Coastal Maine offers unique tent camping opportunities around Camden. The region experiences cool summer nights with average temperatures between 50-75°F, even during July and August. Coastal fog often dissipates by mid-morning but returns in late afternoon, creating challenging conditions for navigation and temperature regulation for tent campers.
What to do
Kayaking at local ponds: Access waterways from Tiny Cabins of Maine, where "Kayaking in the pond was a highlight, thanks to the convenient dock." The campground features a large pond surrounded by Maine forests.
Blueberry picking in season: Farm-based campgrounds offer seasonal blueberry harvesting. At Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss, campers can enjoy "acres of blueberry fields, which create a special sense of being in nature."
Island exploration: From Stonington, explore the Maine Island Trail's 200 islands. A camper noted that Nathan Island is "perfect for 1-2 small tents and is just a stone's throw away from the famous and beautiful Isle au Haut."
Axe throwing: Some local campgrounds provide unusual activities. One camper at Tiny Cabins of Maine mentioned they "enjoyed the pub's games and even tried our hand at axe throwing."
What campers like
Platform camping: Some campgrounds offer elevated tent platforms. A camper at Tiny Cabins of Maine appreciated "the pop-up toilet and sturdy wooden platform" that were "thoughtfully provided" for tent campers.
Farm animal interactions: Agricultural campgrounds provide unique experiences. At Continuous Harmony Farm, campers can "chill out and watch the sheep" while staying next to a pond.
Glamping options: For those seeking upgraded accommodations, Tops'l Farm offers "both cabins and glamping tents" with amenities like "nice sheets and blankets, lanterns, and an overall beautifully appointed space that is still rustic."
Stargazing conditions: The dark skies of coastal Maine provide excellent night viewing, especially from islands with minimal light pollution. On islands like Nathan Island, campers enjoy "star gazing with no city lights or trees to obstruct your view."
What you should know
Tide considerations: Coastal camping requires awareness of tidal changes. For Shivers Island, "the tide in this area is significant (9-12 vertical feet), and landing at high tide is nearly impossible."
Reservation competition: Some campgrounds have extremely limited availability. Duck Harbor Campground on Isle au Haut has only five sites, and reservations open "April 1st, at 10 am EST" – if you don't book "within 10 minutes of opening day... you will miss your chance to stay here for the whole year."
Human waste disposal: Island camping has specific requirements. On Maine islands, "you are required to use Wag Bags instead of digging a cat hole to dispose of human waste."
Varying site conditions: Even at established campgrounds, site definition may be minimal. One camper at Continuous Harmony Farm noted "the sites are not marked at all and there did not seem to be a way to check in."
Tips for camping with families
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A camper at Four Acre Woods Campground mentioned "the sites are small and close together," and another reported "we heard our neighbor snoring."
Farm-to-table dining: Some locations offer special meal experiences. At Tops'l Farm, "farm dinners offer delicious food with ingredients from local farms" in a "barn that they hold the dinners in is simple yet elegant."
Camping platform size: When tent camping with families, space limitations matter. A camper reported that Tiny Cabins of Maine is recommended "for a memorable small family retreat," suggesting larger groups might find space constraints.
Navigation awareness: Maine's coastal areas require orientation skills. Parents should note that at Tiny Cabins of Maine, "the trails required attention to follow" though "the directional signs helped."
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: RVers planning to stay at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss should note that "it is dry camping, with no hookups, and generators are not allowed." Battery power and solar are necessary alternatives.
Access limitations: Island camping spots generally can't accommodate RVs. At most Maine islands on the trail, "there are no docks, so the islands are not accessible to large boats," making tent camping the only option.
Level site availability: Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss offers favorable terrain for RVs, with one camper noting "the land is open and flat, and there was plenty of room for our RV" at their campsite.
Remote locations: Some of the best tent camping near Camden, Maine requires planning for isolation. An RVer noted that Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss is "close to Castine, Ellsworth, Blue Hill, Deer Isle and Stonington" but remains a rural experience where "at night we only heard the crickets and the wind."
