Campsites near Bremen, Maine occupy a coastal area characterized by dramatic tidal fluctuations reaching up to 12 vertical feet daily. Situated along the Midcoast region at an average elevation of 85 feet, the Bremen area experiences foggy conditions particularly in early mornings during summer months. Most camping facilities in this region don't take credit cards and require reservations well in advance for peak season stays.
What to do
Kayaking in tidal waters: Launch directly from Chewonki Campground where the boat launching area operates according to tidal schedules. "Kayaking, salt water pool, walking or biking trails, boats to use. Situated on a river/inlet," writes William G., highlighting the campground's direct water access.
Explore botanical attractions: Visit the nearby Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, just a short drive from Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort. "We stayed here for a week while exploring the area...don't miss the Guardians of the Seeds (trolls) at the Botanical Gardens!" recommends Anna C., describing a unique feature of this popular attraction.
Visit lighthouses: Take a short drive to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse from camping areas. "The campground is about a mile from the lighthouse, an easy drive or bike," notes Kenneth K. about Pemaquid Point Campground, making it convenient for lighthouse enthusiasts.
Hiking local preserves: Explore the Ovens Mouth Preserve with well-marked trails near Shore Hills Campground. The preserve offers water views and is dog-friendly, providing an accessible outdoor experience for various skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers value the water-adjacent camping options. "We had a site at the end that had wonderful views of the river and we could angle our camper so we had privacy. The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide," reports Rachel S. about her stay at Shore Hills Campground & RV Park.
Clean facilities: Bath houses across the Bremen area receive consistent positive feedback. "Bathrooms were dated but clean," notes Rachel S. about Duck Puddle Campground, while others frequently mention hot showers and well-maintained restrooms.
Family-friendly environments: Many campgrounds organize activities for visitors. "They had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to. Nice family friendly campground," writes a reviewer about their Duck Puddle Campground experience, highlighting the community atmosphere.
Natural camping experience: Sites often maintain their natural wooded character. "We enjoyed our stay at Duck Puddle Campground. The staff were friendly and the place seemed well run... The site we had was on the water and had great views. It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors," according to another camper.
What you should know
Variable site spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds and within the same facility. "I am not an rv parking lot kind of person so I really like this campground. It looks like the sites are on top of each other online but they r better than most the way they are arranged," explains Carol C. about Duck Puddle Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds demand advance booking during peak season. Camden Hills State Park offers both reservable sites and walk-up options, though summer visitors should book ahead.
Payment limitations: Many campgrounds operate with cash-only policies or limited payment options. "Old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards," notes Rachel S. about Shore Hills Campground.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise, particularly those near Route 1. "We were close to the road so road noises were noticeable," reports Celeste C. about Shore Hills Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select campgrounds with designated play areas. "There is a place to put your boat in if you have it, laundry, dock, fishing, camp store and I thought a great playground and field are if u have kids with u and clean restrooms," says Carol C. about Duck Puddle Campground.
Beach proximity: For families seeking swimming options, Sherwood Forest Campsite offers convenient beach access. "The path to Pemaquid beach is right at the end of the driveway and not much further to the historic fort," reports Kevin W., highlighting the site's walkable beach connection.
Seasonal family activities: Research scheduled events before booking. "The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating 'Christmas in July' and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated," mentions a Duck Puddle reviewer, describing special programming that appeals to families.
Water safety awareness: Understand tidal schedules before planning water activities. "The tides are crazy in Maine so be careful if you use the boat launch that you don't get stuck on a mud flat when the 9-11' tide disappears," cautions a visitor to Shore Hills Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than general categories. "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," advises Carol C. about her experience at Duck Puddle Campground.
Leveling considerations: Many sites require minimal adjustment. "The sites have always been tidy and staff friendly. Tent sites are close together but comfortable and the location is very convenient to Damriscotta and other downeast towns," reports Alison about Chewonki Campground.
Hookup placement: Pay attention to electrical and water locations when positioning your RV. "The post that the electrical box and water was hooked to was in standing water," notes one camper, highlighting the importance of checking utility locations before setup.
Off-season benefits: Consider shoulder season visits for better availability. "We stayed at Megunticook during Memorial weekend. Staff was friendly and the local sites were plentiful," reports a camper, noting the advantages of early season camping near Bremen.
