Best Tent Camping near Grand Lake Stream, ME

This is as close to heaven as you can get. Huge state park. Tent sites and RV sites are on separate peninsulas. No electricity so it’s quiet. Absolutely stunning sites on the ocean. Great place to launch your exploration of Maine’s Bold Coast.

all of the sites are very nice and secluded. a lot of very nice walk in tent sites right along the bay! big sizes with woods in between. space to hang your hammock!

This was an amazing escape despite variable weather.  Being at the tent sites on the peninsula are worth every cent and even better when visited during the week and volume at the campground is lower.  The walk in sites are amazing.

Loved the privacy and remoteness of this park. We had a tent site (53) that had a short root-laden walk into the site, but not bad and well worth the bay view. Woke early enough for the sunrise on the bay, which was spectacular (and first in the country!). Great home base for exploring this rustic coastal part of Maine; totally enjoyed: Lubec, West Quoddy Lighthouse, Campobello Island, Eastport, Reversing Falls, Western Head Trail (amazing) Sipps Head Trail, Shackford Trail (careful; not well marked interior and we nearly got lost at dusk) and Machias. Love this area! And the campground, while rustic, has quarter-operated showers; excellent bonus! Highly recommend this place.

This is a small, well-run campground with lots of amenities. All but the tent sites have E/W. There is a dump station, restrooms/showers, and 3 sets of basic (but efficient) washers and dryers. ($1.50 each). Each site has table/fire pits, and firewood is plentiful and only $3/bundle. WiFi is weak and slow, but free and usable. We have great Verizon signal, so didn’t really need it. The grounds are well cared for, with lots of grassy spaces. They also maintain a mowed pathway down to the “beach” for water access and to launch a kayak. There is a broad variety of sites, so be sure to check out the campground map as well as satellite view when requesting a reservation. The tent sites are great — right on the water’s edge — and much more spacious and private than the hookup sites. Of the RV sites (E/W), some are MUCH more desirable than others. 12A and 12B are close to the water with great views, but only suitable for smaller camper vans and trailers. Of the other RV sites, 12, 13, and 16 are nice because they are at the end of their rows so there are neighbors on only one side. 13 is next to the pond, but still has a good view of the bay, and the added bonus of a million frogs serenading throughout the night. (This may not be a positive thing for some.). The rest of the E/W sites are side-by-side RV park style where the only view (from inside) is the side of your neighbor’s RV just a few feet away. The town of Lubec is tiny without a lot of charm, but the waterfront area provides a nice view of the rushing tide and Canada across the narrow channel. Nearby Quoddy Head State Park has a picturesque lighthouse and a couple of nice hiking trails. Antique lovers should visit the nearby Clutter Shop. HD&Sons about a mile west sells freshly caught lobster for about $10/pound and will cook them up for $5/pot. The campground is on a peninsula, and there was never a day without a nice breeze.

We love this campground because of the location and amazing views! Sunset Point is a small, family-owned campground that sits beautifully perched on Johnson Bay just minutes from downtown Lubec. After a busy morning of hiking or paddling we loved hanging out at our campsite in the afternoon and watching the seals, bald eagles, seabirds, and the tides come and go. 

This is one campground where the tent sites are actually in the best location in the campground as all of them have great unobstructed water views. (The only downside is they are farther away from the bathroom.) Some tent sites (A– D) have a wooden shade structure with picnic table and fire pit, the others just have a fire pit and picnic table. RV sites are 50-amp/ water and vary in length. Some are right on the water and others are in rows behind them. Warning: RV sites are very close together and there is not much space between you and your neighbor. The best sites are 12, 12A, 12B, and 16 which have the best views and are the largest sites. There are no sewer hook-ups but there is a dump station, a tote (a.k.a.,“blue boy”) that you are welcome to borrow, or you can schedule a pump out for$10/tank. Most motorhomes (in sites 16-29) choose to pull-in forward so they have a water view out of their front window and run the utilities under their RV to hook-up. Warning: do not leave your awning out while you are away from your camper as the winds can really pick up in the afternoon and damage them. 

