Camden Hills State Park provides access to over 30 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging summit climbs. The campground sits at approximately 250 feet elevation with sites spaced throughout dense pine and hardwood forest. Winter temperatures can drop below 10°F, while summer averages 75-80°F with moderate humidity and occasional fog rolling in from Penobscot Bay.
What to do
Mountain hiking: Mt. Battie summit offers panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden area. At Camden Hills State Park, "Mount Battie (elevation 800') is a must and the views are spectacular (especially for watching the sunrise). If you would like to burn a few calories try hiking the trail to the top for a truly rewarding experience," notes Nancy W.
Kayaking: Lake Megunticook is just 5 miles from Camden Hills State Park and provides a freshwater alternative to ocean paddling. "If you are looking for a great place to paddle or cool off in the crisp Maine water, check out Lake Megunticook just five miles away from the state park," according to camper reviews.
Explore coastal towns: The mid-Maine coast features several distinctive harbor towns within 20-30 minutes of each other. "We are full time RV'rs and have stayed at lots of campgrounds but Searsport Shores Ocean Campground holds a special place in our hearts. Nice hiking trails around the property that our dog just loves," shares Dan G.
What campers like
Ocean access: Several campgrounds offer direct water entry for kayaking and paddleboarding. At Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls, "We went swimming at their beach and saw a seal!" reports Michael K., while the "Beautiful rocky beach is found down a nice path with two metal bridges. Sunset views were great," adds Deborah W.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were very clean showers are 25 cents/5 minutes. Hubby used the outdoor shower and thought it was great," notes a reviewer at Oceanfront Camping @ Reach Knolls.
Community atmosphere: Many glamping spots near Islesboro, Maine foster social connections. At Searsport Shores, campers mention that "they immediately treated us like family" and "it's also a place where people strike up friendly conversations, make friends, and enjoy interacting with Astrid and Steve the owners who jump into the arts, music, and other activities right alongside their guests."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close from mid-October through mid-May due to harsh winters. "We arrived just a few days after the park opened for the season so the campground was especially quiet," mentioned one Camden Hills State Park camper.
Reservation windows: Popular glamping accommodations near Islesboro fill quickly during summer months. At HTR Acadia, "Second, although the campground is on the water, don't expect to get a water front spot unless you reserve well in advance, even during the week," advises Thomas R.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same experience or amenities. "Do your research not all the sites here are created equal," recommends IAN P. at HTR Acadia (formerly Somes Sound View Campground). Some sites feature premium views but limited privacy, while others offer seclusion but no water access.
Tips for camping with families
Activities for all ages: Many campgrounds provide organized events for children. At Hadley's Point Campground, "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."
Public transportation access: The Island Explorer shuttle connects campgrounds to area attractions. "The shuttle bus takes 50 minutes to get to Bar Harbor, by car it's closer to 30," notes Karla J. at Seawall Campground, adding "There is also a shuttlebus that runs from the campground all day, which will take you all the way to bar harbor and throughout the island and park."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer freshwater pools as an alternative to ocean swimming. "There is a really nice large swimming pool perched right along the water," notes Nancy W. about The Bar Harbor Campground, while several others highlight lake access for safer swimming conditions for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV sites vary considerably in leveling requirements. At Sennebec Lake Campground, campers appreciate that "the sites across the water were level, with no extra leveling needed."
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Not all sites full hookup but it's coming next year," reports a camper about The Bar Harbor Campground. Check campground maps carefully when booking to confirm electric, water and sewer connections.
Size constraints: Many campgrounds in the area have tight turns and size limitations. "We had a 35ft RV, and we faced no issues getting in and out of the property," reports Jason G. at Sennebec Lake Campground, but others note challenges with larger rigs, especially at wooded sites with narrower access roads.
