The easternmost region of Maine offers camping options with dramatic tide changes of up to 24 feet, creating unique coastal landscapes. Passamaquoddy Bay's cold waters host abundant marine wildlife including seals and bald eagles visible from many campsites. Camping near Eastport often requires preparation for fog and sudden temperature changes, even during summer months when average highs reach the mid-70s.
What to Do
Kayaking with tide awareness: At Cobscook Bay State Park Campground, visitors can launch directly from the dock or campsite. "You can launch a kayak from your campsite, or from the large dock/boat launch area in the park. Kayaking should be done with prior research to ensure familiarity with the tide changes (which are up to 20 ft) and currents, which are strong and dangerous in certain areas of Cobscook Bay," advises Heather C.
Lighthouse exploration: Several historic lighthouses dot the coastline within short drives of camping areas. "Quoddy Head also has a lighthouse that is a popular attraction," notes one camper who based their exploration from Cobscook Bay State Park.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies make this remote area perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. "Such an awesome view of the night sky oh my gosh. I could stare at it forever. We could see the milky way," reports Tina D. about her experience at Cutler Coast Public Land.
Beach combing: Low tides expose extensive beaches at certain campsites. "There is a nice large rocky beach a short distance from the campsite where we spent the afternoon in the sunshine watching the tide come in (you can get stranded on the rock at high tide so be advised)," warns Sarah C. about Black Point Cove at Cutler Coast.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer significant distance between camping spots. "Cobscook State Park is beautiful. The park is big, and many sites are very far apart - we had almost complete privacy," shares Heather C.
Water proximity: Waterfront sites are highly valued among campers in this region. At Sunset Point RV Park, "After a busy morning of hiking or paddling we loved hanging out at our campsite in the afternoon and watching the seals, bald eagles, seabirds, and the tides come and go," reports Nancy W.
Wildlife viewing: The abundance of marine and avian wildlife enhances the camping experience. "There is a lot of wildlife and waterlife - we saw many seals and cormorants in the water, as well as a few eagles," notes a Cobscook Bay camper.
Unobstructed ocean views: Sites situated along cliffs or elevated positions provide spectacular vistas. "We had site S11, one of the best for sure. Unobstructed view of the bay. You can see whales swimming by," reports Mark S. about his stay at Seaview Campground.
What You Should Know
Limited availability at primitive sites: Backcountry sites fill quickly during peak season. "The campsites are few in number, small and difficult to get to, but oh-so-worth-it!" explains Shari G. about Cutler Coast Public Land.
Toilet facilities vary widely: From basic composting toilets to more primitive options. "While these sites were originally designed for a single party (4 individuals or less) this is the one area along the Bold Coast that you could pitch more than a single tent," notes Sarah C. about Long Point.
Water sources: Many backcountry locations have limited water access. "There isn't much fresh water available even in the rainy season, so be prepared to carry in water," advises a hiker about the Cutler Coast trail system.
Insect preparation: Beyond mosquitoes, black flies can be particularly troublesome. "This is Northern Maine, and you should expect mosquitoes. We came armed with Deep Woods Off, and happy to have it," shares Joe R. from Cobscook Bay State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. At Cobscook Bay State Park, "There are also a few open areas for picnicking or just relaxing, as well as a play area for kids," notes one reviewer.
Swimming opportunities: Fresh water lakes provide warmer alternatives to ocean swimming. At Keenes Lake Family Campground, "The lake was clean and we swam, kayaked and crossed the lake on paddle boards," shares Pamela H.
Short hiking options: Several family-friendly trails exist for younger hikers. "There are a few nice, relatively short and easy hiking trails that run through the park. One of the trails is right at the entrance, so you can park there if needed," says a Cobscook Bay visitor.
Seasonal activities: Firefly viewing provides a magical experience for children. "There was a big grassy field that had millions of fireflies at night. I remember just standing there with my mouth open staring," recalls Tina D. about her experience at Cobscook Bay.
Tips from RVers
Limited services: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. At Sunset Point RV Park, "There are no sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station, a tote (a.k.a.,'blue boy') that you are welcome to borrow, or you can schedule a pump out for $10/tank," advises Nancy W.
Site positioning: Some RVers adjust their parking direction for optimal views. "Most motorhomes (in sites 16-29) choose to pull-in forward so they have a water view out of their front window and run the utilities under their RV to hook-up," notes a reviewer from Sunset Point.
Wind considerations: Coastal breezes can damage equipment. "Warning: do not leave your awning out while you are away from your camper as the winds can really pick up in the afternoon and damage them," cautions an experienced RVer.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. "It is hard to get a level site but the owner let us pick what was best for us based on what was available," shares Cheryl K. about her stay at Keenes Lake Family Campground.
