Best Campgrounds in Maine
Maine's coastal and forested landscapes offer diverse camping experiences, with Acadia National Park serving as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation. The park features three distinct campgrounds: Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, each with its own character and proximity to attractions. Blackwoods provides convenient access to Bar Harbor and popular park features, while Seawall offers a quieter experience on the island's western side. Beyond Acadia, state parks like Camden Hills and Cobscook Bay provide well-maintained facilities where campers can experience Maine's characteristic mix of mountains and coastline. Private campgrounds such as Mount Desert Campground and Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground supplement these options with additional amenities and waterfront locations.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from late May through October. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with limited or no availability during winter months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with Acadia's Seawall Campground having particularly poor connectivity. As one camper noted, "Schoodic Woods is the newest, most quiet, relaxed, well-maintained and well-rangered of the three Acadia campgrounds." Weather can change rapidly, especially along the coast, with sudden wind gusts and rain storms possible even during summer months. Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site or direct visitors to nearby vendors, as outside firewood is often prohibited.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from visitors, with many campers highlighting the experience of falling asleep to ocean waves or loon calls on inland lakes. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer commonly spotted in campgrounds and moose occasionally seen in more remote areas. Primitive camping options exist in multi-use forests like KI-Jo Mary, where campers access sites via logging roads and must be prepared for limited facilities. Tent campers seeking separation from RVs should look for designated walk-in sites, which are available at many state parks. Bathroom facilities vary widely, with some campgrounds offering modern comfort stations while others provide only vault toilets. As one reviewer of Cobscook Bay State Park mentioned, "We were right on the water which gave a beautiful view of the sunset. We were even able to walk down on the rocks along the water to get a completely clear view of the stars and Milky Way."
