Campgrounds around Eagle Lake offer accessible wilderness experiences in the Aroostook County region of northern Maine. The area sits approximately 1,000 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate, experiencing warm summers with daytime temperatures averaging 75-80°F and cool nights. Fall camping season typically ends by mid-October when temperatures drop significantly and many seasonal facilities close.
What to do
ATV trail access: The Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground provides direct trail access for ATV enthusiasts. "This campground is at the top of Maine and a top camping destination for ATV enthusiasts. The sites are spacious and inviting. Truly a nice place to stay," notes J B.
Paddling opportunities: Fort Kent RV Park at Riverside Park serves as the eastern terminus of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. "This is an 8-site city-owned/operated campground best suited for self-contained RVs because the bathrooms are in a different area of the park. There are steps down to a picnic area and boat launch on the St John River," explains Jean C.
Hiking trails: Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground offers convenient access to scenic viewpoints. "The campground is close to town which is a bonus. There are hiking trails nearby that have some great views from atop. We liked Haystack Mountain which is just a short 10-15 minute walk to the top of the mountain with great views," shares Nancy W.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous site sizes at many area campgrounds. "I stayed here for 4 nights and enjoyed the Crown of Maine balloon fest, geocaching, fishing, and exploring. My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over," reports Jean C. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.
Lake views: Lakeview Camping Resort offers scenic vistas. "This campsite was clean and quiet and provided a great distant view of Long Lake and the surrounding area. There were some campsites that had great views of the lake and larger lots. They seemed mostly occupied by seasonal campers," notes Kevin.
Pet-friendly facilities: Dog friendly campgrounds near Eagle Lake are common, with most allowing pets throughout their properties. "I enjoyed staying here, the campground was quiet, clean, and the staff and owners were very friendly," explains Melissa J. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge, which welcomes pets.
What you should know
Remote location: Be prepared for limited services. "There is nothing really within 1.5 hours or so from the camp sites so don't forget anything. There is a General Store in town but if you need certain things or want a big selection you will have to drive another 45 minutes to Walmart," warns Tina D. about Deboullie Public Lands.
Checkpoint system: Logging operations control access to certain wilderness areas. "Access is gained by private gravel logging roads leaving Route 161 in St. Francis, or off Route 11 in Portage, Maine. There is a check point when you drive through the logging facility area. You must check in for arrivals and departure," explains Tina D.
Limited facilities: Several campgrounds have basic amenities. "Just a basic field that can accommodate tents & big RVs. Big field in the back that my dog loved to run around in. Water & electrical hookups. Next to a big road that you can hear. There is a little bathhouse with toilets & a shower," describes Kelly B. about Neil E Michaud Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly options: Most campgrounds near Eagle Lake welcome pets, making this area ideal for family camping with four-legged members. "This was a great place to camp. Quiet at night. The woman that runs it is really nice. Cheap for RVs too. We had electric, Wi-Fi, and water on our tent site," reports Joy J. about Neil E Michaud Campground.
Activities for children: Look for campgrounds with open spaces and recreational facilities. "I have stayed here twice and loved it both times. The first time I went as a family the second alone and took in the views of the beautiful trails they had to offer. Families here hang outside and interact with each other," shares Alexis K. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.
Site selection strategy: Consider how site arrangements affect your experience. "We got there late morning on a Friday and grabbed the only site that was open after being told we'd have plenty to choose from when checking in (which, I'm sure there would have been several open if people weren't occupying multiple sites)," advises Meghan B. about Deboullie Public Lands.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Pay attention to the placement of utilities. "For the back-in sites on the hill, the hookups are on the 'wrong' side. You'll either need to pull straight in(for many rigs, it looked like that was doable, or run the cords under the trailer," notes Jean C. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.
Dump station availability: Birch Haven Campground provides clean facilities for RVers. "Nice owners in a mostly seasonal campground. Hillside lots are under development and no cable or WiFi yet. Laundromat and restrooms are clean. For pay shower," reports Dick B.
Site terrain: Most campgrounds in the region feature level sites suitable for RVs. "Sites are spacious and inviting. Truly a nice place to stay. We drove 5.5 hours to get to this campground. It was worth the drive," shares J B. about Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.