Dog-Friendly Camping near Camden, ME

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    Camden Hills State Park Campground welcomes pets across its 107 sites for tent, RV, and glamping accommodations. Pets must be kept on leashes throughout the campground, and visitors report clean, well-maintained facilities with ample space between sites for dog walking. Megunticook Campground and Megunticook by the Sea both allow pets at their cabin sites, offering water and electric hookups alongside pet-friendly accommodations. The bathrooms and showers at most pet-friendly campgrounds are clean and accessible, though Camden Hills has some dated facilities according to visitor feedback. Sites are typically level with gravel pads, picnic tables, and fire pits where pets can relax with their owners.

    Hiking trails connected to Camden Hills State Park provide excellent pet exercise opportunities with miles of pathways accessible directly from campsites. The Mount Battie auto road allows campers to drive to spectacular views of Penobscot Bay with their pets, closing at 8:30 PM during peak season. The town of Camden lies just 1.5 miles from the state park campground, offering veterinary services and pet supply options. Summer temperatures are typically comfortable for pets, but owners should be prepared for cooler nights, especially in early and late season. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground provides waterfront access where dogs can cool off during warmer days. Most campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with rangers patrolling regularly to ensure pet policies are followed.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Camden (88)

      1. Camden Hills State Park Campground

      4.3(33)2mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

      "As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

      from $25 - $45 / night

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      2. Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

      4.4(16)4mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Campground is right on bay in nice location close to Camden and Rockland. Very well maintained and nice store."

      "**The location of this campground is outstanding. Conveniently situated between Camden and Rockport off of Route One, the views of the Penobscot Bay are drop dead gorgeous."

      from $32 - $58 / night

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      3. Megunticook Campground

      4.2(11)4mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The campground is perfectly located between Camden and Rockland Maine. For a private campground the sites are a decent size with some trees. There is a beautiful overlook to the ocean."

      "The campground sits a short drive from Rockland and is also near to Camden. I highly recommend this campground!"

      4. Sennebec Lake Campground

      4.6(8)11mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Sennebec Lake Campground provided a blend of relaxation and adventure for the kiddos and the campground's commitment to modern conveniences is evident, with amenities that bring together comfort and wilderness"

      "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach."

      from $56 - $219 / night

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      5. Searsport Shores Ocean Campground

      4.6(17)17mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pet friendly BUT must be in leak at all times. Cannot be left alone in RV or vehicle. No sewer. Friendly atmosphere"

      "beautiful campground with a lot of space for kids and/or dogs to run around, including a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run. they have a garden of veggies, and flowers, a stage for"

      from $14 - $168 / night

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      6. Continuous Harmony Farm

      4.5(2)4mi from Camden4 sitesTents

      "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many."

      "Park your van, or pop your tent, next to the pond. Chill out and watch the sheep, or pick your own blueberries alongside their raking crew in their organic wild blueberry barrens."

      from $40 / night

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      7. Lobster Buoy Campsites

      4.4(5)13mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The price was incredible given the proximity to the water. The only negative was that the RVs were pretty loud."

      "Campground was somewhat old but nice and located along the Atlantic Ocean with a small beach. RV sites are close together but ok and has electric and water. A dump station is located at the CG."

      8. Camden Hills RV Resort

      3.0(1)3mi from CamdenRVs, Tents

      9. Duck Puddle Campground

      4.3(11)21mi from CamdenRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

      10. Moorings Campground

      4.3(4)16mi from CamdenRVs, Tents

      "Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. "

      "This is a great location from which to explore Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor and towns of Belfast, Rockland and Camden."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Camden, ME

    761 Reviews of 88 Camden Campgrounds


    • Becca H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 16, 2022

      Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

      Clean and Quiet with Friendly People!

      Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming. Much of the population consists of seasonal campers with huge RVs and Motor Homes. It’s very adult oriented, super quiet, and super clean. There are nice little walking trails and a small fenced in dog park where dogs can play. Would definitely stay here again if in the area!

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 18, 2017

      Moorings Campground

      Love the Ocean Access and Views

      Overall, this is a great little private RV park with awesome views (from some sites) and great access to the ocean. The park is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Belfast (a sweet little Maine town) which offers plenty to do and see. Plus, you are just five miles from the cute town of Searsport which houses the wonderful Penobscot Marine Museum and two miles from Moose Point State Park with hiking trails, picnic areas, and more gorgeous views.

