Camping spots near Brooksville, Maine are situated on the Blue Hill Peninsula, a granite-rich area with over 175 miles of shoreline nestled at the base of Penobscot Bay. Summer temperatures average 75°F during peak camping season while early fall brings cooler nights in the 40s. Many campgrounds in this region sit within 100 feet of tidal waters, providing campers with unique opportunities to observe dramatic 10-12 foot tidal changes throughout the day.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls features a rocky beach accessible via a short path with two metal bridges. "The campground is beautiful and well maintained! We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" according to Michael K., who stayed there in July.
Mount hiking with ocean views: The mountains around Camden offer moderate to challenging trails with elevation gains of 500-800 feet. "Campsite are nice great for tents and RV's. Lots of nice hikes close by with amazing views would definitely go back," reports Andrew G. who visited Camden Hills State Park.
Kayaking on protected waters: Water access ranges from protected bays to open ocean paddling opportunities. At Mount Desert Campground, "We rented double kayaks from the front office for 2 hours and kayaked Somes Sound - it was beautiful water & amazing exploring! A bit more difficult with the ocean currents vs lake kayaking," notes Whitney W.
Tide pool investigation: Explore marine ecosystems during low tide when starfish, crabs, and other sea creatures become visible. "We carefully swam to the small rock island next to the dock and collected sea snails. The water was cold but felt great when hot. Watch out for jelly fish!!" advises Whitney W. from their stay at Mount Desert Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront access options: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers both wooded and waterfront sites. "We didnt ocean front for pur RV this time cause we booked a week before but the ocean view sites are spectacular with some offering a deck facing the water!!" according to Stacy M.
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. "The sites are large however the terrain is difficult to navigate," notes Garrett D. about Mount Desert Campground, while another camper appreciated that at Reach Knolls "Sites are mostly private and have space."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and facilities receive consistent praise across most campgrounds. "Bathrooms are clean. Haven't been able to camp here the last 2 years but we are doing a family trip and going back later this summer!" writes Devin M. about Hadley's Point Campground.
Outdoor showers: Several coastal campgrounds feature unique shower facilities. "Really great views of the ocean and Deer Isle. Stayed at site 8 which had unobstructed views of ocean and close to path to beach. Def worth the visit," according to Grace B. who enjoyed the "really nice outdoor shower" at Oceanfront Camping.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially for waterfront sites. "If you want a waterfront campsite - good luck! They let the families book them year over year so it's hard to get an opening to reserve those sites," notes Whitney W. about Mount Desert Campground.
Seasonal schedules: Blackwoods Campground in Acadia National Park operates seasonally with different services. "We tried staying here in the summer a few years back and it filled up weeks ahead of time. We got lucky this trip and got one spot open same day," reports Aly E.
Transportation alternatives: Public transportation can eliminate parking hassles. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day," explains Jenna L. who stayed at Hadley's Point.
Site limitations: Know what to expect regarding hookups and site features. "Sites are not made for large RVs. They can fit smaller camper trailers and pop-ups, but that's about it. It actually adds to the campground ambience as it keeps things quiet," writes Clean Slate D. about their stay at Mount Desert Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA provides family-friendly amenities. "As with any KOA they have lots of activities throughout the day for families, and a pool, but she loves the ice pop contest. if you find a painted rock and bring it to the office you get a free ice pop," shares Melissa N.
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience. "Perfect location for those traveling with small kids, as it was just a stone's throw from both the bathhouse and playground," advises Jen V. about site #16 at Smuggler's Den Campground.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with organized programs. "Kids ride their bikes everywhere. I'd say kids get to be just the right amount of feral here. It's a safe, quiet and fun park," notes Clean Slate D. about Mount Desert Campground, which also offers "Fresh ground local coffee every morning and local Giffords ice cream at night at their 'Gathering Place'."
Crabbing opportunities: Several coastal campgrounds offer marine wildlife experiences for children. "The BEST part of this campground for our family was Somes Sound and the floating docks. We purchased a crab bucket with net from the coffee shop one morning for around $10-12. It was well worth it as my kids crab gigged for HOURS off the docks every day!" shares Whitney W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Bar Harbor Campground, flexibility pays off. "I first had a tent space facing the ocean $36. Very close to the Pool for one night. Next morning I found an electric and water spot $40 close by and moved. After 4 days and my tanks were full. I found a full hook with sewer $46 and moved for the next week," explains Celeste M.
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds limit RV length. "Campground does not take reservations so you can pick whatever open site you want and if you want to extend your stay, you can. When you arrive, you get a map, find an empty site, get set-up and then go back to the office to register," notes Nancy W. about Bar Harbor Campground.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "There is NO dump station located at the campground however a few miles down the road, there is a campground that allows you to use theirs for a $20.00 fee," advises Garrett D. about Mount Desert Campground.
Leveling requirements: Uneven terrain can require preparation. "Sites are not flat and require significant leveling if in an RV. Since the campground sits among the rocky and mountainous coast line, they have spent the time and money building leveled platforms for all the sites," explains Melissa W. who stayed at Mount Desert Campground.
