Near Moosehead Lake, glamping sites serve as excellent basecamps for exploring Maine's vast wilderness. The terrain features dense forests, rocky shores, and numerous pristine lakes at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet. Access roads often transition from paved to dirt or logging roads with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F during peak season.
What to do
Moose viewing excursions: Take guided tours through Northeast Whitewater Lodge where "camping options are yurts and primitive tent camping" and they specialize in "moose viewing tours, whitewater rafting, and camping."
Explore scenic hiking trails: Visit Wilderness Edge Campground which places you "near Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park, & water (river/lake/pond)." A visitor noted, "Base camp to Katahdin, close in to Millinocket. Went with a diverse group of campers with hammock, tent and cabin sleeping preferences and everybody found their spot."
Kayak remote ponds: The Shallow Bay on Lobster Lake area offers excellent paddling opportunities. A camper shared, "It's called Lobster Lake because it's shaped like a lobster claw... Very easy access to the water for swimming, hauling gear up, etc."
What campers like
Crystal clear lakes: At Peaks-Kenny State Park, campers appreciate the "crystal clear lake" where one visitor mentioned, "We kayaked on this crystal clear lake and it was so relaxing. There are no water sites but there is a sandy beach, plenty of picnic tables and grills, group camping and day use areas."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report excellent wildlife sightings throughout the region. At Seboomook Wilderness Campground, one visitor reported, "We had Loons with babies that swam by and we love listening to them. The bullfrogs chimed in too. Our neighbors were catching pollywogs, big ones with legs."
Secluded waterfront sites: The Birches Resort offers prime lake access where "private, good amount of space, a picnic table, a firepit, and a trash can provided at each site." Another camper mentioned their waterfront camping experience: "The best campsite (#5) backs up to the lake so your patio and fire pit are right there on the water and provide spectacular sunrises."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Many glamping destinations in Frenchtown lack reliable cell service. At Seboomook Wilderness Campground, a visitor noted: "There is no cell service. WiFi only at the store during generator hours. This is a place to go to disconnect and be with family, friends, nature."
Weather preparation: Temperatures can drop significantly at night even in summer. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of forecast.
Road conditions: Many sites require driving on unpaved roads. At Cowan Cove, a camper advised: "I would not take a car down these logging roads. Pothole mania here. They are not maintained much more than needed for logging trucks... Take your time, and watch out for moose."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with amenities: Moosehead Family Campground offers family-friendly facilities. One camper shared: "My large family and I spent a week here... There is a playground for kids and plenty of room at each site for them to play. My family and I agree, this place is incredible."
Plan for bathroom access: Consider site location relative to facilities. At Northeast Whitewater Lodge, "The bathhouse is pretty far away from the camping area which is inconvenient when you have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night."
Bring outdoor activities: With limited electronics access, pack traditional outdoor games. At Abol Bridge Campground & Store, visitors appreciate that "you can tube the river and end at the campground" making it a fun family activity.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Moosehead Family Campground, RVers should note: "The campground has lots of large trees and narrow roads which make it very difficult for big rigs. In fact, there was only one of two sites in the front section that would fit our 45' motorhome."
Road access challenges: For those with larger rigs, carefully research access routes. One camper warned: "The turn into the campground from the main road (Route 6) is very tight and we ended up having to go into the other lane and take up the whole road in order to make the turn in."
Hookup positioning: At Wilderness Edge Campground, "Many of the RV sites will require larger units to park parallel to the road. Bring longer power cords and hoses to ensure it will reach your rig because they may be on the 'wrong' site of your connections depending on how you park."