The restrooms were super clean (although a little dated) and there is a laundry with three sets of washers and dryers for$1.50 each. Wood ($3) and ice are for sale in the camp store where they also have t-shirts/hats/post cards and a few other miscellaneous items. Wi-Fi at our site (#16) was pretty poor but worked very well near the office/laundry. We had a strong Verizon signal so we didn’t rely on their Wi-Fi. The grounds are manicured with nicely mowed grass. The only problem was that some people put out patio mats or screen rooms that killed the grass so the next camper has a big dead spot. There is a primitive kayak/canoe launch (which is basically a mowed path down to the water) which we used almost daily. It was so convenient to leave our boats down along path so we didn’t have to bring them back to our site every day. Beware that the tidal range is around 20 feet so make sure you paddle around high tide or you will have to cross a mucky, seaweed covered, rocky clam flat to get back to shore. There are lots of great places to paddle and downtown is about a 15-minute paddle and there are plenty of seals at high tide and the mackerel fishing is great. The campground has free use of lobster pots, burners, and propane tanks if you want to cook your own lobster and there is a seafood place right down the street that sells live lobster. Or you can drive about 25 miles to the town of Cutler and buy them fresh off the dock. 

Lubec is a cute little town with a few shops, restaurants, historical museum, a brewery, grocery, and a scenic view of the Passamaquoddy Bay. There is plenty of hiking on nearby nature preserves. Bring your passport and cross over to Campobello Island which was the summer home of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and is now a museum open for tours. There is also lots of hiking and two lighthouses on Campobello. Nearby is Quoddy Head State Park which has some beautiful oceanfront hiking trails and a picturesque lighthouse.

Cobscook State Park is beautiful. The park is big, and many sites are very far apart - we had almost complete privacy.  There are both reservable and non reservable sites.  Some sites have Adirondack shelters.  All sites have picnic tables and fire pits.  The majority of the tent sites and small rv sites, and some larger rv sites, are on the water.   We stayed at 2 different sites - a waterfront site and non waterfront - and both were scenic and private.   There is no water/electric/power at any site.  There are water stations around the park, as well as a bath house and dump station.  The park rangers are friendly and helpful. There is a lot of wildlife and waterlife - we saw many seals and cormorants in the water, as well as a few eagles.  You can launch a kayak from your campsite, or from the large  dock/boat launch area in the park.  Kayaking should be done with prior research to ensure familiarity with the tide changes (which are up to 20 ft) and currents, which are strong and dangerous in certain areas of Cobscook Bay.   There is a great map published by Cobscook Shores that shows recommended kayak areas and tide access.  It includes the launch that is in the park.  https://cobscookshores.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CS-System-Map.pdf  

 There are also a few open areas for picnicking or just relaxing, as well as a play area for kids.  There are a few nice, relatively short and easy  hiking trails that run through the park.  One of the trails is right at the entrance, so you can park there if needed. For more advanced hiking, the Cutler Preserve land, Boot Head, and Quoddy Head are all nearby and offer incredible hikes of varying distances, up to 10 miles.  Quoddy Head also has a lighthouse that is a popular attraction .

This is a huge campground. So many of the campsites here are lovely, many with views of the water and the amazing change of tides. Some are perched on a slope with tent platforms level but not much else on the site is. Pit toilets. There are showers at the main area, a bit of a walk or drive. There is a boat launch area a short distance away and the kayaking is great. This campground was so quiet and peaceful. We loved it.

One could easily break an ankle or leg here trying to scramble to your assigned campsite. These are not drive in sites-- with isolated exceptions.

These are mainly walk-in sites which, here, means that you park near the road and have to scramble down a hill or up a hill on a trail which was never prepared for foot traffic. Some sites have steep drops to the bay - really steep: a concern at night particularly.

Some normal drive-in sites are #53, 54, 63, 64, 66, 68. My site 68 was excellent but unusual in its normalcy.

I had one of the very rare sites in which you can pull in next to your campsite but most sites are really  "walk-in". There is no grading and apparently no such thing as trail prep here to mitigate the exposed roots and hazards. It is wild.

Toilets are outhouses only. Wifi does not exist here. Staff not friendly.

Most sites are for tents--- but there is an industrial RV section high on the hill (sites 1-27) with good sized parking on a loop furthest from the campground entrance. The tides are extreme--- take care.

Just a few miles off the beaten track of Route 1 in Milbridge, Maine, lies a simple and inexpensive little campground with few amenities but with direct access to a stunning, rocky coastline. With just 12 sites, the campground can only accommodate a few larger RV’s. The sites are simple and rustic with a small spot for a few tents, fire pit and a picnic table. The bathrooms are a bit of a walk from the farthest site, but offer flush toilets and a single outdoor shower. Be the first one in the morning and you’ll get some hot water, but if there is a line, you are better off waiting it out. But what can you ask for when the site is only $10 bucks? It’s ocean view you’re there for!  Water sport options abound.

