Camden Hills State Park Campground offers family-friendly camping near Hope, Maine, situated in the northeast coastal region where forested hills meet the Atlantic Ocean. Temperatures fluctuate seasonally, with summer highs averaging 75-80°F and cooler evenings even in peak camping months. Most campgrounds in the region open from May through October, with limited off-season availability.
What to do
Hike Mount Megunticook: Camden Hills State Park provides direct trail access to multiple mountain summits. "The park has around 100 sites that are categorized by size, and allows rvs and tents. The top portion of the park, where all the campsites are, has direct access to Mount Megunticook, and Mount Battie, and offers easy to advanced hikes," notes Heather C. at Camden Hills State Park Campground.
Kayak the protected narrows: Launch from your waterfront campsite for peaceful paddling. A camper at Bar Harbor/Oceanside KOA explains, "We could launch our kayaks directly from the site. The kayaking from the park is very good, with protected access into Mt. Desert Narrows."
Explore the rocky shores: Low tide reveals opportunities for exploration along the coastline. At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, "At low tide you can do fun rock designs on the shore, they offer lobster bake at the ocean for $60 pop with some sides."
What campers like
Quiet waterfront sites: Many campgrounds offer premium lakeside spots with private access. "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," shares K.R. at Duck Puddle Campground.
Spacious wooded campsites: Sites with natural screening provide privacy even in busier campgrounds. According to Missy R., "The campground is large, and most of the sites are on the larger side. They tend to be nestled into the woods with plenty of trees, dividing the sites."
Off-season tranquility: Fall camping offers fewer crowds with similar scenery. "It's early October, and I learned that Maine State Parks are first come first serve at this point. I was pleasantly surprised to arrive and find plenty of vacant spots," reports a visitor at Camden Hills State Park Campground.
What you should know
Shower availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. At Seawall Campground, "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."
Reservation systems differ: Book early for summer months, but fall offers more flexibility. "Camden Hills State Park is centrally located, just at the edge of downtown Camden. About half of the sites have water and electric. The park rangers were very friendly," explains a Camden Hills reviewer.
Beach access is limited: Most coastal access in this region is rocky rather than sandy. "A very quiet and peaceful rocky beach is found down a nice path with two metal bridges. Sunset views were great," according to a camper at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campground activities: Some sites organize weekend events. "Activities started up again this year, with events such as kids' crafts, a kids vs adults water gun fight, cornhole competition, and a DJ for an evening of dancing - just on the weekend we were there," shares a camper at Sennebec Lake Campground.
Consider lakeside camping: Lakes provide safer swimming than ocean shores. A Duck Puddle Campground visitor mentions, "Great beach for swimming, playground for playing. We have already booked our next trip in a few weeks!"
Check playground facilities: Not all campgrounds maintain updated play equipment. At Duck Puddle Campground, one visitor noted "Playground not updated since the 80s," while others praised the "playground for playing" as a family-friendly feature.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling varies: Some campgrounds require minimal setup. "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," says Jason G. about their glamping experience near Hope, Maine.
Waterfront RV sites are premium: These book quickly but offer direct water access. 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."
Hookup availability differs: Check which sites offer full connections. "There are no hookups and limited generator hours, but there is a dump site and water available to fill," explains a visitor to Seawall Campground — Acadia National Park.
