Campgrounds near Jay, Maine offer diverse accommodations from tent sites to upscale cabins, all within Maine's western mountains and lakes region. Area campgrounds typically remain open from May through mid-October, with summer highs averaging 75-80°F and lows around 55-60°F. Most sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water recreation on nearby lakes and ponds.
What to do
Fishing at nearby ponds: Two Lakes Camping in Oxford features access to multiple fishing spots. "We set up at two lakes campground for a week, very happy. 2 adults and 2 dogs with plenty of room at our campsite... Nice sandy beach area and clean bathrooms! Close and convenient to town and surrounding areas," notes Mim J.
Farm activities: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground combines camping with agricultural experiences. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food. We loved that! We went into Freeport and did a lobster charter on the Jenny ellen boat. Beat memories of any trip we have been one and we camp a lot," reports Tonya M.
Disc golf courses: Beaver Brook Campground (now Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake) offers recreational facilities beyond typical lake activities. "Very nice campground with a good camp store and disc golf course. We will stay again!" notes J B., highlighting this increasingly popular outdoor activity.
Themed weekend events: Family entertainment schedules run throughout the season. "The campground offers lots of fun activities, such as bingo, karaoke, and live music. The new owners plan on new upgrades as time goes on," describes Christopher S. about Honey Run Campground and Beach.
What campers like
Waterfront glamping sites: The Loon's Nest provides intimate glamping options near Jay with direct lake access. "Jake from the Dyrt here! The Loon's Nest is the perfect setting to enjoy the best of Maine, sitting along the lake with several mountains nearby. Your hosts are also experienced with hosting guests and are excited to provide a great experience!" explains Jake C.
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill provides entertainment for younger campers. "We had so much fun at this campground. So many many things to do for kids. The swimming pool was awesome as well as the water slides. The fireworks on July 4th could match Disney World! Wonderful place to camp!" shares Cheryl R.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. "Bathrooms are clean. Beach areas were very nice for relaxing," notes Rebecca L. from her stay at Sebago Lake State Park Campground.
Wooded privacy at select sites: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options. "We tent camped in a loop where the sites were wooded and close together, but others are well suited to larger rigs and offer full hookups. The noise you hear will largely be the sound of kids and families having fun," explains Jean C. about Poland Spring Campground.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: At Sebago Lake State Park Campground, camper Ashlee L. notes, "Pros: this was a seemingly nice family-oriented campground with lots of nice amenities - the restrooms were in decent shape, there was a dish-washing sink available, and they even do movies in the amphitheater. Cons: virtually no privacy between sites."
Seasonal camping options: Many campgrounds offer seasonal sites for those wanting a permanent summer setup. "Nice campground, we enjoyed our site next to the cabin that our friends stayed in. One thing to note, lots of returning seasonal campers," mentions Christopher S. about Honey Run.
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger rigs. "The roads can be very narrow if you have a long rig. Your choice of pool or pond. Great campground for kids. Restaurant and store. Entertainment on the weekends," advises Tammy H.
Weather considerations: Maine's climate can affect campsite conditions. "For a large portion of our stay it torrentially downpoured. The trees allowed us to canopy a tarp but our fire pit completely flooded and we had to bail it out when the rain finally stopped," shares Jess G. about her experience at Sebago Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Consider campground layouts: Papoose Pond Family Campground offers different camping areas with varying levels of activity and privacy. "We had an amazing first camping experience for our 2 year old here! The campsite was large and private with good distance between the next sites. We were on the pool/rec hall side and it definitely seemed less condensed over there than the pond side," advises Kaileigh K.
Check activity schedules: Many campgrounds offer organized entertainment. "Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens. Our family has been going annually for the last five years... This year we opted for a small group site with a centrally located fire pit and spent our days in the lake, pool, or just hanging out while our kids rode their bikes," shares Angela M.
Book early for lakefront sites: Prime waterfront glamping in Jay and surrounding areas fills quickly. "I was lucky to score a nice site mid week just before the 4th of July. My site was large and fit my large tent but it was clear that it can get muddy based on the deep tire tracks left on the site by a previous camper," notes Rebecca L.
Prepare for rain activities: Wet weather options keep families entertained during stormy periods. "The campground had a nice, very clean pool and playground area, as well as a rec hall outfitted with board games etc for the rainy days," shares Nate S. about Poland Spring Campground.
Tips for RVers
Site selection for larger units: Honey Run Campground and Beach accommodates bigger rigs with appropriate hookups. "Perfect stay if you have kiddos and dogs! There's a playground, arcade, and beach. They offer kayak and canoe rentals. We grabbed a tent site for 3 days and it had water and electric! You get a picnic table and fire ring," explains Drew P.
Maneuvering considerations: Getting in and out of sites requires careful navigation at some campgrounds. "Getting into your site with a camper requires maneuvering no matter how you come into the campground. We had a few sites higher up in the campground and had a tent site right on the water near the boat ramp," cautions Claire T. about Two Lakes Camping.
Reservation timing: RV sites with full hookups near Jay book rapidly during peak season. "This state park seems to be more geared toward family camping. The sites are crammed in but it's still comfortable. Sebago lake is a great spot for all types of fishing," advises Joshua B.
Access to area attractions: Area campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring western Maine. "The glamping resorts maintain proximity to hiking trails and outdoor adventure opportunities in the western Maine mountains," mentions Will T., noting the strategic location for adventuring beyond the campground.
