Best Campgrounds near Dexter, ME

Camping near Dexter, Maine encompasses a range of options from state parks to private campgrounds within the central Maine region. The area is situated between several notable camping destinations, including Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft and Sebasticook Lake Campground in Newport. Spacious Skies Balsam Woods in Abbot Village, about 20 miles northwest of Dexter, provides 123 sites for tents, RVs, and cabins in a wooded setting. Fogg Brook Resort in Palmyra, south of Dexter, offers 91 sites with similar accommodations. These established campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the lakes, forests, and small towns that characterize this part of central Maine.

Most campgrounds in the Dexter area operate seasonally from May through October, closing during Maine's harsh winter months. Fire permits are required for campfires at many locations, particularly at primitive sites. Cell service can be spotty throughout the region, with better coverage near towns and limited to no service in more remote areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially near water bodies, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-80°F during the day and cooler at night. According to campers, some access roads to more remote sites may require careful navigation, particularly after rain when unpaved roads can become muddy and rutted.

The camping experience varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. RV campers will find full hookups at private campgrounds like Fogg Brook Resort, while tent campers seeking more solitude might prefer the walk-in sites at Peaks-Kenny State Park. One visitor noted that "most sites are well spaced and fairly flat requiring very little leveling" at state parks in the region. Families with children often prefer campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas, which are available at several locations. Fishing opportunities abound in the numerous lakes and ponds, with Sebasticook Lake being particularly popular. Pet owners should check specific policies, as most campgrounds allow pets with standard leash requirements.

Best Camping Sites Near Dexter, Maine (120)

    1. Spacious Skies Balsam Woods

    9 Reviews
    Abbot, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 876-2731

    $29 - $999 / night

    "We were in need of a shower and a place for the night and this campground was perfectly situated off the highway to Greenville. "

    "Our site was great because we could see the kids at the playground and the pool, but there were many great sites a bit more tucked away as well."

    2. Fogg Brook Resort

    3 Reviews
    Pittsfield, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 355-5515

    $35 - $60 / night

    3. Peaks-Kenny State Park

    6 Reviews
    Dover-Foxcroft, ME
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 564-2003

    "head to the right of the main Beach area for more secluded water access and waterfront picnic and grilling areas."

    "Most of the bathrooms in the park were closed down except for one, which our site (29) was next to. They have running hot water showers, a large basin sink outside to wash dishes, and flush toilets."

    4. Maine Star Campground

    1 Review
    Stetson, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 717-7453

    $12 - $20 / night

    5. Sebasticook Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Stetson, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 368-5047

    6. Pumpkin Patch RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Hermon, ME
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 848-2231

    $50 / night

    "We have been here around six times. It’s a quiet peaceful campground. It is very well kept, and the staff is always welcoming. Sites are large and level. Nice walking areas and close to dunkin!"

    "Stayed Here for one night after picking up a new travel trailer nearby. The staff and campers were all very friendly and welcoming."

    7. Grafton Loop Trail - Slide Campsite

    1 Review
    Willimantic, ME
    18 miles
    Website

    "The site offers at least 8 good flat spots to pitch a tent and they are scattered around to stay secluded from others."

    8. The Hawnets Nest

    1 Review
    Stetson, ME
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 945-1944

    $60 / night

    9. Skowhegan Kennebec Valley KOA

    3 Reviews
    Hinckley, ME
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-7571

    $25 - $150 / night

    "they were renovating the pool surround while we were there but they are very friendly..quiet at night..we will be there for July 4th week."

    10. Grafton Loop Trail - Sargent Brook Campsite

    1 Review
    Willimantic, ME
    18 miles
    Website

    "We stayed here when we were backpacking the east side of the Grafton Loop Trail last October. The GLT is a 38.6 mile loop that summits 7 different mountains in western Maine."

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Recent Reviews near Dexter, ME

237 Reviews of 120 Dexter Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Balsam Cove Campground

    Great place!

    We stayed here one night in September in a Tuesday. Quiet, very few people. Had a non electric site without water and paid the same price as the state park in Camden. This place had much nicer showers and bathrooms. Would return!

  • S
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Jo-Mary Campground

    Yea, beautiful location, but overpriced & lacking

    They charged us almost $400 for two tent sites, for two nights.  They are clearly resting on their laurels, need to hire more help for peak periods, be in the office when they need to be available and answer their phones and return phone calls, and also need to check for garbage left by previous campers and have their port-a-potties emptied way more often (gross!)

