Camping options near Harrison, Maine primarily consist of privately operated facilities, as there are limited public camping areas in the immediate vicinity. The region experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The area sits at modest elevations around 300-400 feet above sea level, with numerous lakes and ponds dotting the landscape.
What to do
Seasonal events: Freeport/Durham KOA hosts special occasions throughout their operating season. "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. The haunted house is scary enough that I waited by the exit!" notes one camper.
Explore local attractions: The campground provides convenient access to surrounding areas of interest. "The location is good as it is about 10-15 minutes far from the town of Freeport(home to L.L. Bean and tons of outlet stores), the pretty coastal town of South Freeport, four craft breweries and a cidery, and Bradbury Mountain State Park," shares a visitor.
River recreation: Sites along waterways offer direct access to water activities. At Hancock Campground, one camper reports: "We camped here Wednesday-Friday on one of the riverfront tent sites... Our site had a nice little opening to the water and had a bit more tree coverage to separate us from our neighbors."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Larger camping spots provide ample room to spread out. "There are lots of site choices, cabins, yurts, and tent sites to choose from... The park has nice super long 50 amp FHU pull-thrus in the front of the park which will fit any length RV and tow vehicle," notes a camper about Freeport/Durham KOA.
Year-round options: Some campgrounds maintain winter operations. A Hancock Campground visitor states: "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites. The campgrounds were well cared for and the staff was friendly."
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly facilities receive positive feedback. "We give this park two thumbs up for their dog park which is ten times the size of the average KOA dog park. My lab had plenty of room to run and chase a ball and there were never any other dogs there which was nice. Plus, it was clean and free of dog poop!"
What you should know
Limited equestrian options: Horse campgrounds near Harrison, Maine are virtually non-existent in the immediate area. Campers seeking horseback riding facilities should look beyond local options, as the analyzed campgrounds specifically indicate "NO horse-corral" in their feature lists.
Site accessibility varies: Some locations require additional effort to reach campsites. At Hancock Campground, "These sites were carry-in only, which wasn't convenient, and it was a lot of work to carry all of our gear from the parking lot to the site (the main part of the path was a hill)."
Wildlife concerns: Insect activity can be problematic during certain periods. "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around, including all over the cars in the lot. They calmed down in the evening once it got chilly."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Multiple recreation facilities keep children occupied. "Kid and pet friendly. Lots of activities for kids including a flashlight candy hunt, water slide, and s'more roast. We've been coming back for years and the addition of a glamping tent, cabins, and domes have made it even nicer!"
Playground amenities: On-site play structures provide entertainment options. One visitor to Freeport/Durham KOA observed: "This is a cute little KOA with lots of things for smaller kids to do... There is a pool with slide, a playground, a basketball hoop, a disc golf net. They have hayrides and a nightly train ride for younger visitors."
Campsite selection: Position matters for family comfort. "We'd likely stay here again if something was done about the swarms of bees, and would probably bring some sort of cart to get our stuff from the car to the site." Many families prefer sites closer to bathrooms and further from roads for safety and convenience.
Tips from RVers
Site features: Campgrounds vary significantly in hookup availability. "Pro's: spacious, shady campgrounds (take a back-in site), quite and relaxing, lots of entertainment and activities for all, large leash free dog zone. Con's: bad WiFi and poor Verizon reception, laundry room was not operational (mid July! 🤨)."
Connection quality: Digital connectivity remains limited in many areas. "WiFi and cell service are both spotty," reports a camper, noting this as a consideration for those needing reliable internet access during their stay.
Seasonal considerations: Timing affects the camping experience significantly. An off-season visitor to Hancock Campground shares: "We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river. It was amazing. Only a pit toilet- but it's worth it for the beauty and seclusion. Would suggest coming off season- when we returned this summer-- it was packed out!"
