Best Campgrounds near Jefferson, ME

Jefferson, Maine serves as a hub for multiple family-friendly campgrounds primarily concentrated around nearby lakes and ponds. The area features several established campgrounds with diverse accommodation options, including Duck Puddle Campground on Pemaquid Pond, Sennebec Lake Campground, and Lake Pemaquid Campground. Most developed campgrounds offer a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with varying levels of amenities. Several properties provide waterfront access, with sites often situated among wooded settings that balance privacy with water views.

Seasonal operation remains standard across most developed campgrounds in the region, with the majority open from May through mid-October. Campgrounds typically close after Columbus Day weekend as temperatures drop and facilities winterize. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months, particularly for waterfront sites and cabins which tend to book well in advance. Full-hookup RV sites are available at several campgrounds, though availability varies. According to one visitor at Duck Puddle Campground, "We enjoyed our stay at Duck Puddle Campground. The site we had was on the water and had great views. It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors."

Many campgrounds near Jefferson provide lake access as their primary attraction, with swimming areas, boat launches, and fishing opportunities. Smaller, family-owned operations like Town Line Camping and Sennebec Lake Campground receive particularly positive reviews for their quiet atmosphere and lake views. Several campgrounds offer modern amenities including clean bathhouses, laundry facilities, and camp stores, while others like Tops'l Farm focus on upscale glamping experiences with well-appointed cabins and tents. The region also includes more rustic options, such as Tiny Cabins of Maine, which offers a limited number of tent sites with basic amenities. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, though they note these premium locations often command higher prices and require advance booking. Proximity to coastal Maine towns like Camden, Rockport, and Damariscotta provides additional recreational opportunities within a short drive.

Best Camping Sites Near Jefferson, Maine (122)

    1. Duck Puddle Campground

    11 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5608

    "The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area."

    "It’s also close to other fun coastal towns. Definitely worth a visit."

    2. Camden Hills State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Camden, ME
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 236-2498

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Camden Hills SP is a no contest campground if you are visiting Camden and surrounding MidCoast areas. 9 out of 10 times I visit Camden (one of my favorite places in Maine), I stay at this campground."

    " As with all real estate, location, location ! The camp is well situated amongst many Maine towns all of which are worth a visit to."

    3. Sennebec Lake Campground

    8 Reviews
    Union, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 785-4250

    $42 - $169 / night

    "We love the proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming. New ownership this year resulted in some updates, as well as the addition of glamping tents near the beach."

    "Sennebec Lake Campground provided a blend of relaxation and adventure for the kiddos and the campground's commitment to modern conveniences is evident, with amenities that bring together comfort and wilderness"

    4. Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    16 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    $32 - $58 / night

    "The campsites start level with the main road and then tier downwards towards the water. Campsites on the southside have less trees while campsites in the north are a little more rocky."

    "**The location of this campground is outstanding. Conveniently situated between Camden and Rockport off of Route One, the views of the Penobscot Bay are drop dead gorgeous."

    5. Town Line Camping

    1 Review
    Jefferson, ME
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 832-7055

    $29 - $775 / night

    "We loved this campground, quiet, a lot of seasonal campers, the lake is a decent swimming temp. The bugs were kind of vicious. The bathrooms and showers were decent. People were friendly."

    6. Tops’l Farm

    2 Reviews
    Waldoboro, ME
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 640-6440

    "Located in Waldoboro, they create a wonderfully balanced experience between the outdoors and glamp.  While their model continues to evolve, camping is not available on all days/weekends.  "

    7. Lake Pemaquid Campground

    5 Reviews
    Bremen, ME
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 563-5202

    "tent sites are on top of each other, but easy walk to camp store and bath houses. beach access for swimming in the lake."

    "The sites are right on the lake with gorgeous views. Some sites even have their own pier to sit out on and fish or swim from or simply watch nature. They rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake."

    8. Megunticook Campground

    10 Reviews
    Rockport, ME
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 594-2428

    "The campground is perfectly located between Camden and Rockland Maine. For a private campground the sites are a decent size with some trees. There is a beautiful overlook to the ocean."

    "Lovely campground near the beautiful lake. Great fishing and boating! There’s quite a few hiking trails located in the town around the campground."

    9. Tiny Cabins of Maine

    2 Reviews
    Coopers Mills, ME
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 798-3132

    $50 - $120 / night

    "This smaller campground offers great privacy on a large pond in the Maine forests. "

    "I recently stayed at the Tiny Cabins of Maine with my family for two nights, opting for their tent camping site. From the moment we arrived, the host's warm welcome made us feel right at home."

    10. Lake St. George State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Liberty, ME
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (207) 589-4255

    "(Truck camp and tenter) Located between RT. 3 and the banks of Lake St George. Most of the campground is situated around an open grassy field."

    "I love to visit Lake Saint George! As a state park it’s nice and clean and offers several comforts like a bathhouse with flushing toilets and showers."

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Recent Reviews near Jefferson, ME

459 Reviews of 122 Jefferson Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Duck Puddle Campground

    Great waterfront sites!

    We love coming to Duck Puddle in the shoulder season (spring and fall) when it’s quiet. The waterfront sites (61-66) offer direct access to the lake and have trees between the site for a more private feel. Some have a private dock for fishing or sitting, others have a small beach area. The lake is great for swimming and paddling.

