Camping near Eustis, Maine, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.
What to do:
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe and explore the nearby lakes. One camper mentioned, “We rented double kayaks and paddled over to Brickyard Hollow for pizza and beers” at Cathedral Pines Campground.
- Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. A visitor at Umbagog Lake State Park Campground shared, “We enjoyed hiking and saw a bull moose on the way to the campground.”
- Fishing: The lakes are great for fishing. A camper at Lake Francis State Park Campground noted, “This site is awesome for fly fishing folks since it’s a short walk from one of the best spots in NH.”
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Grafton Notch Campground stated, “The bathrooms were spacious and spotless.”
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites with good spacing. A visitor at Rowell Cove Campground mentioned, “Sites are decently spaced, friendly staff and beautiful views of the lake from select sites.”
- Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the campground staff. A review for Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins said, “The staff are very helpful and nice.”
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lily Bay State Park, do not have electric hookups. A camper noted, “While the sites do not provide RV hookup ability, there is a dump station on site.”
- Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A camper at Umbagog Lake State Park Campground shared, “As we got about a mile from the campground we had a moose walk out in the street in front of us.”
- Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads, which can be noisy. A visitor at Mollidgewock State Park Campground mentioned, “The road noise was pretty significant.”
Tips for camping with families:
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A review for Dunn Point Campground — Lily Bay State Park highlighted, “It’s so incredibly quiet you can hear owls hooting and loons calling at night.”
- Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A camper at Mount Blue State Park Campground said, “Campsites were spacious and distance between each.”
- Plan for Quiet Evenings: Many campgrounds are peaceful at night, making it easier for kids to sleep. A visitor at Lake Francis State Park Campground noted, “It was peaceful and quiet in the evening.”
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Rowell Cove Campground warned, “Beware that park staff does very little in the way to trim trees along the roads and at the sites.”
- Use Dump Stations Wisely: Be prepared for busy dump stations, especially on Sundays. A visitor at Umbagog Lake State Park Campground mentioned, “The dump station is EZ to get into.”
- Bring Extension Cords: If you need electricity, bring long extension cords. A camper at Lake Francis State Park Campground noted, “The electric hookup was so far from where we had to park that we were unable to access it without a very long extension cord.”
Camping around Eustis, Maine, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
