Several campgrounds offer glamping options near Hinckley, Maine, located in the heart of central Maine's lake country. This region sits at relatively low elevations ranging from 200-400 feet above sea level with numerous lakes and ponds. The area experiences warm summers with daytime temperatures typically between 75-85°F from June through August, making water activities particularly popular during the camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sebasticook Lake Campground, campers can access the lake directly for fishing and boating. "Everything was fine, except the owner, very weird!" notes one camper who still rated the experience positively despite management quirks.
Disc golf courses: Jellystone Park™ Androscoggin Lake provides disc golf as one of many recreational options. A visitor mentioned, "Amazing campground. Has a lot of stuff for kids including playground, pool, water slides, canoeing, kayaking, mini golf and disc golf."
Hiking trails: Camden Hills State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks with options for various skill levels. "Lots of good hiking and a short walk across the street to the ocean. Also a short walk (1 mile) into the town of Camden," writes one reviewer who appreciated the easy access to both nature and town amenities.
Water activities: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas with varying facilities. At Duck Puddle Campground, "There is a place to put your boat in if you have it, laundry, dock, fishing, camp store and I thought a great playground and field are if u have kids with u and clean restrooms."
What campers like
Themed events: Campgrounds often organize special activities throughout the season. At Birches Lakeside Campground, "This family friendly campground offers theme weekends and scheduled actives for Adults and kids. We also offer a Restaurant open for breakfast on the weekends."
Waterfront access: Direct lake access is highly valued by visitors. At Duck Puddle Campground, "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."
Family-oriented atmospheres: Many campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. At Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake, one camper shared, "Beaver Brook in Monmouth Maine is a must stay if you have kids from babies to teens. Our family has been going annually for the last five years."
Arts and activities: Some glamping sites near Hinckley offer creative programming. One unique option is at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, which features "a beautiful art studio" and "secret nooks where you can sit and make a fire."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most glamping sites and campgrounds in the Hinckley area operate seasonally. Sennebec Lake Campground has undergone recent changes: "Campground is under new ownership as of 2022 a lot of new improvements and more coming new glamping village the lodge house is being renovated new bathrooms and more coming."
Site variations: Quality and privacy can vary significantly within the same campground. At Duck Puddle Campground, "It looks like the sites are on top of each other online but they r better than most the way they are arranged."
Bathroom facilities: Facilities range from rustic to modern. At Cooley-Davies Homestead, a reviewer noted, "Composting Toilets & Hot Showers" are available for glampers staying in their yurt accommodations.
Weather considerations: The Maine camping season generally runs May through October. At Camden Hills State Park Campground, "We arrived just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's programming. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Yonder Hill, "This is a family campground with pool, playground, bounce house, Yogi Bear, theme weeks, store, rv sites and cabins. It's fun but not private (secluded), tranquil, or very wooded."
Swimming safety: Lakes in the region vary in terms of swim areas and supervision. At Duck Puddle Campground, they offer "Lake swimming with float" which appeals to families with children of different swimming abilities.
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds host regular events for children. At Jellystone Park Androscoggin Lake, they offer "candy bar bingo (where you can play bingo WITH your kids and was quite fun) and just a nice atmosphere all around between all the other families there."
Balance of amenities: Consider what amenities matter most for your family's comfort. Camden Hills State Park Campground is "located three miles from downtown Camden but the 5,700 acres provide you with that serene feeling that comes with being in the peaceful woods."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling: Check site conditions before committing to a reservation. At Sebasticook Lake Campground, one reviewer warned, "The site, 34 was on the water, but was so bumpy and sloped it would be impossible to get level. The site was so un-level that our refrigerator stopped functioning."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited at some campgrounds. At Sennebec Lake Campground, "We have a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property and the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed."
Road conditions: Internal campground roads vary in quality and width. At Sebasticook Lake Campground, "The roads are narrow and full of bumps, mud, etc."
Winter storage: Most campgrounds in the Hinckley region close seasonally, requiring RV removal. Operating dates typically run from May through early October, with most closing by Columbus Day weekend.
