The area around Bridgton, Maine sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level, surrounded by the Oxford Hills region with several bodies of water including Long Lake, Highland Lake, and Woods Pond. Winter temperatures average 10-30°F while summer ranges from 55-80°F, with significant snowfall from December through March limiting camping options. Many campgrounds have sandy beaches and boat launches with water depths varying from shallow swimming areas to deeper fishing spots over 100 feet.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Rent kayaks at River Run Campground where you can float down the Saco River at your own pace. A camper noted, "You can take a kayak or tube trip by putting in upstream and floating back to your own site." The river has a gentle current ideal for beginners, with most trips taking 2-3 hours.
Hiking nearby: Access Pleasant Mountain via the southwest ridge trail, which rises 2,006 feet and offers panoramic views. According to a visitor at On the Saco Family Campground, "If you are in the area I also suggest taking a trek up to Pleasant Mountain via the southwest ridge trail. It is a trek but well worth the views at the top."
Explore connected waterways: From Sebago Lake State Park Campground, take boats through the Songo Locks system that connects multiple lakes. A camper explained, "You can take the boat up river through the songo locks. All the way up to long lake. Stop at Naples causeway for a bite to eat."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campsites at Colonial Mast Campground offer direct access to water. A visitor remarked, "We stayed right on the beach. The lake is gorgeous. Rocks make direct access to the water from the site difficult, but there is a beach for water access not too far away."
Swimming options: Crystal clear water at multiple locations allows for excellent swimming conditions. One camper at Loon's Haven Family Campground shared, "Trickey pond is crystal clear and beautiful. We boated over to one of the small islands to find a rope swing which provided entertainment and memories for my children."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. A visitor stated, "This campground has the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen while camping. The pond is crystal clear and we boated over to one of the small islands to find a rope swing."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for summer weekends, especially for waterfront sites. At Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins, a regular visitor mentioned, "We've been camping as a large group here every year for 12 years," suggesting the popularity requires advance planning.
Site privacy varies: Campgrounds differ significantly in how close sites are positioned. A camper at Two Lakes Camping observed, "Some sites look much tighter but our space was great! Nice sandy beach area and clean bathrooms!"
Off-season options: While most campgrounds close after Columbus Day, some remain open year-round. A visitor at Colonial Mast Campground noted, "We stayed at Colonial Mast Campground 10/31/2020 to 11/1/2020. The water was turned off at our site due to freezing temps. Sewer and electric were available."
Tips for camping with families
Activity schedules: Naples Campground offers structured entertainment for children throughout the week. A visitor shared, "Grounds are well maintained and its location is close to the action if you want to rent boat/jet ski. Kids loved the water slides, crafts and pool."
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas for children. A camper at Two Lakes Camping mentioned, "Nice sandy beach area and clean bathrooms! Close and convenient to town and surrounding areas."
Nightly entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule evening activities for all ages. A visitor to On the Saco Family Campground reported, "Camping for the night before the hike to the summit of Pleasant Mountain! Beautiful campground, super friendly owners, amazing Saco River access, and crazy reasonable rates per night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with dedicated sections for different camping styles. A visitor to Town Hall Road Dispersed noted, "Town Hall Rd is a long road with many designated dispersed sites, all far apart from each other and all varying in levelness and size. We got lucky and snagged a perfect spot 2 miles in from the entrance sign - completely level."
Access considerations: RV campers should research road conditions, especially for dispersed sites. A camper explained, "The road is dirt, but it's hard packed and smooth, with a few dips and holes here and there. A little narrow but it's manageable."
Hookup availability: Most established campgrounds offer full hookups, while some have partial. A visitor to Papoose Pond Family Campground and Cabins shared, "This is a glamping campground and so much going on for kidd and adults. The pond is amazing. The store is huge! The sites are huge!"