    If you can get past the price gouging and lack of attention to detail, the place IS beautiful and enjoyable.

  • Ryan The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Cold River Campground

    Just ok

    Pretty small site but nice layout. Wifi was terrible. Had to listen to an argument from a neighbor. Someone was parked in the spot and had to move so i could back in

  • 9
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Rowell Cove Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    Gorgeous

    Great sites. Site 16 on the water you can launch your kayak from the site. Unfortunately, family in the neighboring site ran their generator from 8am-8pm. Please don't go to rustic campgrounds if you want electricity all day. Rustic sites are not for you. Go someplace with electric hookups and let the rest of us enjoy the peace and quiet.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 1, 2025

    Alderbrook Camp Site

    Beautiful views

    This is private land that the owner rents to campers.  It is a lovely single camp site with great views and fields. It is relatively close to the road but there is very little traffic and no noise. The space is level.  There is a picnic table, fire ring, full hook ups, and box with an information sheet that includes things to do and places to eat for the surrounding area. The view was expansive and beautiful, with wonderful sunsets. The walking trails that have been cut are lovely, and a great place for a short walk, or to walk with your dog.  The owner met us immediately upon our arrival and was very friendly. The only challenge is we stayed in July, and the horse flys were viscous. They were not by the campsite, but were abundant on the trails, and I literally had to run to get back to the camper to minimize the bites. If you are susceptible to horse fly bites, be aware during the horse fly season. My husband did not get bit.

    This area is very rural.  Skowhegan, which is just over 20 minutes away, is the closest town, and has a few restaurants and a nice farmers market.  There are many hiking  and atv trails in the general area.  I would recommend this spot for a weekend in the area, or passing through for the night.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2024

    AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge

    Pampering in Maine's 100-mile wilderness

    General: One of three AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) lodges in Maine’s 100-mile wilderness. This one is located on Long Pond and has 12 cabins plus a bunkhouse. One of the cabins is ADA-accessible. There is a lodge with a living room, dining hall, games, and small store. 

    Cabin Quality: Eleven of the cabins are very basic with varying amounts of sleeping arrangements. The ADA-accessible cabin has two bedrooms, electric outlets, and a bathroom with a shower. 

    Bath/Shower house: If you are staying in the bunkhouse or a non-ADA-accessible cabin, the bathrooms and showers are in the main lodge. There is also a sauna.

    Activities/Amenities: Three meals per day are included. A hearty breakfast and dinner plus a bag lunch. Dietary restrictions are honored. When there is a small group of guests, meals are served family style; for larger groups, they are served buffet style. Rowboats, kayaks, and paddle boards are available at no additional charge, but the wind was too strong for us to get on the water when we were there. In the winter months, snowshoes are available. You can also cross-country ski from but need to bring your own skis. The hikes are awesome! I hiked the Third Mountain Trail directly from the lodge. Signage was excellent. I also hiked the Gulf Hagas Trail, but this requires a drive to get to either of the two trailheads. Don't even try for cell service!

    Note that this lodge and cabins are accessible by an approximately 20-mile dirt road from the west and 15 miles from the east. Your fee includes a hefty parking/road use fee. The staff was very present and provided excellent service during our two-night stay.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Dunn Point Campground — Lily Bay State Park

    Lily Bay State Park - Dunn Point Campground

    The fact that we had water access from our campsite makes this a 5-star experience for me. Sites were private enough and showers were available, although the "comfort station" is about a mile walk away from the campsites. The electrical outlets didn't work in any of the bathrooms, either, so bringing a blowdryer was useless. But that's just a minor inconvenience--everything else was great.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Sandy Beach Campground

    Sandy Beach Campground

    I was nervous at first when I pulled up in a camper van--the "campground" was very much geared towards seasonal campers in large RVs. However, I was able to grab one of just a couple open spots on a Thursday afternoon. The staff (and residents) were so friendly and helpful. There were restrooms with coin-op showers and also a laundry room. Knocked off one star for the lack of privacy between sites and for the price ($70+ for essentially a parking spot with water/electricity is a bit much imo--at least make the showers free! lol)


Guide to Dexter

Cabin camping options near Dexter, Maine can be found within a 25-mile radius of the town center. The central Maine region sits at elevations between 350-500 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills reaching up to 1,800 feet. Weather conditions from June through early September typically provide comfortable camping temperatures between 65-80°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night.

