Campgrounds in the Chelsea, Maine region offer a range of camping options from May through October, with most facilities closing by late September. Cell coverage varies throughout the area with Verizon providing the strongest signal at most locations. Area campgrounds feature a mix of waterfront, wooded, and open sites suitable for various camping styles.
What to do
Water activities on Androscoggin Lake: At Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake in North Monmouth, families can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in the lake. "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf," notes Peter F.
Explore coastal towns: The campgrounds near Boothbay serve as convenient bases for visiting charming Maine coastal villages. "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," reports a camper who stayed at Camden Hills RV Resort.
Visit botanical gardens: The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens near Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort offers unique attractions. "We stayed here for a week while exploring the area…don't miss the Guardians of the Seeds (trolls) at the Botanical Gardens!" recommends Anna C.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Campers at Augusta West Kampground appreciate the natural wildlife encounters. "This a beautiful spot, right on the Lake, listened to the loons, watched Canadian Geese with their goslings and saw a bald eagle swoop down and try to get something," writes Michi P.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds in the region host varied events throughout the camping season. "The park organizes a lot of group activities including pot lucks, lobster shore dinners, BBQ feast, and cold beverages offered during Friday Happy Hours," shares a camper about Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort.
Private beach access: Many campgrounds feature waterfront recreation areas. "The park has a short trail across to an island which our dog loved to run around on and jump in the water," writes a camper about Shore Hills Campground & RV Park, adding "The tides are crazy in Maine so be careful if you use the boat launch that you don't get stuck on a mud flat when the 9-11' tide disappears."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Chelsea require advance bookings during peak season. A camper at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort notes, "Found this place on the Dyrt. Called in the morning of was lucky enough that they had a last min cancellation."
Site selection matters: Topography varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same facility. "Sites are level. Luckily our site was level but some are not very level and would have been a problem for us," reports a camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can present challenges. At Thomas Point Beach and Campground, visitors should note: "The electrical hook ups are like 1 box for every 10 camping spots so they r kinda far away so make sure u have an extension cord of some sort and there's no water or sewer hook ups so fill ur water tank before parking."
Seasonal pricing changes: Rates increase significantly during peak summer months, with campgrounds charging premium rates for waterfront sites. "Premier oceanfront sites are $110/night during high season," reports a camper about one oceanfront facility.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programs for children. At More to Life Campground in Winthrop, campers appreciate the family atmosphere: "Christian based, Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Plenty to do with the family including a beach, playground, water activities, and crafts! Fun activities every week and a nice game room."
Playground access: Consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Very nice campground with a good camp store and disc golf course," notes a camper at Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake, which offers multiple recreational facilities for children.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds provide either pool or natural water swimming areas. "Your choice of pool or pond. Great campground for kids. Restaurant and store. Entertainment on the weekends," shares Tammy H. about Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up variations: Electric service ranges from 30 to 50 amp across different campgrounds, with not all offering full hookups. A camper at Meguniticook by the Sea Campground notes their motor home site worked well, adding "The deck on the ocean is a great place to picnic. Rockport harbor is a short bike ride away with a beautiful ocean side road."
Site privacy levels: Privacy between sites varies significantly across campgrounds. A camper at Shore Hills notes, "This campground has a wide variety of sites that can accommodate everything from the biggest size RV to tents. Some of their 30-amp waterfront sites come with great views. They also have some sites tucked in the woods that are super wide with huge patios and lots of privacy between you and your neighbor."
Noise considerations: Traffic noise affects some campgrounds located near main roads. A reviewer at Boothbay Craft Brewery & RV Resort writes, "If there is a down side to the park it would be the road noise. You are right off of Rt. 27, which is the main road into Boothbay Harbor. The upside is you can easily ride the bike lane into town for some exploring without having to deal with tourist parking."