as summer temperatures average 70-80°F during the day while dropping to freezing during winter months. Many RV campgrounds near Beddington close between mid-October and early May due to harsh Maine winters.
What to do
Explore Acadia National Park sections: 45 minutes to Schoodic Peninsula for less crowded hiking and coastal views. "Close to Acadia NP. Large number of LARGE (100' Plus) pull thru sites. Quite place. Wal Mart, Gas stations, Cell phone stores, Lobster pounds very close by," notes a visitor at Timberland Acres RV Park.
Water activities on tidal areas: Kayaking requires planning around 10-12 foot tides in coastal campgrounds. "You will be left walking across muddy soft clam flats if you are not mindful of the 10-12 foot tides," explains a camper from Narrows Too Camping Resort.
Visit local farms and wineries: Several organic farms and wineries operate within 20 minutes of coastal camping areas. "There is a wonderful organic farm down the road and a couple of local wineries are nearby," mentions a camper who stayed at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
What campers like
Ocean views with wildlife watching: Waterfront sites allow for seal and bird observation. "Make sure you wake up early and head down to the point because the sunrises are spectacular," recommends a camper from West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Community gardens at select campgrounds: Fresh produce available for campers to harvest during summer months. "We love the free community garden which has a wonderful selection of produce including strawberries, tomatillos, fresh herbs, beans, lettuces, etc. Feel free to pick whatever you will eat, just leave some for others," shares a guest at West Bay Acadia.
Less crowded camping options: Some parks offer quieter alternatives to Bar Harbor. "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," reports a visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal availability varies widely: Most campgrounds operate between May and October. "We stayed here from Thursday to Sunday in site #67. I would recommend requesting a site other than 66 or 67 because it backs right up to the water pump system for the RV park, which is quite loud when the pump turns on and off," advises a camper at Timberland Acres RV Park.
Water quality issues may occur: Some parks have discolored water from local systems. "There is defined an issue with the water. When we turned in the tap the water ran brown," reports a camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Insects require preparation: Black flies and mosquitoes are common in spring and summer. "Screen rooms are a good idea because the black flies and mosquitos in Maine can be quite pesky in the spring and summer," notes a visitor to Jonesport Campground.
Pricing increases with proximity to Acadia: Expect to pay $30-$165 per night depending on location and hookups. "Sites range in price from $125-165/night depending on the season (with possible additional charges for electricity usage)," mentions a visitor to West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Limited activities for children: Some campgrounds cater primarily to adults. "This campground caters more to adults and does not have too much for kids to do. Most of the campers were seasonals whose campsites were well-kept and they were quiet," shares a visitor from Pumpkin Patch RV Resort.
Kid-friendly campground amenities: Look for parks with playgrounds and pools. "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, but both were closed since we came in at the end of season," reports a family who stayed at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Pack extra food and supplies: Grocery stores are limited in smaller towns. "Grab groceries in Ellsworth if you want to save $. You are best to bring everything you need," advise campers who visited the region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some waterfront sites lack sewer connections. "I thought I had full hookups. Come to find out none of the oceanfront sites have sewer. They do have a honey wagon that will pump you out on Mondays and Fridays for 25$ a pop," warns an RVer at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort.
Extended stay options: Several parks offer monthly rates for longer visits. "Prices are significantly more expensive than marked on here, most people come with large vehicles and do sewage outlets so the shower bathroom can be far if you need it. You pay a premium to be in the region during the season but it will run at least 1700 a month," notes a long-term visitor at Timberland Acres.
Multiple sewer connection options: Some sites provide dual hookup locations. "Most sites have two sewer hook-ups which is convenient because hook ups vary depending on RV type," explains a camper at West Bay Acadia RV Campground.
Limited site availability during peak season: Reservations recommended 3-6 months in advance for summer stays. "Worked out perfectly for us. We had a nice pull through site with full hook ups. Most are pretty close to each other, ours was wider but faced another camper who faced us," shares an RVer at Timberland Acres.