Camping spots near Gray, Maine offer diverse experiences on both public and private lands within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the transition between coastal lowlands and the foothills of western Maine, with elevations ranging from 300-700 feet. Seasonal variations affect site availability, with most tent sites available from mid-May through mid-October when average daytime temperatures range from 65-80°F.
What to do
Disc golf at campgrounds: The Runaround Woods cabins provide access to their own woodland disc golf course. "We played the woodland disc golf course multiple times! Great way to experience the forest and end the day in cozy bed!" notes Molly S.
Explore working farms: Wolfe's Neck Oceanfront Campground offers unique agricultural experiences. "This campground is located on an organic dairy farm. There is a farm cafe on site with local food. We loved that!" writes Tonya M. The farm setting creates educational opportunities with one camper mentioning, "My son loved the working farm. Close hiking trails."
Kayak with wildlife: Poland Spring Campground offers watercraft rentals for exploring their pond. "We wanted to be able to slip into our kayaks for an early paddle with the loons, bald eagles, and herons. Had an amazing experience when loons took off from the far end of the lake and came in right beside and over us for a landing," reports Jean C.
What campers like
Beach access: Winslow Park And Campground provides waterfront options. "The ocean side sites are great, right on Casco Bay!! Some sites are under trees while some of the sites are open. There is also a playground and small beach," explains Heather J. Another camper adds, "Clean bathrooms and spacious tent sites. You can choose to have a tent site right on the bay or off of the bay view."
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots at Bradbury Mountain State Park Campground. "Most sites are close together, but sites 6, 12, and 16 are private with short, walk-in trails," shares Alyson D. A different camper notes, "The sites are very well spaced out with plenty of privacy. Pit toilets and showers are clean."
Communal facilities: Several campgrounds offer unexpected amenities. "There's even a kitchen area for dishes and a microwave for heating your meals," reports one Bradbury Mountain visitor. Another camper highlights the "cute little covered kitchen" that includes "a sink, microwave, free library, and donation boxes with beverages, snacks and veggies."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Desert of Maine Campground, "Sites are small and wooded," with "sites 19-27 face a shared square with excellent access to the modern and stylish bath house." A camper advises, "Sites 17-27 are best for tents due to the configuration of the sites."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. At Freeport/Durham KOA, campers report "WiFi and cell service are both spotty" with another noting "bad WiFi and poor Verizon reception."
Road conditions vary: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Acres Of Wildlife reports "a long dirt road to get to is a bit of a problem" while at Poland Spring Campground, visitors note "Trees and roots everywhere making it impossible to take turns and forget about kids on bikes!"
Tips for camping with families
Look for organized activities: Acres Of Wildlife Family Campground specializes in kid-friendly entertainment. "This camp ground is FULL of fun for kids. There is activities and 2/3 playgrounds," explains one parent. Another mentions, "They had three (!!) playgrounds, a swimming lake, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, tie-dying, a great camp store, a bar for adults, ice cream bar for kids and nightly firetruck rides!"
Consider holiday weekends: Many campgrounds offer special seasonal events. Freeport/Durham KOA hosts themed weekends where "the Halloween celebration is really well done- campers decorate their sites, there is an in-costume parade, and the central, bigger rigs are set up for trick or treating."
Pet considerations: Not all campgrounds welcome pets. Runaround Woods cabins are described as having "NO pets-allowed" while Acres Of Wildlife takes a different approach: "I felt it was very awesome that they tag your pets incase they get loose somehow then they can be returned to you. They also gift them nice milk bones."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Some campgrounds have awkward utility connections. "Be sure to bring extensions for electrical and sewer as a lot of sites are set up with difficult connection spots," advises an Acres Of Wildlife camper.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds limit larger rigs. At Desert of Maine, reviewers caution "This campground was small and our site was kind of tight" and "RV's that are large should not try this campground." For bigger rigs, Freeport/Durham KOA offers "nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle."
Site surfaces: Ground conditions affect leveling and stability. A Poland Spring camper noted the "really weird dirt there also, it's like a clay of some sort and caked to the bottom of your shoes" while at Sebago Lake State Park, one visitor observed their "site was large and fit my large tent but it was clear that it can get muddy based on the deep tire tracks left on the site by a previous camper."