      The park offers a variety of sites (44 total) depending on if you want oceanfront, ocean view, or a pull-thru. All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi. The five pull-thru sites also include sewer. A mobile sewer pump-out service is available for guests staying one week or longer and there is a dump station. Roads and sites are gravel with grass patios and level. All sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Our Verizon 4G phone and Hotspot worked great but we mostly used the free wifi which worked very well.

      Park amenities include private ocean access, horseshoes, playground, laundry, showers/bathrooms, free coffee in the morning, free weekend papers delivered to your site, free donuts on Sunday mornings, and a restaurant on-site. The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, and free wine and beer during Friday Happy Hours. The laundry has two wash machines/dryers and was clean and tidy.

      The Moorings is in a great location. It is just a few miles from downtown Belfast where you will find restaurants, a brewery, boutiques, a movie theater, art galleries, historic museums/sites, and plenty of water-related activities. Grocery stores and fuel stations are within a few miles of the RV Park. Just a mere 20 miles away is the popular coastal town of Camden.   

      What we liked about this park is the town of Belfast and how close the RV park is to downtown. Also, the parks small size and friendly people make this an enjoyable place to stay. We like the fact that they had social activities (like free happy hour and donuts) that bring people together. The ocean access in this park is great! A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out. 

      The biggest downside for us was the price and lack of sewer and 50 amp at some sites. Our site was $66/night for a FHU (50 amp) pull-thru on the hill in the front of the park without much in the way of a water view. Premier oceanfront sites (with no sewer and 30 amps) are $72/night during high season. That being said, there are not too many options for campgrounds in the Belfast area and we really did like staying here. 

      From a dog owners perspective this park gets mixed reviews. The rules ask that dogs be on a 4’ or less lease, you may only have two pets (unless you get prior approval), they must do their business in one small area and are not allowed on most grassy areas throughout the park. We make a consorted effort not too let our dog pee or poop in others yards but we don’t always have control over where that happens. We did like the fact that you could take them down to the ocean to play in the water and on the beach when the tide was out. Within two miles of the RV park is Moose Point State Park with a few miles of hiking trails, picnic area and water access (a daily use fee is charged). Downtown Belfast does have a fenced off-leash 1.4 – acre dog park with water for dogs and benches for owners.

    • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 25, 2019

      Hadley's Point Campground

      Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Hadley’s Point Campground

      **Campground Review: **

      Hadley’s Point Campground is located on the north side of Mt Desert Island and just a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Hadley’s Point is a large private campground that has tent, water& electric RV, and full hook up sites, as well as Cabins. The campground is broke up in to multiple loops (campground map can be found in my pictures) with some loops in open areas with little shade and sites close together, and other loops have more wooded sites that have some shade and privacy. All style sites include a picnic table and fire ring. 

      Reservations are site type, not site specific, so a little bit of a gamble. We were assigned site B27 on this visit. This site was partially shade depending on the time of day and very close to our neighbors. Other sites in the B loop did have more trees and more private, but they were full on this stay. Check-in was easy and the staff was very helpful in providing info and answering questions about the area. A host guides you to your site and assist you in positioning if needed. 

      The bathroom on B-loop does not have showers so we had to hike to other loops to shower. The Bathrooms and showers were very clean. The showers are metered and cost $0.50 per 7 minutes, so don’t forget your quarters! 

      Firewood and limited supplies were available at the office. There is a full grocery store about 10 minutes away. 

      We found good cell phone service with Verizon throughout the property. The campground did not have wi-fi. 

      The campground also has a heated pool, playground, and laundry. 

      With Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park close by, there is so much to do and see in the area. One of the best benefits of the area is that there is a free shuttle with multiple routes around the island, so you can leave the car and parking hassles behind and just shuttle everywhere. The Shuttle has a stop right on the campground and is dog friendly (on leash and if your dog is friendly). 