    The rest of the campground is more busy and has the sites closer together, which isn’t our scene. Lots of fun stuff for kids to do and evening activities if you like that sort of thing.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Balsam Cove Campground

    Great place!

    We stayed here one night in September in a Tuesday. Quiet, very few people. Had a non electric site without water and paid the same price as the state park in Camden. This place had much nicer showers and bathrooms. Would return!

  • alicianlv The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Bradbury Mountain Campground

    Nice trail that borders campground. Saw group of cyclists and hikers use it during stay. No WiFi but T-Mobile accessible. Toilet is rustic, short wooden walls surrounding vault toilet. Various sized campsites yet not crowded. Kitchen area is a cool feature & offers campers use of community utensils & pans (although we didn't need to use). Kitchen has hot water to wash dishes and microwave to warm food. Town of Freeport is popular and LL Bean has huge shopping campus.

  • Mindie C.
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Chewonki Campground

    Stunning views

    Beautiful campsite. Quiet with amazing views

  • M
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Meguniticook by the Sea Campground

    Overpriced!

    Corporations are buying up the private campgrounds and charging ridiculous prices. The three around Campden, ME have 4 day minimums making the most basic RV site $ 225 to $260 per stay.

  • samar
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground

    Peaceful Stay with Ocean Views and Family Fun at Wolfe’s Neck Campground

    Our stay at Wolfe's Neck was unforgettable! The ocean views were breathtaking, and waking up to the sounds of nature was so refreshing. We stayed in one of the East Bay sites—nice shade and just the right amount of privacy. The farm was a big hit with our kids, and the kayaking gave us a fun way to explore the area. Clean facilities, friendly staff, and tons of activities—highly recommend for anyone visiting Maine!

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Shore Hills Campground & RV Park

    Lovely River View

    Nice campground with a mix of tent/rv sites some in the woods, some by the river and some pretty close to the road. The sites were fairly close to each other but we had a  site at the end that had wonderful views of the river and we could angle our camper so we had privacy. The river is tidal and so unless you want to wade threw mud there is not access beyond a couple hours around high tide. Bath house was old but clean. Coin pay for hot water in the showers. Old school in that you have to call to make reservations and they do not accept credit cards. A few children but it was mostly adults the weekend we visited. Quiet, peaceful, relaxing.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pemaquid Point Campground

    Nice place, pleasant staff

    A 1/2 mile from the coast and Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. No complaints. Shower, laundry, and ice available on-site. Each campsite also has water and an electrical outlet for charging your devices.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Duck Puddle Campground

    Nice wooded site on lakeside

    We enjoyed our stay at Duck Puddle Campground. The staff were friendly and the place seemed well run. Bathrooms were dated but clean. The site we had was on the water and had great views. It was surrounded by trees and had decent spacing between neighbors. The weekend we stayed they happened to be celebrating "Christmas in July" and so a lot of the campers had put up lights and decorated. They had a band play on Sat night and large bonfire. Everyone was invited to attend if they wanted to. Nice family friendly campground. We are already planning out next visit.


Guide to Jefferson

Camping near Jefferson, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking Trails: Acadia National Park is nearby, featuring stunning trails. One camper mentioned, "Close by are two nice hiking trails and a lighthouse. All definitely worth a visit," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Wildlife Watching: Many campers have spotted wildlife. One review noted, "Many other reviewers have reported seeing Moose near or in the campground here," making it a great spot for nature lovers.
  • Beach Access: Some campgrounds, like Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground, offer beach access. A visitor shared, "Classic Maine oceanfront camping," perfect for those who enjoy the coast.

What campers like:

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment. A review for Seawall Campground stated, "The best thing about this campground is the total darkness and silence at night."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. One camper at Mount Desert Campground said, "Restrooms were very clean and there was plenty of hot water for the coin-operated showers."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review for Bar Harbor Campground noted, "The camp hosts do a great job of keeping the campground clean."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds, like Bar Harbor Campground, operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A camper warned, "No reservations and an awesome shuttle system- our favorite things about staying here."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort mentioned, "Be advised many sites do not have dump stations, so be sure to know what you’re signing up for."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. One camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA noted, "The sites were so close together... It is a very busy campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A review for Smuggler's Den Campground highlighted, "The playground was great for the kids. The swimming pool was a highlight as well."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours. A camper at Hadley's Point Campground mentioned, "The only problem was kids running around during quiet hour."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. One visitor at Winslow Park And Campground said, "A nice nature trail around the campground peninsula with great views of the bay."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Ensure your RV fits the site. A review for Camden Hills State Park Campground advised, "If you have a bigger RV you’ll want to stay in the field sites in the front of the park."
  • Be Prepared for Uneven Ground: Some sites may not be level. A camper at Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort noted, "Most spots are on uneven to very uneven ground, come prepared with whatever method you have to level out your setup."
  • Use Dump Stations Wisely: Know where the dump stations are located. A visitor at Smuggler's Den Campground mentioned, "The shower have hot water and bathroom were always stocked."

Camping around Jefferson, Maine, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Jefferson, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, Jefferson, ME offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Jefferson, ME and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Jefferson, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jefferson, ME is Duck Puddle Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jefferson, ME?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Jefferson, ME.