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Best Campgrounds near Fort Kent, ME

13 Reviews

Campgrounds near Fort Kent, Maine range from city-managed RV parks to remote wilderness campgrounds and lakeside cabin accommodations. Fort Kent RV Park at Riverside Park provides 14 developed sites with water and electric hookups along the St. John River, serving as the eastern terminus of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Camel Brook Camps LLC offers cabin accommodations for those seeking more sheltered options. Several additional camping areas extend throughout the region, including Deboullie Public Lands with more primitive tent and RV sites accessible via logging roads, and Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground with multiple accommodation types about an hour south near Presque Isle.

Many campgrounds in northern Maine require navigating significant distances on private logging roads, particularly for those seeking more remote experiences. "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 at the start of the main logging roads. You must check in for arrivals and departure," noted one visitor to Deboullie Public Lands. Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, with several properties operating only from May through October. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with stronger signals near towns and limited to no coverage in remote areas. Many campgrounds like Lakeview Camping Resort offer free WiFi to compensate for limited cell reception. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most facilities closing after the fall season.

The remote nature of camping in this region delivers exceptional experiences for those seeking quieter, less crowded destinations. Riverside Park campers appreciate the grassy sites with picnic tables and fire pits near the St. John River, along with access to walking and ski trails. Deboullie Public Lands receives consistent praise for its hiking opportunities, with a review highlighting that "the hiking trails are some of the best I have been on at such a site." Campgrounds with water access are particularly valued, with sites at Lakeview Camping Resort offering "a great distant view of Long Lake and the surrounding area." Visitors to most area campgrounds should arrive self-sufficient, as one reviewer noted there is "nothing really within 1.5 hours or so from the camp sites so don't forget anything."

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Kent, Maine (10)

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Recent Reviews near Fort Kent, ME

13 Reviews of 10 Fort Kent Campgrounds

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Deboullie Public Lands

    Deboullie Public Land

    Must check-in at a North Maine Woods checkpoint and pay the hefty entrance plus camping fees to stay in this public land. After quite a drive, cross your fingers and hope people aren't occupying multiple sites or holding for others (we ran into this issue--sites seem to be two right next to each other throughout this area, so people would set up a tent or place their trailer in order to not have a neighbor right on top of them.) 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). But anyway, my husband and I were happy enough with our site--just frustrated with some of the other campers making the experience more difficult than it needed to be. The weird part was everyone cleared out Saturday morning/early afternoon and we had the whole section to ourselves. Besides all that, great hiking and kayaking in the area.

  • K
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Lakeview Camping Resort

    Great View!

    This campsite was clean and quiet and provided a great distant view of Long Lake and the surrounding area. We were there for the long Labor Day weekend and took one of the only full spots available which unfortunately was in one of the areas of the campground where sites were very small and close together. There were some campsites that had great views of the lake and larger lots. They seemed mostly occupied by seasonal campers. The check in was at the very busy restaurant which was somewhat of an odd setup, along with the site entrance which seems to also be a 4 wheeler trail which was a bit confusing. Cell service was pretty much non-existent, but there was free WiFi available that seemed to have good reach. Sites were well-groomed, amenities were nicely kept and the entire campsite was pleasant, very quiet and relaxing. Overall, it was a good experience.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground

    huge grassy sites

    I stayed here for 4 nights and enjoyed the Crown of Maine balloon fest, geocaching, fishing, and exploring. This is primarily an RV park, although there is a section dedicated to tent camping. There are HUGE, level, terraced sites stretching up the hill. My site(74) was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over; others used their space for RVs or There’s a picnic table and fire ring. Verizon cell service was good; wifi is available near the camp office/store. 

    Clare was quickly responsive to emails and friendly.

    Hookups are either water/electric or water/electric/sewer. If you need to use the dump station, there’s a charge for that. It’s located just across from the office and can make for tight entry if someone is dumping while you’re arriving. Many of the sites are pull-through, which means the hook-up location is not an issue, but 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. 

    A centralized bath house offers clean showers and flush toilets. Tent sites separated from the RV sites, some up a hill with a combination of small shaded sizes tucked into the woods and an open grassy area for ones farthest up the hill, but there are a few sites(4-8) are all wooded. Site 12 is a small bunkhouse. 

