Belgrade Lakes region features 14 miles of pristine water bodies nestled in central Maine's forested landscape. Seasonal camping options typically operate from mid-May through mid-October, with many campgrounds offering premium options and water-based activities. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during peak months, making it ideal for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Birches Lakeside Campground provides excellent access to 12-mile Lake Cobboseecontee, known for its fishing. "If you enjoy water activists, boating, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking then this is your spot," notes one reviewer who describes the family-friendly environment with scheduled activities.
Disc golf courses: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake offers a complete disc golf course on the property. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf," shares a camper who found plenty of recreational variety.
Hiking trails: Several local trails provide access to the region's natural beauty. Camden Hills State Park features multiple hiking options of varying difficulty within the park boundaries. "Lots of nice hikes close by with amazing views would definitely go back," reports one visitor who enjoyed the convenience of trailheads near their campsite.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Duck Puddle Campground offers premium lakeside camping with good spacing between sites. "The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area," explains a visitor who appreciates the quieter shoulder seasons.
Organized activities: Many campgrounds near Belgrade Lakes feature scheduled entertainment. "The themed weekends are a neat concept and enjoyable," mentions a camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill, who also found the "bathrooms were clean and plentiful" during their stay.
Location convenience: Campgrounds in this region provide good access to surrounding attractions. "The campground's location was a highlight, offering easy access to the towns of Camden, Rockport, and Rockland, each having with their own unique New England charm," notes a visitor to Sennebec Lake Campground who appreciated the ability to explore the area while maintaining a comfortable base camp.
What you should know
Site differences: At most properties, the quality of sites varies significantly. "We could have chosen lakefront but they were just water and electric and since we were staying 4 days we chose the full hookup in a nicely wooded site," explains a camper at Duck Puddle Campground, highlighting the tradeoffs between views and amenities.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping close to Belgrade Lakes, Maine operates during limited months. "Season May 8 to October 13" is typical for the Augusta/Gardiner KOA, with similar timeframes at other properties. Some offer fall foliage packages during September and early October.
Reservation requirements: Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins and other popular spots fill quickly during peak season. "We booked for next Memorial weekend while there because we had so much fun!" mentions one family, emphasizing the importance of advance planning, particularly for holiday weekends and premium sites.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-specific activities: Several properties offer tailored programming. "Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens," shares a parent who appreciates the "perfect amount of privacy" while still allowing kids to participate in campground activities.
Look for accommodation variety: Families often appreciate flexible options when glamping near Belgrade Lakes. "We stay in an HHK which is a site that has its own electric stove, kitchen sink, covered picnic table, and small bathroom in the back! It's definitely more lux than a standard site, but it makes camping with kids insanely easy," explains a regular visitor to Papoose Pond who found this alternative ideal for family needs.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: When selecting sites, bathroom access matters for families. "There aren't many, hence why we stay on a site with our own, and some are extremely far away from campsites that don't allow campers," notes a parent who recommends checking the campground map carefully before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: At some campgrounds, terrain may require additional work. One visitor to Sennebec Lake Campground noted that "the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed," making setup easier for their 35-foot RV.
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging for larger units. "The roads can be very narrow if you have a long rig," cautions a visitor to Jellystone Park, suggesting campers with bigger RVs check ahead about site accessibility and turning radius requirements.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at some properties. "About half of the sites have water and electric," reports a camper at Camden Hills State Park, who recommends making reservations if you need specific hookups, especially during peak season when these premium sites fill quickly.