      Speaking of dog friendly, I’ve never been to an area that is so dog friendly. The campground staff was very forthcoming with dog friendly info and I have to mention Bark Harbor in downtown Bar Harbor. Bark Harbor is a pet store that bakes their own treats, has toys and gifts, and tons of info on dog friendly areas on the island. They have pre-printed lists of dog friendly hotels, restaurants, on and off leash hiking trails, and dog parks. Super friendly crew that keyed us into an off leash hiking area that our dogs loved! 

      Pro Tip: A short ¼ mile walk from the campground is an off leash dog friendly beach that you can also launch your kayak or canoe from or have a sunset beach campfire. We really enjoys this beach after a long day of hiking all around the national park. 

      With all the outdoor activities of the national park, kayak and boat cruises in the ocean, lobster, lobster, lobster, you’ll need a full week to explore this island. Hadley’s Point made it a perfect place for us to take it all in.

      **---------------------------- **

      **Product Review: **

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Morsel Spork. This spork from Morel is very handy to have in your gear list. We are teardrop campers, so our space is limited. Everything has to have a purpose and be compact. Items like the Morsel Spork, that serves multiple functions, fit right into our needs. We purchased both the mini and the XL. Both are the same (spork on one end, spoon/scraper on the other end), but the XL is a little longer. We found this very functional for regular eating from plates or bowls, or eating directly from food packets. I also found the scraper spoon side useful in cleaning out our french press carafe. Easy to clean, easy to use, comes in multiple colors, and happy to have it a part of our camping equipment.

    • Jess Y.
      Apr. 16, 2021

      Camden Hills State Park Campground

      A Camden Must

      Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground. You are not only a short drive into town with shops, beaches and restaurants but also have access to many trails right outside of your tent (or camper). Camden is where the “Mountains Meet the Sea” and the trails in CHSP offer some of the most beautiful views on the coast. I personally am a sucker for ocean views from mountaintops. The park staff are the best and very friendly and knowledgeable about the park and trails. The campsites themselves are fairly secluded with enough tree and brush in between you and your neighbors to feel separated. Bathrooms/showers were very clean. Every time I have stayed here it has always been very quiet and relaxing—a great place to recharge. You are also close to many great kayaking/paddleboarding areas such as Megunticook Lake and Camden Harbor (Curtis Island Lighthouse is a must). I give Camden Hills all the stars.

    • MJ B.
      Jun. 19, 2024

      Bass Harbor Campground

      Hidden Gem When Visiting Acadia National Park

      We stayed at this campground unexpectedly as two places I was looking at would not accept reservations less than 24 hours in advance. They had availability, offered wooded tent spots, and were affordable as some campgrounds anymore are charging an arm and leg to camp. When we arrived, the girls in the office were super sweet. They had the essentials needed if you are in a pinch, a cute gift shop for the Bass Harbor Lighthhouse (bring your lighthouse passport with you to get stamped here), have coffee/muffins in the morning, washrooms were very clean, laundry, dog park, dog run, small rec center, and pool. Tent sites are nicely wooded and spaced out, so you are not on top of one another. Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 7 AM, and it was so nice to camp in peace and quiet with others wanting the same thing. There are homes close by, but they are fenced off and really are out of sight, so it's not really an issue. The Bass Harbor Lighthhouse is literally 500 feet away. We could hear the bouy ding from our campsite. There are two beautiful hiking trails .7 miles away from the campgrounds: Ship Harbor and Wonderland, that bring you to beautiful ocean views. One of the Acadia Park entrances is 5 minutes away. Southwest Harbor is a short ride away to grab an ice cream or a nice dinner. There is a brand new mini golf center further down the road that is amazing!! The Acadia Mountain trail is not far nor is the Cranberry Island Ferry. This was a prime location to see another side of Bar Harbor, see beautiful sites and avoid the crowds of downtown Bar Harbor. So happy I stumbled across this campground by accident. I would highly recommend and will definitely return!

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 1, 2021

      Camden Hills RV Resort

      O.k. park, great area.

