Best Campgrounds near Fort Kent, ME
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."