Camden Hills State Park Campground provides pet-friendly camping near Harborside, Maine, within 30 miles of the coastal village. The campground accommodates dogs and cats in its 5,700-acre forested setting where sites offer ample space between neighbors. Most campsites in the region operate seasonally from mid-May through October, with many pet-friendly locations offering specific guidelines for waste disposal and leash requirements. Winter camping options remain limited, and campers should verify pet policies directly with each campground, as rules may change seasonally.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling opportunities: At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, visitors can launch directly from the campground beach. "A short set of stairs takes you down to the water which is great for exploring, launching kayaks, and letting the dog run/swim when the tide is out," shares one camper. Sites 12 and 10 offer good water views with direct access to paddling areas.
Explore lighthouses and harbors: The midcoast region features several historic lighthouses within short driving distance. "We're in a very rural location so there aren't many nearby things to do or places to eat, but that's part of the charm," notes a visitor to Oceanfront Camping. The Bass Harbor Light House is accessible near Seawall Campground, and "the sea-wall is close enough to walk to for a very pretty sunrise."
Star viewing: The dark skies around Harborside offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper at Seawall Campground mentions, "For stargazers, the short walk across the street to the beach will give you some unbelievable views of the milky way when the night is at peak darkness." Bring red-light flashlights to preserve night vision while navigating campgrounds after dark.
What campers like
Ocean access and water activities: Megunticook by the Sea Campground offers direct ocean frontage with stunning views. "The deck on the ocean is a great place to picnic. Rockport harbor is a short bike ride away with a beautiful ocean side road," shares Kevin W. The campground features tiered sites that slope toward the water, maximizing ocean views from multiple locations.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, the walk-in sites at several area campgrounds provide a backcountry feel. As Kyle R. describes Seawall Campground, "I love the back-country feel of the hike-in campsites (loop D)." These sites typically require carrying gear from parking areas but offer greater privacy and a more immersive natural setting.
Local food experiences: Many campgrounds offer unique food opportunities beyond traditional campfire cooking. "The owner had a picnic table set up with flower boxes in it... they will sell you wood if you need it," notes a camper at Maine Wild Blueberry Bliss. Megunticook by the Sea hosts weekend lobster bakes: "The owners host a Lobster bake on Saturdays and it was so good."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary significantly: Many national park campgrounds lack showers entirely. "There are restrooms in the campground, but no shower houses. The shower house is located in a separate facility about a mile from the campground entrance," reports a camper at Seawall Campground. Pay showers typically cost $1.50-$2.00 for 2-4 minutes of water, so bring quarters.
Site reservations and availability: Popular waterfront sites book months in advance, especially at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA. "Our waterfront site 344 was terrific - gorgeous view, and one of the larger waterfront spots. We could launch our kayaks directly from the site," notes one visitor. At Camden Hills, "reservations can be made online but only about half of the sites are reservable leaving the other half for walk-ups."
Weather considerations: Coastal Maine experiences significant fog, especially in June. Morning temperatures can drop into the 40s even in summer months. "Be prepared with bug spray, or opt to go during the months where bugs are less mild," advises a Seawall Campground visitor, highlighting that insect activity peaks in July and August throughout the region.
Tips for camping with families
Beach exploration and tide pools: The rocky shoreline at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground offers engaging natural science opportunities. "We got lucky and stayed on a lovely weekend in September that featured a small, intimate festival and workshop of fiddlers, banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and guitars jamming with old time and blue grass music," shares Kathy L. The campground maintains gardens, art installations, and goats that children can visit.
Playground and recreation options: Some campgrounds feature designated play areas for younger visitors. "They have a garden of veggies, and flowers, a stage for entertainment or if anyone wants to play around, a jungle gym, basketball court, volley ball, and a dog run," notes a Searsport Shores visitor. Bar Harbor KOA features a "painted rock" activity where children search for decorated stones to redeem for ice pops.
Educational programs: Many campgrounds offer ranger-led activities during peak season. "They also had lovely ranger led activities that seemed like a great selling point," says a visitor to Seawall Campground. These programs typically focus on local wildlife, marine ecology, or cultural history and provide structured learning opportunities during longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Camden Hills State Park Campground accommodates larger RVs but with limitations. "Although the park accommodates larger RV's, there are a limited number of sites for those over 35 feet and the gravel roads are easy to navigate in a big rig," advises Nancy W. Sites 55-63 located in an open field may work better for satellite reception due to tree coverage elsewhere.
Utility considerations: Water and electric hookups vary widely across campgrounds. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, "All sites have electric (50 or 30 amp), water, cable and wifi. The five pull-thru sites also include sewer. A mobile sewer pump-out service is available for guests staying one week or longer and there is a dump station." Dump stations typically operate during limited hours, so plan accordingly.
Cell service and connectivity: Working remotely while camping requires planning. "The Verizon signal on our phone and wifi on our hotspot were strong. The park does have free wifi at most campsites and the signal was very strong. (Sites #68-81 do not have wifi)," notes a Camden Hills visitor. At Greenlaw's RV Park & Campground, "Our AT&T reception was fine for streaming, internet access and calls."