    Shade was at a premium. The small tree at the back of my site afforded minimal shade; I sat on the shady side of my teardrop for some relief from the 90+ temps. The pool was closed for renovation. Laundry is available; you need to stay in the laundry room while it's in progress. A game room is also available with ping pong and foosball.

    The Aroostook river was down the hill and across the street. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, fishing, biking, and hunting are all activities to keep you busy. Don’t have a canoe or kayak? They’re available for rental at the campground. They can also provide a shuttle. If you’re preference runs to golf, there’s an 18-hole course next door. A number of the sites near the top of the hill are seasonal; they are clean and neat. 

    The hilltop location provides a great view of the sky, but you will experience some light pollution from RVers who are fans of rope lights and other lighting and don’t necessarily turn them off at night. The moon hadn’t risen yet, but I didn’t need a flashlight to make my way to the bathroom at night.

    Cabins are available for year round rental, both at the campground and more remote locations.

  • D
    Jul. 29, 2021

    Birch Haven Campground

    Lakeside campground

    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.

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2021

    Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground

    Very Nice, Pleasant Park

    There are not many camping options in this area of Maine, but that’s o.k. because this is a nice one and we had a pleasant week there. Campsites have very nice grassy patios and ours was super spacious because we were on the end and there was a nice tree that provided shade. One of the pluses of this campground are the walking trails that are adjacent to the park. There is also a mowed path down to the Aroostook River which is across the street from the campground but when we were there the water level was extremely low.

    Campsites sits on top of a hill and there is a tight winding road that you must navigate to get up there. We were able to navigate it with our 45’ RV and tow car but we had to go slow and take up the whole road. Some campsites are side by side facing the wrong way with shared patios (i.e.,“buddy sites”) but there was enough space between them so you didn’t feel like you were sitting on top of each other. These buddy sites are ideal if you are traveling with friends.  Our site was close to our neighbor but since their RV faced the opposite way our their patio was on the other side and didn't bother us.  Seasonal campers make up about 50% of the park but most just come on weekends so the weekdays were pretty quiet. It appeared that they kept the transient campers in together and seasonals together. Some of the sewer connections are not conveniently located so you may need extra sewer hose. Luckily, our pull thru site was long enough that we could maneuver around to get close to the sewer without needing an extension.

    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. The countryside is pretty to drive around and we found a huge field of blooming sunflowers that were stunning. There is a farmers market downtown that had lots of great produce and baked goods. This area is known for their potato industry so roadside stands selling 5 lbs. sacks were everywhere.

    Overall, we really liked this park and its location. The price was great at$240/week for 50 amp full hook-up. Can’t say enough about how nice the grass and our site were. So many times patios are dusty, sandy, or hard gravel but this one was lush and nice and we really enjoyed sitting outside. There is actually more to do in the area than we expected and may be back some day.

  • Nathan S.
    Nov. 6, 2020

    Camel Brook Camps LLC

    Clean cozy cabins

    Super nice owners. They just bought this property a few months ago. They have four cabins ranging from 6 person cabins to a 16 person cabin.

  • J B.
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground

    Top of Maine and Top Camping Destination

    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.

    We drove 5.5 hours to get to this campground. It was worth the drive. Presque Isle is a gem that should not overlooked.

Guide to Fort Kent

Camping spots near Fort Kent, Maine offer access to Maine's northernmost wilderness areas with opportunities for fishing, ATV riding, and riverside relaxation. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F, while winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F, making most campgrounds seasonal operations from May through October. The region includes access to both the St. John River and numerous lakes within driving distance.

What to do

Kayak the Aroostook River: Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground provides equipment rentals and shuttle services for river excursions. "Swimming, kayaking, canoeing, ATVing, fishing, biking, and hunting are all activities to keep you busy. Don't have a canoe or kayak? They're available for rental at the campground. They can also provide a shuttle," notes one visitor.

Hike mountain trails: The region offers several hiking options with rewarding views. "We liked Haystack Mountain which is just a short 10-15 minute walk to the top of the mountain with great views," reports a camper at Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge.

Explore local agriculture: Summer and fall visitors can experience northern Maine's agricultural heritage. "There is a farmers market downtown that had lots of great produce and baked goods. This area is known for their potato industry so roadside stands selling 5 lbs. sacks were everywhere," mentions one reviewer.