What to do

ATV trail access: Spacious Skies Balsam Woods in Abbot Village connects directly to over 1,000 miles of ATV trails. "We did not use the ATV trails that are directly off the campground, but they were great! We did, however, rent an ATV from Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville (just 20 minutes away) and it was our favorite activity yet!" notes Jen O. The campground even provides an ATV washing station for riders returning from muddy trails.

Swimming and recreation: Most Spacious Skies Balsam Woods visitors enjoy the heated outdoor pool during summer months. One visitor mentioned that "The kids also loved the Saturday night movie they would play on the big screen as well as the movie rental options available for personal use while there." The recreation area includes basketball courts, volleyball nets, and a playground for younger children.

Lake activities: Peaks-Kenny State Park offers excellent kayaking and swimming opportunities on Sebec Lake. "We kayaked on this crystal clear lake and it was so relaxing," reports Celeste C. The park features a sandy beach area for swimming, canoe rentals, and several hiking trails around the lake with options for both challenging and easier routes.

What campers like

Peaceful surroundings: Many campsites in the Dexter region provide quiet, natural settings. A camper at Peaks-Kenny State Park noted, "The loons and owls call at night - so peaceful!" Wildlife sightings are common at most campgrounds in the region, with deer frequently visiting campsites.

Clean facilities: Pumpkin Patch RV Resort in Hermon maintains exceptionally clean grounds and facilities. "The park is nice and clean with just a few amenities but just an average campground. Sites are very clean, good space, well laid out and pretty level," reports Rick G. This campground is particularly appealing to those seeking a well-maintained, adult-oriented camping experience.

Family-friendly activities: Skowhegan Kennebec Valley KOA offers numerous organized activities for families. "Tons of stuff to do- great playground, tractor rides. Store was well stocked. Had an awesome time, met lots of awesome people!" shares Ashley I. Weekend activities often include hayrides, games, and seasonal events.

What you should know

Cell service and connectivity: Unlike some more remote areas, most campgrounds near Dexter offer reliable connectivity. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, "Our Verizon phone got good reception and our hot spot worked well. The campground wi-fi was decent at our site but that depends on where you are in the park and what time of day you are using it," according to Nancy W.

Seasonal considerations: The best places to camp near Dexter, Maine typically operate from mid-May through early October. A visitor to Fogg Brook Resort noted they "did a Great job for the holiday. The golf course was in Great shape. They had live music and lots of activities for all ages" during Labor Day weekend.

Insect preparation: During peak summer months, especially near water bodies, insect repellent is essential. One camper at Peaks-Kenny State Park mentioned, "We camped here in June and the weather was beautiful and it wasn't buggy," indicating early season camping may offer fewer insect challenges.

Tips for camping with families

Beach and playground access: Families with children often prefer campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. At Peaks-Kenny State Park, "There's also a short walk down to the beach area which offers a playground, cookout spots, and canoe rentals," according to Courtney P. The sandy beach area provides safe swimming for children of various ages.

Kid-friendly campgrounds: Maine Star Campground offers primitive camping with level sites and plenty of firewood. "Your hosts MJ & Jon are friendly and communicative. Although the sites are primitive there is a fire-ring and bathroom," notes Ashley F., making this a good option for families seeking a more authentic camping experience.

Activity planning: Spacing out activities helps prevent overtired children. Balsam Woods Campground offers "a nice pool, clean showers, and access to trails around," according to Sue H., allowing families to balance active play with quieter activities throughout their stay.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: When camping near Dexter with an RV, choose sites based on your specific needs. At Pumpkin Patch RV Resort, "Most sites are level and there are long pull thrus so you don't have to unhitch if you are only staying one night," according to Nancy W. This makes the resort particularly suitable for overnight stops.

Hook-up availability: Most private campgrounds in the region offer full hookups. At Sebasticook Lake Campground, "Waterfront are our favorite. Play area for kids," notes Denise W., though the waterfront sites may require more careful leveling due to terrain.

Campground services: Fogg Brook Resort provides excellent service according to Brian L., who notes "Rick (the owner) is very accommodating, plenty of full hookup sites and also another section with just W/E." Many campgrounds in the region can accommodate larger RVs, though advance reservations are recommended during peak season from July through early September.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dexter, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dexter, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 120 campgrounds and RV parks near Dexter, ME and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dexter, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dexter, ME is Spacious Skies Balsam Woods with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dexter, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Dexter, ME.