There was a sign saying, “no trailers” on the road, but we made it just fine and the camp hosts never said anything about it. With that said, if the campground is busy, large RV’s would have a very hard time turning around at the end of the road, as there is no circle drive. So scout it out first before you head down the road.

We also had a run in with one of the park’s Red Squirrels who chewed through our engine’s fuel line while we camped there. Have never had this happen anywhere else and it probably never will again. Super helpful campground host helped us get the truck fixed!  Full story about the psycho rodents can be found here.

Milbridge is the closest town, about 6 miles away and has all that you need while camping in the area.

Surrounded by water on 3 sides, this state park has a lot to offer. Well off the beaten track on the tidal backwater of Cobscook Bay, this park has a wide variety of sites to suit everyone’s style of camping. From full water and electrical RV hook-up sites, to tent-only camping loops, you can find your own camping bliss in this amazing park. 

Each site comes with the standard picnic table and fire pit, but many have a shelter over the table as well. There are many pit-toilets scattered throughout, and the centralized bath house only offers inexpensive showers and sinks, no flush toilets however. 

Additionally, there is a huge playground for the kids, as well as designated picnic sites complete with fire pit and picnic shelters. The campground loops wind around small headlands into the bay, so there are literally dozens of waterfront sites, but they are of course the most popular. 

The bay is tidal, and has a HUGE tidal range, so opportunities for tide pooling, paddling, and other water sports just need a little planning ahead.   Be sure to check out the reversing falls, just a 20 minute drive from the park. There is a nice boat ramp and picnic area just north of the park on the main road. 

Calais is the nearest town, about 30 minutes away, and has all the you need while camping in the area.

I wouldn’t recommend this site to an inexperienced camper looking for simplicity. The sites are rugged, and some you’ll need a short hike uphill to get to. Be cautious with small children here as there are a lot of sites with drops to the bay.

Our site was beautiful, had a gorgeous view, not too far from the outhouses, and fit what we needed perfectly. The site wasn’t huge and fitting more than two 6 person tents might be a struggle. The fire pit was on the smaller side which would legitimately be my only complaint for my families experience.

Overall, I highly recommend especially if you’re visiting downeast. It’s a beautiful side to admire.

Also, you can go clamming here, with a one peck limit. So, if you’re wanting a seaside experience with fresh seafood you gather yourself, this campground is perfect.

Cobscook Bay State Park is a particular favorite of mine. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a first timer, or just itching to get away, Cobscook is the place to go. Sites are spread out and surrounded by views of the bay. Staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. This park is a great place to canoe, kayak, clam, and take short hikes with youngsters. There are a number of parks, trails, and great sites to see within driving distance. I have had fresh calms and periwinkles off the coast cooked on an open fire, and have seen tides go out 20 ft within a days time. If you face the tent the right way, you can fall asleep to the stars and wake up to the first glimpses of the sunrise in America.

I promise that Cobscook will not disappoint!

This is one of 5 available campsites along the Cutler Coast Bold Coast hiking trail. Situated on top of a little knoll overlooking the Bay of Fundy, this is a lovely gem. The site is extremely small and it's obvious others have found other spots outside of the designated area to camp (please don't be on of those folx). There is a small wooden stair case that leads up to the small flat spot. Our 3 person tent fit but it was quite tight and I find it difficult to imagine trying to squeeze a larger tent in the spot. I suppose that's why the group size is limited to 4 at each site.

There is a small wooden box with a toilet seat, surrounded by hardware wire that is boasted as a "toilet." These were quite full and odiferous, a pit toilet would be less offensive to the eyes and nose but I'm sure the State has their reasons. 

The views are spectacular and the sunrise won't disappoint if you're there on a clear morning. There is a nice large rocky beach a short distance from the campsite where we spent the afternoon in the sunshine watching the tide come in (you can get stranded on the rock at high tide so be advised). This time of year (spring) there was fresh running water available to treat/filter for drinking. I've heard that most of the water sources are totally dry by the middle of the summer so you may need to hike in all of your water depending on the time of year you visit. 

There is supposed to be a register at the trail head for folx to sign in on to help prevent you from hiking in and not being able to find a site. That being said, there was only a single sheet of notebook paper that was already full when we arrived. We donated the only sheet of paper we could find in the car and added it to the register. I was hesitant to put our exact camping locations for safety reasons, as two female hikers I intentionally left the register information vague. 

This is a very popular location so plan on getting an early start or visiting in more of the "off season."