What campers like

Spacious, grassy sites: Birch Haven Campground and other area campgrounds are known for well-maintained grounds. A visitor to Arndt's noted, "Our site was so large that there could have been 4 vehicles with teardrops and had space left over. Can't say enough about how nice the grass and our site were. So many times patios are dusty, sandy, or hard gravel but this one was lush and nice."

Walking trails: Many campgrounds maintain their own trail systems. "One of the pluses of this campground are the walking trails that are adjacent to the park. There is also a mowed path down to the Aroostook River," explains a camper.

Community atmosphere: Visitors appreciate the friendly environment at local campgrounds. At Arndt's, "Families here hang outside and interact with each other," and another camper noted the campground was "quiet, clean, and the staff and owners were very friendly."

What you should know

Preparation is essential: Deboullie Public Lands and other remote areas require significant planning. A recent visitor warns, "Must check-in at a North Maine Woods checkpoint and pay the hefty entrance plus camping fees to stay in this public land. After quite a drive, cross your fingers and hope people aren't occupying multiple sites or holding for others."

Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. At Lakeview Camping Resort, "Cell service was pretty much non-existent, but there was free WiFi available that seemed to have good reach."

Extended driving times: Many attractions require significant travel on rural roads. As one visitor to the area observed, "The countryside is pretty to drive around" but distances between services can be substantial.

Tips for camping with families

Cabin options: Camel Brook Camps LLC offers varied accommodations suitable for different group sizes. "They have four cabins ranging from 6 person cabins to a 16 person cabin," notes a recent visitor, making them suitable for families of various sizes.

Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water access for cooling off during summer months. The Aroostook River is accessible from multiple locations, though water levels can vary seasonally.

Pack entertainment: With limited nearby attractions, families should bring activities. The remoteness means fewer distractions but also fewer options if children get bored with natural surroundings.

Tips from RVers

Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At Lakeview Camping Resort, "The check in was at the very busy restaurant which was somewhat of an odd setup, along with the site entrance which seems to also be a 4 wheeler trail which was a bit confusing."

Hookup considerations: RV sites often have unusual utility configurations. "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," explains one RVer.

Weekly rates available: Some campgrounds offer significant discounts for extended stays. "The price was great at $240/week for 50 amp full hook-up," reported an RVer staying in the area, making longer explorations more economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the City of Fort Kent campground located?

Fort Kent RV Park at Riverside Park is located within the city-owned Riverside Park in Fort Kent, Maine. This small campground features 8 sites on an open, grassy area, primarily designed for self-contained RVs. The campground is managed by the city, with reservations handled through the local Fire Department. While the park has bathrooms, they're situated in a different section of the park, making it less convenient for tent campers. Despite its small size, the campground often has vacancies even during summer weekends, making it a reliable option for visitors to Fort Kent.

What camping options are available near Fort Kent, Maine?

The Fort Kent area offers several camping options within driving distance. Deboullie Public Lands provides a more remote experience, accessible via private gravel logging roads from Route 161 in St. Francis or Route 11 in Portage. Visitors must check in at a North Maine Woods checkpoint and pay entrance and camping fees. Birch Haven Campground is another option with clean facilities including a laundromat and restrooms, though it's primarily a seasonal campground with hillside lots under development. For lakeside camping, Lakeview Camping Resort offers beautiful views of Long Lake, though some sites can be quite close together, especially during busy holiday weekends.

Is Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge a good option for camping near Fort Kent?

Arndt's Aroostook River Lodge & Campground is an excellent option for camping near Fort Kent. The campground features spacious, level sites arranged on terraced hills, with large grassy patios and some shaded areas. It's particularly popular among ATV enthusiasts due to its trail access. While primarily an RV park, there is a dedicated section for tent camping. Facilities include clean shower houses, and the campground is known for its friendly atmosphere where families interact outdoors. Many visitors stay for extended periods (4+ nights) to enjoy local attractions like the Crown of Maine balloon fest, fishing, geocaching, and exploring the trails. For those looking for alternatives, Camel Brook Camps LLC offers cabin accommodations ranging from 6-person to 16-person cabins.

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