Dispersed camping sites and rustic camping options near Holden, Maine can be found within a 45-minute drive of town. The region features heavily forested terrain with elevation changes of 100-450 feet across most campsites. Summer temperatures average 75-80°F during the day and 55-60°F at night, making sleeping conditions comfortable for tent and yurt campers.
What to do
Swimming and kayaking at Branch Lake: Branch Lake Camping area offers water recreation opportunities with easy lake access. The lake has a 26.5-mile perimeter and reaches depths of 124 feet. "We sat our chairs in the water and cooled down everyday and floated on our noodles. Great relaxing place," notes one camper.
Local dining excursions: For those wanting a meal break from campsite cooking, the area offers several dining options. A visitor to Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA recommends, "Martha's Diner. The best eggs benedict with ham. Shawn recommended it. Dorr Lobster and seafood market serves lobster & crab rolls and sells fresh seafood."
Visit Acadia National Park: Multiple campgrounds serve as bases for Acadia exploration. "The campground is on the Island Explorer bus loop, which is the bus that takes you all around Mount Desert Island, to Acadia, and Bar Harbor. We used the bus almost every day," reports a Hadley's Point Campground visitor.
What campers like
Private tent camping areas: Many campers appreciate the more secluded tent sites. "We got a nice secluded tent space," notes a camper at Bangor Holden KOA. Another visitor at Bar Harbor Campground mentions, "The sites are small and semi-private, flat, well maintained, and you have a choice of water, electric, and even sewer or dry."
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews are the well-maintained bathrooms. One camper at Pleasant Hill Campground states, "Bath house conveniently located. Campground has playground, pool and rec room." Another at Bar Harbor Campground notes, "There are 3 buildings with flush toilets and showers (coin operated) and plenty of hot water."
Yurt camping options: The Holden, Maine area offers several yurt camping experiences with varying levels of amenities. A visitor to Paul Bunyan Campground shares, "That camping could be so easy and fun! This is my first time actually camping in a tent for fun. The showers are nice and hot, it's quiet here at night, and it's such a chill atmosphere."
What you should know
First-come, first-served policies: Some campgrounds don't take reservations. "A first come first serve campground. Show up find an empty spot. Pay for it and it's yours," explains a camper at Bar Harbor Campground. This can impact planning, especially during peak summer months.
Site selection strategies: At non-reservation campgrounds, there are strategies for getting better sites. "Once you're in the park if you want a different site that has a better view or FHU's, the best thing to do is drive or walk around the section you are interested in and if you see someone packing up put a personal item (chair, table cloth, etc.)."
Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have better water than others. A camper at Parks Pond Campground appreciates that "Restrooms were clean. I witnessed staff checking on them several times," while others mention water quality issues at different locations.
Seasonal considerations: Most yurt camping sites near Holden, Maine operate from May through mid-October. "We went at the end of September to visit Acadia National Park and the foliage was Beautiful! It wasn't even at its peak," says a Patten Pond visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Parks Pond Campground, a visitor notes, "They have two wading areas, playground, sand box, laundry and arcade as well as a general store for extras you may have forgotten."
Organized activities: Family-oriented campgrounds schedule regular events. A camper at Bangor Holden KOA shares, "Lots of organized activities and great Bingo on Saturday night. We did the pancake breakfast for donation, crafts, and wagon ride during the day as well as enjoyed the well kept pool."
Cabin options for first-timers: Those new to yurt camping in Holden, Maine can try cabins first. "Our family of four stayed in a camping cabin for 5 days at the end of June. The cabin contained a queen sized bed and a set of bunk beds. It also had a private bathroom with metered shower," explains a Hadley's Point Campground visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electrical considerations: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup options. One RVer at Bangor Holden KOA mentions, "Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP)" as a pro, while noting "Gravel site" and "Not much shade" as cons.
Site spacing: RV sites vary significantly in size and spacing. A Patten Pond Camping Resort visitor notes, "Sites are fairly large. Nice pond for swimming or boating. Close enough to drive to Mt Desert Island. Campground is set way back off the road so you get no road noise!"
Internet availability: Connectivity can be challenging. One RVer at Pleasant Hill Campground explains, "Only real disappointment was lack of cell coverage for AT&T and if you want internet you must buy a package. We paid $69 for 3 devices for 30 days."