      This campground is so-so but the Camden area of Maine is really pretty with a beautiful harbor, lots of paddling opportunities, and good hiking. This campground is fairly small with a few amenities like a swimming pool, clubhouse, volleyball and basketball courts. The pool is pretty small with some chairs scattered about and tables and umbrellas. The roads are gravel with potholes and campsites are grassy or dirt depending on if you are under a tree or a previous campers patio mat killed the grass. Lots of tall pine trees provide shade but also make it a little difficult to navigate the roads. We had to go pretty slow to avoid hitting tree branches. Parking under the pines also meant a lot of sap on our roof which was a bear to remove. 

      There are lots of seasonal campers and their sites were pretty tidy. There are a variety of sites from those with no hook-ups to 50 amp full hook-ups and the prices are pretty reasonable for New England, especially in a very popular tourist town. Our site was shady and a pull-thru. Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us. It appears the new owners are really trying to upgrade the park and make improvements to roads and sites. Most of the patios are a mix of dirt and grass. There is a$5 pet fee, but it is per pet/stay and not a daily cost. 

      Wifi was a service you had to pay for which is almost unheard of in todays campgrounds. Most campgrounds offer free wifi (albeit, with varying degrees of usability) but this one only offered the wifi for a fee. We decided not to shell out the money but since we did not get a strong Verizon signal, internet access was pretty much non-existent. The other problem was that we did not get any over-the-air television channels and they did not have cable. Satellite reception was also a problem because of the trees. It is best to have a portable unit but even then, it could be difficult to get reception. 

      This park is in a great location to Camden and nearby towns. We loved taking the ferry to Vinalhaven Island for the day and picking up prepared food at the Market Basket and eating it along the Rockland Harbor waterfront watching the boats come and go. There is great hiking and beautiful views at the nearby Camden Hills State Park.

    • D
      Jul. 23, 2023

      Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA

      Great KOA!

      My family and I stayed at this KOA this past week. It was agreat experience! That staff was awesome and over the top accommodating. We had a pull through site with full hook up right across from the on site Lobster Trap Cafe. The site was spacious and comfortable. The whole campground was neat and clean. Staff members pick up trash throughout the day at all of the sites. The Lobster Trap had a good menu, and great customer service. They are mainly open in the evenings but also appear to serve lunch and breakfast on the weekends. 

      The camp store was well stocked also. There is also an island shuttle bus stop right at the entrance to the campground. There is a gas station and take out restaurant ( Island Take Out) right across from the entrance as well. There was a nice dog park as well. Cell service with AT&T was great. Cell service with T-Mobile was spotty. We did not try the campground wifi. The only down side to the trip was gnats and mosquitos, but that was all over the island and no fault of the KOA. This was one of the best KOA's we have visited and we will definitely stay there again when we visit Acadia.

    • Laurie H.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 18, 2022

      Mount Desert Campground

      A Place To Visit For Generations

      We camped for years and years at Mount Desert Campground with our four children and my Sister-in-Law and her two sons. The kids are all grown now and are taking their own camping trips to this amazing place. It is a family run campground with immaculate grounds and bathroom facilities on Somes Sound in Mt. Desert, Maine which is right next to the fabulous town of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Forest. There are so many activities and amenities just minutes from this lovely campground but, if you choose to stay put...you will not be disappointed. There are lovely camp roads to walk, run, or bike. Fresh air to breathe, an epic long dock to catch and release crabs near, kayak or canoe rentals, and so much more. The Camp store has wonderful provisions including homemade bear claws in the am to enjoy with coffee or tea. It is above and beyond a family favorite place to camp in Maine.

    • Jacquelin P.
      Aug. 6, 2018

      Old Quarry Ocean Adventures (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)

      Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away

      Perfect pet friendly campground near Acadia but far enough away from it all. Friendly staff, peaceful nature setting on the water, and starry nights. Clean bathrooms and large campsites. Couldn’t have asked for more. Great also if you love kayaking or paddling!!


    Guide to Camden

    Camden Hills State Park offers 107 sites along Maine's rugged midcoast region. Located 1.5 miles from downtown Camden at an elevation of about 800 feet, the park provides direct access to over 30 miles of hiking trails through 5,700 acres of forested hills. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F during the day with cooler evening temperatures in the 50s, especially in early and late season.

    What to do

    Explore local harbors and waterfronts: Lobster Buoy Campsites provides direct access to South Thomaston's waterfront. "We wanted to love this campground because of the location, but just couldn't get there. It is really tight for big rigs and many of the sites are just o.k. being too close, unlevel, or with no view. The location is great, if that is what you are after. Not too far away is the best lobster pound in the world– McLoons which has the best food and most amazing views," writes Nancy W.

