Bingham, Maine sits at 475 feet elevation in Somerset County along the Kennebec River. The region experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers with temperatures typically ranging from 65-80°F. Campers should prepare for significant temperature drops at night even during summer months, with overnight lows sometimes reaching the 40s.
What to do
**Fishing adventures: Cathedral Pines Campground offers access to prime fishing locations. "Sites are very large and spacious. You are not on top of the next one. Facilities are bright and clean. Every site has its own 'fire box' with cooking grate," notes Ken B. The campground is located near Flagstaff Lake, providing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
ATV trail riding: The region features extensive trail networks accessible from multiple campgrounds. "If you want to ride ATV trails, fish and swim in the Kennebec River, ride mountain bikes on the Kennebec rail trail this is a great place to stay," shares Kevin W. about The Evergreens Campground. Most trails require current registration and safety equipment.
Moose viewing expeditions: Early morning or evening trips yield the best wildlife sightings. Moosehead Family Campground serves as a convenient base. "This campground is a decent place for a home base while exploring the region," notes Kevin W. Local guides recommend bringing binoculars and staying in your vehicle when spotting moose.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Visitors consistently mention the generous size of sites at Cowan Cove. "Wonderful location only 18 sites. I have camped here several times and live in the area. Roads are bumpy and dusty but very passable," reports Mark T. Sites typically accommodate multiple tents or campers without feeling crowded.
Lakefront access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for swimming and boating. "Large spacious camp sites in the trees. Very quiet family campground with beautiful views of flagstaff lake. Boat launch is prefect we're able to store our kayaks right at the beach," says Bryan B. about Cathedral Pines Campground.
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout their stay. "The themed weekends are a neat concept and enjoyable," shares Will T. about Jellystone Park. Morning crafts, evening movies, and weekend competitions occur regularly during peak season.
What you should know
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require traveling on logging roads with challenging conditions. "I would not take a car down these logging roads. Pothole mania here. They are not maintained much more than needed for logging trucks," advises Tina D. about reaching Cowan Cove. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for these areas.
Booking timeline: Reserve glamping close to Bingham, Maine well in advance, especially for holiday weekends. Magic Falls Adventures Campground offers tent sites and glamping options but fills quickly. "We really enjoyed staying here since we were rafting with them the next day. Cheap spots right next to the river," notes Catherine M.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes and black flies can be intense, particularly in late spring and early summer. "Incredibly buggy. Site was advertise as next to the river, but had to walk through heavy vegetation to even see it," reports Erika H. about Cupsuptic Lake Park. Bring repellent, head nets, and consider screened shelters.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park focuses on family entertainment. "So many many things to do for kids. The swimming pool was awesome as well as the water slides. The fireworks on July 4th could match Disney World," shares Cheryl R. Their arcade and playground remain open until 9pm during summer.
Beach access considerations: Not all waterfront campgrounds have swimming beaches. "Swimming from the beach is great but often crowded. There are no water front camp sites but there is ample waterfront to share! head to the right of the main Beach area for more secluded water access," suggests Michelle R. about Peaks-Kenny State Park.
Rainy day options: Weather can change quickly in this region. "There's also a small rec hall as well as a cabin for games/reading/puzzles on a rainy day," notes Jean C. about Cathedral Pines Campground. Many campgrounds maintain indoor recreation spaces for inclement weather.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Due to terrain, finding level sites can be challenging. "Our site (#25) was a long pull thru that sloped down in the front and took a bit for us to get level and our front steps were pretty high off the ground," shares Nancy W. about Moosehead Family Campground. Request site photos or specific recommendations when booking.
Access limitations: Larger rigs face significant challenges at some campgrounds. "Small campground with 36 RV and tent sites located just a couple of miles from downtown Greenville. The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs," warns Nancy W. Rigs over 30 feet should confirm access before booking.
Utility considerations: Full hookups are limited in this region. "They provide a discount for a week-long stay. Rates vary depending on the dates, special events, and utilities you select. Although they don't offer sewer connections, there is a dump station and they also offer collection service," explains Jean C. about Moosehead Family Campground.