Located 20 miles northeast of Belfast, Jackson, Maine sits in Waldo County with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet. The area features a mix of rolling hills, mixed forests, and small ponds, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 55-80°F. Glamping options near Jackson provide access to both coastal and inland recreation opportunities while minimizing exposure to the region's notorious black flies during May and June.
What to do
Kayaking on Sennebec Lake: Sennebec Lake Campground offers direct water access with easy kayak launching areas. "The proximity to the lake with easy access for kayaking and swimming" makes this a favorite water recreation spot, according to camper Pam A.
Explore Coastal Trails: Just 45 minutes from Jackson at Camden Hills State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple hiking trails. "What we really liked was the miles and miles of hiking trails just outside our doorstep," notes Nancy W. The park offers both mountain and ocean-view hikes with varying difficulty levels.
Art and Music Activities: Creative travelers should check out the art programs at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground. "It's a treasure trove of arts of all kinds - fiber arts, metal sculptures, carvings, paintings, and music," writes Kathy L., who enjoyed workshops and intimate music festivals during her stay.
What campers like
Ocean Access: At Camden Hills State Park, the location provides both mountain and ocean experiences. Camper Heather C. shares that the park is "centrally located, just at the edge of downtown Camden" and "provides a great home base for hiking, biking, kayaking and exploring the Camden/Rockland area."
Community Atmosphere: Many guests appreciate the social aspects at Paul Bunyan Campground. "The atmosphere is sooooo friendly and laidback," notes Grace M., while Tasha H. adds, "It's such a chill atmosphere. Thank you guys for making my first camping trip a fun one!"
Natural Privacy: For those seeking seclusion during their glamping experience close to Jackson, Maine, several campgrounds provide wooded sites. At Searsport Shores, April W. mentions the tent sites are "completely separate from the RVs and are in the woods, beautifully maintained," though she notes "the sites are very close together so privacy is an issue sometimes."
What you should know
Shower Facilities: Not all glamping options offer showers. At Seawall Campground, Chuck Y. reports, "There isn't a shower facility at this campground." At other locations like Bangor Holden KOA, Linsey S. found "quick walk to bathrooms & showers, which are very clean."
Site Spacing: Campground density varies significantly. Heather C. notes at Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA, "My challenge with the KOA is the sites were so close together and it was very crowded. Everyone was really packed in, with no buffer between sites."
Seasonal Availability: Most luxury glamping sites close to Jackson operate from May through mid-October. Cooley-Davies Homestead offers a composting toilet system. Ashley F. describes it as "a beautiful, peaceful spot amid woods & pasture" with the added benefit of "hot showers."
Tips for camping with families
Activity Planning: Bar Harbor Oceanside KOA runs numerous programs for children. Abby G. reports, "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."
Kid-Friendly Amenities: Sennebec Lake Campground provides family-focused facilities. According to Pam A., "There is a small arcade, store, and 24/7 laundry. 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."
Quiet Time Enforcement: Parents should note that enforcement of quiet hours varies by location. At Searsport Shores, April W. mentioned that despite being busy during high season, it remained "very peaceful and quiet at night," making it "great for any age kid."
Tips from RVers
Campsite Leveling: RV owners should prepare for varying site conditions. At Searsport Shores Ocean Campground, one camper notes some waterfront sites "are spectacular with some offering a deck facing the water" but others may require significant leveling.
Site Selection Strategy: For the best experience when glamping near Jackson, Maine in an RV, research specific sites. At Camden Hills State Park, Heather C. advises, "The park has around 100 sites that are categorized by size... about half of the sites have water and electric," adding that "we liked our site, 61, because it was open, grassy and level, had water and electric and was reservable."
Utility Reliability: Water and electric service quality varies between locations. At Bangor Holden KOA, Beth R. appreciates the "full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP)" but notes downsides include "gravel site, not much shade," which may affect comfort during summer months.