    Kayak the protected bays: Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers direct ocean access for kayakers. "The tent sites are completely separate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained. The gardens, grounds and bathroom/laundry amenities that are offered are kept in beautiful clean condition," notes April W. Most waterfront campgrounds provide beach or dock access for launching small watercraft.

    Visit local small towns: Most campgrounds sit within 20 minutes of charming coastal villages. "We are full time RV'rs and have stayed at lots of campgrounds but this place holds a special place in our hearts. Nice hiking trails around the property that our dog just loves," reports Dan G. about Searsport Shores. Local towns offer museums, farmers markets, and local dining options that change seasonally.

    What campers like

    Cedar showers at private campgrounds: Meguniticook by the Sea Campground receives consistent praise for bathroom facilities. "The bathrooms are clean and the cedar showers are awesome! We've been excited to come back here since we left," writes Chelsea. Several reviewers specifically mention these cedar-built shower facilities as a highlight of their stay.

    Waterfront access and views: Sennebec Lake Campground offers both lakefront and wooded sites. "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach," says Pam A. Most lake and ocean-front campgrounds provide swimming areas during summer months.

    Organized activities for families: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Camden organize community events. "The owners host a Lobster bake on Saturdays and it was so good. The staff was very friendly and helpful. They also had great showers with hot water! And free coffee in the office at 8," reports Mona S. about Meguniticook by the Sea. Many campgrounds offer weekend programming during peak season from June through August.

    What you should know

    Early reservations essential for waterfront sites: Prime waterfront locations book months ahead. "We arrived just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet. Our large back-in site was set in an open sunny area but most of the sites are nicely tucked into the woods with plenty of space between them," notes Nancy W. about Camden Hills State Park.

    Price variations and extra fees: Duck Puddle Campground and other private campgrounds may charge additional fees beyond the base rate. One camper at Megunticook Campground noted: "$30 site lock to ensure you get the site you want when you reserve. I took a chance and was able to get the site I reserved without paying this fee." Many campgrounds charge for WiFi access and dump station use.

    Limited cell service at some locations: Internet connectivity varies widely across the region. "The park does have free wifi at most campsites and the signal was very strong. (Sites #68-81 do not have wifi)," notes one Camden Hills visitor. Some private campgrounds charge for WiFi access while others include it with your stay.

    Tips for camping with families

    Consider water access options: Continuous Harmony Farm offers pond-side camping for families. "The space is gorgeous, right next to a pond. Important to know though, there are several campsites. It's unclear how many campers could be there on any given night but it could be many," notes Adam B. Many families prefer lake access over ocean access for swimming with children.

    Look for pet-friendly campground amenities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Camden typically provide designated pet areas. "We are pop-up campers. We had plenty of room for our camper. Dog friendly. Bathrooms were very clean," writes Jimmy M. about Camden Hills State Park. Most campgrounds require dogs to remain on leash at all times including on trails and at the campsite.

    Check playground conditions: Some campgrounds maintain better play facilities than others. One camper noted at Duck Puddle: "Playground not updated since the 80s. Game room is 6 claw machines, 2 arcade games, and a broken jukebox packed in a tiny room." Camden Hills State Park similarly has limited playground equipment compared to private campgrounds that typically offer more recreational facilities.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection affects leveling needs: Many Camden area campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We have a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property and the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed," writes Jason G. about Sennebec Lake Campground. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most campgrounds in the area.

    Tree clearance for large rigs: Campgrounds with mature trees may present challenges. "There are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig," notes one Camden Hills State Park visitor. Many RVers report needing to go slowly through wooded campgrounds to avoid low-hanging branches.

    Seasonal site availability: Most Camden area campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October. Several close earlier in September or limit services. Check individual campground websites for current operating dates as seasonal opening and closing dates can shift based on weather conditions and staffing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Camden, ME?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Camden, ME is Camden Hills State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 33 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Camden, ME?

    TheDyrt.com has all 88 dog-friendly camping locations near Camden, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.